News Articles by Michael Ray Smith & Eva Wolever

Riding with FAITH FAITH Rider Karl Plankenhorn of First Baptist Church at the Mall in Lakeland, Fla., gives a ride to Sylema, 12, a resident at the Brentwood campus of the Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes. About 200 FAITH Riders were in Nashville for evangelism efforts connected with the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, June 21-22. Photo by Bob Carey

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--After a simple prayer in the shadow of the towering Gaylord Entertainment Center on the fringes of the city's tavern district, FAITH Riders ministry made a convoy nearly three blocks long on their latest ride of mercy.
      Motorcycle riders roared past the ramps to I-40 from downtown Nashville, Tenn., pierced a shallow layer of commercial development, and entered a mystical land, part retreat but mostly a 206-bed hospital that treats children.
      Among the riders who contributed a flatbed of toys for the children was petite but tough Michele Newsome, 45, a 5'6" detective from Lakeland, Fla.

Sharing food and FAITH FAITH Riders Scott Rohrbaugh, left, and Jack Doyle stack boxes of snacks in the loading dock area of Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. About 200 FAITH Riders were in Nashville for evangelism efforts connected with the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, June 21-22. Photo by Bob Carey

She was in town to participate in Crossover Nashville and other evangelistic activities held in conjunction with the June 21-22 Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting. She rides a Harley Road King, the special edition available only to peace officers, which can include a bangle here and a doodad there.
      It's her third bike in less than a year. She took to motorcycling and traded up to the comfort of a big bike with the enthusiasm that comes with the passion of a new sport and a ministry that puts the wind in your face and a psalm in your heart.