By DOUG South

you first joined

CMA, maybe decades ago, what was it that got you excited about CMA? Was it because you had other Christians to ride with? Was it the fellowship and the testimonies you heard at the meetings you checked out? Was it the active ministry the chapter participated in? Maybe you didn’ t fit in anywhere else, and the people seemed so inviting and welcoming, finally, a place you could fit in. It might be all the above. As for me personally, it started with just wanting to ride on Saturdays with a group of likeminded believers. I was only nineteen at the time and really didn’ t have a desire to be in it for ministry; I just wanted to ride and enjoy God’ s beautiful creation while riding with others, so I wasn’ t going alone. You can agree that experiencing God’ s creation isn’ t as fun when you have no one to talk with about what you are seeing and feeling while out riding. It’ s better when you can turn to someone and say,“ Did you see that big buck jump out? That was close!” or“ That view is amazing!” or“ Those corners were awesome— I was dragging my pegs. How about you?” You get the idea. We can’ t forget that some people join just to enjoy the ride with others.

Now, of course, that is why I joined CMA, but God had more in mind for me as the years rolled by. He called me to fall in love with chapter life, secular rally ministry, etc. The testimonies of how God

was moving in other members ' lives, the testimonies of all that God did at events and rallies. It was so exciting to share about the person or people God used us to pray for or minister to as we stepped out in faith. Maybe we were at a bike blessing and got the opportunity to lead someone to Christ as we shared how great our Savior is and how He loves them. I had no idea then that God would keep stretching me as He knew the plans He had for me.

With all that in mind, my intention is to help you recall your first love. The time when you were excited and on fire to share Jesus with others. Remember why you joined, what excited you about CMA. What does it look like when others visit your chapter meetings? Are there testimonies of how God is working within your chapters doing ministry? Are there opportunities for fellowship and times to just have fun? Are there rides on a Saturday? Is ministry happening? The Bible shares a word written about the church of Ephesus, the darling of the apostolic church, and it is still valid for us today.

“ I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience and have labored for My name’ s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first

love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works”( Revelation 2:2- 5a, NKJV).

This is not meant to condemn, but to help us remember what drew us into CMA in the first place and what we can do to help draw the next group of CMA riders behind us to get passionate about the blessing of being called to do life and minister within the ministry of CMA. Many of us have served in the ministry for years, and now is not the time to become complacent or let our past experiences fade from memory. Instead, let us remember how we got here, our passion and zeal for sharing Jesus with others, and give our best to our deserving God and Father like never before. May God bless you all as you follow His path for you!

Terri and I are blessed to be colaborers with you, and as always, we look forward to seeing you at the next event or in the clouds, whichever comes first. CMA

Doug and Terri South oversee the West Region as National Evangelist.

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