Our last Executive / Trustees meeting was held at the World Horizon’s Mission base in Llanelli, they very kindly invite us to have a weekend away to focus on issues that need more time than our monthly meeting allow. It also gives an opportunity to catch up with the WH team and their mission across the world. As I was still recuperating from my surgery Sandy drove me down to Llanelli – my hero!

On the Sunday I was invited to preach at Ty Gwyn Community Church Llanelli where we received a very warm welcome, a number of the WH team attend the church.

During my convalescence I have been able to focus on planning my year and computer based work.

I received an invitation to speak about the ministry of CMA at a Methodist Church service in Middlesbrough that focused on ‘Home Mission’ – twelve CMA attended including some from Tyne and Wear. We had a superb response and the congregation gave a donation towards CMA.

As an Executive we have been looking into an online conference package that would enable us to cut down on the number of ‘face to face’ meetings we have at Birmingham, the basic Skype software hasn’t been effective enough. We are grateful to Jason for accessing alternatives and hope to have one in place very soon.

On the 3rd of March I saw my specialist at the hospital thankfully he confirmed that I can now drive and ride again; although my joints are still sore I really feel like I am making a good recovery. He anticipates the swelling and pain will clear by the end of May.

Sandy and I led the first NW Regional Day at Knowle Green Church, Clitheroe, Lancashire there was a good turn out with five branches represented and the feedback was very positive. We have booked the venue and same weekend for next year. The meeting involved Worship/Prayer, Regional Resources, Sharing Testimonies Effectively and we had an open discussion on the Cross/Patch. The South Lancashire Branch provided a substantial lunch and numerous coffee breaks.

On Saturday 12th March I organised a non - profit coach trip to the Edinburgh Bike Show for local bikers and their families, 48 attended. It was a successful day and gave me opportunity to meet up with members of the Forth and Tay / Rest of Scotland branches, vendors, Tribe of Judah etc. I was particularly pleased to spend time with Nigel Mills (Forth and Tay), who recently lost his leg, he is a great inspiration.

We have a Scottish Regional Day planned in April, Sandy and I will be attending to lead some of the seminars, the following day I shall be preaching at The Potters Church, Stewarton, Ayreshire.

I recently had a meeting with Pete Walker of the Motorcycle Action Group regarding the northern MAG rallies, he has also invited Sandy and I to attend a large event in early April at Doncaster to receive an award on behalf of CMA UK ‘For Service To The Motorcycle Community’. What a testimony to the commitment of our members, well done!

I attend the funeral of Mick Collins a very well known biker from Teesriders MCC who died in the demolition disaster at Didcot, Oxford. Hundreds attended from all over the north of England and it was covered by the BBC.

I was invited again to preach the Gospel at a lunch for over 60’s in Stockton on Tees many of them rode bikes in their youth and like to reminisce about their Triumphs, BSA’s and Norton’s I love to meet them and chat ‘Once a biker always a biker’.

I am in the process of organising the CMA UK National Rally at Lenchwood Christian Centre between 22nd-24th July I anticipate the booking form will be printed within two weeks.

We shall be taking leave for a week over Easter.

On Saturday 2nd April I am speaking at a Men’s Breakfast on the Wirral - 150 often attend. The local branches will be supporting the event too.

God Bless you, Mike National Chairman CMA UK