The Extra Mile CMA - CANADA NEWSLETTER. Volume 25, Number 4 October Front Page News. Yvon (Ivan) and Irene Audette, Board Chair, CMA Canada

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1 The Extra Mile CMA - CANADA NEWSLETTER Volume 25, Number 4 October 2018 Front Page News Yvon (Ivan) and Irene Audette, Board Chair, CMA Canada Every year it seems that the summers go by faster and faster. We just get through our Spring Rallies and take a breath and then our Regional Rallies are over. Must be due to climate change or something like that. I know there has been a lot of activity with many of you thanks to the event reports you send in! And some of you are doing lots out there but aren t telling anybody. It would be great for us to know so that we can give God the glory for all the things He is doing; we re not bragging but acknowledging His work in us and through us. We are just ordinary people serving a great God. Irene is slowly recovering from her surgery and is increasing her activity level, sometimes by more than what she should. It s hard to keep a good girl down, so she does what she wants and then crashes. This past couple of weeks we have been very busy getting our rental unit ready for new tenants and had to practically repaint the whole place. Well since Irene is our painter decorator but she had to let me do the painting (an activity I would rather not do) so she would do a little bit and then coach me on the proper method of painting. I didn t know there was a proper method! Well we did get through it and amazingly enough we are still friends and still married. whew! We replaced floors, fixed cupboards, cleaned and tackled a whole list of odds and ends. Irene is quite the trooper and is ready to go back and tackle the next day s projects. Since coming back from this year s rallies we have been very busy catching up on all the stuff here at home. One other thing we had to care for right away was our vegetable garden. It has done extremely well for being left for a month, and veggies were coming on like crazy when we got back. One of the things that I just harvested were sweet potatoes. They did very well! Over two wheelbarrows full of huge sweet potatoes but there was one thing that did get into them, moles! These little vermin burrowed underground and chewed on the potatoes; not just one or two but many of them, one bite here and one bite there. You would think that they would just eat one and finish it off sparing the rest, but they didn t. Thankfully we can salvage most of them, but many are spoiled. This reminded me of a scripture in the Bible where it says in Song of Solomon 2:15 KJV: Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes. The foxes would go undetected and bite at the Continued on page 3

2 The Extra Mile Christian Motorcyclists Association of Canada Box 521, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 5G1 Phone: (403) Website: Editor: Susan Derksen Submission Policy: Submissions for publications are welcome and encouraged. They may, or may not, be published and will not be returned unless accompanied by a suitable stamped and self-addressed envelope. All submissions are subject to editing. They should reflect a positive, uplifting Christian attitude. Various points of view on every subject are common among people of goodwill. The publication of an article, or letter, does not necessarily indicate the endorsement of the Christian Motorcyclists Association of Canada. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the Christian Motorcyclists Association of Canada The Christian Motorcyclists Association of Canada (CMA) CMA is an inter-denominational association of Christian motorcyclists, whose mission is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with motorcyclist, or anyone who wishes to hear the gospel message. The heart and soul of the ministry is, and shall remain, evangelism. CMA is a charitable, non-profit organization, funded through support from its chapters and members. All gifts made to CMA Canada, at the address listed, are taxdeductible. CMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ivan Audette Chairman Don Wiens Vice Chairman/Treasurer Lynne Ross Board Member Gaius Ricker Board Member CMA NATIONAL EVANGELISTS Prairie Region - James and Helene Rosso (weagle@mts.net) Atlantic Region - Malcolm and Gail Read (twinklingofaneye@hotmail.com) Save the Date Seasons of Refreshing 2019 March Saskatoon, SK March Edmonton, AB April 5-6 Vancouver Island, BC April Lower mainland, BC April St Stephens, NB May 3-4 Brockville, ON CMA CANADIAN COORDINATORS Prison Ministries Coordinators: Jerry and Ruth Forst (moonstone47@shaw.ca) Region 1 BC: Richard Fulljames (ranger@fulljames.org) Region 4 and 5 ON & QC: Clark and Jill Oakley (oakleyfam@sympatico.ca) Deadline for submissions for the next CMA National Newsletter is November 15, submissions to: susan@cmacanada.ca The Extra Mile October 2018 Page 2

3 Continued from page 1 tender vines killing them, it was just like the moles burrowing underground, biting the sweet potatoes spoiling some and you don t see it until it s too late just like those secret sins in our lives that are just beneath the surface. We don t see it or don t think it s a big deal until it s too late. (Just a little garden analogy.) I have read a great posting from Franklin Graham, a statement of faith for himself and for the ministries he leads, I believe in God. I believe in His Son, Jesus Christ. And I believe in the Holy Spirit. I believe my God is three-in-one. I believe that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to this earth to take our sins. That He died on a cross and shed His blood for all the sins of mankind. I believe He took our sins to the grave, and I believe in the resurrection. God raised Him to life on the third day, and I believe He is coming again. This is God s Gospel and I believe there is supernatural, Holy Spirit-filled power in this message. Jesus commanded us to, Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel I believe without Christ, a soul will be lost, condemned to hell for all eternity. This should motivate all of us to share the Good News of God s love to a sick, dying, and compromising world. I am called and committed to preaching this message as long as I have breath or until the Lord returns. I liked it so much that I have adopted it for myself serving CMA. **I am also committed to taking Christian Motorcyclists Association forward in this millennium, proclaiming this Gospel to as many people as we possibly can by every means possible. We will continue to do what we have been doing for the past 26 years, reaching the lost, changing the World one heart at a time, so that we can reach them with the truth of God s love, that He sent His Son Jesus Christ to earth to take our sins to the cross. Evangelism is simply reaching the lost with this message. We should be concerned about how we can reach more, and not get sidetracked. Several years ago Nike had an ad that said, Just Do It! That s our job that s what we are to do today. I m not interested in fanning out in all kinds of directions. I m interested in focusing on one direction reaching lost souls with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is calling people to cross the line from death to life, in Him. That s evangelism. And that s what evangelicalism should be about. Italics mine** We should continue to forge ahead, with one goal, and not be sidetracked. We have partnered with three other ministries that help us do this: Jesus Film Project, Open Doors, and Missionary Ventures International. These ministries are experts, professionals in what they do. We do not need to go and try to do what they are already doing. If we go off and step into their areas of expertise we are missing the mark and neglecting what we are called to do; we are missing our Vision of reaching the lost bikers. There are so many good causes facing us every day for our attention, for our time and for our funds. That is why we have only one fundraiser for CMA Canada and International. Run for The Son. That s it. We can participate in many fundraisers, help with serving in many ways but we do not initiate these. We help by serving in whatever way we can, and by remembering to pay our way to participate when required. We are heading into October, and there are still lots of opportunity for ministry out there, end of season rides and get-together s. Our nominations and elections are coming up quickly. Prayerfully consider the position you would be nominated for, participate in the process. Make sure you qualify to vote and are active in CMA and the chapter. There will be bike shows to get ready for. Participate in them! Attend and help where you can, plus go and see the introduction of new motorcycles and meet vendors...it s going to be an exciting time!! It is also a great time to plan church visits! God Bless you as you serve our Lord Jesus Christ through CMA Canada. Ivan & Irene The Extra Mile October 2018 Page 3

4 Family By James & Helene Rosso, National Evangelist Prairie Region 1 Cor 1:4-9 (KJV) I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in everything ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord By the time this newsletter is on the website we will be preparing for two events this month. Of course, we all know that the stores will be filled with turkeys and all the fixings for thanksgiving. Families will gather together around the kitchen table and the house will be filled with the aroma of a home cooked meal. Memories will be shared, and blessings will be given as we thank God for his provision and his grace towards us. Some memories will be humorous others will be sad as we remember those who are no longer with us in body. Paul begins this passage with thanksgiving for various blessings bestowed upon the church of Corinth, which is a proof of the apostle's great love for it, and how much its welfare was on his heart. The object of thanksgiving is God, because he is the author of all mercies, and therefore, he should be given the glory and praise for them. The apostle calls him "my God", to distinguish him from all others; and to express his faith in Him as the only true God; and to confirm to this church, that all the good things they enjoyed came from Him, who was his God and their God, his Father and their Father. This is the reason he thanked Him for them, and by so doing set them an example. As I look back upon this year I too am thankful for all that God has done in your lives. Our theme this year at both Seasons and our Regional Rally was Family. Now the human family is not perfect, many if not all are dysfunctional to some extent. Families are like fudge - mostly sweet, with a few nuts. As I have had the privilege to visit each of the Prairie Region chapters and have rubbed shoulders with members I am amazed at what I find. I find grace expressed in the lives of our members, not perfect people but people of grace willing to give of their time and resources for the opportunity to share the love of Christ. Each time we get together whether it has been at Seasons, the Regional Rally, secular events or a chapter ride it s like a family reunion. Each time there has been a need, members step up to the plate. I thank God for these God moments and opportunities to see the servant hearts of our members expressed in practical ways. I also thank God for our leadership teams who have served faithfully this year in their chapters, at the rallies and in the secular arena. To me your faithfulness and commitment to use your God given gifts to serve in CMA and the world is indescribably inspiring. As a quick reminder October is also the time that we prayerfully consider our roll within the local chapters. Whom should we nominate? What position should I let my name stand for? Who do I vote for? Truly we need to seek God s direction and commit ourselves to be faithful to use our God given gifts in His service. Helene and I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all our members for all you do for our Lord. Your outstanding giving to Run for the Son this year was remarkable. The love you have expressed to us is appreciated. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers and for being part of CMA. God Bless you all. James & Helene The Extra Mile October 2018 Page 4

5 God s Provision By Jack & Debbie Matheson, New Creations, London, ON Philippians 4:19 (ESV) And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. On a recent trip to Nova Scotia I spent some time with Malcolm Read the Atlantic Region National Evangelist. As we were sharing of some of our "God moments" Malcolm suggested that I sent this in for the newsletter. This week alone God provided protection as Deb and I traveled to Nova Scotia, transportation to get material to fix my windshield vent when it broke out after hitting a huge pot hole, finances to purchase a lunch when I forgot my wallet and a helper with the tools and a place to do the work to fix the vent. Thanks Malcolm Read for all your help, support, and most of all the time we had to share our experiences of God's provision. On my way to Nova Scotia I hit a huge pot hole, or a small crater, I'm not sure which it was, but it seemed like my rear wheel entered into it before the front wheel was forced out by the other side. It hit hard, and everything was slightly air born including the trailer which quickly followed the bike through the hole. God protected us, and no one was hurt and the bike stayed upright. A couple of days later Deb and I went to Moncton NB to pick up some tires for my trailer. On the way there we hit yet another pot hole so hard my windshield air vent shattered in two, (I'm thinking weakened by the first hole on the trip down.) The outside half went flying over my head while the inside peace hit me in the face. I caught it before it flew off, and handed it to Deb. The hole in the windshield didn't bother me until we had a light rain. I was amazed at how much rain came through that now small hole in the windshield where the vent used to be. I decided to patch the hole. I was sharing with Malcolm Read my intent to find the parts I needed to fix and he instantly offered to come and pick me up the next morning to shuttle me around to find what I needed. (God's provision at work) We went to a few places around Amherst NS. After checking a few stores, we went to "Go Glass" at 9 Industrial Park Dr. in Amherst. We explained to the manager/owner what we needed; as we were looking through the different sizes of Plexiglas, one of the other workers came over and passed him a peace about 10X20" and then the manager asked me if this would work, I said yeas and he passed it to me. When I asked him how much for this piece, he smiled and said nothing as in no cost for the glass. Before going to fix the windshield Malcolm and I decided to go to lunch, I thought since he was driving me all over town I would buy, but when we arrived at the restaurant I realized I had no wallet. Malcolm said he normally doesn't carry any cash on him but that morning for some reason he had gone to the bank and got out some money, otherwise neither of us would have had any cash. (God's provision) Also, on our way to Nova Scotia after traveling eight hundred Km and spending about five hours trying to find either a campground or other accommodations, traveling an extra four hundred km we ended up at a Wal-Mart where we were able to set up a tent-trailer for the night at no cost. (God's provision) We (CMA) spend a lot of time on the road going to events to tell others about Jesus and salvation through Him, let's not forget the things He does for us each day when we share our stories. May you be blessed of God and watch and see how He supplies all your needs according to His riches in Jesus Christ. Jack & Debbie The Extra Mile October 2018 Page 5

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7 Run for the Son By Gary Ross, Run for the Son Lead, CMA Canada It s getting to be that time of year when riding season is coming to an end. The scenery is awesome when we see the leaves changing color and we can enjoy God s beautiful handiwork. This is also the time of year when we may be making some changes in our chapters. We need to be in prayer as it is also time for nominating and electing our new chapter officers. There is another need in the chapter and that is for Run for the Son volunteers. Each chapter should have a Chapter RFTS Lead and a Chapter RFTS Secretary. Both positions can be filled by the same person or two different people. Even though these positions are not chapter officers, chapter officers may fill them. This position(s) needs to be selected and affirmed by the chapter. Prayerfully consider who will fill these positions. The chapter executive is asked to recognize the importance of supporting the chapter s RFTS positions. The RFTS Lead/Secretary should be given time at every chapter meeting to promote RFTS. The RFTS Lead will make sure all the packets and receipts are handed out on time. They will work with the other chapter members to help them come up with ideas and promotions to help the chapter and membership in their RFTS efforts. The Lead should also report good ideas and what the chapter is doing to the Provincial or National Lead, so those great ideas can be shared across the country. They should look for ways to build enthusiasm and excitement to help the chapter and membership for RFTS in the chapter. The Lead will encourage each of us to prayerfully set our personal and chapter goals for RFTS for this year. Working together we can make RFTS 2019 a success. Remember success means we have done the best we can do. RFTS 2018 was an awesome year as we exceeded our goal of $135, Our goal for 2019 is set at $150, It s not too early to start raising funds. Let s all get out there and help make a difference for Jesus. Feel free to contact me at anytime if you have any questions or great ideas at giross@shaw.ca Gary This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND The Extra Mile October 2018 Page 7

8 The Goodness of God A Praise Report By Bruce Ewanyshyn, Christian Light Riders, Brandon, MB My heart is overwhelmed with joy as I write this after truly witnessing the goodness of God today in the land of the living! Earlier today I shared with a young autistic man that God is good and amazing; this came from an opportunity to witness to him as he sat on my green American IronHorse parked on the police station lot while enjoying revving up the motor many times. I had no idea that later that day, the Lord would truly give me a taste of His goodness within hours of me speaking about His goodness. I had thought of wording this as a praise report testifying to the power of prayer, but all my heart sees today through this experience is the goodness of God. In fact, after what took place at the Brandon Correctional Centre today, I felt compelled to repent to God for my unbelief, and I did just that. Despite my lack of belief, his praises were and are on my lips for I know He inhabits the praises of His people and I hunger to see more of Him. Here is what has filled my heart with joy To provide some background, we go back to May 26 th, when the Christian Light Riders of CMA, took our motorcycles into the Brandon Correctional Centre compound. I bless CMA for these opportunities to minister in prison twice a year; there is value in holding a membership with an organization that is recognized and respected by many including Corrections Manitoba. This respect was established years ago by faithful CLR members ministering at BCC, establishing a solid biblical foundation; this ministry door was opened long before I became involved with CMA and prison ministry; today I enjoy reaping the benefits of an established ministry. Thus, on May 26th, I was able to share a message with two large groups of inmates. During the time that followed the messages, there was one on one personal prayer, and that leads me to the meat of this testimony. One of the inmates after the message approached us and thanked us for coming; he identified himself as Christian. Sheryl and I asked what we could pray over him. He mentioned family. We were able to see that he had a left foot almost dragging and he limped noticeably. He said he was in pain but made comments that he had accepted this condition and the pain despite not being able to sleep much. He had this condition for years because of tremendous trauma. We could see he believed in the goodness and love of God; however, I m not so sure He believed that the Lord would heal him. He said he was okay with this condition and didn t appear to desire to receive any prayer for his leg. Well, the focus of our prayer ended up being for healing for his leg. I prayed, then Sheryl prayed, and as she pressed in, I recall looking at him and his leg thinking he is not receiving and this would take an amazing miracle. I spoke words to him that we were believing for full healing but, being honest, there was unbelief in me as I looked at the circumstances. How ironic considering I had just shared a message on Matthew 14:22-33 with Jesus and Peter walking on the water; a message of faith, hope and most of all God s grace. There I was like Peter looking at the circumstances instead of focusing on Jesus and sinking in my unbelief. Sheryl pressed on in prayer while I was already looking to see whom else we could pray for. Sheryl asked him to test his leg once or twice during the prayer process and he said it was the same. We concluded our time with him saying we were believing for a miracle. He thanked us, asked for a Bible which he gratefully received, I gave him a hug and we went to pray for the next person. This afternoon June 6th, I was at the Brandon Correctional Centre on duty and executing DNA Orders on inmates. An inmate walked into the room where I had set up, sat down and looked at me with an expression of surprise. He exclaimed, you are the motorcycle guy that was in here speaking. I said yes, I am he. This gentleman whom I ll refer to as D, got a big smile on his face and said you prayed for me. I said yes, I did. What came forth next from his lips was the very goodness of God. He began The Extra Mile October 2018 Page 8

9 bursting with joy as he said everything has been different since that day. He told me he is doing great and is not only walking well but has been able to exercise everyday. He said he can sleep now at night because he is not in pain. He testified how good God is and how excited he is about life. We rejoiced together, and my heart filled up with amazement for God Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! An incomparable sense of the goodness of God welled up in me. As I fingerprinted this man, I broke out in prayer for him; I couldn t contain it. That is the first time I have prayed for someone while in the process of fingerprinting; I ve prayed in uniform before or after but never during. The Correctional Officers looking on must have thought I had lost it LOL. We talked for a while and he shared that he is getting out in a week and heading back up to his Northern First Nations community. I didn t ask D if he was 100% healed; I saw him walking and thanking God for everything being different; I heard him talking about no pain and about exercising and feeling great; talking about looking forward to going fishing; sometimes there is no need to ask for the level of healing especially when you are now believing God for 100%. We concluded our time by sharing a good hug and he walked out of the room without abnormality. As I write this and reflect on today s God encounter, I feel very child-like. Not in a negative condemning sense but with an understanding that after walking with the Lord for almost 11 years, reading and praying His Word every day, I understand and know so little about our Father; just like a child who wants to be like his dad but hasn t gone through the maturation process and really has no clue. Yet despite my unbelief, the Lord gave me a large drink of His goodness today; this is essence of His character. Yes, HE is awesome and amazing, extravagant in love, in grace, and in mercy. Perhaps He healed D because my wife had faith; perhaps He healed because we spoke scripture over D and said we were believing for a miracle. We talked with D about forgiveness towards the one who inflicted the trauma and he said he had already forgiven them so forgiveness was not a key to his healing. I could put forth many perhaps but most likely, God healed him because He desires to heal; it is His desire to heal all that are afflicted. So perhaps it has nothing to do with my level of faith or belief but has everything to do with HIM. Sheryl and I desire to pray for people; we desire to see God s love touch people; we desire to see the miraculous; meanwhile, God desires that ALL would come to know His heart of love. We need to continue to step out despite our unbelief and our shortcomings. I have seen people healed before my eyes; I ve seen demons cast out; yet today hearing and seeing D made a greater impact on my heart than all the other experiences combined. For myself, I tasted the goodness of JESUS despite myself. HE is so GOOD!! I am not discounting my wife s faith in this testimony nor have I asked her where her faith level was at during our time with D ; it may have been high and maybe the Lord honored that. Yet all I see with the eyes of my heart in this very moment is not the power of prayer but the goodness of God. Maybe therein lies the lesson; it truly is ALL ABOUT HIM. Bruce God Sees It All By Malcolm & Gail Read, National Evangelist Atlantic Region I have had so many thoughts and ideas go through my mind this year regarding CMA here in the Atlantic Region. I have also had some things slip through my mind as well, and not likely am I alone on that. Here in the rapid pace of society with folks rushing to and fro, we tend to get caught up in the rush rush mode of life trying to get all our dates and events booked and remembered and attended. The interesting thing is though I do not recall ever having read in the Bible that Jesus said ok we must get going or we will be late. The Extra Mile October 2018 Page 9

10 When you look at the focus of a chapter for the year and the events that they would like to attend and do, that is the easy part, yes, I said the easy part. The greater challenge is to match these situations up with a person s available time to an event on the calendar. From one end of this country to another more than likely on any given weekend in any province there are a multitude of bike rallies to go to. On top is CMA s interest in being at as many of these bike rallies as we can, to be a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ and share the gospel. There are also member s personal interests in attending a bike rally that they have never been to before. God sees all this and considers all our moves. Psalm 40:1and 2 are a nice reminder of God overseeing benevolence of our lives. It is he if we are prayerful and patience, that will direct our paths and establish our goings. If that is the case and I really should not have used the word if, then why rush? Also Proverbs 3:5-6 confirms this. There has been more than one occasion where Gail and I have sought the Lord s blessing upon a course of action and planned visit, only to be led in another direction, No I want you to go here instead. It is extremely challenging to heed this change of plan on the spot, but God sees this as well. Someone once told me God knows who is ready to receive his word and is searching hard for it, but we do not allow God to lead us to them. Throughout this summer Gail and I have heard from a goodly number of CMA ers about their experiences that did not go exactly as they had planned. In other words, their thoughts, ideas, plans and aspirations got put on the back burner while something else happened. And here is the point of all this. Marvellous things happened! How is it that these God moments showed up outside of our planned expectations? Would these wonderful situations have turned out if we had of done things our way and stayed on our course, not likely? Even the CMA members are acknowledging the hidden direction of the Holy Spirit and thanking God for taking them here instead of there. I personally had some serious doubts about our regional rally here a short while ago. Saturday was planned to the hour with breakfast, rides, games, tours, visit a bike rally, BBQ, camp fire, sing song, special speaker. As you can see, well filled with all the best of intentions. Until God in his wisdom said let it rain. Being challenged with some personal issues as well I was trying to take it in stride; do I intercede and add something that I had up my sleeve or just go with it. It took a couple of weeks for the answers to come. They came in the form of event reports beginning to file in on the rally. Not one lament, only thanking and praising God for a great relaxing weekend. God saw this I believe and looked at all our efforts for him and offered us a time to just fellowship and talk with other CMA members that we honestly do not get to chat with much. One member stated I had an opportunity to talk as long as I wanted with other members; I do not get this chance very much. Another thanked me for just inviting him out to dinner with us all. I even had personal s saying that the weekend was very much enjoyed and so relaxing. I suspect that this can be said right across the country, that sometimes our very best of plans go the wrong way for a higher reason. So sometimes we just need to let go and have God steer our lives completely. It s not going to be easy to do that, but he sees the things that we cannot and knows the things we do not. The one thing about us is that we get to look back and see that God was already really with us. God on the other hand is always able to look ahead. Continue to enjoy what we try to do best, serve a gracious and mighty God. Malcolm & Gail The Extra Mile October 2018 Page 10