GMA essay #2 from Benjamin Heitman:
The Value of Royal Rangers to Me
By Benjamin S. Heitman
Royal Rangers has been a part of my life for nearly ten years. That life
has been constantly changing, but Rangers is one of those unique programs
that has moved, changed, and grown with me. Royal Rangers was there when I
was barely eight in California, there when my best friend introduced me to
another outpost in Kansas, and there when my mother encouraged me to join
again in Virginia. The commanders were almost like fathers to me, showing
me the right way, guiding, and lifting me up when I failed.
The Ranger ministry has been instrumental in motivating me to achieve a
greater goal. I write this essay for a GMA that I treasure as a mark of
high achievement honoring spiritual growth that is much more important than
all of the lashings, campfires, and tomahawks in the world. Through the
years, I�ve witnessed some great sermons, not through the lips of a pastor
(though these are powerful), but from a commander, speaking earnestly about
God, in a way aimed directly at his outpost. All of these sermons, indeed,
all of these men were unified through a common love and goal: a love for me
and a desire to make me a man of God.
In fellowship, Rangers has given me my greatest friends, a support group
that I can rely on in need, and relax with when camping. They have inspired
my determination, and we are all achieving our G.M.A. together. I believe
fellowship to be one of the key ingredients to the impact of Royal Rangers.
Individually all are easily broken or corrupted, but through unity,
friendship, and mutual encouragement, we are made stronger, and kept holy.
I have also been given a wide range of knowledge by the Royal Ranger
advancement trail. The many merits require specific knowledge on a great
variety of subjects. Together they have nourished me and caused me to grow
"in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." In working for the
G.M.A. I have increased my knowledge about Christian missions, the
Assemblies of God Doctrines, the Bible, the local Government, nature,
teamwork, and many other important topics. Knowledge is power, but wisdom
is gained through experience. The experiences I have had through the merit
program and through leadership roles in my outpost have presented me with
opportunities to use my knowledge and apply the practical wisdom gained
through direct leadership experience.
Recently, I have been exposed to a variety of command positions, which
have challenged me to be an example to the younger Royal Rangers. I was one
of these boys only a few years back.
Leadership reveals your own weaknesses and how to correct them. It entrusts
the leader with the solemn pact to guide his command along the right path.
Rangers is a great way to encourage boys to become independent, intelligent,
and above all, spiritual.
I remember my development and advancement clearly, and the milestones of
Straight Arrows, Buckaroos, Pioneers, etc. represent the progression to
another exciting and strengthening challenge, guaranteed to leave me one
step closer to a physical, mental, social, and spiritual maturity. Without
Rangers, I don�t know how I would�ve turned out; perhaps well, perhaps not,
but I wonder if would have taken the chance to trust God and step out in
faith. If not I would have missed out on an opportunity that has provided me
with many great memories and friendships while causing me to grow. I await
the next step, achieving my GMA, as another opportunity to fulfill a dream,
and discover more fruitful paths in leadership and fellowship.
_______
To unsubscribe, send "unsubscribe rangernet" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
or visit http://rangernet.org/subscribe.htm
http://rangernet.org Autoresponder: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
