50TH ANNIVERSARY |
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BEN and Rachel Larson are doing a fantastic job as National Evangelist-Youth Movement. Ben has been involved with CMA literally his whole life while Rachel came to CMA through relationship with Ben and his family. She joined shortly after their marriage and their personal stories follow.
Ben says: When I was 3 years old, my parents joined CMA after being invited to supper, which turned out to be a chapter meeting. Growing up, CMA became family to me. At the age of 11, before they started the Youth Movement program, I completed my Member Training as I also wanted to be a part of this amazing organization.
When I first started in CMA, it was so welcoming. We had people in our chapter who would take time during the meeting and interact with us, and it quickly became something that we looked forward to doing. We were always welcome when events came up and we would help serve at those events.
In my local chapter, I served as chaplain and road captain. Rachel and I then served as Area Rep-Youth Movement in Iowa for three years before taking on our present position as National
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Evangelist β Youth Movement.
A funny memory of mine growing up: we were on a ride, and I had a squeeze-style Gatorade. I thought it was cool spraying it in the wind, but I did not really think about the fact that there were other motorcycles behind us. The guy behind me, Butch Lively of the Iowa Crossroad Riders, was super kind about it, and we all had to laugh a little; I had learned my lesson! Growing up, my favorite event was always coming to the mountain to attend the Changing of the Colors Rally.
Rachel says: To be honest, I joined CMA because Ben and his family were involved. Motorcycles were never a part of my life growing up, but the family atmosphere of CMA was addictive and their desire to share their faith was something I admired and wanted to be a part of. I took membership in 2017 shortly after Ben and I got married. I served as Secretary for one year before Ben and I accepted the position of Area Rep β Youth Movement for Iowa in 2018. Youth ministry is where my heart is, so it was an easyβ yesβ to God and our state leadership team. After three years, we accepted the position of National Evangelist β Youth
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Movement.
The challenges of youth ministry in CMA pushed me to grow and lean on what God says, not the world. It also taught me much about relying on His timing, which always seemed slower than mine. Heβ s not in a hurry, and every moment in this world matters. I have so many memories with students! Some I canβ t share without crying. But in all of them, I can see our amazing Heavenly Father loving on their broken hearts with everything He has. To say itβ s an honor to have this front row seat to see lives change for the Kingdom is an understatement.
At this yearβ s Flame On event, a young lady approached me during the Super Slam Service and told me that she couldnβ t hear from God and felt blocked from Him. I prayed with her and saw a physical change in her demeanor. She smiled and ran joyfully to her friends, proclaiming that God had spoken to her and she was free. I didnβ t do anything but ask God to heal her, and speak to her, and He changed her life forever. Thatβ s why I love being a part of CMA Youth Movement. God is changing the next generation, one heart at a time. CMA
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cmausa. org
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