No matter how old children get, they know they can always count on mom and dad.

Alvie Walker was sure of that when he asked his parents, Charles and Ruth Walker of Troy, to host an event sponsored by the Faith Riders of Bush Memorial Baptist Church.

They didn’t hesitate.

“There really wasn’t much for us to do except provide the facility and a place to park all those bikes,” Ruth Walker said. “The Faith Riders did all the rest. Our part was easy.”

The idea for a local Faith Rider organization originated with Alvie Walker and the chapter was commissioned in January 2010.

“Faith Riders is a motorcycle ministry,” Ruth Walker said.

“It’s recognized by the Southern Baptist Convention and its motto, ‘No one left behind,’ comes from II Peter 3:9.” There are about 180 Faith Riders chapters nationwide.”

Walker said the Faith Riders ministry grew out of a desire to provide churches with an additional avenue for evangelism and to raise funds for worthwhile causes.

“Faith Riders often sponsor rides to help people in need or to assist community organizations,” she said.

“The charity ride on Saturday was a benefit ride for the Pike Regional Child Advocacy Center in Troy. The Child Advocacy Center does so much for abused and neglected children in the Pike County area and fills a great need in our community.”

Walker said the Faith Riders’ charity ride not only raised money for the CAC, it also helped raise awareness of the Center and all that it does to help abused and neglected children and to prevent child abuse through in-school programs.

The ride was 95 miles and started at Ward’s Yamaha in Troy and ended at the Walker home on Smart Road.

There were 40-plus riders from the Pike County area as well as from cities across the Wiregrass.

This was the second benefit ride for the Faith Riders from Bush.

The first ride was a benefit for a Troy family in need.

“Two teenage girls from that family rode double on this ride in appreciation for the support their family received,” Walker said.

The entry fees and the money from the sale of tee shirts and other items are will be donated to the Pike Regional Child Advocacy Center to be used as needed.

The Faith Riders enjoyed lunch hot off the grill and entertainment by the Old Paths gospel singers.

“Evangelism is what the Faith Riders are all about,” Walker said.

“So each event closes with an spiritual message. Hopefully, each person who participates will be inspired by the message and by the good things the Faith Riders do for others.”