50TH ANNIVERSARY |
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ABATE. They served at major events held in their area, including Goldwing National Rallies, Rider Magazine Rallies, and BMW Owners Association National Rallies. The local chapter members also conduct bike blessings at a church in Helena alongside Set Free Ministries, minister to a single womenβ s shelter, and donate teddy bears to law enforcement and first responders to comfort children involved in accidents and other traumatic situations.
Larry credits Wayne Henderson, the West Regional Evangelist at that time, with volunteering them to man one of the checkpoints for the Three Flags Classic Ride over Labor Day weekend. This four-day, 2100-mile ride sponsored by the SCMA goes from Mexico through many of the western United States and finishes in Canada. This God-given open door has become one of those long-term ministry opportunities, and nearly 40 years later, faithful CMA members in the West and Rocky Mountain Regions continue to man all the of the checkpoints along the entire route. Over the last 50 years, God has provided thousands of fertile ministry fields to local chapters nationwide and internationally. These local events may not be as well-known as Sturgis or Daytona. Still, God has faithfully blessed CMA members nationwide with favor amongst promoters and organizers and produced a perpetual harvest in many of these smaller, long-running events. As you, the members, faithfully serve, God produces the results. God bless you, CMA, for answering the call and dedicating yourself to spreading the Gospel at every opportunity. God sees your selfless sacrifice of time, resources, and energy and takes immense pride in you.
β So letβ s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we donβ t give upβ( Galatians 6:9, NLT).
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The Banisters experienced several mission trips, including to Guatemala, Belize, and the Philippines. These trips are always eye-opening and inspiring and bring a new perspective to your thoughts about Run for the Son. If you havenβ t been, you need to go; it will change your heart.
Stepping down from the State Coordinator gig after 23 years, Larry credits his successor and current Montana State Coordinator, John Webster, with doing an outstanding job. Shortly after he retired from SC, Larry experienced a particularly nasty fall off a ladder that severely damaged his right leg and abruptly ended his motorcycle riding career. Most of us more mature riders dread that day, but Larry, in his typical witty manner, offers this tip of the day:β Continue to ride your motorcycle and stay off the ladder.β
He admits, maybe it is a weak excuse, but showing up with a van doesnβ t seem to work for him. His tales of the road became a little stale, and it seemed harder to relate on a two-wheeled level. We all know we donβ t need a bike to participate in CMA, and Larry credits those who still do, mentioning an older lady in their chapter who never owned a bike but showed up at every event in her van and as a faithful servant served the chapter as Secretary- Treasurer for many years and also, Bob Sandberg, our CMA Director from California who is still serving the ministry of CMA in his late 80s.
God has seasons of ministry for us all, some to serve their whole
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life in CMA and some to be called on to other fields of service to fulfill His purpose elsewhere. But remember that wherever and in what capacity He calls us, we are to serve Him wholeheartedly.
β Knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serveβ( Colossians 3:24, NASB).
So, while no longer personally active in CMA, Larry looks back on those days fondly. But rest assured, he is still faithfully serving the Lord by leading a menβ s Bible Study class during the school term from September to May every year. Larry says,β The truth, backed by scriptures, is what we need to continue serving the Lord in whatever way He calls and enables us, regardless of our circumstances, health, or finances.β
Larryβ s story is not unique among the approximately 18,000 active members of the Christian Motorcyclists Association that are out on the highways and byways, wearing their back patches and representing our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, every day. Just know whether you have been Riding for the Son for forty years or forty days, you are an integral part of this ministry, a valuable part of our fifty-year history, and a treasured partner in changing the world, one heart at a time. God Bless You!
CMA
Interview conducted by Tim Weddle. Tim is a media writer for the CMA
National / International Support Center.
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www. cmausa. org
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