CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS
ASSOCIATION OF QLD. INC.

NEWSLETTER

December 2004

PO BOX 1231 Gladstone Qld 4680
E-mail aourourke@nrggos.com.au

PRESIDENT                 GEOFF T.     0417 707 860

VICE PRES.                  BERT B.       07 4938 1497

SECRETARY                ALAN O’R.   07 4979 4353

TREASURER                NEIL G.        07 4979 2639

BRISBANE                     OLIVER E.   07 3806 1936

SUN COAST                   PETER M.   07 5448 9821

WIDE BAY                       ————

CENTRAL QLD              PAUL H.      07 4978 2523

MACKAY                          WAYNE B.  0439 711 191

TOWNSVILLE                JOHN R.       07 4725 2319

NEWSLETTER ED.   COLIN M.   07 5491 7043

NSW   PO BOX 320, BOMADERRY, 2541

VIC.     PO BOX 140, CARLTON STH, 3053

SA       PO BOX 736, MODBURY 5092         (08 8285 3817)

TAS.   61 BLACKWOOD PDE, BURNIE, 7305

WA.     PO BOX 30, MT HAWTHORN, 6915    (08 9454 7726)

EDITORIAL RAMBLINGS

    
Checking in                                                                             Rod (WA) & Big Ted NSW

 
Biker’s church                                                        Egg toss

 
Linked walking

 
Theo (Tas) relaxing                                                                                      Relaxing

Theo—auctioneer                                                                Poster

Naomi & Ian

Partly due to a fairly short time frame, and partly because the local paper got the days mixed up, we didn't get a huge roll-up to the inaugural Blue Ribbon ride in CQ. We did get 15 people, which we didn't think was too bad, and had a good ride around town, finishing up at McDonalds. The owner of McDonalds very generously donated a free coffee to each participant. We were very pleased to be able to present him with a Certificate of Thanks in recognition of his generosity. We already have the Blue Ribbon Ride penciled in on next year's calendar, so with a bit more planning and promotion we are looking forward to a better response.

Sunday September 12th saw our annual trek to Agnes Water take place. This year for the first time the entire road is sealed, making it a much quicker and more comfortable ride. This year only Bob managed to make it from Rocky, with the rest of us coming from Gladstone. Liz had been conscripted to play the keyboard once again. I think she's a closet biker, but Russell isn't so sure. Ralph led the service in his customary relaxed and informal fashion, and this year I broke with tradition and presented the sermon. After 'morning tea' we headed off to the shops and had lunch at the fish and chip place. We then went to the beach where Elena & Winnie went for a wander while the rest of us struck up conversation with a GTR owner. Must be a good bloke. He was pretty impressed with the LED tail/brake light, cruise control & stereo on my bike. I think he got into trouble with his wife when he went back to the picnic table and told her what he'd seen. We then headed off for an uneventful ride home.

This year we decided to have a proper holiday & do the touristy thing on the way there & back. We took off on 1st November and travelled through Toowoomba, Tamworth, Sydney, Dubbo, Mildura to Adelaide over the next 2 weeks. It was great to catch up with a lot of people we'd met in WA last year and the 2 National Runs before that. The weather was a bit ordinary, but we are definitely spoilt here in CQ. Over the weekend we got to hear about the things that God is doing through CMA in the other States. Especially encouraging is the "Biker Bible" project which was instigated by SA last year. At the start of the National Run they had raised about $4,000 of the required $15,000. By the end of the Run they had $13,000 which is enough to get the Bible Society started on checking out testimonies and pictures ready to start compiling the bible.

The entire weekend was a tribute to the hard work put in by the organisers in CMA SA. Already a lot of the people there are making plans to come to the Gold Coast for the 2005 National Run. We will be looking for volunteers and possibly conscripts during the year to help organise some of the finer details. 

Be prepared! Driver Reviver On 27th November (yes, that's right, straight after returning from the National Run) CMA Central Qld manned the driver reviver station at Granite Creek, about 35km south of Miriam Vale. For the geographically challenged, that's 100km south of Gladstone, or 220km south of Rocky. We did a 24hr shift for the first time, which is quite a big commitment for a relatively small group of people. Once again only Bob made it down from Rocky, but his contribution was very valuable. We met all sorts of 'interesting' people including a few bikers. In some cases we got to share a bit about the Lord, and answer a few questions. The night shift was surprisingly busy, but a couple of us managed to crawl into the borrowed camper van for a couple of hours each, making the trip home a lot safer. We're on again the weekend of 19th & 20th December, which we're anticipating will be a lot busier. Please pray for sufficient manning to cover the 24 hr period. I would encourage other groups to get into the Driver Reviver caper. It's a great way to meet people, requires very little financial input (only milk) and with a small amount of effort can have far-reaching effects for the Kingdom. A bonus is that any donations made during the shift become the property of the organisation providing the manpower.

Swamp Cartoon used with permission. See more at www.swamp.com.au

IS CHRISTMAS TOO COSTLY??

Some people have been complaining that Christmas has become too costly. There has even been a movie made where the leading couple decide to skip all Christmas celebrations one year because their regular activities pertaining to Christmas have become so expensive. So what about the first Christmas? It cost Joseph and Mary a long journey to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus, then another transfer to Egypt when the Angel warned them of Herod's jealousy. It cost the parents around Bethlehem the massacre of their babies when Herod had all boys 2 years old and under killed. The shepherds left their flocks to travel to Bethlehem to worship the Baby. It cost the wise men a journey and expensive gifts for the first Christmas. The early apostles and New Testament church suffered persecution and sometimes martyrdom because of the first Christmas. It cost God the Father His only begotten Son (John 3:16) and it cost Jesus a life of sacrifice and service, and a cruel death unmatched in history.

Is Christmas costly? Yes it is! - But is it TOO costly? No! God with all His foreknowledge knew it was worth the cost to rescue mankind. God deems the cost of Christmas justified. And Christmas, for us, is not too costly if it gives us hope. Christmas is not too costly if we receive God's gift of Jesus and experience God's love. Christmas is not too costly if we experience the forgiveness of sins. Christmas is not too costly if we radiate joy and peace and goodwill. Christmas is not too costly if we tell others about the gospel. And, lastly, Christmas is not too costly if we exercise faith. God's investment in the first Christmas means that when we receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour there are more gifts that flow to us. These gifts are:-

HOPE, GOD'S LOVE, FORGIVENESS, JOY, PEACE & GOODWILL TO OTHERS.

We have the GOOD NEWS to spread and FAITH to exercise daily. So—have a happy and holy Christmas season. Jesus is the reason for the season and all celebrations centred on Christ are worthwhile.

Bert Bunney —– Chaplain

We all met at the Civic Theatre around 9 - 9:30am, giving out blue ribbons and prostate cancer awareness pamphlets as people arrived. Once we were all organised, we rode around town until we got to the McDonalds at the Willows where we all stopped in for a cuppa and some brunch. We handed out some pamphlets while we were at Macca's since we had some left over. At $10 per rider, we raised a total of $150 for prostate cancer research on the ride, and we also had some donations from a local Uniting Church of $130 which brought the total up to $280. We also promoted the Blue Ribbon Ride for prostate cancer on our local Christian radio station, 99.9 Live FM, and even though we didn't get a large response in regards to riders, we feel that the air time would have at least increased awareness about prostate cancer to those who heard our advertisement. Looking forward to doing it all again this time next year, already planning to make it bigger and better!

John and I were staying at Trinity Beach that weekend, (trying to squeeze in a second honeymoon), but we rode down to Bramston Beach to meet our members there and welcome them as they arrived on the Saturday morning. The Vietnam Vets were having a rally, and they invited CMA. Mike & Jenny and the crew from Cairns/Atherton were there, and our members camped with them under the coconut trees. Dave & Linda, Steve & Janine and some other friends from Townsville stayed overnight and attended the rally. Steve said he would do a write up to tell everyone all about it... I must remind him... Anyway, John and I rode back to Bramston beach again on Sunday morning so we could all ride back to Townsville together. They are having it again next year, so we are looking forward to going to the next one. 

Toy Run, 11th of December 2004

Several of us from Townsville CMA participated in this year's Toy Run organised by the MRA, to collect toys to be distributed to needy children at Christmas by the Salvation Army. There was approximately 500 bikes, we all met at the civic theatre in Townsville, and rode to the Kelso RSL in Thuringowa, and had police escorts to help us through the red lights so we could all stay together as a group. The response from the community was good, with people lining the route, either just waving or also contributing to the toy collection. The massive pile of toys at the end will give the Salvos plenty to do this year, in helping bring Christmas joy to everyone.

We all met out at Love Lane Park for our Christmas BBQ this year. It was a family event, we brought kids and partners and just had a good time of food, fun and fellowship. A journalist from the Townsville Bulletin came, and they took some pics of our bikes and will be putting a human interest story about CMA about CMA in next Wednesday's newspaper in the "Soul Searching" pages. We'll send you a copy if it's a good write up. Hopefully it may inspire ome new members to join us in the New Year. Just as the angels sang at the birth of Christ, may you also find a reason to sing this Christmas! 

Blessings, — Stacy & John, on behalf of Townsville CMA.

CHURCH RIDE 12 SEP.

Colin, Bill & I were ready to leave by 9 from the Rustic Cabin, with blue skies over our heads.Bill led us in prayer, then Colin led the way up to Maleny. Just short of the church, Bill pulled over—a nut had come off his gear selector. Soon he had it fixed and we were on our way. We arrived a little late; the service had already started. The local pastor was away on a retreat. We were welcomed at the door and shown to a seat. The service consisted of praise songs and a video of volunteers working in the field. With service over , time for a cup of tea and fellowship (no luncheon today). Time got away so quick—time to go. I led the way down the range to Landsborough to check out the pie shop—smalls good, so we decided to have a pie each. About 1.30 we rode off towards Mal’s home at Beerwah. Bill led the way, but turned off before we got to Mal’s, so Colin & I had a cup of tea with Mal. Soon Colin left us here as Mal & I headed down to Donnybrook. We had a great chat together talking of old times and bikes. Soon it was 4.15—time to go home “Thank you Lord for a great day out, Amen”. A quick trip up the highway and home. 

Keep riding for the Son. Peter.

Saturday October 23, 2004 

The Sunshine Coast morning dawned clear with the promise of hot, dry weather, and so it was – very hot and very dry. The October church run for the Sunshine Coast group was from our usual southern meeting spot near the Caloundra turn-off through to the Ipswich Region Community Church (IRCC) at Flinders View, a south-western suburb of Ipswich. A small group of three met at 2.30pm to pray before tackling the traffic and heat of the day. Off down the old Bruce Highway to Beerwah and then on up the nice curvy roads of the range up through Peachester until we hit the top at Cedarton. Down through a few more curves and a bit of straighter black top until we hit the Caboolture – Kilcoy Road. As our leader preferred the curvy roads, we turned right towards Kilcoy. The nice gentle curves along the highway suited Col on his cruiser but none of us enjoyed waiting in the afternoon heat for our turn to pass through the two lots of road works we encountered. At least we weren’t working on them! Once we escaped them we motored into Kilcoy for a drink and a break from the heat. But church and worship awaits, so back in the saddle again (sounds like a Gene Autry song). A little way out of Kilcoy along the Brisbane Valley Highway we turned left towards Somerset Dam – one of my favourite bits of road. Again we motored along, each at his own pace depending on which type of road we enjoy the most. Had to watch out for one of those most dangerous of traffic hazards, the 4WD towing the boat home from a day of skiing. We avoided all of them and successfully made it through to the Splityard Creek Road that runs from Somerset Dam to Fernvale. A wonderful road made up of beautiful scenery and mainly gentle curves with just a few tight corners to keep you awake. Before long we had made it right through to Fernvale where another drink and a break from the heat beckoned. As we strolled across the road to have our break in the park, another couple of bikes pulled in. One of the guys looked familiar. It turns out that a couple of guys from IRCC had ridden out to meet us and had timed it well. It was introductions all round and we all enjoyed a chat and a drink in the relative cool of the afternoon. After quite a long break we high-tailed it towards Ipswich. We arrived at the church just a few minutes before church started at 6.00pm. We enjoyed a good time of worship, teaching and fellowship. We were made quite welcome by the “natives” and enjoyed the hotdog supper. But all good things mus t come to an end. (Who said that anyway? Can’t have been a Christian as they’d know that heaven will last forever and you won’t find anything better than that.) So it was onto our faithful steeds once more for the pleasant cool ride home. We took the easy way home – along the Cunningham Highway, Ipswich Road, Centenary Highway, Milton Road, Inner City Bypass and then onto the Gateway Motorway and Bruce Highway north. We stopped along the way for fuel and a drink and a final chat before the last stage home. Onto the bikes for the last time to head home to our families. Finally arrive home about 10pm knowing that we’d had a great day of fellowship and riding.

SOME OF US WENT TO THE MEMORIAL RUN HELD BY GOD’S SQUAD IN SEPTEMBER. 
HERE WE SEE BILL & GWEN WITH OLI AT THE START OF THE RIDE.

National Run

Thank you for attending the CMA National Run at Tatachilla in SA and helping make it such a success. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and unity. A DVD of video footage and photos taken at the national run will be available by mid January for interested parties. For further details, contact Naomi M. on 8250 2459 or email inmilner@hotmail.com 

Bible Project.

Thank you to everyone who bid on the auction or made donations to the bible fund. $2000 was raised on the weekend. WA gave us the $2000 they had pledged to raise which brings the total to $12,000. We have approximately $3,000 more to be raised. The Bible Society is confident of our commitment/ability to raise the total amount and will go ahead with production as soon as we provide them with Biker testimonies (500 to 700 words) and artwork (motorcycle related photos). So please, if you offered to write your testimony or know of someone who has a stirring motorcycle related testimony, write it down and send in to  bikerbibles@hotmail.com> or snail mail to:-

CMA of Australia SA Inc 
PO Box 736
MODBURY SA 5092

No Show Rally

Reminder: The No Show Motorcycle Rally is on next weekend 27-28th November 2004. Visit the website at www.geocities.com/noshowrally  and complete the entry form and email it to us or mail it to us with your entry fee of $10. All money raised to go to CBMI (Christian Blind Mission International). CBMI is the largest organisation in the world helping children and adults who are blind and disabled in the world's poorest countries. For every 3 entries we receive a blind person in a 3rd world country can receive an operation to regain their sight.

PAGE 18  Go to page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19   of this newsletter  |  Back to Top  |  Back to Newsletters  |  Home Page 

The Suncoast Group held a memorial ride in memory of Gordon Crocker who died last September. 
This is the news item from the “Suncoast Daily” newspaper.

PAGE 19 Go to page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19   of this newsletter  |  Back to Top  |  Back to Newsletters  |  Home Page 

LINK TO OUR STATEMENT OF BELIEF

LINK TO MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM

 Go to page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19   of this newsletter  |  Back to Top  |  Back to Newsletters  |  Home Page