Julio Cruz

Julio Cruz: Riding for the Gospel

For years, Julio Cruz searched for truth. Raised with a deep respect for faith but surrounded by teachings that often left him burdened rather than freed, he longed for something more. His search led him to Grace Lutheran Church in San Diego, where, for the first time, he encountered the pure, unshakable foundation of the Gospel—Christ’s work for us, not what we must do for Him. It was like finding water in the desert.

Julio had always been a man of the road, a dedicated member of a Christian motorcycle club, where he found brotherhood among fellow riders. But something unsettled him. When the club’s chaplains led Bible studies, he often found himself at odds with the message. The focus was always on what they had to do to prove their faith—rules, expectations, obligations. Where was the grace? Where was Jesus?

The more he studied the Lutheran confessions, the more he felt the weight of the law lifted from his shoulders. He saw that Christian freedom didn’t mean lawlessness—it meant resting in the work of Christ, fully and completely. He began challenging the legalistic conversations in his club, offering a perspective centered on Christ’s sufficiency. Some listened. Others resisted. But deep down, Julio knew one thing—he could no longer stay silent.

Eventually, he reached a breaking point. He couldn’t keep fighting against the tide. The Lord had put a conviction in his heart—it was time to start something new.

Julio envisioned a Lutheran motorcycle club, one that would keep the traditions and culture of a true MC but would be rooted in Christ alone. This club wouldn’t just be a brotherhood on the road—it would be a mission. They would bring the Gospel to the motorcycle world, showing how Lutheran theology—rich, historic, and Christ-centered—offered something radically different from what many Christian bikers had encountered.

Now, with his children off to college and the full support of his pastor, Julio knew: the time had come.

The First Recruit

Among those who had listened to Julio’s passionate debates in the old club was Jesse Benson. Jesse was no stranger to struggle. A longtime rider, he had spent years lost in addiction, chasing empty roads and broken promises. But by the grace of God, he had been sober for five years. He was a believer, but something about the conversations with Julio stirred a deeper hunger in him.

What if everything he had been taught about faith wasn’t quite right?

Julio saw Jesse’s curiosity. They began meeting regularly—riding together, studying Scripture, talking about what it meant to truly rest in Christ. This wasn’t just teaching. It was discipleship. Over time, Jesse’s understanding of the faith was transformed.

And then came the moment of decision.

Jesse not only wanted to leave the old club behind, he wanted to become a Lutheran. More than that, he wanted to stand alongside Julio in this new mission. Together, they would launch the Royal Priesthood Motorcycle Club—a place where riders could find brotherhood without burdens, where the Gospel would be the foundation, and where Christ alone would be glorified.

Last Sunday, Jesse officially joined our church. His journey had come full circle.

A Road Still Unfolding

The Royal Priesthood Motorcycle Club is just beginning. Julio and Jesse aren’t just forming a riding club; they are carrying a banner of grace into a world that desperately needs it. They know that bikers—many of whom have been rejected, burdened, or burned by religion—need to hear the true Gospel.

They’re not just riding for the thrill.

They’re riding for Christ.

And the road ahead is open.

The Role of the Lutheran Mission Society San Diego

The Lutheran Mission Society San Diego stands beside them in this mission. The Society is helping them gather new riders, access resources, and build connections with other missionaries. Through mentorship, theological support, and co-discipleship with their local pastor and congregation, Julio and Jesse are being strengthened for this calling. They are not riding alone—their brothers in Christ, both in the church and on the road, stand with them.

This is more than a club. It’s a movement of grace on two wheels.