By SONNY Edmondson |
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MINI O β S we talk about
WHEN β Mini O β s ,β people who have never been there look at us with a confused response . Is that some kind of cereal ? What is Mini O β s ? The full name is Mini Olympics . The Mini Olympics is one of the country β s largest amateur Motocross and Supercross events . CMA has been serving there since 2004 . It currently takes place in Newberry , Florida , over the week of Thanksgiving . This year will be the 53rd year for the event . Mini O β s is a family event . Last year , we helped host over 6,000 registered racers and their families . Racers range in age from 5 to 65 . Our CMA mission at this event is to build relationships and bring order to a significant event known to be very chaotic . We start the Wednesday before the week of Thanksgiving and finish the Saturday after Thanksgiving . We have been learning through the years how we can help attendees stay safe while at the same time sharing the love of God . Our days are typically long , but the blessings we receive are far greater than the effort we put into the event .
Some CMA members are there for the entire event , some for a
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day , and some for a few hours . People consider Thanksgiving to be a family-focused holiday . I agree ; however , with this event being over a weeklong , many can still find the time to serve with us .
How can you help ? Most importantly , we ask for prayer for all who serve at Mini O β s . This event has become a fantastic outreach opportunity for CMA . We pray for hundreds of people at the event , including racers , their families , medics , flaggers , event staff , and spectators . Nearby CMA chapters provide lunch for 20 to 25 CMA volunteers daily . On Thanksgiving evening , CMA volunteers serve dinner to several hundred family members . We have had some CMA members simply pass out small water bottles to racers as they exit the track . We go through the campgrounds and staging areas , praying for racers and their families .
We host Camp Gatorback . β Gatorback β is the most famous track on the property . This will be our 5th year hosting Camp Gatorback . This camp has become a Vacation Bible School-based time for small children ages 4 to 11 for 2 hours each day for five days . Last year , we hosted over 100 children using Christian-based games , crafts , and songs . I never
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thought we would host a VBS during a large Motocross event . God β s plans are always greater than mine .
Motorcycles in the dirt is not where our CMA ministry started , but it β s where it β s growing . I β ve seen and heard about other CMA activities at MX tracks in Indiana , Tennessee , North Carolina , and South Carolina . No matter where you live in America , there are tracks near you . To get involved , contact a track owner or race promoter and ask if you can help with their events . Build relationships and see the outreach opportunities begin to develop . God has plans . Come and serve in this ministry and reap the blessings as you bless others . One day , some of these people may be future CMA members and continue the work we β ve been doing in the dirt and on the roads . God bless you ! CMA
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