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Making a Difference
"The other night, one of my commanders took me
to one side. He shook my hand and said, "I just want to compliment
you. You are a role model for these boys—they are wanting to
get those merits and awards you have earned."
These comments were read by Southern Missouri
District Commander Jerry Millhouser recently at the first-ever Gold
Medal of Achievement Ceremony at Republic Assembly of God in Republic,
Missouri. Jerry was reading from Jason Piatt's 500-word theme he
had written to complete his requirements to earn the prestigious
GMA. Jason exemplifies the integrity of the Royal Rangers ministry
as he now proudly wears his GMA and is an example the other boys
in Outpost 25 can follow.
Jason is one among the nearly 3,900 Royal Rangers
who have earned the GMA. They each have learned the lessons taught
by their commanders through the Royal Rangers ministry. The character
traits of one who earns the coveted GMA speak loudly of a young
man: He must be one of ambition. He is one with undaunted character
and one who is a self-motivator. He puts to practice the Golden
Rule and the Royal Ranger Code. His most valued characteristic
is that he puts God first above all persons or things. Because
of
life's lessons taught to one seeking the honored GMA, I am confident
these traits depict the characteristics of those who have earned
the coveted GMA.
I am ever impressed at the Christian character
traits boys learn through our Advancement Trail. The lessons taught
by commanders, who become the role models and the "father figure"
to many, have molded literally thousands of boys into the image
of Christ.
Clanton, of Mount Prospect, Illinois, was not
fortunate to have earned the GMA, but he learned through Royal Rangers
the most important lesson in life. His life was quickly ended during
a summer vacation when killed in an auto accident. Weeks before
Clayton's fatal accident, he had been introduced to Royal Rangers.
Coming from a single home plus fighting life's battles on his own,
Clayton came to his first outpost meeting, wearing a "tough guy"
look. He cursed and caused uproars. But the commanders never gave
up on him. Clayton had asked Jesus to be Lord of his life just prior
to his summer vacation.
Royal Rangers is much more than a program. Because
of dedicated commanders, the lives of boys are being spiritually
challenged and eternally changed. Whether through the development
of the total boys for Christ structured in the Advancement Trail
or through the campouts and activities with godly commanders, boys
are emulating Christ as commanders mirror His likeness.
Dustin Hunter, of Argenta, Illinois, states,
"Rangers has pushed me to do all I can and to do it in the
name of God."
Stan Smith, of McDonald, Tennessee, notes: "Royal
Rangers has taught me how to study God's Word and how to trust
God
in everything. Also, Royal Rangers has taught me not to give up,
no matter what. It has also taught me to keep a positive attitude
about my life."
Caleb Nance, of Crete, Nebraska, says: "Royal
Rangers has made a profound impact upon my life. It was in Royal
Rangers that I was baptized in the Holy Spirit. Many times when
I have needed prayer, I could go to Royal Rangers and they were
there for me." Nathan Dennis, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, responds:
"Through the love that my Royal Rangers commanders have shown me
over the years, I have seen what it means to have a genuine heart
with a servant's attitude and how to live sacrificially for the
salvation of boys."
Jake Garrison, of Winbek, Washington, attributes: "In
my last year of Trailblazers, I was baptized in the Holy Spirit
at a great Pow Wow. Having the Holy Spirit in me has given me
strength
for my Christian walk and a new desire to work for the Lord."
Timothy Inwood, of Abilene, Texas, writes: "Royal
Rangers has taught me to have a relationship with God and to
search
for His will for my life and has given me spiritual leaders to
look up to."
Jason Cowan, of Douglasville, Georgia, states:
"The ministry has opened up windows of opportunity in various
ways. I have been able to impact the lives of many boys, in return.
I
have been able to apply my skills in different situations that
would have seemed hopeless without them."
Sergion Gonzalez, of Paramount, California, says:
"One of my greatest experiences with God was at the 1992 Pacific
Latin American District Camporee. At one of the night services,
the Holy Spirit touched me; I will never forget that feeling. I
was crying and I felt this wonderful warmness all over my body.
Wow!"
Commander, it's just not hard to see, is it, how
wonderfully the Lord has used our ministry to forever touch the
lives of boys. We can stand with pride, knowing that God is using
us mightily, mirroring His image to boys. Be encouraged in the Lord,
because your efforts are paying dividends. Be vigorous in your efforts
as you reach, teach, and keep boys for Christ!
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