50TH ANNIVERSARY |
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in the past and they stepped into God ’ s calling . He revealed the impact they could have among these riders , eventually leading ABATE to appoint them chaplains to the club . They started children ’ s outreach during ABATE rallies with picture coloring , face painting , and eventually Sunday services . During the Upps ’ many years of service to the club , Chet was ordained by his church and honored to marry and unfortunately , bury some members . God has a place of service for each one of us . Go toward your interests in the motorcycling world , and God will meet you there with an assignment .
Rolling Thunder , a memorial ride to raise awareness and advocacy for POWs and MIAs , began in 1988 ( re-named Rolling to Remember in 2020 ) and continues to attract half a million bikers to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington , DC , every Memorial Day . As one of Upps ’ favorite events at which they served , they attended for numerous years . As a Navy vet , Chet found it extremely emotional visiting the wall . As with many of us of his era , it is difficult to read the names that are chiseled into that cold black granite of friends , loved ones , and classmates who willingly gave their lives in service to our great nation .
Chet and Eileen credit Frank Tharp , Illinois State Coordinator , for visiting with them , inviting them to join in the ministry at several events in the state , and helping
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them become part of what CMA was doing at that time . Dan Fitzpatrick was their first Regional Evangelist , and they found him to be very knowledgeable of the workings of CMA as a ministry , fun to be around , and to have a genuine love for the people . Next to lead their region as Evangelist were Roger and Rayleen Wilson . They were also very people-oriented , great encouragers , and always interested in talking or listening , and willing to work through any problems that would come up .
Growing tired of shoveling snow in Illinois , Chet and Eileen moved to Mena in 2006 , to enjoy being closer to Iron Mountain , and have become steady volunteers in all things CMA . Speaking of volunteers , nearly all building , maintenance work , repair and improvements that do not require a licensed contractor is accomplished at CMA entirely with a few paid staff and our precious dedicated volunteers . At event times , a literal army of volunteers move into Iron Mountain to mow , trim , cook , set up chairs , and
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clean the bathrooms and shower houses . Just like in Nehemiah ’ s day , God has provided members with a heart to work . It is miraculous to inventory all that God has built in the past 50 years at the Support Center and Iron Mountain and know that the Christian Motorcyclists Association remains debt-free . You did that , CMA volunteers ! Bless you for answering God ’ s call .
The Upps still attend numerous secular events and have been on at least seven mission trips , most notably Zambia . Ask him about it next time you see him , he will be the one in the striped Dr . Suess top hat . Serving on the Board of Directors , Chet continues to work ongoing development of Iron Mountain , including new parking areas , more accessible shower facilities , and the ongoing addition of more cabins and improved camping spots .
Chet says , “ if you have not done anything with CMA other than fellowship with your local chapter or participate in RFS , come to Iron Mountain , tour the International Support Center , and discover all that is happening behind the scenes . You will be impressed with what it takes to keep this organization running and the pride that will well up in you as you realize all that God has done with the Christian Motorcyclists Association in this first 50 years . You just need to see it for yourself .” CMA
Interview conducted by Tim Weddle . Tim is a media writer for the CMA National / International
Support Center .
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www . cmausa . org
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