God's Squad

Last updated

God's Squad
AbbreviationGSCMC
Founded1971
Founded atSydney, Australia
TypeChristian motorcycle club
PurposeChristian ministry supporting the members and families of the motorcycle scene and those on its fringes
Region
Worldwide
Key people
Rev. Dr. K. John Smith
Website http://www.gscmc.com

God's Squad Christian Motorcycle Club (GSCMC), is a Christian patch club motorcycle club established in the early 1970s in Sydney, Australia. The club expanded to a broader base and missional style in Melbourne, Australia under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Kevin John Smith [1] in Melbourne after 1972 [2] and continues to operate to the present day. [3]

Contents

History

The club is one of the oldest Christian backpatch clubs in the world. [4] The club primarily ministers among outlaw motorcycle clubs and associated groups. [5] [6] Since its birth out of the counter culture Jesus Movement of the late 1960s, it has continued to operate to the present day. [7] The club's history is documented in John Smith's autobiography, On The Side Of The Angels. [8] John Smith died in March 2019. [9] [10]

As of 2020, GSCMC has chapters in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Norway, Finland, Ireland, Ukraine, Germany, Netherlands, Lithuania, Michigan US, Sweden, Poland, Estonia and Switzerland. [11]

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References

  1. ↑ "John Smith - Blues Preacher - Concern Australia". Archived from the original on 3 November 2008. Retrieved 1 December 2008.
  2. ↑ "God's Squad preaches at all times". CathNews. CathNews. Archived from the original on 5 April 2012. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  3. ↑ ALIX DOUGLAS (11 March 2011). "God's Squad at Zac's Place" (News article). Yass Tribune. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 18 May 2012.[ permanent dead link ]
  4. ↑ "God's Squad". Live To Ride To Church. livetorideridetochurch.blogspot.com. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  5. ↑ "John Smith". Contributors, Greenbelt Festivals. Greenbelt Festivals Ltd. Archived from the original on 18 June 2013. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  6. ↑ "Pub church aims to reach out to all". This is South Wales. Northcliffe Media Limited. 9 September 2008. Archived from the original (News article) on 27 September 2013. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  7. ↑ "History:God Squad Christian Motorcycle Club". God Squad Christian Motorcycle Club. God Squad Christian Motorcycle Club. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  8. ↑ John Smith (2007). "On the Side of the Angels". Strand Publishing. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
  9. ↑ John Smith, prophet, teacher, evangelist and biker takes his final ride, Eternity News, March 7, 2019
  10. ↑ Saddened by death of John Smith yesterday after a long battle with cancer, Tim Costello, Twitter, 8 March 2019
  11. ↑ Dan McAloon (7 August 2007). "Australian bikers' club offers Jesus to those willing to accept him". Catholic News Service. Catholic News Service/USCCB. Archived from the original (News article) on 14 August 2007. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
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