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wasn β t cold . One last chance to make amends was the nice hotel I booked for us during the state rally .
The historic Hotel Magma was set on top of the main street and offered accommodation that was an easy walk to the event . The hotel β s construction was completed in 1912 as a boarding house and has been completely renovated into a warm and unique place to stay while in the area . A big plus is that good food is just outside and down the main street . I believe this was a hit . This all goes to show that the highlight of our trip was arriving in Superior , Arizona , for the state rally .
Over the last few years , we have seen more and more state rallies moving out of the church camps and into small cities , offering more exposure to the Gospel to a greater community . The phrase that comes to mind comes from the apostle Paul , β I do all this for the sake of the gospel β ( 1 Corinthians 9:23 , NIV ). It takes more work upfront to deal with the Chamber of Commerce and get buy-in from the local businesses . Sure , the money we bring to the community helps them and affords us a relationship . Often , this can take a year or better of work and communication as we try to find a small town that can see the benefit of having CMA come into their area , but it is all worthwhile . You see , we are selling the idea of the benefit to the community based on tourism , but the real benefit is a spiritual one .
We will often hold an open-air service and have praise music that all points to Christ . Then , the bike
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games and bike show draw people in from a materialistic standpoint , all the while allowing us to engage in conversation , which could lead to Christ . This all sounds fine and dandy , but isn β t the state rally for CMA β ers to connect and grow spiritually ? Sure , it is , and that takes place as we eat , listen to the Word , and praise God together . Some even sit most of the day on the sidewalk and talk about life and ministry . They are for sure reconnecting with each other and doing it for the world to see .
The Word tells me not to hide my light under a basket and to do my good deeds for all to see so that they will give glory to God . How is that for living out our state rally by the Word of God ? This year , Arizona stepped out of the box in two different ways . Not only did they do a small-town takeover , but they also did the first November state rally I have heard of . Now , that is taking a chance and following what they believed was God β s leading . It was a tremendous success . It turned out to be the biggest state rally Arizona has ever had . They took over Main Street and had street vendors bring in food while they put on a motorcycle rodeo and bike show . Right next to that was an obstacle course for bicycles so the CMA and local kids could also participate . While all of this was happening , Christian music was being played in the background , giving a great vibe to the event . There were also local rides through the gorgeous area , exploring the deep history of the mining that has and is taking place .
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It was a warm and welcoming community of people that also added to the welcoming feel of the CMA event . The messages encouraged us to move forward with God , and many people were prayed for . To top it all off , a new CMA youth member received their back patch . It was a great event surrounded by God β s beauty . Stepping out of the box to follow God is always a good idea . You should look for new ways to make a rally fun . Explore small towns that you may want to invest your time in for a state rally and see if they would like to invest in your state rally . This idea has worked throughout the USA , where people have been bold enough to step out in faith and try it . CMA |