News - January 2010
Posted by Doug | Filed under News from the National Director
Hello, District Directors:
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!
Do you feel like you’ve been shot out of a cannon? I do; 2010 is off to a fast-paced start! We wouldn’t want it any other way, would we?
LEAD 2010–National Royal Rangers Council & Conference–is just around the corner. You and your team won’t want to miss it!
I’d like to spotlight an opportunity you will be given to impact millions of boys and young men with the gospel. Please arrive at Council prepared to participate.
If Rangers had never gone overseas, you would not be singing “Shout to the Lord” and other Hillsong favorites. Darlene Zschech gave her heart to the Lord in Rangers at Garden City Assembly in Brisbane, Australia. God is now impacting millions of lives through her ministry worldwide. But Rangers can’t be established in many nations until we make the materials available in their languages.
Here’s where I’m headed. Royal Rangers is active in 80 nations, up from 46 in 2002 when Royal Rangers International began. The RRI curriculum is complete in two languages—English and Spanish. To grow and expand, we must translate the materials into five more—Russian (already well underway), German, French, Portuguese, and Mandarin. These translations will give Royal Rangers access into no less than 48 new nations.
Can you imagine the potential of the Mandarin Chinese translation impacting a nation of 1 billion people? Take this 5-language translation challenge on with me! Come to Council prepared to give and/or make a financial commitment to be fulfilled before LEAD 2011 (next year).
The curriculum for each new language will fill 5 CDs. Translating the content of each CD will cost $10,000. Your district may be able to underwrite the cost of more than one CD. Perhaps, the district will only be able to underwrite one CD or a half or a forth. To meet the need, content from 25 CD’s will need to be translated.
Please pray, plan, and dig deep. We will do a roll call and collect an offering at Council for this important endeavor. Make a sacrificial commitment so we can see souls saved around the world. All giving will receive RR-BGMC Master’s Toolbox credit.
Our future is bright when we invest in it!
Doug Marsh
SPECIAL APPROVAL ITEMS
We want to provide information and instruction regarding Special Approval Items (Restricted Items). These items are divided into two categories—National Approval and District Approval.
· The district approval items will be expanded to include the items listed below and will automatically approve when ordered using your district account. They will continue to be shipped by GPH.
· The national approval items will only be available through the application process (http://royalrangers.ag.org/resources/). They now will be shipped from the national Royal Ranger office not GPH.
More information regarding this change along with a complete list of items can be accessed via AG Passport. This change will be in effect by February 15, 2010. You will no longer find these items listed in the Royal Ranger Supper Store, and they will not be listed in the 2010 catalog.
Additional District Special Approval Items:
150151 Missions Project Medal
150734 Missions Project Ribbon
150774 Gold Buffalo Star Royal Ranger
151440 FCF Frontiersmen Patch
151441 Buckskin Patch
151452 District Executive Staff Pin
151453 District Staff Pin
151456 District Executive Staff Patch
151457 District Staff Patch
Additional National Approval Items:
150152 RR FCF Pathfinder Award
150278 Wilderness Pin
150796 Pathfinder Pin Bronze
150797 Pathfinder Pin Silver
150798 Pathfinder Pin Gold
151442 Wilderness Patch
157648 LTA Silver Instructor Trainer Insignia
If you have any questions about Special Approval Items, please contact JR Whinery at jwhinery@ag.org.
News - November & December 2009
Posted by Doug | Filed under News from the National Director
Hello, District Directors!
I trust you enjoyed your Thanksgiving weekend. Please know the entire national team is grateful for your life and ministry!
Below you will find an encouraging message courtesy of Greg Scott, district director in Penn-Del. Thanks, Greg, for sharing:
“Our pastor told the story how Chinese Bamboo trees grow. It changed the way I think about growth. There are 1500+ different kinds of bamboo trees. The Chinese Bamboo tree is not the kind growing in your typical office. Here’s how they grow:
- “1st Year – You plant a bamboo seedling and give it proper sunlight, water, and nourishment. In the first year you can expect a tiny sprout, but no more.
- “2nd Year – You give it constant attention, watering, sunlight and maybe you even throw in some praying, but still the bamboo does not grow. You were told it might take a while to grow, so you keep soldiering on.
- “3rd year – You give the bamboo the same love and care; the best fertilizer, sunlight, water, but again much to your amazement, nothing happens. You start asking yourself, why isn’t this thing growing? At this point many give up, but no, not you!
- “4th Year – You take a look around the garden and realize that all the other plants are blooming and teeming with life and vibrancy. But your poor bamboo seed has nothing to show for. You’ve been at it four years, and the tiny sprout is no bigger than it was during the first year.
- “5th Year – It is not until sometime in the fifth year the bamboo tree will start to grow. And what happens inside a 4-6 week period will astonish you. The tiny bamboo sprout you cared for will grow as much as 3 feet in a single day until it reaches as high as 90 feet. How can this be? During the first four years the plant showed no signs of growth, it was actually growing below ground, miles of intricate roots that are now propelling its massive upward growth. The bamboos’ intricate root structure takes four years to prepare itself for the growth it will experience in its 5th year.”
Life and ministry are this way, too, are they not? We want instant results, but often God wants us to grow deep before we grow tall. The old saying is true: ministry is about building clocks (people) not telling time. Yes, the bamboo shoot will grow tall, your efforts will produce results, but don’t despise growing deep; God expects it of anyone and any ministry that will grow tall.
LEAD 2010 – NATIONAL COUNCIL AND CONFERENCE
March 13-16, 2010 • University Plaza • Springfield, MO
Plan to attend National Council! Get as many of your organizational leaders (sectional, district, and national) to attend with you as can. Full information is available online, and registration is open. (Early registration has its benefits, too.)
Here’s the link: http://royalrangers.ag.org/events/nationalcouncil/
READING BEFORE LEAD 2010 - NATIONAL COUNCIL & CONFERENCE
National Council will premier the Johnnie Barnes Excellence in Leadership and Ministry Initiative. We invite all attendees to read Leading at a Higher Level by Ken Blanchard to get the most from the training experience.
In addition, we request that district directors and outreach coordinators also read Church Marketing 101 by Richard L. Reising.
RANGER ESSENTIALS TO LAUNCH AT LEAD 2010 – NATIONAL COUNCIL & CONFERENCE
One of the features of National Council will be the premier launch of the new Ranger Essentials. When you register for Council, Ranger Essentials is included. Encourage new leaders to attend as well as those who have already earned their LMA and wish to transition into the new Rangers Ministry Academy.
This link provides full information: http://agwebservices.org/Content/Resources/Ranger%20Essentials%20Flyer%20v10-16-09.pdf
SIGN-UP FOR rLIFE
rLife is the new electronic newsletter from the National Royal Rangers Ministry office that will soon launch. It is available to everyone interested—boys, leaders, parents, pastors, organizational leaders, etc. (It will not replace this monthly email newsletter, however.)
Visit the national ministry web site or click on this link to sign up: http://royalrangers.ag.org/connect/newsletter/
NATIONAL RANGERS MINISTRY CAMP (NRMC) TO LAUNCH IN 2010
An NRMC will be piloted in each region starting in 2010. Please begin to promote attendance.
NRMC will give instruction in basic outdoor skills and activities, providing leaders with the skills needed to take their Ranger boys on exciting outpost activities outside their normal weekly meeting times. Instruction in effectively implementing the team/patrol method will be offered as a means to facilitate junior leadership development. Leaders will be challenged to connect with God and explore spiritual manhood.
Click here for dates and full information: http://royalrangers.ag.org/training/schedule/
BRAGGING ON TENNESSEE - ONLINE CHARTERING
Many of you know that as our national director has traveled around the nation in recent months he has been bragging up the chartering results Tennessee has enjoyed since launching the new online chartering system with its accompanying benefits. Many have requested the email Doug has been referencing, so we wanted to include it this month. We have intentionally kept the chartering portal on the national website open, so please continue to encourage chartering. Like Tennessee, your efforts and those of your team will pay off!
Here’s Rick Black’s email from October 15, 2009:
“Three years ago the Tennessee district had 69 chartered outposts. In February 2009, only 37 of our churches operated chartered outposts. Beginning in August 15, 2009, every existing outpost was required to re-charter on-line. The deadline to do this was today, October 15. After a tremendous effort to notify, educate and remind churches of this new process, we now have 51 churches chartered. While that number alone may not sound impressive, the results of our efforts are extremely encouraging! “Since July the Tennessee District Royal Rangers have done the following to promote on-line chartering:
- 1. “Advertised the change over to the new chartering system in the Tennessee District ministers magazine, Partnership.
- 2. “Broadcast the need to charter on-line to all district Royal Rangers leaders at the Tennessee District’s Ranger Adventure Week (Formerly Powwow).
- 3. “Publicized the on-line chartering process and benefits at the Tennessee District Church Ministries Convention (The Blend).
- 4. “Sent two separate mass emails that briefly outlined the on-line chartering process to all Tennessee District A/G churches. At least one emailing included all ministers, youth pastors, and Royal Ranger leaders.
- 5. “Made countless phone calls and personal contacts, including individual emails, throughout the Tennessee District. A telephone campaign was conducted to contact all presently chartered churches reminding them of the October 15 on-line chartering deadline.
- 6. “Personal contacts continued through the October 15 deadline with at least 10 churches chartering on-line in direct response to being contacted.
“Aside from these numbers, I am aware of many more churches that are mentoring their young men with the tools of this ministry but have not actually chartered their outpost. Our team will be working on those groups in the upcoming months. I am encouraged by the base of support we have for the new on-line chartering process. I am optimistic that our charters will grow to record numbers in 2010. Most importantly, I’m excited about those numbers reflecting the impact we will have on future men of God. My personal thank you to… Melanie Keffer-District Admin Asst, Tom Throne-Church Outreach & Chartering, J.R. Gould-District Superintendent and Doug Marsh and team- National RR Office. While there is no one on this list who needs accolades, I need to let you know that we are reaping the benefits of your efforts in this ministry.”
News - September 2009
Posted by Doug | Filed under News from the National Director
Dear District Directors,
Great things are happening!
Online chartering is progressing well; keep it going! Photo shoots for the new Leader Manual are underway; it will be available late this year or early next year. TRaCclub (The Rangers Curriculum Club) is set to launch next year. It will have many new brown Bible, leadership, and skill merits. Ranger Essentials will launch in March. Plans are underway for another excellent National Council. Things are taking shape!
Undergoing organizational change is like driving through a construction zone; Kerry and I experience one each morning near our home. Some years back we realized there had been an increase in traffic, and it was moving slower than ever. Something needed to change! Then came the surveyors; we were excited because improvement was on the way. After awhile the cones, the equipment, and the dust came, and, yes, things got even slower. Let’s face it, construction / improvement can be a hassle. But at the same time, it is fun to see the progress, to see things take shape. When completed, the intersection will allow much quicker and easier access to the highway. To continue the analogy, once we are through this “Ranger construction zone,” we will “influence more boys and young men than ever, more effectively than ever.” Thanks for your diligent leadership through this journey toward continual growth and improvement. It will be worth it!
So as the national team finalizes the projects we are devoting ourselves to, may I urge you to complete the following. 1) Perform your district assessment. This is a vital step in the journey the Lord is leading us on together. Be thorough; you will get out of it what you put into it. What is more, the assessment is foundational to what will be presented at National Council in March 2010. 2) Personally participate and encourage others to be part of the National Prayer Vigil on October 9-10. We absolutely depend on God for His favor and blessing! Thank you for your committed leadership. Let’s influence more boys and young men than ever, more effectively than ever!
Doug Marsh
National Director
NATIONAL PRAYER VIGIL
October 9-10, 2010
Mark your calendar and personally participate in the 3rd annual national prayer vigil. Download a prayer guide:
http://royalrangers.ag.org/events/prayervigil/
NATIONAL RANGER WEEK
October 4-10, 2010
Check out this guide with lots of great ideas to celebrate National Royal Rangers Week:
http://agwebservices.org/Content/Resources/RR%20Week%20Promo%20Doc%20v2.pdf
ONLINE CHARTERING
Online chartering numbers grow by the day! Keep it going. October 15, 2009, marks the end of the charter season.
Question: “Our outpost chartered earlier in the year before online chartering was available. Can I still get the 15% discount on my Ranger gear when I order it through the national Royal Rangers website?”
Answer: Visit the chartering FAQ on the national web site for other great questions and answers at http://royalrangers.ag.org/programs/chartering/faq/.
Other helpful chartering links:
· General info and benefits: http://royalrangers.ag.org/programs/chartering/
· Charter now: https://secure1.ag.org/royalrangers/
· Tutorial: http://royalrangers.ag.org/videolytebox/
2009-10 RANGER GEAR: BUYER’S GUIDE
You will find a helpful buyer’s guide on the national Royal Rangers website. Find answers to common questions about the exciting new resources available in the 2009-10 Ranger catalog and online.
Buyer’s Guide: http://agwebservices.org/Content/Resources/Buyers%20Guide–website.pdf
LEAD 2010 – NATIONAL ROAYL RANGERS COUNCIL & CONFERENCE
March 11-13, 2010 • Springfield, Missouri
Starting mid-October, you will find full Council information on the national ministry web site.
LEAD 2010 will premier:
· The Organizational Leaders Seminar to certify organizational leaders. It will be named in honor of our founder as the Johnnie Barnes Excellence in Leadership and Ministry Initiative. · Ranger Essentials: New leaders and those transitioning to the Outpost Leaders Advancement levels, including organizational leaders, are encouraged to attend. Notice: Ranger Essentials will be offered Saturday, March 13, 2010, until 5:00 p.m.
Featured guests include: Dr. Doug Oss, Alton Garrison, Justin Fennel, and Jukka Piirainen.
Look for an informational postcard in the mail. Start registering online on October 16.
News - August 2009
Posted by Doug | Filed under News from the National Director
Hello District Directors!
I don’t often give a chick flick five stars, but I really enjoyed Julie and Julia. (Is it OK for me to actually admit this to you?) It is about Julia Child, the late American chef, author, and television personality, who wanted to make French cuisine recipes available to the American public. Her book is now in its 49th printing, and though she passed away in 2004, her influence will continue for generations!
What really struck me about Julia, beyond her quirky humor and her unrelenting tenacity, was her ability to draw out the best in people. She and her husband were U.S. Civil Servants stationed in Paris in the late 40’s. While many of her colleagues saw the French people as being…well…less than kind to Americans, shall we say, she saw their passion for life, people, and food. Because she saw the best in them, they loved her back, genuinely befriended her, and helped her (except for one lady, but you’ll just have to watch the movie to be introduced to that less-than-encouraging human being).
As I reflected on the movie, I couldn’t help but think of you, our district directors. I’ve seen you personally at conferences and camps bringing out the best in the commanders and young men around you.
My mentor and friend, George Davis, who went to be with the Lord last year, always said, “Leaders must always perfect their ability to spot ability in others, further develop those abilities, and release them to use their abilities for God’s purposes.” As summer draws to a close, be encouraged. You are bringing out God’s best in others, and your investment in lives will be felt for generations!
ONLINE CHARTERING
Online chartering launched successfully August 15 as promised! Ninety percent of those who have completed the process gave it a good or excellent rating. Outposts that have chartered are already enjoying their product discounts. Please remind outposts to charter soon— http://www.royalrangers.ag.org/.
DISTRICT OUTREACH COORDINTOR
Please be in prayer that God will lead you to appoint God’s choice for this important position before March 2010 and please urge this person to attend National Council. A description of the position is available in the Royal Rangers Operational Guidelines (in the ’09 Council magazine, p. 55). Since growth in the number of outposts and their participation in missions endeavors at home and abroad is the district’s most important responsibility, the significance of this position and the value of appointing the right person to this post cannot be overstated. The national director will meet jointly with district directors and district outreach coordinators on Wednesday before National Council for a couple of hours. Then, they will meet separately with the national outreach coordinator, and the national director will continue to meet with the district directors. (The completed schedule will be announced in the fall.)
NATIONAL ROYAL RANGERS WEEK: October 4-10, 2009
The national office has prepared a downloadable flyer for outpost leaders entitled, “10 ways to Observe Ranger Week.”—http://royalrangers.ag.org/events/rrweek/.
NATIONAL PRAYER VIGIL: October 9-10, 2009
A prayer guide is available for the 3rd annual National Prayer Vigil at http://royalrangers.ag.org/events/prayervigil/. Mark your calendar and participate by praying one hour anytime during the 48-hour window. Also, please help us get the word out within your district.
Praying Hyde reminds, “God’s army advances on its knees!”
2012 CAMPORAMA SURVEY
Please take a moment to complete the survey and invite others to give input, especially young men—http://royalrangers.ag.org/events/camporama/.
OUTPOST PROMO KIT SURVEY
Please take a moment to complete the survey regarding the Outpost Promotional Kit that outposts received this spring—http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=B3MUaGpNqWVrv5PRvKFvCw_3d_3d.
UNIFORM INFO & INSIGNIA PLACEMENT
Please refer to the following link for current information on the Royal Rangers uniform and a downloadable insignia placement guide for the new utility uniform— http://royalrangers.ag.org/programs/uniforms.
NATIONAL TRAINING EVENTS
It has been a great year for national training events! Only a few events remain. Also, this is the last chance to attend National Training Camp and Advanced National Training Camp. Please help promote these remaining events. Click here for details— http://royalrangers.ag.org/training/schedule.
I LOVE MISSIONS!
There is no denying that missions is the heart of God. It is at the foundation of our Fellowship and is a core purpose of Royal Rangers. It is imperative that young men have leaders who pray for and give to missions and have the opportunity to play a role in giving to missions themselves. Participation in missions is central to instilling a commitment to the Great Commission and Great Commandment in the hearts and lives of the young men you lead! For these reasons, Royal Rangers continues to partner with BGMC and Speed the Light.
This year, although we have made great strides in our missions endeavors, we have yet to see the fruit of our labor. To this date, only $3,000 of our $100,000 Master’s Toolbox goal has come in. We have also yet to receive any funds this calendar year for the RR/STL Project.
We realize that many outposts and districts are still in the process of raising funds and have not yet sent in their monies. However, if you are not already undertaking a fundraising program for missions, we deeply encourage you to do so. There are people that may never hear the gospel if we do not equip our missionaries to go and find them.
For further information on Royal Rangers missions and where to send your support, visit http://royalrangers.ag.org/outreach/worldwide/.
NRA YOUTH SHOOTING SPORTS AMBASSADOR APPOINTED
Michael Carter is our 09-10 NRA Youth Shooting Sports Ambassador, representing the Royal Ranger National Shooting Sports Program (NSSP). His tour of duty will begin this fall and extend through next summer.
Michael will be attending the SHOT Show in January, which is the largest and most prestigious convention/show of the shooting sports industry. Our 08-09 ambassador had a personal meeting and lunch with two Olympians from the 2008 Olympic shooting team. In addition to radio, television, and other media relations during the SHOT Show, Michael will be attending a series of exciting shooting events, meet and work with celebrities of the sport, and much more.
Michael lives in Nampa, Idaho (just outside Boise) and is a member of Outpost 2 at First Assembly of God in Meridian. Last week, he began his freshman year at Idaho State University and will coordinate with Shad Arnold, the chairman of the Royal Rangers NSSP, to meet the ambassador’s schedule requirements.
He is very active in the shooting sports, including hunting, target shooting, and local competitions, and will have many opportunities throughout this next year to demonstrate his aptitude in the sport while promoting Royal Rangers to the NRA and their partners at events and meetings around the country. Michael is a graduate of the 2009 NRA Youth Education Summit (YES) and is a NRA member.
As a NRA Youth Shooting Sports ambassador, Michael will receive special recognition and a scholarship from the president of the NRA for his service during his ambassador term.
MOVIE RECOMMENDATION
The National Royal Rangers Ministries would like to announce the upcoming release of To Save a Life, written by seasoned youth leader, Jim Britts, and inspired by a passion to reach teenagers with a life-affirming entertainment. Royal Rangers is endorsing this film for Adventure and Expedition Rangers. It will be especially useful as an outreach and evangelism tool and as an opportunity to partner with your local youth and Girls Ministries groups. This movie will be released sometime in January and would be a great way to get Royal Rangers together for a winter activity. Your young men will also have an opportunity to view the movie in an advanced screening at all the district youth conventions this fall.
For leader’s resources and to view the movie trailer, go to www.tosavealifeleaders.com.
News - July 2009
Posted by Doug | Filed under News from the National Director
District Directors,
Here’s a great quote by Theologian John Owen (1616-1683): “However strong a castle may be, if a treacherous party resides inside (ready to betray at the first opportunity possible), the castle cannot be kept safe from the enemy. Traitors occupy our own hearts, ready to side with every temptation and to surrender to them all.”
This reminds me of the admonition in Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” The traitors within can’t be wished away; they must be forced out by intimacy with Jesus so there is no room left for anything but Christ.
We are in ministry to future men. Let us model authentic, manly intimacy with Jesus, for it is in that very relationship we discover our true identity as men—being like Christ.
Let’s show men and boys how to force the traitors within, out!
Doug Marsh
National Director
Online Chartering Starts August 15 • Short Tutorial Now Available
Online chartering starts August 15! To help outposts prepare, we have recorded a short 4-minute tutorial found on our ministry home page. Check it out—
To help get the word out, look for an email from our office announcing online chartering, its benefits, and the tutorial. Please forward it to every Rangers leader you know. They, too, will be encouraged to forward the email.
Thank you for encouraging every outpost to charter, beginning August 15.
2010 National Council & Conference Will Be AWESOME!March 11-13, 2010 • Springfield, MO
Here is some important information about National Council 2010. Full details will become available in October.
Ø On Wednesday, March 10, 2010 (the day before Council), we will meet from 8:00-10:00 a.m. with everyone holding a regional or national position. District directors are encouraged to attend also. Then, by popular demand, we will meet again with district directors from 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Action teams, such as Training, FCF, etc., will meet during this time as well. The outreach coordinators will also gather for the first time at Council; district directors, prayerfully make this appointment before then.
Ø Thursday and Friday, March 11-12, 2010, we will conduct the first Organizational Leadership Seminar. We strongly encourage every organizational leader at the area, sectional, divisional, district, regional, and national level to attend. We will also have important national updates, regional and functional breakaways, and special activities for the ladies.
Ø Saturday, March 13, 2010, we will offer Ranger Essentials. This will be the transition module for those who have already completed the LMA. Ranger Essentials will run all day until around 5:00 p.m., which is similar to previous years that training updates were released. Scheduling it Saturday affords two benefits: 1) We can model how you are to offer it in your district; and 2) Leaders who wouldn’t normally attend Council (Thursday-Friday) may attend, such as instructors and outpost commanders in your district.
In light of the value Council 2010 will add to the leaders in your district, please encourage as many as possible to attend the Seminar and/or Rangers Essentials.
Sync-up With God’s Heart
The heartbeat of any ministry is always primarily the lost. Royal Rangers is no different. By participating in BGMC and Speed the Light giving in your district, you are enabling missionaries in the U.S. and around the world to reach the lost and disciple them into lifelong followers of Jesus Christ. Approximately $50,000 has already been given to the Master’s Toolbox this year, putting us half way to our $100k pledge. We still need to raise $35,000 for the STL/RR Christmas Project. Continue to challenge the men and boys in your district to be active in winning the lost around the world!
Camporama 2012 Survey
To help us plan the best Camporama ever, we want to hear from the field. Help us by circulating the link below to leaders and boys in your district. (District directors, please respond yourself, too, if you would.) We thank you in advance.
http://royalrangers.ag.org/connect/qlc/
Shooting Sports Ambassador
Posted by Doug | Filed under News from the National Director
The summer is a busy time, and you may have missed this when it was sent out earlier. At this time, we have not received any recommendations.
This is a great opportunity for a young man to represent the Royal Rangers in the area of shooting sports and to receive a college scholarship. Last year was the first year a RR was selected for this special honor. He served with representatives from other youth organizations like BSA, 4-H, etc.
Please review the information on qualifications and send your recommendation(s) to Shad Arnold by August 1, 2009. It would be a shame for a qualified young man to miss this opportunity because his name was not submitted. We are running out of time for this, so we appreciate your follow up before the deadline.
Doug Marsh, National Director
National Office Seeking 2010 National Youth Shooting Sports Ambassador
The Royal Rangers National Shooting Sports Program, in cooperation with the National Rifle Association – Youth Shooting Sports Program, is now accepting applications to interview for the position of Royal Ranger, national representative. This position is referred to as the 2010 National Youth Shooting Sports Ambassador.
This program offers unparalleled opportunities for one (1) qualified Royal Ranger (16 years or older) to experience a “chance of a lifetime” program that will include a number of amazing events, meeting national shooting sports celebrities, traveling, fellow ambassador camaraderie, memories of a lifetime, and career opportunities. The program culminates in the receipt of a valuable college scholarship.
Do you know a young man in Rangers who is involved in the NSSP and who would like to be considered for this prestigious and honorable program? If so, he needs to make contact with us today!
Mandatory conditions of consideration:
1. Must be 16-20 years old, be comfortable with public speaking, and be able to express himself in verbal and written forms.
2. Must be an active member of a local outpost and receive parent, commander, and pastoral permission to apply and attend associated functions of the Ambassador Program.
3. Must actively participate in Royal Rangers NSSP shooting sports competitions and/or other shooting sports competitions.
4. Must submit a 500-word essay on the subject of the Royal Rangers – National Shooting Sports Program.
5. All submissions must be received by August 1, 2009, and be directed to Shad Arnold at performance@shad4light.com.
Bonus Considerations:
1. GMA recipient
2. National shooting competitor
3. Local or regional shooting competitor
4. Other significant shooting sports awards received, competitions attended, special skills within the NSSP category, etc.
July 2, 2009
Posted by Doug | Filed under Home Page Greetings
Happy Fourth of July
Alexis de Tocqueville, the 19th century French historian and philosopher wrote: “America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”
These words echo those penned by King Solomon thousands of years earlier: “Righteousness exalts a nation” (Prov. 34:14).
As we celebrate God’s goodness to America this weekend, as we remember our brave servicemen and woman past and present, as we grill and enjoy time with family and friends, let’s remember that the greatest expression of patriotism is a godly character and witness undergirded by prayer for our nation and its leaders (1 Tim. 2:1-2).
On behalf of the General Council and the entire national Royal Rangers team, we are so proud of our Ranger leaders who embody responsible citizenship by “evangelizing, equipping, and empowering the next generation of Christlike men and lifelong servant leaders.” What a legacy we are living and leaving!
Happy Independence Day, and God bless America!
News - June 2009
Posted by Doug | Filed under News from the National Director
Dear District Director’s and Executive Committee Members,
I’ve been praying a lot for you and for this powerful ministry of which we are privileged to be a part!
First Chronicles 28 speaks of the construction plans God gave King David for the temple. Verse 19 speaks to us, “God gave me understanding in all the details of the plan.”
In the same way, God wants to give you a clear vision of His preferred future for your district or region. I say this to encourage you to continue your assessments as a team this summer and fall. Through it pray because God wants to reveal His designs to you.
News - May 2009
Posted by Doug | Filed under News from the National Director
Hi, District Directors!
I recently read Proverbs 25 in the Message. It struck me how much leadership wisdom is packed into verses 3-15! The writer speaks of understanding, character, purity, motivation, self-control, results, persistence, and so much more. All this is packed into just 12 verses. This passage challenged and encouraged me. May I be so bold as to insist you take a few moments to read and reflect on these verses. As the Lord directs, perhaps they would be instructive as you share them with the organizational leaders within your district or sphere of influence.
Know that I love and appreciate each of you and pray for you continually! Together we are “influencing more boys and young men than ever, more effectively than ever!”
Doug Marsh
National Director
Royal Rangers
7. Let’s Build! (Nehemiah 2:18)
Posted by Doug | Filed under Nehemiah: A Leader of Purpose & Priority
Hi and welcome back! Let’s pick up right where we left off.
Nehemiah has just cast a convincing vision and the people responded by saying, “Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem!” Nehemiah’s vivid description of their preferred future moved them to action. What unfolds over the next 7½ weeks is nothing short of amazing. In just 52 days the security perimeter of the city is reestablished. All that in less than two months!
But don’t be naïve! The 52 days of construction was to Nehemiah what harvest time is to the farmer. Make no mistake, harvest is hard work but it only represents the final relatively short portion of the growth season. If a farmer harvests it is because of disciplined work and patience that goes unnoticed except by a few—that is, until harvest time! For months and months before, the farmer has labored in anonymity. Such is the case with Nehemiah. He led the people and together they erected the walls in an impressively short period of time.
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