Hello All,
It is with a heavy heart that I have had to make a very critical decision.
In 1996 I first got involved with the Rangernet using the name
[EMAIL PROTECTED] (No longer working) and have been greatly blessed by all of
the cyber-fellowship here. There have been some rough times, and some crazy
times, some times when there have been some of who have went back and forth
because we just don't see eye to eye on some issues, but that is what makes
us who we are. Some of us don't like grits or vegimite or root beer (diet A&W
is for me personally) but besides the point. I can see how folks have become
mad at us for our banter over some of the silliest issues and also over some
of the deepest issues as well. All of this is a learning experience because
yes, we are different, we are diversified. Rangers has brought us a common
bond, a tool to unite with and to learn with. Our goal of Reaching is and has
been !
accomplished and will continue to be accomplished as long as we continue
to reach. I reach, you reach, lets unite hands and claim victory! Our goal
of keeping is accomplished when we share testimonies and declare what the
Lord has done. We didn't do it, the Lord did it through us, a very important
aspect to not loose sight of.
Our goal of Teaching is accomplished not just by knowing how to tie a clove
hitch or the (to me, dreaded and much feared) eye splice or knowing how to
set up a camp correctly but by the practical life applications that we endure
just by everyday living. The example we set is the one followed the kids.
Many things are being learned through Rangers and I know that the Lord will
continue to bless it.
But it is of learning that have to share this news. I have decided that
it is time for me to go back to school. This means that Wednesdays are
pretty much going to be out for me because 3 nights a week I will have
classes. I am going to get a degree in computers as I believe that my
ability to drive a truck is going to diminish. Don't get me wrong I have
been blessed by getting my health back, but 400 miles a day does affect my
mental health and is likely to just leave me mental. Hey, we work with kids,
so I know that should be able to sympathize with that right?
With my new house and all I have to concern myself with the ability to keep
it and I believe that computers is where it is at these days. I need to go
back to school and get a degree. I have never been to college before, 12
years ago I was actually prevented from taking SAT exams because the
educators had a whole different perspective of who I was and what I was able
to do. They believed that I should stay away from computers because I would
never understand them, funny thing is that I'm a natural with them and I am
still mathematically challenged.
With my new classes, this will pull me out of Rangers for at least the next 2
years as I go to obtain my Associates degree in Computer IT. It is very hard
for me to pull out like this, I don't want to pull out but really don't have
a choice in the matter. I wanted to ask for your prayers and support. Back
in the days when I was serving on the Capital Section Staff here in the
Potomac District, is when I got started using a computer and it has only
progressed from there. I don't look at my pulling out of Rangers as a
failure or anything, but just as a "re-allocation" of blessings.
I will still leave this screen name active. God Bless all you Brethren!
I would like to say "God Bless, & Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!"
Iron Mike
