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March HeartBeat

By HOLLY Ogden

CMA International family is active in 34 nations . One of the most frequent questions I get asked about CMA is why we are not in more nations , especially since motorcycles are a popular form of transportation around the world . The answer is that we are not actively trying to start CMA in new nations . I know this is a shocking statement , so let me further explain . We trust God with CMA International ’ s growth and do not try to find people to start the ministry . The CMA nations that have succeeded are those birthed out of a person ’ s desire to reach the motorcyclists of their nation , and then God connected them with CMA .

CMA is more than a patch on our backs . When people join CMA and choose to put on the back patch , it says that they accept the standards of the ministry , that they feel called of God to be ministers of the Gospel under the banner of CMA , and that they have joined something bigger than themselves . This is not something we take lightly here in the USA or around the world .

This month , we are hearing from our North American counterparts on what CMA means in their nations . CMA started in Canada in the late 1980s with a single chapter and was officially chartered in 1992 . Ivan Audette , the Chairman of the Board for CMA Canada , when asked why he and his wife Irene joined CMA , he replied , “ Personally , I joined CMA to ride

and minister to other people . As I rode by myself , I saw that there had to be more than just riding ; there had to be more than this . What can I do ? Irene and I then sought out Christian motorcycling ministries , which brought us on a journey to join with CMA .” Ivan and Irene joined CMA in 2009 and served in different positions in CMA Canada before he became part of the Board of Directors . In 2014 , Ivan was voted in as Chairman of the Board and has faithfully led the ministry ever since . Ivan and Irene have a deep heart for ministry – realizing that God has us here for more than just our own comfort and satisfaction . Ivan states , “ We know there are challenges ahead . We have faced challenges in the past . Because we can trust God and the leading of the Holy Spirit , we can remain focused on ministry and what we must do . Bikers out there need Jesus .”

How true this statement is . Bikers need Jesus . That is the whole reason CMA exists . We cannot let up , get discouraged , or become distracted . God is calling us to press into Him , to feel His heart for the lost , and to take action . The time is now .

Shifting focus to our CMA Mexico family , they received their charter in 2004 and are led by their Board of Directors , each sharing the responsibility for governing the ministry , developing training , and communicating with leaders and members . Cassidy Starr , a Board Member , shares

the Board ’ s heart on what bringing CMA to their nation has meant to the biking community : “ Having CMA in Mexico is a tool to reach so many bikers that are lost in this world without Jesus . We are not just a Christian riding group ; we are trained , equipped , and have a vision that sets us apart from other organizations . We wear a patch that has earned the right to speak and share ; a patch that is anointed . It is not only about riding and attending motorcycling events ; it is about sharing Jesus . CMA has given the tools to its members to understand how to do that in a more effective way .”

She further explains what it means for them to be connected to a worldwide ministry : “ CMA is a highly respected organization around the world , and being that Mexico is so close to the USA , the influence of the ministry is even greater . Many bikers ride to the US and have contact with CMA at some event . This has opened so many doors for CMA ' ers in Mexico to minister , being that many bikers identify us as the same group as those they encountered in the US , with the same heart , the same willingness to serve , and sharing the same message : Jesus .”

This is a key to the CMA International family : no matter where you are in the world , CMA has the same heart and mission , we have a foundation of common training , and we adhere to the vest standards so that we are easily recognizable . Social media and eas-