Well, here we are already – into another year. Welcome to 2025. The years, for me, seem to be going by faster than ever. Our lives seem to be becoming busier, but we need to keep our focus on the things our Lord has charged us with, and on the important things here on this earth.
We look around us, and the current state of this world, clearly shows us that we are in the “last days”. Our focus needs to be totally on Christ, his church, and studying his word. The book of Job, is a great example for us to study, during these times. When Job had lost his ten children, his vast wealth, and was covered in sores from head to toe, he refused his wife’s suggestion to curse God. Instead, he declared “shall we only accept good from God, and not trouble?”.
As we look for the work of providence in the world, let us not be preoccupied with ourselves, but look outward to those around us, as we have all been created by him, and are loved by him. We must trust God fully, all day, every day. We must learn to desire him, delight in him, trust in him, depend on him and be devoted to him. How can we learn to accept both his comforts and his crosses from him, with an un-answering trust?

  • We must trust God 7 days per week. Sundays are easier to spend time with him, as we worship with other Christians, as we usually rest from our weekly work and routines. The spiritual resources that we strengthen ourselves on Sundays, must continue through the rest of the week to continue trusting God.
  • Whether busy, or relaxing, we must always remember the Lord. Even on our busiest days, when we are fully occupied, our hearts can still be focussed on him, through a habitual concern of his glory and recognition of his mighty hand at work. (Romans 12: 1-2). When relaxing, and focussing on “me time”, this time should also be “him time” as well. (Psalm 63:6).
  • In prosperity and adversity, when the world smiles on us, we must thank the one who provides all, and ask his blessing, as well as his guidance, wisdom and grace, to use for his glory and purposes. When the world frowns upon us, we must not fret or fear, but continue to trust in him. We must bring our afflictions before his throne, asking that He will use our experiences to grow in faith, strength and to be more like Him. (Job 1:21) (Philippians 4:12).
  • Our trust in God must be both in youth and in old age. No one is too young to serve the Lord. The story of little Samuel, who heard the Lord’s call, and obeyed, is well known in 1 Samuel Ch:3, but the Bible also commends those who are mindful of their creator, despite the distractions of youth (Ecclesiastes 12:1). Those who have done the will of God, and their serving work is at an end, require patience to enable them to wait for their calling home to be with him. Long years of service, make older saints, the best guides for younger generations, on how to wait trustingly on God.
  • We must cast our daily cares upon our Lord. For some, this process will need to be repeated numerous times throughout the day. It may be the same concern we have, or a number of fresh problems descending upon us. (1 Peter 5:7).
  • We must manage our daily work or schedule for Christ, whether it be for an earthly employer, or for ourselves. Whatever we do on a daily basis, is ultimately for the Lord, and for his glory. (Colossians 3: 17,23).
  • We must endeavour to resist our earthly temptations, by his grace. Satan is constantly at work to trap us and trip us up. Praying to Christ for his strength to resist these temptations daily, is a must. (1 Corinthians 10:13).
  • As followers of Christ, troubles and grief are to be expected. Jesus said that we must take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23) and that in this world, we will have trouble (John 16: 33 and 15: 18-20). These afflictions are often the will of God, and are a means for us to grow in our faith, in grace and holiness.
    We must remind ourselves continually that our God is all-powerful, all-knowing and all-loving. Often, we do not understand his ways, but we can always trust in him!

CMA MATTERS
Our 2025 AGM / fellowship weekend, was held on the 1st and 2nd March hosted by our Illawarra area members. A great time of fellowship together was enjoyed by all in attendance. Our new committee was voted in for 2025. A full report on the weekend is available below, the CMA web site, and Facebook page.

Planning for the 2026 National Run is well underway. A visit to the camp site will be conducted in early April, by some members of the planning committee.
We need a couple of more volunteers to come on to the planning committee, to help out with tasks involved. Your committee position will mainly involve zoom meetings, with your valued input, and the possibility of carrying out an assigned task given to you. Please contact myself or the Vice President to put up your hand. We really need your help in this regard.
Well, that’s all I have for now. Please don’t hesitate to provide the committee with ideas for rides, church raids and events you may have in mind. We need CMA NSW/ACT to be active amongst our communities, and serving our Lord.
Blessings to you all, as you continue to serve our Lord, within CMA NSW/ACT, and in the areas that Christ has called you to. I look forward to catching up with you at an event some time.

Graeme Bingham – CMA NSW/ACT President

CMA NSW/ACT AGM Report – 2025

The Illawarra Area turned on a very warm and steamy week end for our 2025 Annual General Meeting / fellowship weekend. After numerous attempts at booking a venue, we finally were blessed with the facilities at Bulli Anglican Church in the Northern Illawarra.

It was back to basics in some respects with the traditional CMA sleeping arrangements on the floor of the old hall, but we were well looked after with access to a hot shower, ample parking space and a cemetery on site to explore. Bulli village is well catered for in the provision of cafes, pubs, RSLs, Workers Clubs and breweries all within walking distance of the venue.

We were forced to walk to a very pleasant hospitality outlet (brewery/restaurant) on Friday night to allow the Youth Group to run wild on the property, but they all cleared out eventually and we enjoyed the evening breeze coming through the french doors of our hall (ie we left the doors open).

Saturday saw bikes, trikes and Can-Am thingies arrive for devotions, delivered by Sven Barter, and the day ride led by Braam Meyer through the Southern Highlands and coastal escarpment around Jamberoo, Saddleback Mountain, Kiama, Berry and Kangaroo Valley.

Returning to Bulli, we settled down to our 2025 AGM where Area Coordinators gave their reports. Unfortunately, our current President Graeme Bingham was unable to attend to deliver his President’s Report, but this was read out by the Vice President. Ian Dodd gave the Treasurer’s Report and then there were a few surprise awards in recognition of Long Service. Recipients were:-

Elwyn Jordan, John Kroon, Graeme Bingham, Mark Felsch, Neville Hermann and Dan & Sheree McGinty.

Grahame Bertram and Terry & Pam Beavan were awarded Life Membership by Margarita Day, the National Coordinator.

Sunday morning saw us up early so people could start their long rides home to Wagga, Hay or Griffith and those remaining stayed on for the 10:00am Service.

It was a great week end and I would like to thank the staff of Bulli Anglican Church for their hospitality throughout the time we were there.

Grahame Bertram – Vice President