IN MEMORY
In Memory of Ray Burns JANUARY 14 , 1935 - NOVEMBER 20 , 2020
Ray Burns was a champion for his family , CMA , and the Kingdom of God . He served as a CMA Director for 29 years and was passionate about Run for the Son , giving , and prayer . Following those passions , Ray led the charge for prayer for our nation every morning during the Changing of the Colors Rally . Through Ray ’ s influence , CMA has a National Day of Prayer each year . At any rally , with his welcoming , easygoing demeanor , you would find Ray loving and offering encouragement in the way only he could .
With his huge heart , compassion , and love Ray participated in over 30 international mission trips since 1984 . Giving away motorcycles and sharing the Gospel , he was a friend to everyone he met .
Ray loved and cherished CMA Youth Movement , with every opportunity he was given , he would tell stories and teach students about the importance of giving and how God had always provided for he and Marian .
Ray leaves a legacy in CMA and in our hearts . The mark he made in the world will never be forgotten and will live on through every CMA member . As we celebrate Ray ’ s life , let us look at his example and reflect on our lives . How we can love , give , and serve those around us . How we can use our own passions and gifts to make our mark on the world for Jesus .
Ray , we will always love and remember you . CMA
2020
was a year of challenges . We watched as a virus came in and turned the world upside down . Many were and are sick . Sadly , there was loss of life . This pandemic brought nation-wide shortages to everyday items we never thought we would be fighting over in store aisles . Some made hard decisions to forego holiday and family gatherings to keep themselves and their loved ones safe . While others made the hard choice to continue with their plans and keep living life the best they knew how .
Church , school , shopping , and ( for some ) work looks different . 2020 brought some bad things , but some good things were gained .
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Even though some churches were only having virtual services , people were growing in their relationships with God . They were drawing nearer to God and making a priority to spend time with Him . Quarantoines altered work and school schedules , allowing family units to spend more quality time together at home . Hobbies once laid aside were picked back up and new hobbies started .
In 2020 , through the good and bad , God was faithful . He took us through the ups and downs . He gave us hope , strengthened us , and sustained us . He will ALSO carry us through anything 2021 throws at us . We must keep our eyes on Him and continue to seek Him in the year to come . He will
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provide our needs , give us His peace , and make crooked paths straight . |
I pray you have a safe and prosperous New Year ! |
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“ Don ’ t worry about anything ; instead , pray about everything . Tell God what you need , and thank him for all he has done . Then you will experience God ’ s peace , which exceeds anything we can understand . His Peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus ” ( Philippians 4:6-7 , NLT ).
Misty Bradley
HeartBeat Editor
03⎪January 2021⎪www . cmausa . org