August comes into focus,

I always think of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. This was the first major motorcycle rally where Herb and Shirley Shreve ministered. It was in 1976 that they packed their motorcycle, an old Eldorado motorcycle. Herb, the Holy Spirit, and the Eldorado motorcycle, along with Shirley, headed out to the Black Hills of South Dakota. CMA was just getting started, and all Herb had was a word from God. As he said many times, that’ s all we needed. When we have a word from God, that is all any of us need. We are here today following Jesus because we had a word from God. The word of God will always sustain us. As Herb arrived in Sturgis, South Dakota, he and Shirley set up camp in the city park. They went there for one purpose and one purpose only: to share the love of Jesus Christ. As they set up their camp and displayed the handmade CMA banner, the crowd was rowdy and loud.

“ Pray for us, too, that God will

give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should”( Colossians 4:3-4, NLT).

Herb and Shirley began holding services each day at the camp. At the end of the rally, as Herb and Shirley were preparing to leave, Herb was rolling up the banner when one of the bikers approached him and asked if he could have it. Reluctantly, Herb gave him the banner. Sometime later, the banner was mailed back to CMA with a note that read,“ I hung the banner up in the clubhouse, and every time I saw it, I felt the drawing of the Holy Spirit. I’ ve given my life to Jesus, and I’ m returning the banner to its proper place.”

From these humble beginnings at Sturgis, CMA’ s outreach ministry was expanded to Daytona Beach, Laconia, and every motorcycle rally throughout the United States and beyond through the International family. Many of our

ministry tools today were developed as a result of Sturgis. Our first training tapes and material were filmed on the streets of Sturgis and developed.

“ Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’ s hand”( Zechariah 4:10, NLT).

I want to encourage you to follow the Holy Spirit and know that He births ministry through small beginnings. Stay plugged in and follow Him. He will accomplish His will through you.

CMA

John Sr and Becky Ogden, John is CEO / Chairman of the

Board of Directors.

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cmausa. org