ALBA -- Hector Vazquez welcomes everyone to his church -- no exceptions.
Vazquez, an ordained minister and founder of Jesus King of King's Bikers Church, says he felt a calling to start the interdenominational church after 10 years in prison ministry.
"The Lord put this on my heart and it came about all in God's time," said Vazquez, who conducts services at 11:30 a.m., the third Sunday of every month, at the Alba Sportsmen's Club.
"I have a real rapport with bikers, many who are tired of the traditional church. They feel left out," said Vazquez, 62, who has been riding since he was 17.
"Our church is not about religion, it is about your personal relationship with the Lord," said Vazquez, noting that worshipers are welcome, whether they ride in on a motorcycle, a Schwinn, walk in or hobble.
The chaplain in black leather says his message is not about hellfire and brimstone, but about acceptance.
"We don't beat them up, we accept them the way they are, we judge no one," said Vazquez, who along with his associate pastor John Stantz, invite worshipers to gear up and ride following services, when the weather allows.
"It is really a time of fellowship to get out there and be among God's creation," said Vazquez, who enjoys riding his Harley-Davidson for the peace it brings him.
"It is my peaceful, quiet time with the Lord, with the roaring thunder of my Harley under me it brings serenity in my heart," Vazquez said.
Vazquez also finds peace in ministering to those he says have been forgotten by society.
"I made it known that there are those among us who have made mistakes and paid the price, but we are not here to judge," Vazquez said.
"You never know if this ride is going to be your last and you need to make things right for your eternal ride," he said.
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