JanFeb12 Tomahawk

Tomahawk Potomac District Royal Rangers News and Information for Royal Ranger Leaders January-February 2012

Effective Mentoring focus of Conference Page 4

Light for the Lost 2012 Tour Schedule Page 6

Royal Rangers in the Detention Center - Before You Start Page 7

- Kick-Off Activity Page 8

Rangers Bring Puppet Musical To Area Homeless Shelters Page 9

District Ranger of the Year Competition Restarted Page 11

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January - February 2012

POTOMAC DISTRICT ROYAL RANGERS www.potomacrangers.org

Royal Rangers is a principal ministry of the Assemblies of God focused on discipling boys for Jesus Christ. We provide Christ-like character formation and servant leadership development for boys and young men in a highly relational and fun environment. Our mission is to evangelize, equip and empower the next generation of Christ-like men and lifelong servant leaders.

The Potomac District administrative region of the General Council of the Assemblies of God takes in Washington, D.C., Maryland, most of Virginia and northern West Virginia.

Over 100 churches throughout this region currently provide Royal Ranger ministry to more than 2,500 boys and young men. We use many tools to achieve that goal whether it be camping, merits or interactive skills, all designed to help develop a boy into a man while having fun and getting to know God.

Kenya Churches Donate Land to Royal Rangers

Campaign Underway to Build Training Center

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n November, the Kenya Assemblies of God donated one acre of land for development of a Royal Ranger campsite to serve east Africa.

Pictured during an impromptu dedication of the site are (l. to r.)

Cmdr. David Jenkins, David Craun and Dennis Molnar from the U.S., Andy Whitman with Royal Rangers International (RRI), and Kenya A/G general superintendent Rev. Njiri. RRI has been campaigning to raise $4,500 to place a 20-foot container on the site for equipment storage, and $50,000 to build a multipurpose training center.

The fundraising campaign is designated as AGWM project 15038. Donations should be made through the Master’s Toolbox BGMC/RR partnership, specifically designated for this project. Donations can be made on line at https://secure1.ag.org/contributions/detail.cfm?LedgerID=5b24225e-52c345be-82c6-ce0f419770c2. Be sure to write “Project 15038 - East Africa RR Training Center” in the comment section.

The Kenya A/G is considering doubling the land grant if there is sufficient support for developing the site for Royal Ranger ministry.

See it now @

www.potomacrangers.org

In Case You Missed It Potomac District’s Tomahawk newsle er is emailed every two months.

But, if you’re new to the mailing list, or if you missed a previous edi on, you can find it in the archive maintained on the district’s website for Royal Rangers at www.potomacrangers.org.

We want to develop both men and boys in mentoring relationships and leadership skills, and guide them to Jesus Christ. We reach boys, so they may reach another in their world.

TOMAHAWK Potomac District Commander Rev. Bobby Basham Outreach/Publications Coordinator Newsletter Editor Gary Wagner The Tomahawk newsletter is published bimonthly as a means of communicating news and information to Royal Ranger leaders throughout the Potomac District. Sectional staffs and outposts are invited to submit articles and photographs that feature activities of Royal Ranger ministries on a local level, or to share ideas and successes. Email material to garywagner54@aol.com. Please submit photos as separate jpg image files.

The Tomahawk is distributed via email as an electronic publication. Email address corrections, or requests to be added to the distribution list, should be forwarded to Potomac District executive secretary Denise Raduano at potomacmm@msn.com.

Royal Rangers Emblem © 1962 by the national Royal Rangers Office, The General Council of the Assemblies of God; Springfield, Mo. 65802. The Royal Rangers Emblem may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronically, mechanically, photocopies, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission from the national Royal Rangers Office.

FRONT COVER: “The Pass,” an oil painting by Jim Carson. See more of his work, along with other western paintings and sculpture at www.heritageonlinegallery.com. BACK COVER: “Deer in Snow,” a photo by Viktor Herman. More of his photography can be found on www.panoramio.com.

Potomac District Royal Rangers on Facebook www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=191714004234632

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DIRECTOR’S MEMO

Suppor ng Churches, Businesses & Individuals Special thanks to our Supporting Churches, Sections, Businesses and Individuals. Your generosity enables further enhancements to this ministry. Anyone wishing to join our group of supporters may request an application from the Potomac District Royal Ranger office, email potomacmm@msn.com.

SILVER MEMBERS Rev. Bobby Basham

Cross Junc on, Va.

GOLD MEMBERS Projects Unlimited - Gary Groves Tracy Groves

Eldersburg, Md. Eldersburg, Md.

SUPPORTING CHURCHES Outpost 2 Outpost 6 Outpost 9 Outpost 18 Outpost 27 Outpost 46 Outpost 47 Outpost 49 Outpost 60 Outpost 64 Outpost 81 Outpost 82 Outpost 89 Outpost 100 Outpost 124 Outpost 152 Outpost 186 Outpost 215 Outpost 232 Outpost 240 Outpost 277

Trinity Assembly of God Pasadena Assembly of God Calvary Assembly of God Eastern Assembly of God Glad Tidings Church Bethel Assembly of God Trinity Assembly of God Centerpointe Church at Fair Oaks Manassas Assembly of God First Assembly of God Trinity Assembly of God Hayfield Assembly of God Bethel Assembly of God Hancock Assembly of God Julilee Chris an Center Lighthouse Worship Center Hazel River Assembly of God River of Life Assembly of God First Assembly of God Living Word Community Church Ocean City Worship Center

Lanham, Md. Pasadena, Md. Frederick, Md. Bal more, Md. Norfolk, Va. Savage,Md. Lutherville,Md. Fairfax, Va. Bristow, Va. Elkton, Md. Fairmont, W.Va. Gore, Va. Mar nsburg, W.Va. Hancock, Md. Fairfax, Va. Hayes, Va. Rixeyville, Va. Spotsylvania, Va. Harrisonburg, Va. Mechanicsville, Md. Berlin, Md.

INDIVIDUAL DONORS Don & Sara Frey Homer Kitchen Gary & Faye Groves Phil Georg Rev. McGraw

Falling Waters, W.Va. Gerrardstown, W.Va. Eldersburg, Md. Brunswick, Md.

Off and Running

By Rev. Bobby Basham District Commander

G

reetings and Happy New Year!

I have prayed that each of you had some time to enjoy the celebration of Jesus, perhaps connect with family and friends over the holidays and get some rest.

As we all gear up for 2012, I want you to know that I deeply value every leader’s sacrifice and heart in this ministry. In the middle of all the things we do, please remember, we are called by God to serve the boys that the Lord has entrusted to each of us. In times of discouragement, it is remembering the eyes of a youngster who for the first time realizes that Jesus really does love him and wants to live in his life. Guys, this is what keeps us all going week to week, event after event.

2012 will be a great year for Royal Rangers because of great leaders and because Jesus is faithful to use men like you and me to impact the lives of boys. A couple of things to keep in mind while we gear up for a terrific year. One, I hope you are firming up your plans for Camporama.

This will be a very exciting national event that will be significantly different from those in the past. Do what you can to go. If we can help, please contact us.

Second, our District Pow Wow will be a blast. Our theme will be “Potomac Olympics,” and you know our Pow Wow team led by Tracy Groves will have several twists! We, too, will be honoring the 50th anniversary of Royal Rangers with a very special recognition service.

More details will be forthcoming at our commanders conference.

Third, our annual Commander’s Conference will be held in Fredericksburg, Va. We will be restarting District Ranger of the Year at this event and are looking into offering some training as well. It will be a valueadded event with updates from the national LEAD conference and the very latest on both Camporama and our own District Pow Wow. Please plan to come. Watch for registration information to come out by late January.

My head’s already spinning with all the possibilities for ministry and fun awaiting us in the new year. Hold on, and let’s enjoy the ride!

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Regional Conference Focuses on Effective Mentoring

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he Northeast Region Royal Ranger Leaders Conference is scheduled for Feb. 10-12 at the Willow Valley Doubletree Resort in Lancaster, Pa. The focus of this year’s event is equipping leaders to be even more effective in mentoring young men through Rangers.

Valuable resources will be presented that Ranger leaders can take and use in their local, sectional and district ministries. Special sessions on communication, social media and other methods will be structured to help leaders influence more boys, more effectively than ever.

A limited supply of Royal Ranger items from GPH will be available for sale. In addition, Croatan Traders (FCF), Tandy Leather and FDRangerwear will have items for sale. This will be a great opportunity to save shipping costs! The conference vendor area will be open 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 30 minutes after the Friday Evening Session.

CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS

See Page 5 for Course Descriptions Royal Rangers have been given a special rate at the Doubltree Resort of $99 per night plus tax per room. This rate is for single or double occupancy. Triple rate is $114 plus tax, and Quad is $129 plus tax. In order to guarantee the Special Rate room discount, you must mention “Royal Rangers” and you must make reservations

by Friday, Jan. 13. If you make reservations after Jan. 13, availability and price are not guaranteed. If

you have any questions or problems with making a reservation, contact Heather Manley at (800) 369-9877.

There will be several options for meals at the conference. In addition to room service meals, there are two restaurants (Willow Tree Restaurant and Café 24 Hundred) and a bakery on-site.

Since Willow Valley is well known for their smorgasbord (all you can eat) meals, leaders can

elect to sign up for discounted meals – Thursday dinner through Sunday breakfast – at rates 10 to 30 percent from what you would pay on your own.

Specially priced meal packets are not guaranteed after the preregistration date (postmarked by Jan. 28). Meal plan requests should be sent to the Northeast Region Royal Rangers with the conference registration and not made directly through Willow Valley.

Make your discounted hotel reservations for the Doubltree Resort on line at: http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/L/LNSWVDT-RRN-20120209/index.jhtml?wt.mc_id=pog

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SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS OFFERED Avoiding Legal Land Mines - will provide an overview of key legal issues and risk management tools. Dealing with issues related to employee or volunteer misconduct, such as alleged child abuse, substance abuse, theft or other wrongful acts.

Camporama Planning Workshop - is for the leaders who want to take the outpost to Camporama and you are looking for ideas to maximize the experience. Some of the topics discussed will be organizing, fundraising and travel arrangements.

Communicating Like a Pro - will show professional communication and marketing techniques that will eliminate the gap between what you want to say and what is actually heard. Designed for every Royal Ranger leader who wants to improve the way they engage, inform and motivate parents and church congregations.

First Aid/CPR/AED Course - is an American Red Cross Certified Course in Standard First Aid, Adult CPR and AED. Unlike in past years, this will be offered as one course and certification will be for two years. This is a requirement for the “Safety” Level of the Outpost Leader Advancement Trail.

How to use the Ranger Kids Curriculum - is for the leaders who is still learning and trying to use the Ranger Kid curriculum and needs some assistance and ideas on how to use it.

Introduction to Social Media for Ranger Leaders - is an introduction to social media covering both the current tools available and how to use those tools to interact with brand ([Royal Ranger)] fans/followers. Social media etiquette as well as "How To's" will be shared, enabling Ranger Outposts to build their web presence and outreach.

Junior Leadership Workshop - will show you how to take basic GPS knowledge and use it for fun activities to engage and challenge you. You will then use your skills on a planned afternoon.

Ranger Basics - is a hands-on experience that teaches how to run successful outpost meetings, how to use the Rangers curriculum & advancement system, and how to build healthy relationships with boys and young men. You will also learn soul-winning techniques for evangelism. This is a requirement for the “Ready” Level of the Outpost Leader Advancement Trail.

Ranger Essentials - is a fun, interactive-style training event. You will learn how to connect with today’s boys, along with recognizing ministry needs & outreach opportunities. You will discover how to give life-changing devotions and how to mentor boys and young men into spiritual leaders. This is a requirement for the “Ready” Level of the Outpost Leader Advancement Trail.

Ranger Kids Crafts – will give Ranger Kid leaders different ideas and examples of crafts that can be used in class. You will have an opportunity to demonstrate your skills by actually creating and assembling the craft.

Ranger Kids Games - will offer Ranger Kid leaders different ideas and examples of games that can be used in class and at events. Come ready for fun!

Safety & the Church - will help leaders understand important safety issues during outpost meetings, activities, and while transporting boys. This is a requirement for the “Safety” Level of the Outpost Leader Advancement Trail.

Tandy Leather Workshop - will teach the basics of leather carving, using a swivel knife and stamps to create a recessed and textured design into the surface of leather, as well as other basics of leatherworking. You will create a beautiful book cover and the tools you use will be yours to keep.

The Care and Feeding of a Pastor - will show how to improve the pastor/ commander relationship between both supportive pastors & un-supportive pastors.

Training Academy - will prepare graduates to teach in the Rangers Ministry Academy and will be the prerequisite for attending all other academies. By invitation only. Application and District Director’s approval are required.

Save the date!

Potomac District Commanders’ Conference Friday-Saturday

March 30-31 Highway Assembly of God Fredericksburg, Va.

Keynote Speaker ~ Michael Petrucci Chaplain, Northeast Region Royal Rangers

More Details Available Soon

Complete information/registration forms are available on line at: www.northeastregion.org TOMAHAWK

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LIGHT FOR THE LOST 2012 TOUR SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED All outposts are invited to attend Light for the Lost (LFTL) banquets scheduled for each section within the Potomac District between April 16 and April 24.

Light for the Lost is administered by National Men’s Ministries but fulfilled by the church as a whole. Through generous giving of churches, individuals and businesses, LFTL assists missionaries and missions projects around the world with evangelistic resources to share the gospel message.

Potomac District Light for the Lost 2012 Tour

LIGHT FOR THE LOST 2012 SECTIONAL TOUR EVENTS April 16 April 16 April 16 April 17 April 17 April 18 April 19 April 19 April 20 April 20 April 21 April 22 April 23 April 24

CM - Fogo De Chao, Washington, DC NE - Hancock A/G, Hancock, MD TN - Calvary A/G, Hampton, VA ES – Living Water Assembly S – Clover Hill A/G, Midlothian, VA EA – White Marsh, MD EA – Mu ny Restaurant, Glen Burnie, MD TS – Calvary A/G, Virginia Beach, VA WE – Jake’s Run A/G, Fairview, WV CE – Hazel River A/G, Rixeyville, VA NC – Keyser A/G, Keyser, WV CM – Full Gospel A/G, Prince Frederick, MD NW – Mountain View A/G, Capon Bridge, WV CV – Jubilee Chris an Center, Fairfax, VA

11:00 AM 6:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 1:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 5:30 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM

See Schedule on This Page Commanders who plan to attend with their Rangers are asked to make reservations with the host church at least 10 days prior to the banquet.

Also at the banquet, opportunities to contribute to ongoing Light for the Lost projects will be presented. Outposts are encouraged to come prepared to support Light for the Lost, either through a onetime offering or by making a pledge of support for the year.

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Before You Start a Royal Rangers Detention Center Ministry …

By Cmdr. Glenn Sorrentino Outpost 158

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o you’re interested in starting a Royal Ranger Outpost in your local juvenile detention center. May God abundantly bless your efforts!

There are some questions you need to answer first: Why? Why do you want to do this? What is it you want to accomplish with this effort? If your purpose is anything other than to share Christ with boys who desperately need him, and see them grow in Christ through this ministry, your goal is too small.

Realize that most boys will be in a detention center an average of 4-6 weeks, so you must be deliberate in sharing the life-changing message of Jesus Christ, and give them an opportunity to receive Christ at every meeting.

What? What will you say to them? What will you teach them?

Given the relatively short time the boys will be with you, you’ll want

to be sure that Jesus Christ is your focus at every meeting. I use the Royal Ranger emblem and the character-building points of the Ranger Code to share with the boys how God wants us to live.

The point is to give these boys some tools to better equip them to live in the environment which largely contributed to their crimes.

Pinewood Derby an Effective Starting Point How to use a pinewood derby to launch a new detention center Ranger outpost is detailed in a companion article by Cmdr. Glenn Sorrentino on page 8.

I don’t teach merits. The vast majority of the boys are not there long enough to earn even the simplest of merits, and I’d rather spend that time teaching them a better way to live.

Who? Who do you need to talk to at the detention center to gain access? Most centers have a volun-

teer coordinator. Call the center to get this person’s contact information. Make an appointment to meet with the coordinator, wear your uniform, and take a color copy of your Ranger recruit handbook, one of the Bibles you intend to provide for the boys, and any other materials you intend to use, with you to the meeting. Be sure there are no staples in your materials! Be ready to share with those in authority your passion to reach these boys for Christ through Royal Rangers, using the same methods we use at the church outpost: friendship evangelism.

Also, who will be helping you?

It’s very difficult, and against Ranger policy, to do this alone.

You need a team of at least 3-4 commanders who are committed to help you minister to these boys; men who will be able to step in when you get sick or cannot attend the meeting for whatever reason.

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SEE MINISTRY ON PAGE 9 January - February 2012

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Launching an Outpost in a Juvenile Detention Center

By Cmdr. Glenn Sorrentino Outpost 158

H

osting a pinewood derby to launch the new outpost works well, as the boys are attracted to the activity, and will get to know you in the process of building their cars over the several (4-6) weeks it will take them. Of course, you will need to run anything you want to do by the authorities, so they will see you as accountable and responsible.

Begin every meeting with a flag ceremony. Have the boys salute and recite the pledges for the American, Christian and Royal Ranger flags. You will need to prepare a handout for them with the words to the pledges printed so they can hold it in their hand while they salute the flags. This handout should also include all the other recruit requirements, such as the Royal Ranger Motto, Ranger Code and Golden Rule. You will also need a supply of Bibles and new Christian material. Be aware that any material you provide must have the staples removed.

After the opening ceremony, prayer, and announcements of upcoming events, organize a game for the boys, such as steal the bacon or bulls and bears, or some other group game. After the game,

have the boys sit at tables and explain to them the pinewood derby.

Use the GPH car kits, since they use a screw instead of a nail for the axle (the nail could be made into a weapon). You will need to provide the block of wood for them, and allow them to draw an outline for the cuts to shape the car, and write their name on the bottom of the block. Then collect the blocks, take them home (or to someone with the tools) and cut them out on a band saw. Take the cut cars back the next meeting and allow the boys to sand them using sanding

sticks, which you can make by gluing strips of sandpaper to popsicle sticks. After they are shaped, let the boys use acrylic paints and brushes to paint them, provide the wheels and axles, use clay to weight them evenly, and they are ready to race.

The activity should take no more than half the meeting. Be sure to leave ample time (30 minutes) for the message and follow-up, which is the reason you are there. Starting with where they are, talk about the wages of sin, the separation from a holy God, the price Christ paid to redeem us, the forgiveness of sin and abundant life he offers and the hope of heaven he provides. You must bring the boys to the point of making a decision. They will not all be ready, but some of them will. Have those who want to accept Christ stand, and then direct them to one of your fellow Ranger commanders, who can lead them in a sinner’s prayer. Provide Bibles and other materials appropriate for new Christians.

Potomac District Cmdr. Bobby Basham (3rd from right) is pictured during his visit at the Norfolk Juvenile Detention Center along with (l. to r.) Cmdr. Randy Ward of Outpost 311, Cmdrs.

Jim Adams and Glenn Sorrentino with Outpost 158, Tidewater South Sectional Cmdr. Roger Riendeau, Cmdr. Frank Timmins with Outpost 385, and Cmdr. Travis Burton of Outpost 158.

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MINISTRY FROM PAGE 7

Where? Where will you meet? Does the detention center have a large room, such as a basketball court, which you can use for your meetings? Are there tables and chairs available for your use? Ask these questions of your contact person, and plan accordingly.

When? Will the detention center allow you to meet once a week or once a month? A one -time visit will accomplish little, if anything. Boys in this situation need to know they can trust you, and that takes time. A weekly format is a large commitment, but it is one that works best.

How much time will they give you? Will you be able to hold an hour-and-a-half meeting, as you would at your church? These questions should be answered sooner rather than later, so that you’ll know how much time you’ll have.

How? That is, how many?

Find out the average number of inmates the facility has, not just the number of beds. Since attendance is voluntary you can expect from one third to one half of the boys to take part in the outpost meetings.

This number will vary over time, but it’s a good estimate.

Running a Royal Rangers outpost costs money. Since you won’t be getting that money from either the boys or the detention center, you will need a church or possibly several churches that will help you financially. May God bless you in this effort!

Rangers Bring Puppet Musical to Baltimore Family Shelters

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dventure and Expedition Rangers from Outpost 362 in Baltimore, Md. performed a Christmas puppet musical, “Wise Guys and Starry Skies,” at two family shelters during this past holiday season.

Separate performances were offered on Dec. 17 and 18 at The Agape House and Night of Peace shelters in Baltimore.

Senior Cmdr. Rene Smith reports, “Coordinators at both family shelters were elated to see a quality puppet production done by our Rangers.”

After ministering with the puppets, the hearts of both children and adults were touched when Adventure Ranger Elijah Bulter gave his testimony of how he and his family became homeless and how the Lord Jesus provided a peaceful and safe home for him, his mom, and his sister.

Thirty children responded to an opportunity to give their hearts to the Lord. Prayers were offered for those who wanted a safe and comfortable home for their families.

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‘You are the only ones who pray with us’ Testimonies from Royal Ranger Ministry at the Norfolk Juvenile Detention Center … Shortly afterward, another boy came forward for salvation. He told me he didn't want to pray with the other boys. Evidently there is some rivalry going on, and he was caught in the middle of it. I prayed with him, and then the boy from earlier in the meeting asked again for prayer. So we all formed a circle, and lifted up the boys' needs. I talked to this young man afterward, who asked for additional prayer for his children. I asked how many kids he had. He said "Two, a three-year-old and a two-year-old." I asked, "How old are you?" He said "I'll be 18 this coming Wednesday." … I asked this same young man about other ministries. I've been told that there are services held here every Sunday, which are led by different churches that come in on a revolving basis. He said, "Yeah, but you are the only ones who pray with us." It would be awesome if we had enough men to pray with each boy who asked for prayer. … I am continually amazed at the move of God here. Every week we see Jesus Christ change lives right before our eyes. Cmdr. Gary Jimerson of Calvary Assembly OP 142, who has visited the outpost here several times, shared at the Pow Wow, "These boys are like sponges, they soak up the attention like they are starving for it. When we were doing the pinewood derby, they were having so much fun with a simple block of wood and some paint. It's great to see these boys laughing and having fun, just being boys." … Tonight Cmdr. Frank Timmins and I went to the prison, and had 22 boys come out for the meeting. After opening ceremony and four strenuous games of steal the bacon, I shared a devotion on Luke 15, the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son, and what was common with the three, the delight and celebration when they were found. I shared that the Father is seeking those who are lost, and awaits their return home, and wants to celebrate them. … We have a large young man named Austin who attends the meetings. He stands in formation during opening ceremony, but does not salute the flags or recite the pledges. He seldom interacts with the other boys, nor takes part in the games. And each time an invitation is given to receive Christ, he remains in his seat. I talked to him last week, and he told me he just turned 18, and would be going upstate, that is, to the Richmond facility, on Monday.

When I saw him at the meeting tonight, I asked what had happened, why didn’t he go, and he told me they misspelled his name on the paperwork, and he had to wait until it was corrected.

I gave a devotion on the extravagant love of God, and when the invitation was given to receive Christ, Austin stood to receive Jesus. Afterwards, I talked to him, and through tears he shared his life of abuse, neglect and extremely low selfimage.

Praise God that, through a typo, this young man was kept in the detention center until he could hear a message that touched his heart, and receive Christ! I gave him a Bible and shared with him the love of Someone who will never leave him nor forsake him.

What a joy it is to be a part of this ministry! I only wish all of the prayer partners were able to see what God is doing here.

“Jesus Blesses the Children” stained glass window in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Shreveport, La.

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Potomac District to Reinstitute Ranger of the Year Competition Top Discovery, Adventure and Expedi on Rangers from each Sec on to be evaluated and recognized at District Commanders’ Conference

A

s part of a newly reinstituted Ranger of the Year program in Potomac District, top Discovery, Adventure and Expedition Rangers will represent their sections at a district-level competition during this year’s district Commanders’ Conference on March 30-31.

The overarching purpose of the Potomac District Ranger of the Year program is to cultivate participation in the Royal Ranger advancement program and encourage the further development of boys in various dimensions of Royal Ranger ministry. This program is undertaken, as well, to provide a broader venue – beyond the local outpost – for recognizing the growth and achievement of our Rangers throughout the year.

The Potomac District Ranger of the Year program is structured to coincide with the Ranger curriculum year, which begins September 1st and concludes August 31st. The proposal for the new competition was introduced to Ranger leaders at last year’s commanders’ conference, and all sections were subsequently provided with guidelines for promoting the competition among their outposts and conducting sectional-level competition—a prerequisite to the district Ranger of the Year event.

To be eligible to compete for Ranger of the Year, boys must be members of outposts with current, up-to-date charters. Eligible Royal

Rangers must participate in a Sectional Ranger of the Year competition, and must possess and wear either the Royal Ranger Utility uniform or Royal Ranger Class B khaki uniform for the event.

Evaluation Criteria The following criteria will be used within the format of the District’s Ranger of the Year competitive event to evaluate and determine which boys will qualify as a Potomac District Ranger of the Year.

Outpost Ranger of the Year Evaluation Form. Preparations for a boy to compete in the District’s Ranger of the Year program begin at the outpost level. An Outpost Ranger of the Year Evaluation Form, which is available from the Navigator records management program for (www.rangerdepot.com), must be completed for each Ranger to participate. This evaluation captures all a Ranger’s merits, advancements and achievements in one comprehensive, scored report that becomes part of a boy’s Ranger of the Year evaluation at both Sectional and District levels.

Uniform Inspection. All Rangers participating in the Potomac District Ranger of the Year program will be required to wear either the Royal Ranger Utility uniform or Royal Ranger Class B khaki uniform. Boys will be scored on how correctly they wear their uniform.

Written & Skill Tests. The Potomac District Ranger of the Year program will incorporate both written and oral skills tests that will draw on material from agespecific handbooks, skill merits and Bible merits. The focus will be to measure boys’ understanding of basic Ranger principles (e.g. the Royal Ranger Code) as well as key skill sets (e.g. first aid, fire craft, tool craft). In addition, tests may include material from the following required merits for each age group: Discovery Rangers: Bible, First Aid Skills, Global Missions (Blue Merits) Adventure Rangers: Bible, Global Missions, Healthy Body (Green Merits) Expedition Rangers: 16 Fundamental Truths, Budget & Finance, Citizenship (Silver Merits) Bible Memorization. Boys will be asked to recite from memory six “salvation scriptures” (John 3:16, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, John 1:12, 1 John 1:9, and Revelation 3:20). They will be scored on how precisely they recite these verses either from a King James or New International Version translation of the Bible.

Oral Interview. Boys will be interviewed by a panel of Ranger leaders, and will be asked to answer questions related to their Christian and Ranger experience. The interview is intended to provide boys with practice in a “public speaking” type of experience. Scoring of interview questions will focus on how well a boy is prepared to express his Christian beliefs and witness to others.

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POTOMAC DISTRICT ROYAL RANGERS STAFF Tyler Mazer - Junior Training Aide de Camp 99 Shenandoah View Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 camarocougar@comcast.net (304) 876-1875

Ken O’Maley - Central Section 11042 Settletown Place Rixeyville, VA 22737 kenomaley@aol.com (540) 937-6139

Jordan Pfeiffer - Junior Aide de Camp 10100 Grape Myrtle Ct. Manassas, VA 20100 pdpfeiffer@verizon.net (703) 330-1616

Marvin Boswell - Southern Section P. O. Box 35 Rockville, VA 23146 mwboswell@gmail.com (804) 749-8397

Isaac Brannon - Junior Aide de Camp P. O. Box 390 Owings, MD 20736 ltbrannon@verizon.net (410) 257-9446

Phil Vieth - Tidewater North Section 200 Treis Trail Yorktown, VA 23693 philvieth@verizon.net (757) 766-8351

Dale Eger - Junior Aide de Camp 8213 WB & A Rd. Sever, MD 21144 Dale.eger77@gmail.com (410) 551-3454

Roger Riendeau - Tidewater South Section 7719 Doris Dr. Norfolk, VA 23505 roger.riendeau@cox.net (757) 440-8432

Bill Chestnut - FCF Chapter President 346 Reservoir Rd. Perryville, MD 21903 redpaddle@yahoo.com (410) 378-3735

Don Frey - Staff Advisor 8 Jericho St. Falling Waters, WV 25419 DFrey32@juno.com (304) 274-2268

Ken Black - Eastern Section P. O. Box 58 Manchester, MD 21102 Talloak218@aol.com (410) 239-2645

Phil Georg - Training Coordinator 111 East H St. Brunswick, MD 21716 philgeorg@hotmail.com (301) 834-9871

Sam Linn - Staff Advisor 1687 McCoys Ford Rd. Front Royal, VA 22630 solinn@shentel.net (540) 635-7497

Robert “Buzz” Gregory - Eastern Shore Section 9260 Hickory Mill Rd. Salisbury, MD 21801 Buzzgregory@comcast.net (410) 742-0415

Bob Blessing - Junior Training Coordinator 302 Stiemly Ave. Glen Burnie, MD 21060 jrblessing@gmail.com (410) 760-9330

Dick Aldridge - Staff Advisor 46 Tadcaster Circle Waldorf, MD 20602 raaldridge@paville.org (301) 645-9091

Jerry Sinden - Northeast Section 1805 Milstream Dr. Frederick, MD 21702 Sindenfred@aol.com (301) 620-0034

EXECUTIVE STAFF Rev. Bobby Basham - District Commander 166 Serviceberry Ct. Stephens City, VA 22655 bbasham@potomacag.org (540) 869-8432 Homer Kitchen - Deputy District Commander 8614 Apple Harvest Dr. Gerrardstown, WV 25420 Kitchenhl@msn.com (304) 229-5793 Tracy Groves - Deputy District Commander/ Productions Coordinator 2340 Liberty Rd. Eldersburg, MD 21784 tgghunter@verizon.net (410) 781-4906

Chris Basham - Assistant Productions Coordinator 166 Serviceberry Ct. Stephens City, VA 22655 (540) 869-8432 Cliff Jewell - Public Relations/GMA Coordinator P. O. Box 3404 Manassas, VA 20109 jewellsrthe1@aol.com (703) 475-4422 Gary Wagner - Publications/Outreach Coordinator 3905 Swanson Ct. Fredericksburg, VA 22408 garywagner54@aol.com (540) 898-7415

SECTIONAL COMMANDERS Mark Brannon - Capital Virginia Section P. O. Box 390 Owings, MD 20736 capseccmdr@verizon.net (410) 257-9446 Mark Brannon - Capital Maryland Section P. O. Box 390 Owings, MD 20736 capseccmdr@verizon.net (410) 257-9446

Northwest Section Jerry Sinden (Acting) Greg Barr - North Central Section Box 384, Fort Ashby, WV 26719 ncscribe@yahoo.com (301) 786-4244 Western Section Greg Barr (Acting)

Mike Cocolin - Missions Coordinator 8413 Elvaton Rd. Millersville, MD 21108 mjcocolin@msn.com (410) 315-8433 Gary Groves - RR Alumni President 2326 Liberty Rd. Eldersburg, MD 21784 blaznbear@peoplepc.com (410) 781-0236 Linda Cocolin - Health Officer 8413 Elvaton Rd. Millersville, MD 21108 lkcocolin@msn.com (410) 315-8433 Seth Van de Ven - Special Aide de Camp 3202 Amberley Lane Fairfax, VA 22031 seth.vandeven@gmail.com (703) 560-5886

Potomac District Royal Rangers on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=191714004234632

TOMAHAWK

January - February 2012

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