[RR] Carrying the Cross

[Michael D Harris]

The theme for CORR is a moot point. For one thing, the CORR program doesn't exist currrently. The theme was not the ministry but was a emblem of it. I agree mostly with what Bob wrote. I do think FCF members put on blinders when it assumes that society doesn't see the "buckskinner" thing as worldly (ever been to a secular "rendevouz"? Boozing, smoking, cursing, "earth religion" paraphernalia {how many FCF pouches have Native American religious symbols on them? Aren't Wilderness Pouches simply an extention of medicine bags? Can we claim ignorance?}).  The world (since we are claiming to know what they are thinking, I will to...) doesn't see Daniel Boone but see "The Last of the Mohicans" with its loose morals, earth religion overtones and butchery. The basic question is: Why do we use themes? Because they can serve our purpose of attracting boys to Christ. When I walk out in my chain mail, helm, great sword and cross-covered tunic, I am flocked by the curious. What better opportunity to share Christ. I have reached boys in Royal Rangers who are not interested in FCF but think what I am wearing is much 'cooler'. What are you doing to reach that 'D&D' crowd? Conventional methods? It tends to fall on deaf ears. Have I had that type of kid come up to me? Absolutely. I do the best I can to present Christ to them. Will I reach the whole crowd? No.... That is why programs like Royal Rangers reaches some, Chi Alpha reaches some, Missionettes reaches some, Bikers for Jesus (Harley Davidsons, Black leather jackets and long beards...?!?!) reaches some, FCF reaches some, Clown ministry ("What! Carneys in church! Ethel, grab your hat..we're leaving!") reaches some, TV Evangelists (was anyone ever saved under money-grubbing, sex-crazed Jimmy Swaggart or Jim Baker {Hey, how about that Christian-theme park...}) reaches some, FCA (sports for Jesus? Appears evil to me...ever been to a professional ball game, lots of boozes, cursing and barely-clad women running around) reaches some... I think you get my point. I have heard all these criticisms before about CORR, mostly from those unfamiliar with the program ("I don't know what it is..Let's kill it..."). Are they legitimate concerns? Absolutely. Can the same be applied toward FCF and Royal Rangers ("Little Johnny ain't going to that program..too militaristic, too many white men and they shoot guns...)? Yes. But, we see the value, experianced the programs and know how lives can be changed. Will CORR ever come back? I hope it does. As a Royal RAnger program? Maybe not. But others have seen the value of the theme (Ever read "Raising a Modern-Day Knight" by Robert Lewis, Focus on the Family Publishing) In the CORR ministry, I've experianced the touch of God and have seen what it did for others, reaching, teaching and keeping young men and boys for Christ. And believe me, nobody was ever confused. Arch-Duke Stalwart the Oak-Heart Knight - Ret.