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Christian Motorcyclist’s Associationof Australiaas seen by.........Roy Breyley (Life Member CMA NSW) The
association was formed in 1979 by two
Sydney Christian Motorcyclist’s Clubs and a number of lone riders. The
original idea came from Greg Hirst of Brotherhood CMC. Brotherhood CMC
and The Disciples CMC who decided upon the name of the association,
without
any knowledge of the Christian Motorcyclist’s Association of America,
which was formed during 1976 by Herbert Shreve, ( Senior). CMA was
called an association and not a club so as Christian riders, who did
not want to belong to a club with the responsibility of club
involvement, could be linked with Christian motorcyclists where ever
they lived without being deeply involved. It also meant Christian
Motorcycle Clubs could join and fellowship with other Christian bikers
in a fellowship setting, rather than because of any evangelistic or
task orientated purpose, (after all this is what the clubs existed
for).
Later on in time Hirsty, one of the original founders was to visit America CMA and also meet with members from CMA South Africa, which by my records was founded in 1980. We note that CMA is established in United Kingdom as well, formed 1980, plus possibly Germany also. We were asked some time ago to share with as an international link with Herbie Shreve (junior) taking on the role of International Chairman. There was to be an International Newsletter to be published but I did not see that eventuate. Maybe I was partly to blame, as I did not send in very much NSW information on events etc. We were busy being CMA of NSW. From this, and Barry Hugget’s visit to an International Rally in America, with also a visit by Herbie Shreve to a BBQ with us at Dave Beard’s place, to be followed with Herbie travelling to our National Run held in Buxton, Victoria in 1992, we had a loose connection with CMA America. Herbie was visiting Australia on behalf of Open Doors organisation. Since then we had the pleasure of a visit from Joel Wise in 2001 to Yackandandah, who is one of nine people who head up CMA America. We were still a separate identity as it would seem that UK and RSA are doing their thing / ministry in a manner that suits their needs. My own involvement started when I saw an advertisement for a gathering of Christian riders to be held at Hume Weir camping ground, under the auspices of Brotherhood, The Disciples and God Squad. I must admit I cannot remember if this was 1980 or 1981. I note that 1982 would have been when they officially called this meeting the National Run by the seventh National Run being in the Newsletter for 1988. The National Run was moved to Riverglade Van Village, Tumut from the Hume Weir in 1986. The 2002 National Run to be hosted by NSW and held at Narrandera would then be the 21st. National Run. CMA Victoria I think would have been formed in 1988 / 89 with Queensland commencing in 1989. South Australia must have started before 1993 with Tasmania in 1993. Western Australia has also commenced with a representative attending the National Run in 2001. Incorporation
for NSW was achieved in 1993 / 94. 2002 – 2003, CMA USA or International informs Australia that the previous coalition agreement is cancelled and for Australia to join CMA International “under one banner and patch”. This was and is non-negotiable which is a problem for us as we do not and will not wear a “back-patch.” CMA Australia voted to remain as Australia and not join CMA International “at this time” indicating that the non-negotiable issues ever become negotiable, we would only be too happy to sit around the table as brothers and sisters in Christ to work out a new agreement. 2006 - We see this previous non-negotiable statement “under one banner and patch” as having been a mis-understanding by one of the USA members and we are now working as a separate identity “CMA Australia” with CMA International. God is blessing us as we ride and share with others in 2007 by local rides, invitation rides, Sharing Weekends with churches and communities, Annual Teaching Weekend and our National Run hosted by the states in turn. I trust this history is of interest to you. CMA has developed to what it is today with many members being involved, but it still stands as an association where you as a member can be active as much or as little you so desire. The main aim is to encourage each other in our Christian lives, to support Christian living every day whether or not you are on a CMA event. CMA is an on-going organisation with a desire to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ wherever He may take us, as this is the responsibility of any Christian. It is you the members who do this as you stand along side your fellow Christians and bike riders. May God Bless us all as we seek His guidance. Yours in His service Roy Breyley.
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