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February HeartBeat

By HOLLY Ogden

honor of CMA ’ s 50th

Anniversary , each month we are walking through the history of CMA International and introducing you to what the ministry has meant to our family around the world . When I started at CMA in 1999 , a pack of files was placed on my desk representing the whole of what we knew about all the countries involved in CMA . When John Sr became the official CEO / Chairman of the Board in late 2000 , I began working closely with him to establish communication channels with the leaders . When we transitioned from an international coalition to CMA International ( CMAI ), he appointed three international coordinators to work with the different regions of the world , with me working as the secretary and documenting the information . In 2018 , when the last international coordinator retired , we restructured this portion of the ministry . I was officially appointed as the Executive International Ambassador , and my job focus expanded . I was tasked with building a stronger communication network , establishing a mentoring program , and working directly with the nations to provide support and encouragement . It has been an amazing opportunity to work one-on-one with our CMA International Family , learning about their cultures and experiencing ministry in their nations firsthand instead of through reports .

This month , we get to hear from CMA Portugal and CMA India . They

are vastly different nations , yet united in the call of changing the world , one heart at a time . My prayer for you is that as you hear their stories , struggles , and triumphs , you will stop and take inventory of what God may be wanting to do in your life . Consider this encouragement from Isaiah 55:10-13 ( NLT ): “ The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth . They cause the grain to grow , producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry . It is the same with my word . I send it out , and it always produces fruit . It will accomplish all I want it to , and it will prosper everywhere I send it . You will live in joy and peace . The mountains and hills will burst into song , and the trees of the field will clap their hands ! Where once there were thorns , cypress trees will grow . Where nettles grew , myrtles will sprout up . These events will bring great honor to the Lord ’ s name ; they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love .” God brings the water of life and produces sustenance . It will accomplish all He intends for it to accomplish . We will have joy and peace in the midst of the struggles and chaos . What once caused great pain will be a garden of life and beauty because He will be honored . What has God done for you lately ? Have you been so caught up in the struggle that you are blinded

from seeing the good He has been doing ? Why did He call you to CMA ? Is it time to renew your passion and commitment to being a messenger of the Gospel ?

David Campos , our CMA Portugal President , explains that CMA Portugal started in 2003 , but in 2017 , the ministry went through a difficult phase and considered closing . Under Portuguese law , once an association closes , that name can never be used again . David writes , “ In the midst of this storm that CMA Portugal went through in 2017 , CMAI asked if someone could take over the ministry and continue , and at that time , my name was put forward ( I didn ' t know this until I was invited ). So , after asking God for direction , I accepted , and I didn ' t allow the CMA to close in Portugal , and I did everything I could to revive it . So , not being a founder , I ended up ‘ re-founding the CMA in Portugal .”

It hasn ’ t been an easy road for David as he walked through the challenge of rebuilding the ministry , but he sought God , remained connected , and prayed . Today , CMA Portugal is growing upon a strong foundation .

When asked why he originally joined CMA , he stated , “ It was undoubtedly God who called me to join . I ' ve had a motorcycle since I was 15 years old , and I never belonged to any motorcycle club ; I was a solo rider . But CMA was presented to me twice , which I never believed in ( I can ' t explain