1962, the Spirit of the

Lord moved on Mike Negri as a high school senior. One day in church, he just felt the need to move, and move he did, straight into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, his Savior. Following graduation, he dabbled with college for a bit but wasn’ t feeling it. Enlisting in the Marine Corps seemed to be a better choice and put him on a trajectory of lifetime public service. Discharging from the Corps in 1966, Mike became a Texas State Trooper. Retiring after a distinguished 30-year career with the Department of Public Safety, Mike, an avid golfer, spends his spare time hanging around the local pro shop dispensing advice and repairing golf clubs and other equipment.

At Roy Johnson ' s invitation, Mike and a buddy rode down to meet Herb in 1975 in Kerrville, Texas. Herb shared his heart about the vision God had given him

and invited anyone interested to put their information on a 3 by 5 card with a promise to hear from him if anything developed. Mike left his information on that card, and the rest is history, as they say. His first event was a 1977 Rally in Eureka Springs, where 35 to 40 folks met together.

The Negris had been in Lubbock but transferred back home to Wichita Falls, so the 90s were consumed mostly with career and family. In 2006, they were asked to be Area Reps and progressed to Texas-West State Coordinator in 2018 through 2023, and humbly accepted a seat on the Board of Directors this June.

When asked what gifts the Lord has given him to serve the CMA board, Mike cites his many years in law enforcement, which have prepared him to make decisions thoughtfully and deliberately, carefully looking at both sides of every issue. We definitely need good

decision makers on the CMA Board. God has also given Mike a balanced combination of humility to realize he doesn’ t know it all, and a special ability to be a willing learner. He sounds like an excellent addition to the Board.

Mike lovingly honors his wife of 59 years, Margie, as his rock and inspiration. Her Prayer Warrior Spirit and devotion to the Lord and the study of His Word are worthy of praise.

When pressed for a message to you, the membership of CMA, Mike advised that when we get weary in the work and are feeling empty or dry, we should return to our“ burning bush moment.” That moment when God first spoke to you, just like Moses; that memory can reignite you time after time, and carry you through a lifetime of trials, troubles, and service. CMA

Tim Weddle is a media writer for the CMA National / International Support Center.

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