Grease, Grit, and Grace: Building More Than a Bike
On April 29, 2025, Youth for Christ Spokane launched a new kind of project at our Hillyard location: one built on wrench turns, life talks, and discipleship. We purchased a 1980 Yamaha XS850 Special motorcycle for just $350. It wasn’t running, missing the front brake caliper, and needed work across the board, but that’s exactly the point.
This summer, a group of students and staff will rebuild and customize this bike from the ground up. Two students will dive into the mechanical side, learning how the engine, transmission, and electrical systems work. In contrast, two others will focus on cosmetic upgrades and essential maintenance like oil changes and tire repair.
More than just a mechanical challenge, this project is a hands-on pathway to mentorship and spiritual growth. Many of our young men open up best when their hands are busy, and the pressure’s off. This bike gives us hundreds of hours to walk alongside them over the next few months, talking about life, faith, family, school, and what it means to become a man who follows Jesus.
We’ll share photos and quick updates throughout the process so you can follow along with each milestone. By summer’s end, these students will walk away not just with practical skills in small engine mechanics but also with a deeper understanding of the Gospel and their own walk with Christ.
