50TH ANNIVERSARY |
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the mission of CMA , locally and nationally .
In the middle nineties , Carl was selected to be the model for the image of the teary-eyed “ lost biker ” being led to the Lord by local CMA member Bob Funderburk . Jimmy Pineda , our graphic artist at that time , did an outstanding job capturing the reality and emotion of this life-changing moment that can still evoke tears today . This very popular image has been used in many CMA outreach projects , from the Thundering Hope videos to Bike Blessing Cards , and “ Here if you need us ” t-shirts , tracts , and banners .
Carl operated a vehicle repair business while first moving to Mena . He demonstrated his servant ’ s heart helping CMA with vehicles and even blessing Herb and Shirley Shreve with their vehicles .
Promise Keepers organized a “ Stand in the Gap ” event at the National Mall in Washington , DC , in October 1997 . Conservative estimates report well over one million Christian men prayed together and “ stood in the gap ” ( Ezekiel 22:30 ) for our nation . All of us who attended were profoundly touched by the sight of a multitude of men standing shoulder to shoulder , praying on their knees , and some even flat on their faces .
CMA organized a cross-country companion ride of 10 days from Needles , California to Washington , DC . in support of this monumental occasion . A look back at CMA memories wouldn ’ t be complete without recalling Carl ’ s participation in the “ Ride to the Gap .” He
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and Warren David were drafted to drive a chase vehicle from Needles to Mena , Arkansas ; then Warren switched with Joe Loftin , who went from Mena to Washington . They drove a truck and recovery trailer with equipment west to the starting point and departed California with fifty motorcyclists . Other riders from the north and the south joined the group as it progressed east along Interstate 40 . As people broke down , the guys would recover their bikes and get them to a repair facility . There were plenty of flat tires and bike breakdowns to keep them busy . God was certainly able to put Carl ’ s knowledge and mechanical ability to great use on this trip . One Home Front Warriors rider had his bike lock up , and God alerted two truck drivers to recognize what was happening , slow so not to run over him , and block traffic while the crew could load him up on the recovery trailer . Other |
groups from states all along the way joined in the ride . By the time the caravan reached DC , there were seven chase vehicles , and there were anywhere from 1,500 to 3,000 riders . Estimates vary widely among the participants .
Carl concludes he has been greatly blessed by the ministry of the Christian Motorcyclists Association . It has renewed his faith , strengthened his walk with Christ , and given him many opportunities to serve His Lord and Savior . CMA
Interview conducted by Tim Weddle . Tim is a media writer for the CMA National / International Support Center .
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The Ride to the Gap event was a major CMA undertaking and deserves a full article of its own to be included in the 50th Anniversary HeartBeat . If you would like to submit some short comments or photos about your experience on the ride , please submit them to heartbeat @ cmausa . org . |
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