I think a person ought to state what they think is a leading of the Holy Spirit inspite of "danger criticism or threats" but lets try not to act out of anger (one thing I could practice more than preach). I took an interest in FCF for many reasons, first I had been Buckskinning for about five years while I was distant from the Lord. When I got back into fellowship with the Lord and Christian friends at Woodstock Assemblies Of God I wanted to find a way to glorify and praise God through the thing I liked to do best. To me I am a special breed but not in any way better than anybody else that believes in Jesus Christ. I like FCF and Buckskinning in general because it is my way of fantasizing a time period that seems right for me. As they say in the movie Jerimiah Johnson when I was a boy and first got this vision of frontier living in my head, "Jerimiahs story was that kind" and so Randy Hermansons story is that kind. It represents a time period when a man could set out on his own and make a new life. It expresses my independent soul.
In those days supposedly a mans (and a woman's) honor was important. If a man made a promise he kept it unless it was impossible.
I have patience for the new ones also referred kindly as Pilgrims just getting started. When I got started I had no outfit to wear neither could I afford the 32 bucks for a pair of painters jeans that I had to ruin by tearing off the pockets. It just so happened I had a period costume that was lent to me that I had to wear when I worked as Costumed Interpreter at Old World Wisconsin. It was old an barely hanging by threads but I wore it to my first rendezvous. All I knew was a lot of woodworking from the old days and what they taught me at Old World.
I think if somebody just joined FCF should be offered a place to stay in a period shelter and taken under the wing of some old weathered frontiersman and share with this new person. Everybody that has knowledge or resources should share it with this newcomer.
I am very willing to share with anybody my knowledge and resources. Beware, sometimes I am out to lunch and don't realize that you have a need, politely ask and I will see what I can do.
If anybody wants to sit down at my lodge they are welcome Ralph will give you a good juicy welcome if he ain't off chasin' Grizzlies.
I have more to think on this subject Josh, you have some good points but I can't say as I agree with all of them.
FCF isn't all Rangers is all about and when it takes the place of Jesus I would have to give it up. I will answer more when i have thought it out more carefully.
Onward In Gods Service
Randall A Hermanson
Pioneer Commander
FCF 1998
OP#1 Woodstock Il
