STURGIS, S.D. — Amid the roar of motorcycles and crowds filling the streets of Sturgis, members of the Hell Fighters carried three large wooden crosses through the city Tuesday, continuing a Christian outreach tradition that has been part of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally for decades. Walter Parson, a Hell Fighters member from northeast Texas, said the purpose behind the walk is simple. “We’re trying to spread the gospel to everyone,” Parson said. “This is the way to do it.”
Cross carrying as a form of Christian outreach has a long history at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Bob Hanus, a Christian evangelist known as “The Crosswalker,” was carrying a large wooden cross through Sturgis by the early 1990s. Ministry records from 2013 describe more than 80 people participating in a Sturgis outreach that included carrying multiple crosses and signs through the streets, distributing Bibles and speaking with Rally visitors.
The Hell Fighters also have longstanding ties to Sturgis. The organization was founded by Richard and Gina Headrick, who later established the first Mission at the Cross in Sturgis in 2007. Located near Interstate 90, the ministry operates year-round and expands its outreach during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Parson said the Hell Fighters have participated in the cross walk for 24 years, while the tradition itself predates the organization’s involvement. He has personally participated for the past five years. Parson said the reason behind carrying the crosses remains much the same today. “This is really a dark place sometimes,” Parson said. “We want to bring Christ to everyone. I think that this is a good way to do it.”
As the Hell Fighters make their way through the Rally crowds with the three crosses, Parson said people frequently stop to take photographs and videos. He said those images often continue circulating on social media long after the Rally has ended. “People are just very responsive to it,” Parson said. “If you look on Facebook or whatever, you’ll see it for months. This cross walk, it reaches a lot of people, and we’re thankful for that.”
For the Hell Fighters, Parson said the success of the walk is not measured by the number of people watching or taking pictures. Reaching even one person with their message makes the effort worthwhile. “If you’ve saved one person out of the crowd, you’ve done your job,” Parson said.
Asked what single message he would give to those watching the group carry the crosses through Sturgis, Parson said, “Jesus loves you, and he died for you on the cross for your salvation.” Parson also encouraged people to read John 3:16, one of the Bible’s best-known verses and a passage centered on God’s love and salvation through Jesus Christ.
For Parson and the other Hell Fighters, carrying the three crosses through the crowds is a visible way to make sure their message of faith has a place amid the motorcycles, concerts and other activities surrounding Rally week.
