By JILL Decker

is a long-overdue testimony of how CMA has affected our lives. My husband, Mike Decker, passed away one week ago after being hit on his motorcycle( 2 miles from our house in Mesa, Arizona). The accident happened one year ago, on October 26, 2024. He had a TBI / DAI brain injury. Mike became a very involved member of CMA 20 + years ago, and I joined shortly after. He served in many leadership roles throughout the years. We were with the Peacemakers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, five years ago, moved to Arizona, were with New Life, and are currently with Desert Disciples.

The story starts further back in Wisconsin. At the beginning, we had great fellowship with our CMA chapter and were significantly involved with CMA( Peacemakers), including volunteering at Sturgis. Mike was great at organizing and building relationships with the community to involve our chapter in serving and preaching the Gospel. We had a great team of leadership and members. Friendships that are forever!

During that time, our daughter was into drugs; it was a long, hard journey, which CMA’ ers were by our side, praying and supporting. The incredible thing was that a group of them, along with Mike, put her on the back of a motorcycle with a suitcase, and they all drove her two hours away to a rehab. While that did not last, we were introduced to someone( through CMA) who had a

ministry, and when she was in prison, she was sent back to a county jail and had nowhere to go. She ended up in Teen Challenge in Casa Grande, Arizona, as a result of that connection through CMA. She is now married with two teenage girls. We moved to Arizona five years ago( which was our plan to be snowbirds there).

Before Mike’ s accident, he had a 3 1 / 2-year struggle with an infection because of falling off a ladder. He was also having some neuro issues, which we were seeing a doctor for. Mike decided he was going to Wisconsin with his toy hauler and motorcycle, and our son was with him. They only made it 20 minutes from the Texas border when his vehicle broke down. I won’ t go into those details. So, Mark Perrin from Desert Disciples called and offered to go pick him up and bring the toy hauler with the bike home. When Mark spoke to Mike, he declined to have Mark come. Again, I’ ll leave out the details. I called Mike and said Mark offered,“ What else are you going to do?”( His brain was not functioning right). I said to Mike,“ That’ s what CMA is.” Mike finally agreed.

After Mark got him home safely, he bought another vehicle, went to Wisconsin on his own, and spent a month there. Unfortunately, two weeks later, when he returned, he was hit by someone and is now in Heaven with his Savior! I can’ t begin to tell you about the outpouring of love, visits to Mike, and concern for

me. Again, my“ Tribe” from CMA were at the ER with me until my daughter arrived and thereafter. One of the sweetest things is that in more recent days, in fact, two days before Mike died, Lyla and George Scales came to visit while I would be out of town, bringing homemade treats and, more importantly, praying over him! I hesitate even to mention names because many more people were always there for us; you are not forgotten!

My point in sharing is that being out there is, first and foremost, essential to sharing the Gospel message with non-believers / followers( I have many of Mike’ s stories to share someday). My kids and I have been truly blessed from the beginning, from Wisconsin to Arizona and beyond, through our chapters and CMA friends. I may not be on a bike much anymore, but I want to be more involved as my circumstances change.

As I write this, I am preparing to be at the 50th Changing of the Colors Rally. Mike and I had planned on going for the first time. I know he would want me there. I pray I never miss an opportunity to share the love of Christ! CMA

Jill Decker is a member of Desert Disciples CMA chapter # 2 in Mesa, Arizona.

09

cmausa. org