CMA HeartBeat May 2019 | Page 5

CMA International By CHRIS Pilgrim Queensland Through international CMA connections, our Chaplains, Danny and Suzie, made some hospital visits to a terminally ill man and offered support during his last days. Also, through our biker community, we were able to support and pray for another ter- minally ill biker who was seeking spiritual guidance. We believe he found salvation on his deathbed. We are thankful for those who are obedient to God’s calling on their lives to share in such a way. Once again, a small group made a 4500km trip to outback towns to raise awareness of CMA and encourage Christian bikers wherever they could find them. We have been very active in attending bike shows, holding our annual biker blessing, church raids, and fund raising for prostate cancer, as well as attending regular rides and week- ends away. South Australia CMA SA (South Australia) cele- brated their 25th anniversary this year. It was decided to re-enact one of the original rallies, the Hole in the Wall Rally. It was a great ‘back to basics’ rally with plenty of time for people to catch up and included popular bike games being run. CMA SA supports local motor- cycling organizations in many events, in particular the Ridden on Ride, to remember those who have passed away during the past year. Our members delivered a sermon and a word of hope which was well received by those in attendance. Another large event is the annual Toy Run; now in its 40th year supporting those less fortunate in our society with gifts for Christmas. The Peregrine Rally is the biggest rally of the year that CMA SA is involved with. This is a great time of outreach to the wider biker community. CMA SA has also been heading up the National initiative to reproduce an updated Biker Bible. Victoria CMA Vic heads up our National Bikes for Pastors program. In the past 12 months, we supplied eight motorcycles to pastors in coun- tries such as Uganda, Zambia, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Kenya. One of our major national out- reach activities is having a pres- ence at the Ulysses AGM (a mature age social motorcycle club) which is held in a different state every year. CMA Vic is head- ing up our involvement with a tent in the trade area with Biker Bibles and a listening ear to those who pass by. They will also have a biker blessing and church service during the event. CMA Vic has been very active in church raids, visiting and encouraging people, usually in small rural congregations. Tasmania Tasmania is a biker’s paradise. CMA Tas has been very active participating in various bike shows, toy runs, regularly holding communion on the Mount, as well as going on regular rides. Western Australia CMA WA (Western Australia), like other states, has been involved in various bike shows, holding regular rides, and often has a meal together, which has proven to be a great time of fel- lowship and encouragement to each other. New South Wales/ Australian Capital Territory As CMA in NSW prepares to celebrate 40 years, we look back at the year that was and can see a continued and growing pres- ence at motorcycle rallies and community events. Our shoeshine ministry provides a wonderful way to interact with a diverse range of riders from the coffee set to the hard-core. They ask us why and we tell them Jesus washed feet, but we aren't as good as Him so we just polish shoes - and then the conversa- tion flows. Our calendar revolves around rides with other groups, country church visits, and the like. We look to encourage each other in our callings and celebrate fel- lowship. Each month there are communion gatherings across the state where we share a mes- sage and a time of reflection. CMA Chris Pilgrim is the National Coordinator for CMA Australia. Australia celebrates a significant mile- stone with our 40th Anniversary this year. We look forward with great anticipation to our National Run in October where riders from across Australia (and we hope some international brothers and sisters too) will come together in Angelsea, Victoria for a weekend of fellowship. Below are some highlights from each state of what has been happening during the past year. CMA