Blessed are the peacemakers.
I've been a member of RangerNet for some time, now -- since the day that alt.org.royal-rangers was created. That list still exists, but the real discussion is here on this mailing list. Indeed, I now hold the title to "RangerNet.org" and keep the technical infrastructure of this mailing list going. Every once in a while, I chime in.
RangerNet is a funny thing. I'm glad that we are all courteous and spiritual. If we weren't, it could get ugly, because we are often passionate. Sometimes one or more of us vents some steam. Sometimes we disagree. Sometimes we disagree passionately. Sometimes we chatter. Sometimes we chatter too much. It is a good thing that we are always courteous. Please don't forget that.
In all of the posts that I have seen, there are some real "golden nuggets" of devotions, helpful posts, stories, encouragement, and practical advice for Royal Rangers and commanders. Just like panning for gold, sometimes you have to sift through a lot of mud (or vegemite, root beer, grits, and mooseberry pie) to find the good stuff, but it is there. The funny thing is that somehow the friendly banter seems to create a breeding ground for the golden nuggets. Go figure. It must be something about human nature, fellowship, and relationships. I have to admit, though, that I don't take the time to read 100% of what is posted on RangerNet. Still, every once in a while, I find something useful to share with our local outpost or something that just encourages me. I also like to post something uplifting from time to time. I also like to be able to share some things that are on my heart.
Every once in a while, someone comes along who wants to "reform" RangerNet in some way. The few who succeed do so by example. If they want encouraging posts, they post something encouraging. If they want people to post on a topic, they start a discussion on that topic or ask a good question. People are usually very good about helping out.
I have to warn you that there are some imperfect people on this list. Some are hypocritical in one or more areas of their life. Not all have attained to the same measure of spiritual maturity. Some people are much to quick to press the "send" button. Sometimes people misunderstand each other. Sometimes even those who we expect the most out of let us down. In short, it is a lot like the collection of people in your church: all with saved spirits, but still in the process of renewing their minds and retraining their flesh with the Word of God. Show the same kind of mercy, grace, love, and forgiveness you like to get, and we'll all get along fine, growing together in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
I also have discovered that there are lots of real people on this list, some of whom I have had the privilege of meeting face to face or at least speaking on the telephone with. Kelly Gist makes a good chocolate cake. She also has a like passion for children and for the Lord Jesus Christ. Be kind to her. Sir Brian of Wiggan and his wife enjoyed part of Rocky Mountain National Park with me. Clint Grant showed up at Caleb's GMA ceremony all decked out in FCF attire. Duane Wheeler and his family have helped make RangerNet as valuable as it is. He knows how to stir up a discussion, and he also knows how to share vision.
Did you know that some of the most-appreciated posts to RangerNet tend to have some of the quietest responses? People just read, appreciate, thank the Lord, and perhaps share it with their outposts. So, if you post something really good, and nobody says anything, that is OK. Some of the most vocal responses come to those who post something that is perceived as outrageous.
There is a fair amount of cultural and political diversity on this mailing list. There is also a variety of church and outpost backgrounds. There are men, women, boys, girls, commanders, helpers, mothers, fathers, scoutmasters, Royal Rangers, and Missionettes on this list. From time to time, non-Christians monitor what we say. This list gets archived semi-permanently and indelibly in at least two places. Anyone can go back and see what we have said. (Remember the FAQ for the address.)
There is also a private email-to-usenet gateway that connects the rangernet mailing list with alt.org.royal-rangers. Only email posts with the passphrase "Jesus Christ is Lord!" get posted automatically from this mailing list to usenet.
Rangernet has twice in history sponsored a Cyber Pow-Wow. This event consisted of web pages, email, patches, and fundraising to (1) pay for the costs of maintaining this mailing list and web site, and (2) sponsor missionary work. The first Cyber Pow-Wow helped to sponsor Rawie Haas in Russia. The second Cyber Pow-Wow helped with Rawie Haas again, and also with Terry Law. Both of them got more each than Rawie Haas got from the first Cyber Pow-Wow. The Cyber Pow-Wow events help RangerNet participants to focus on the Royal Rangers ministry.
We are now drawing towards the third international Cyber Pow-Wow. If you want to be on the Cyber Pow-Wow staff, please join the [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailing list by sending a plain ASCII email message saying "subscribe rr" to [EMAIL PROTECTED] You must then follow the confirmation instructions in the email response that you will get.
As for me, my role on RangerNet must decrease. I'm going to be moving to a place where I won't have such easy access to the Internet, so I need some help taking care of this list in my absence.
Next year, my missionary duties will take me out of reach of email for a few months. Please pray for me during that time. I'll miss you.
Rev. Michael Paul Johnson AKA Soaring Golden Eagle <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Bible translation missionary, Evangel Bible Translators http://EvangelBible.org
Outpost 362, Mountain Creek Community Church, Dallas Texas http://mtcreek.com
http://eBible.org/mpj/ Jesus Christ is Lord!
