It has been many weeks now since making the move to another local church and therefore leaving Outpost 112. "Outpost 112" may not say a lot to most people but to me it is more than just a title. It represents for me the boys and men that associated themselves with the organization. The boys and men that God put together in one time and one place.
It represents friends, and brothers, and those that God allowed me to pour a little bit of us, God and me, into their lives. It's the boys and men, and occasionally the parents of the boys, that I had built some form of relationship with.
Every relationship was different. For some it was just a "high five" or a handshake and a smile to let a boy know I see him and am thinking about him. For others it was a word of instruction, or the sharing of an experience that may help him. For many it was time studying the Word together and learning more of who He is and who we should be every week. It was learning and teaching ropes and knots and knives and compass and first aid, and all kinds of fun "guy stuff". It was helping a boy learn to read by letting him sometimes struggle through reading a passage of scripture. It was taking boys shopping at Christmas and Mother's day to make sure a single Mom got a present too.
It was loving boys through discipline, even when it felt more like punishment to the boy at the time. It was teaching young men how to treat a lady they may date, or even marry someday. And, yes, it was those sometimes delicate conversations that come up in a Bible study about sex and girls. Not because it had anything to do with the Bible study, but simply because that was what that young man was thinking about and needed to know at the time.
It was praying for boys and their boo-boos, big and small, and for their families. Praying that Mom and/or Dad would get to know Jesus. That a boy would have the faith and courage to share the Gospel through word and deed to family and friends. Praying that a boy would do well enough on a test to go on the next campout. And, sometimes he knew I was praying for him, but most times not.
It was the phone calls from boys. "Hey Commander Bob, wait till you see the knew knife I got this time". "Commander Bob, can I come spend the weekend at your house." "I heard this knew joke at school today, wanna hear it?" "Hey Commander you shoulda seen the double I hit last night." "When are we leaving for camp. Ok, two weeks from now, ok, good, cuz I've got all my stuff packed already..... should I bring a flashlight?" "Hello Commander, can you pray for my brother. He's getting into trouble." "Hey Commander, what's up? I don't remember why I called, just wanted to call and talk." "Hi Commander Bob, can we pray for my Mom? She's been sick again."
Every relationship was different. Often they didn't occur in a church building, or appear to be religious, or spiritual. They were not always about Bible study and prayer. In fact those "spiritual" times, in the grand measure of things, were rather infrequent. But it was those other times, those "non-spiritual" times that were a necessary predecessor to times of effective ministry.
"Outpost 112", was for a season, my relationships, my ministry, my purpose. I hope many of those relationships will continue. Yet I know that many, if not most, will be replaced by others. Others that God has in store for the next season of my life.
I'll miss the personalities and relationships of Outpost 112. But I know with great assurance that I'll form new relationships because I believe it is only in the bonds of a meaningful relationship that effective ministry can occur. And I am certain, that my ministry and my purpose will continue, in whatever form God shapes it for this the next season of my life.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The Daniel Fast: A Whole Body Experience; And Even More
Our church, World Hope Worship Center, is corporately participating in a Daniel Fast for the next several weeks. Because there are apparently many versions of a Daniel Fast, Pastor Dave distributed an informational packet that described the fast in more detail. One section was titled The Daniel Fast: A Whole Body Experience. This section quite succintly and accurately described the makeup of human beings and how this fast will benefit us; body, soul, and spirit.
I was reminded that this is very close to what Royal Rangers know as the 4 gold points of the Royal Ranger emblem. Those gold points represent the four ways a boy grows; physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially. The basis for this comes from Luke 2:52 "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." If we break this down and compare it to the emblem and the Daniel Fast information guide we clearly see the commonalities.
The Daniel Fast Guide seems to be in perfect harmony with Luke and the RR emblem except that it does not address the fourth point. However, already I have noticed that this corporate fast is having an impact on our social growth. I believe this fast can be a catalyst for the development of stronger relationships.
One of the greatest blessings I have received as a RR commander has been the relationships that I have enjoyed with other RR leaders. These relationships are initially forged through the obvious common interest of being involved in the ministry. But the strongest and most impactful of these relationships are developed through spending time in prayer together. Praying for the same boys and their families. Praying for each other's families and those of other leaders. Battling in spiritual warfare together, defeating the enemy in unity with each other and with God.
I look forward to seeing how this fast helps us to grow socially and build stronger relationships.
I was reminded that this is very close to what Royal Rangers know as the 4 gold points of the Royal Ranger emblem. Those gold points represent the four ways a boy grows; physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially. The basis for this comes from Luke 2:52 "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." If we break this down and compare it to the emblem and the Daniel Fast information guide we clearly see the commonalities.
| Luke | Emblem | Daniel Fast Guide |
| Growing in wisdom | Mentally | Soul |
| Growing in stature | Physically | Body |
| Growing in favor with God | Spiritually | Spirit |
| Growing in favor with men | Socially |
The Daniel Fast Guide seems to be in perfect harmony with Luke and the RR emblem except that it does not address the fourth point. However, already I have noticed that this corporate fast is having an impact on our social growth. I believe this fast can be a catalyst for the development of stronger relationships.
One of the greatest blessings I have received as a RR commander has been the relationships that I have enjoyed with other RR leaders. These relationships are initially forged through the obvious common interest of being involved in the ministry. But the strongest and most impactful of these relationships are developed through spending time in prayer together. Praying for the same boys and their families. Praying for each other's families and those of other leaders. Battling in spiritual warfare together, defeating the enemy in unity with each other and with God.
I look forward to seeing how this fast helps us to grow socially and build stronger relationships.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Preparation
I posted on Facebook earlier tonight that I was "preparing for FCF Trace". And what I was thinking at the time was about printing permission slips and information sheets for the boys and parents, considering who's going and how we gonna get there, planning menus, figuring out what lodges we are going to use, etcetera.
But, then I was quickly reminded that all of this was merely planning. Yes, all of this (and more) is important and it needs to be done; but what I really need to prepare is my own heart. It's all well and good to get everyone there and make sure they have a place to sleep and food to eat. But if we are not READY for what God has prepared for us, he just may not "show up". And if that happens Trace will be just another exhausting weekend.
However, with the proper "preparation", we just may see another powerful move of God and see lives changed forever, like we often see at camp. So, while the planning will continue, so will earnest preparation. Making sure that my heart is right with God, my attitude is right toward others, that I am truly thankful and giving God credit for the blessings in my life, etc. and that I am prepared to hear from God, what he has for me and what he may want me to share with someone else.
So, how are you planning and preparing for FCF Spring Trace 2009.
Rangers, are all your duds packed, is your paperwork complete, do you have your dues ready? But more importantly, is your heart prepared? Have you prayed for others that will be there and for those that won't that their heart is prepared to receive.
Parents and supporters, you can help us prepare as well. Please pray that we have safe travels and fun times. But, also pray that each and every boy and man there is prepared to hear from God and respond accordingly.
Add a post and let us all here how you are preparing.
But, then I was quickly reminded that all of this was merely planning. Yes, all of this (and more) is important and it needs to be done; but what I really need to prepare is my own heart. It's all well and good to get everyone there and make sure they have a place to sleep and food to eat. But if we are not READY for what God has prepared for us, he just may not "show up". And if that happens Trace will be just another exhausting weekend.
However, with the proper "preparation", we just may see another powerful move of God and see lives changed forever, like we often see at camp. So, while the planning will continue, so will earnest preparation. Making sure that my heart is right with God, my attitude is right toward others, that I am truly thankful and giving God credit for the blessings in my life, etc. and that I am prepared to hear from God, what he has for me and what he may want me to share with someone else.
So, how are you planning and preparing for FCF Spring Trace 2009.
Rangers, are all your duds packed, is your paperwork complete, do you have your dues ready? But more importantly, is your heart prepared? Have you prayed for others that will be there and for those that won't that their heart is prepared to receive.
Parents and supporters, you can help us prepare as well. Please pray that we have safe travels and fun times. But, also pray that each and every boy and man there is prepared to hear from God and respond accordingly.
Add a post and let us all here how you are preparing.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
An Open Letter to Parents and Other Supporters of Royal Ranger Outpost 112
At Royal Ranger Outpost 112 we find ourselves, like a lot of the rest of World Hope Worship Center, going through a time of transition. I think it is important at these times to look briefly back at where we have been to celebrate our successes, consider where we are today, and look forward to what we have yet to achieve.
Cmdr. David has served as our Senior Commander for some time now and Commander Bonnie has done an excellent job with the Ranger Kids. They will soon be leaving their positions in the outpost to move forward into other areas of ministry. We should all thank them for their service and wish them well as we continue to keep them in our prayers.
Mike James is moving in as our Senior Commander and he and his wife Myra will be ministering to our little fellows in Ranger Kids which are our kindergarten through 2nd graders. I know Mike and Myra will be a real blessing to the Ranger Kids and to the entire outpost. I look forward to serving with both of them.
Mike's experience in Rangers is not extensive. That's o.k. He has numerous abilities that more than qualify him to serve successfully in the position. The most important is the ability to love the boys and the other Commanders. Second to that is one of the most important abilities I think anyone can have when considering a position of ministry; AVAILABILITY. Mike and Myra are to be commended for being available when given an opportunity to serve.
Dale Smart is an experienced Commander and has been leading the Discovery Rangers for some time now and is doing quite well in that position. Discovery Rangers is for boys in 3rd through 5th grade and an important age for Royal Rangers as that is where so many of the Ranger and Spiritual basics are taught. Be sure to thank Commander Dale for his ministry to the Discovery Ranger boys and keep him in your prayers also.
Jim Paxton will soon be back with us on a regular basis on Wednesday nights to lead the middle school boys in Adventure Rangers. Commanders David and Jim will work together to lead the Adventure Rangers for several more weeks until Jim's work schedule allows him to be available each week. This transition time from David to Jim is fortunate because it will give the boys time to adjust to a Commander that is new to some of them.
I've seen Jim grow into a very capable Commander, FCF member, friend and fellow servant. He certainly has demonstrated those most important qualities of love for the boys and availability. He too needs your prayers though, as not only is he moving back in to Royal Rangers he is seeking new employment and possibly a career change. I am looking forward to see how God honors Jim and Deborah's faithfulness during this time of transition in their lives.
I continue to serve as FCF Coordinator for the Outpost and look forward to when I can also be back in regular meetings with the boys. Since June, I have been driving to work in Wilkesboro each day which is a commute of about two and a half hours per day. This too is soon changing. Our offices are moving to Moorseville in March which will cut my commute time to less than half what it is now. I too ask for your prayers and support as I consider where else I can best serve the boys and men of our outpost.
It may not be obvious but we do have several positions open within the outpost that if we are to minister to the boys effectively need to be filled. Discover Rangers and Adventure Rangers both need Lieutenant Commanders. Even as capable as our Outpost Commanders are, it simply is not possible to minister to the boys completely with only one Commander in each age group Outpost.
Please pray that the men of our church see the needs in these boys lives and offer their love and availability. The requirements to serve as a Lieutenant Commander are quite few. You must be born again, committed to WHWC and have Pastor's approval. Beyond that only availability to serve God and a love for the boys is all that is really needed.
Expedition Rangers are not currently meeting as these boys will be attending Youth services on Wednesday nights. Sr. Cmdr. Mike, and the rest of the Commanders are currently considering how we can best minister to the boys in this age group. Things to consider are; who in this age group is interested and willing to commit to Royal Rangers, what night is best to have the weekly meetings, who will serve as Outpost and Lieutenant Commanders for this group, etc. We will have more information regarding our plans for Expedition Rangers available to the high school age boys and others very soon.
Expedition Rangers is where we harvest much of the fruit of all the labor that has been plowed into these boys lives. Yes, we certainly see boys accept Christ as Adventure and Discovery Rangers and even as Ranger Kids. We often see boys filled with Holy Spirit before they get to this age. But this age is where we see boys grow into Men of God and effective ambassadors of the Gospel or go in completely other directions.
This is a difficult age for boys. They are dealing with very difficult issues at this age; girls, drugs, jobs, cars, girls, gangs, sex, colleges, careers, girls! Some of these boys don't have men in their lives other than their Outpost Commanders to help them navigate these otherwise unblazed trails. They need one or two men they can learn to trust and depend on to guide them into manhood. James Dobson once described the path that children take to “Adultsville” as bordering the “Canyon of Inferiority”. Some children fall, or even get pushed, into this canyon; and some never make it out.
If we lose the boys at this age: 1- we've lost a boy and quite possibly his soul; 2 - we've lost the opportunity to reach the rest his family; 3 – we've lost our next generation of Deacons, Board Members, Pastors, Ranger Commanders, etc. We simply must not fail these boys at this time.
So, as we have looked back and celebrated; evaluated where we are today; and looked forward to the many trails that are before us; please fervently pray with me and the other Commanders that we will hear God clearly enough to make the right decisions for our outpost; that other men will offer their love and availability to the boys, and that together, with your support, we can guide these boys down trails that will lead them into ministries of their own.
Thank you for your prayers, support and the opportunity to minister. For it is in that ministry where I find my calling to serve, my passion, and my purpose. I sincerely pray that you and everyone who comes to know Christ, finds a place of ministry that you love as much as I love the ministry to men and boys in Royal Rangers.
Cmdr. David has served as our Senior Commander for some time now and Commander Bonnie has done an excellent job with the Ranger Kids. They will soon be leaving their positions in the outpost to move forward into other areas of ministry. We should all thank them for their service and wish them well as we continue to keep them in our prayers.
Mike James is moving in as our Senior Commander and he and his wife Myra will be ministering to our little fellows in Ranger Kids which are our kindergarten through 2nd graders. I know Mike and Myra will be a real blessing to the Ranger Kids and to the entire outpost. I look forward to serving with both of them.
Mike's experience in Rangers is not extensive. That's o.k. He has numerous abilities that more than qualify him to serve successfully in the position. The most important is the ability to love the boys and the other Commanders. Second to that is one of the most important abilities I think anyone can have when considering a position of ministry; AVAILABILITY. Mike and Myra are to be commended for being available when given an opportunity to serve.
Dale Smart is an experienced Commander and has been leading the Discovery Rangers for some time now and is doing quite well in that position. Discovery Rangers is for boys in 3rd through 5th grade and an important age for Royal Rangers as that is where so many of the Ranger and Spiritual basics are taught. Be sure to thank Commander Dale for his ministry to the Discovery Ranger boys and keep him in your prayers also.
Jim Paxton will soon be back with us on a regular basis on Wednesday nights to lead the middle school boys in Adventure Rangers. Commanders David and Jim will work together to lead the Adventure Rangers for several more weeks until Jim's work schedule allows him to be available each week. This transition time from David to Jim is fortunate because it will give the boys time to adjust to a Commander that is new to some of them.
I've seen Jim grow into a very capable Commander, FCF member, friend and fellow servant. He certainly has demonstrated those most important qualities of love for the boys and availability. He too needs your prayers though, as not only is he moving back in to Royal Rangers he is seeking new employment and possibly a career change. I am looking forward to see how God honors Jim and Deborah's faithfulness during this time of transition in their lives.
I continue to serve as FCF Coordinator for the Outpost and look forward to when I can also be back in regular meetings with the boys. Since June, I have been driving to work in Wilkesboro each day which is a commute of about two and a half hours per day. This too is soon changing. Our offices are moving to Moorseville in March which will cut my commute time to less than half what it is now. I too ask for your prayers and support as I consider where else I can best serve the boys and men of our outpost.
It may not be obvious but we do have several positions open within the outpost that if we are to minister to the boys effectively need to be filled. Discover Rangers and Adventure Rangers both need Lieutenant Commanders. Even as capable as our Outpost Commanders are, it simply is not possible to minister to the boys completely with only one Commander in each age group Outpost.
Please pray that the men of our church see the needs in these boys lives and offer their love and availability. The requirements to serve as a Lieutenant Commander are quite few. You must be born again, committed to WHWC and have Pastor's approval. Beyond that only availability to serve God and a love for the boys is all that is really needed.
Expedition Rangers are not currently meeting as these boys will be attending Youth services on Wednesday nights. Sr. Cmdr. Mike, and the rest of the Commanders are currently considering how we can best minister to the boys in this age group. Things to consider are; who in this age group is interested and willing to commit to Royal Rangers, what night is best to have the weekly meetings, who will serve as Outpost and Lieutenant Commanders for this group, etc. We will have more information regarding our plans for Expedition Rangers available to the high school age boys and others very soon.
Expedition Rangers is where we harvest much of the fruit of all the labor that has been plowed into these boys lives. Yes, we certainly see boys accept Christ as Adventure and Discovery Rangers and even as Ranger Kids. We often see boys filled with Holy Spirit before they get to this age. But this age is where we see boys grow into Men of God and effective ambassadors of the Gospel or go in completely other directions.
This is a difficult age for boys. They are dealing with very difficult issues at this age; girls, drugs, jobs, cars, girls, gangs, sex, colleges, careers, girls! Some of these boys don't have men in their lives other than their Outpost Commanders to help them navigate these otherwise unblazed trails. They need one or two men they can learn to trust and depend on to guide them into manhood. James Dobson once described the path that children take to “Adultsville” as bordering the “Canyon of Inferiority”. Some children fall, or even get pushed, into this canyon; and some never make it out.
If we lose the boys at this age: 1- we've lost a boy and quite possibly his soul; 2 - we've lost the opportunity to reach the rest his family; 3 – we've lost our next generation of Deacons, Board Members, Pastors, Ranger Commanders, etc. We simply must not fail these boys at this time.
So, as we have looked back and celebrated; evaluated where we are today; and looked forward to the many trails that are before us; please fervently pray with me and the other Commanders that we will hear God clearly enough to make the right decisions for our outpost; that other men will offer their love and availability to the boys, and that together, with your support, we can guide these boys down trails that will lead them into ministries of their own.
Thank you for your prayers, support and the opportunity to minister. For it is in that ministry where I find my calling to serve, my passion, and my purpose. I sincerely pray that you and everyone who comes to know Christ, finds a place of ministry that you love as much as I love the ministry to men and boys in Royal Rangers.
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