the very beginning of our creation, God knew us, and He has a perfect plan for us. As the scripture says in Jeremiah 1:5( NIV)“ Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

His plan for us will never change; it is His divine call and purpose for us.“ Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be”( Psalm 139:16, NIV).

As we walk through life, we’ re not always aware of what God is doing, but He is always at work on our behalf. I think about all the challenges in my life and in all the ways He has mentored and trained me to this point. I realize that God was always leading me. As we’ re celebrating 50 years of ministry in CMA, I look back and know most assuredly that God is directing my path and has brought me to this point. Even as a young family from the early days of CMA, God was directing our footsteps.“ The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way”( Psalm 37:23, KJV). None are more important than the other, for they are like a chain linked together to accomplish

God’ s will in our lives.

So many stories and so many victories, as Becky, John Jr, Jeremy, and I have traveled by motorcycle ministering from the highways and byways under the umbrella of CMA. What a great opportunity to raise a family in the CMA environment. As this is the August HeartBeat, I think of our very first trip to Sturgis. Sturgis has many significant memories. It was the first major rally that Herb and Shirley went and ministered at in 1976. From then to now, Sturgis has been a constant fixture for the ministry. The Ogden family made that trip to Sturgis in 1984, and we arrived toward the end of the week.

I remember it distinctly as Becky, I, and the boys walked Main Street; it made a lasting impact on my life. I can still remember the sights, sounds, and smells as if it were yesterday. I knew I would be coming back to be a part of the ministry of CMA on the streets of Sturgis. From that time to now, I have consistently attended this event for 41 years. In 1990, my father, John Jr, and I made John Jr’ s first trip together to Sturgis where he was on his own motorcycle. Three generations of Ogdens had a great time riding together as two pairs of father and son. This experience with

them was a highlight for me. I can see that all of this was God directing our paths for serving Jesus within the ministry of CMA. To realize that while serving and sharing, Jesus impacts others’ lives, perhaps the greatest impact is in our own lives as God mentors and grows us in His calling. This really is not our calling, but it is God’ s calling. The Lord orders our footsteps. I want to encourage you to always follow Jesus. The path will not always be easy, but Jesus is the one directing our footsteps. We cannot become who we are called to be by remaining who we are. God is molding and refining us, His path is for our good and His purpose. If Sturgis is in your plan this year, I look forward to seeing you. Follow Jesus. CMA

John Sr and Becky Ogden, John serves as CEO / Chairman of the Board of Directors.

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