Tomahawk Potomac District Royal Rangers News and
Information for Royal Ranger Leaders May - June 2014
District Leadership Restructured Page 3
Ranger Supplies Bound for Africa Page 2
Spring Trace in Brightwood Page 5
Six Graduate from Elite Camp Page 6
Honor GMA Celebrated Page 7
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May - June 2014
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.
Royal Ranger Uniforms, Supplies Bound for Africa In January, Rev. Andy Whitman, Assembly of God missionary from Potomac District and on staff with Royal Rangers International, secured a 20-foot shipping container and started collecting Ranger uniforms and equipment to send to Africa upon his return to Kenya this June. Andy reports that donations of uniforms and other supplies for Africa have been pouring in from all over the Potomac District and even the Northeast Region, some from as far away as Outpost 9 in Binghamton, N.Y. “We greatly appreciate all those who have taken the time to gather up your surplus items and deliver them or ship them to us,” says Whitman. “These things will powerfully enhance the Royal Ranger ministries in the 10 nations we serve in the Africa Region.” A small sample of the hundreds of uniforms that have arrived—in addition to tents, cook stoves, first aid equipment, black dress shoes, tables, sports equipment, and other items that will outfit Royal Rangers across Africa—is shown in the top photo. The 20-foot sea container that will transport the uniforms and equipment to Kenya is shown as it was being delivered to the Whitman’s residence in Virginia.
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. 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 Publications/Outreach 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.
Potomac District Royal Rangers on Facebook www.facebook.com/PotomacRangers
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Supporting 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 Outpost 160
Rev. Bobby Basham Churchland Assembly of God
Cross Junction, Va. Portsmouth, Va.
GOLD MEMBERS Projects Unlimited - Gary Groves Walt Eger Service Center
Eldersburg, Md. Severn, 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 89 Outpost 100 Outpost 124 Outpost 186 Outpost 215 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 Chapel Springs Church Five Rivers Church Trinity Assembly of God Bethel Assembly of God Hancock Assembly of God Julilee Christian Center Hazel River Assembly of God River of Life Assembly of God Living Word Community Church Ocean City Worship Center
Lanham, Md. Pasadena, Md. Frederick, Md. Baltimore, Md. Norfolk, Va. Savage,Md. Lutherville,Md. Fairfax, Va. Bristow, Va. Elkton, Md. Fairmont, W.Va. Martinsburg, W.Va. Hancock, Md. Fairfax, Va. Rixeyville, Va. Spotsylvania, Va. Mechanicsville, Md. Berlin, Md.
INDIVIDUAL DONORS Homer Kitchen Gary & Faye Groves Phil Vieth
Gerrardstown, W.Va. Eldersburg, Md. Yorktown, Va.
DIRECTOR’S MEMO
Restructuring District Leadership of Rangers By Rev. Bobby Basham District Director
A
s many of you know, I lead multiple ministries in Potomac District. I have known for some time that my pace of life and ministry is unsustainable for the long journey. That combined with a heavy travel schedule and after 25 plus years of full-time ministry, and with the advice of other colleagues I have requested and been given a one month sabbatical this year that has been approved by our District Superintendent, Ken Burtram. After prayer, counsel and many discussions, we have also made the decision to restructure leadership for Royal Rangers at the district level. We are going to create a unique system where I will remain engaged in Royal Rangers as an Executive Director. I will attend many events, help guide the district strategies and teams, but I am also bringing onboard a revised role of District Director/Commander. I use the term Director since that is now the nomenclature used throughout the nation. This person will help me in a more direct role and I am going to ask you to work with him and me as we further develop this idea. I would want to see the staff report to him, and he to me. I will remain in training, teaching and being the face of Rangers to our district at large; our District Director will help in event coordination, staff management and when I am unable to be present will speak for me. Below is an official job description defining the two roles that have been approved by the District Superintendent. Executive Director
The Executive Director will retain key involvement and management in all aspects of Royal Rangers especially in planning, vision, district strategy and represent Royal Rangers to pastors, district Board of Presbyters, and to the District Superintendent. The District Director will report to him as the staff will report to the District Director. Both the Executive Director and District Director will be involved in the annual budgeting process and divide duties as necessary to operation of Royal Ranger ministry, and the See LEADERSHIP, Page 4
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Responsibilities Shared Between Executive Director, District Director Positions
LEADERSHIP (Continued from page 3)
District Director along with the Executive director will be ex officio member of all committees, teams and sectional staffs throughout the Potomac District. District Director (Commander)
The District Director will help co-manage all aspects of Royal Rangers in the Potomac District, assisting the Executive Director and representing him in all events, meetings, and planning sessions with Executive Staff, District staff and all levels of Royal Rangers. He will, in conjunction with the Executive Director, provide vision, oversight, and assist in the day-today management of this ministry. In the absence of the Executive Director, he is empowered to make decisions, coordinate staff and manage all aspects of Royal Rangers. He will assume many of the day-to-day responsibilities in relationship to the events of Potomac District Royal Rangers and represent the district at regional and national events and meetings when the Executive Director is unable to attend. The District Director will also serve as the FCF Chairman in absence of the Executive Director. Critical Timing
The timing of this change is critical to my schedule. The month of June, I am away for two missions trips, and in July I will be taking my month-long sabbatical, then traveling to Appalachian District to preach their Pow Wow. While I am away, there are decisions regarding District Pow Wow, Junior Training Camps and other
Bob Blessing will serve as the new District Director responsible for “day-to-day management” of Royal Ranger ministry in Potomac District.
details that will come about, that I will not be in a place to respond to in a timely fashion. I have selected Bob Blessing— currently serving on our district
executive staff as a deputy commander—as the person to serve in this newly developed role as District Director. He has agreed to serve in this capacity, and I believe he will do an outstanding job. Bob has the heart, the skill and has proven himself over the years of service to Potomac Royal Rangers. He and I are able to work close together and share the same passion to see Potomac Rangers reach as many boys as possible and function as a model for the nation. I wish to remain actively involved in this ministry as long as God determines, within a more sustainable pace for myself and my family. I hope each of you will understand and support this change and help us develop this model. If you have any questions you know I am always open to talk. Thank you for understanding and thank Bob for serving.
National Rangers Ministry Camp National Rangers Ministry Camp (NRMC) is scheduled for Sept. 5-7, 2014 at the Broadcreek Boy Scout Reservation in Whiteford, Md. NRMC provides instruction in leading exciting outpost activities. Each man will be introduced to the following activities: archery, art, air rifle, contemporary camping, computers, drama, music, team building initiatives, trades and Ranger Derby. Additionally, participants learn how to be a boy-lead, adult-facilitated outpost, using the team/patrol system. Most importantly, participants are challenged spiritually to live a life of godly manhood and servant leadership. Every leader will be able to answer the question, “Do I have what it takes to be a godly man?” Registration for this camp is due to the National Royal Ranger office by July 21. Go to www.royalrangers.com for registration details and applications.
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Frontiersmen Gather in Brightwood for Spring Trace
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hick-n-Will Farm in Brightwood, Va. served as a new site for Blue Ridge Chapter’s Spring Trace on April 4-6. Julius “White Feather” Williamson volunteered the use of his farm on short notice when a schedule conflict arose at the previously scheduled location. Nestled at the foot of Thoroughfare Mountain, the trace was sited in a broad meadow on the Williamson farm. Weather was mild during the day, but some might have been unprepared for temperatures that dipped into the 20s on Saturday night. The speaker for the event was chapter member Rev. Mark “Babbling Brook” Poole. Mark is a graduate of East Coast Bible College and is the children’s pastor at Delmarva Evangelistic Church in Salisbury, Md. He has been in Royal Rangers since 1997 and joined FCF in 1998. During the Trace, Blue Ridge Chapter members who successfully completed their Wilderness testing at the 2013 Northeast Region Territorial Rendezvous last October were recognized, and included Justin “Calm Water” Potter, Shawn “Sharpshooter” McChesney, Quay “Barefoot” Younker and Mark “North Star” Brannon.
Royal Ranger Alumni (RRA) members of Blue Ridge Chapter (top photo and below) prepared and served a homemade beef stew dinner for everyone at Spring Trace. Rev. Mark Poole (bottom right photo) brings a morning devotion.
Jarod Mazer (left photo, left) was voted assistant scout for Blue Ridge Chapter for 2014, and Chisholm Wilhelm (left photo, right) was elected chapter scout for the year.
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Photos courtesy of Greg Jones
May - June 2014
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DISTRICT NEWS & INFORMATION Six Graduate from Elite Camp By Craig Powis Junior Training Coordinator Potomac District held the 2014 Elite Camp on April 25-26 at First Assembly of God in Triangle, Va. Six young men successfully complete all requirements to earn their Sabers: Seyi Olusina (OP187), David Hannold (OP361), Caleb Brannon (OP74), Caleb Richters (OP48), Chisholm Wilhelm (OP152) and Gabriel Bane (OP84). Congratulations to these six young men for their hard work. I would like to thank Outpost 39 and First Assembly of God for allowing us to use their facilities. I would also like to thank the staff: Bob Blessing, Mark Craft and Daniel Garner. I’m also excited about JLTA this year. The camp date is Aug. 10-13. It will be held at a new location at Broad Creek—at Camp Spencer. Please check the district website in June for more information.
Photos co
urtesy of Gre
g Jones
Tidewater North Section Holds Ranger Derby
Royal Ranger Alumni News The Royal Ranger Alumni (RRA) in Potomac District has been growing! Congratulations and welcome to Carl Hatfield and Phil Vieth who’ve recently joined RRA. RRA Applications As a reminder for those interested in joining RRA, all applications should be sent directly to Potomac District’s RRA president (with a photo please). Do not send RRA applications to the Royal Rangers National Office. The RRA application is available on the Potomac District Royal Ranger website: www.potomacrangers.org. If you have any questions or would like additional information regarding RRA, please call Gary Groves at (410) 428-5317. 6
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By Phil Vieth Sectional Commander Tidewater North Section held its annual Ranger Derby on Saturday, Feb. 22, hosted by Outpost 141 at World Outreach Worship Center in Newport News, Va. Eighty-three cars raced representing nine outposts. All went well and we appreciate the devotions by Pastor Bolds from Victory Christian Center (OP#55) and Pastor Hines from Crosswalk (OP#338). We also appreciate Outpost 141 (Greg Jones and his cadre of Gold Medalists who helped make it all happen, including the concession stand) for hosting the event.
DISTRICT NEWS & INFORMATION Honor Gold Medalist Celebrated Caleb Richters, an Expedition Ranger with Outpost 48 in Fredericksburg, Va., received the Honor Gold Medal of Achievement on March 30. Caleb’s award was the second Honor GMA earned by a Ranger in Potomac District, and was presented by district director Rev. Bobby Basham. In 2010, the National Royal Ranger Office established the Honor GMA as a unique recognition of our Rangers who not only have completed all the requirements for the Gold Medal, but also to recognize continuous effort of our Rangers who complete the highest advancement award for each individual age group in Royal Rangers, starting with Ranger Kids through Discovery Rangers, Adventure Rangers and Expedition Rangers.
In addition, to receive the Honor GMA, a Ranger must be an active member of a Royal Ranger outpost for at least five years, and he must demonstrate the ability to present the plan of salvation.
Rev. Basham officiates a brief ceremony at Highway Assembly of God in Fredericksburg to recognize Caleb Richters’ achievement in receiving the first Honor GMA nationwide for 2014. Caleb is pictured with parents Wendy and Bob Richters.
New Address for District Royal Rangers Office
FCF Membership Updates In June, all FCF members will receive a letter with an application to update their information. Membership dues will now be sent to the District Royal Ranger office by Aug. 1, 2014. We are hoping to eliminate the problems we seem to be having updating information. In some cases, FCF members have paid their membership fee without yet completing application updates. This process will enable us to fully update our FCF membership records.
The Potomac District Royal Rangers office has been temporarily relocated following an Easter fire at the home of Rev. George and Denise Raduano. The fire, which started on a neighbor’s deck when a gas grill exploded, destroyed the Raduano home, which will be demolished and rebuilt. In the meantime, all correspondence for the district’s Royal Ranger office should be addressed to: Denise Raduano Royal Rangers 707 York Rd., Unit 6130 Towson, MD 21204
MAY 17 Projects Unlimited Golf Tournament 22-24 Extreme Makeover, Maple Grove A/G JUNE 20 – 29 Missions Trip Thailand JULY 14-18 National FCF Rendezvous AUGUST 10-13 Junior Leadership Training Camp 14-17 District Pow Wow SEPTEMBER 26-28 FCF Fall Adventure OCTOBER 17-18 Men’s Conference
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POTOMAC DISTRICT ROYAL RANGERS STAFF EXECUTIVE STAFF Rev. Bobby Basham - Executive Director 166 Serviceberry Ct. Stephens City, VA 22655 bbasham@potomacag.org (540) 869-8432
Gary Wagner - Publications/Outreach Coordinator 3905 Swanson Ct. Fredericksburg, VA 22408 garywagner54@aol.com (540) 898-7415
Nate Hawthorne - Junior Aide de Camp 3005 Lochary Rd. Bel Air, MD 21015 natehaw97@gmail.com (443) 876-8279
Bob Blessing - District Director 304 Lincoln Ave., St. Michaels, MD 21663 jrblessing@gmail.com (410) 443-7657
Mike Cocolin - Missions Coordinator 8413 Elvaton Rd. Millersville, MD 21108 mjcocolin@msn.com (410) 315-8433
Tommy Horton - Junior Aide de Camp 5719 Amelia Springs Circle Haymarket, VA 20169 thomas.a.horton@gmail.com
Homer Kitchen - Deputy District Commander 8614 Apple Harvest Dr. Gerrardstown, WV 25420 Kitchenhl@msn.com (304) 229-5793
Gary Groves - RR Alumni President 2326 Liberty Rd. Eldersburg, MD 21784 blaznbear@verizon.net (410) 781-0236
Cliff Jewell - Staff Advisor 9150 James Madison Hwy. Warrenton, VA 20186 jewellsrthe1@aol.com (540) 216-3365
Mark Brannon - FCF Chapter President 2815 Angus Chase Lane, Huntingtown, MD 20639 capseccmdr@verizon.net (443) 486-5199
Linda Cocolin - Health Officer 8413 Elvaton Rd. Millersville, MD 21108 lkcocolin@msn.com (410) 315-8433
Sam Linn - Staff Advisor 1687 McCoys Ford Rd. Front Royal, VA 22630 shlinn@comcast.net (540) 635-7497
Harry Hawthorne - Pow Wow Coordinator 3005 Lochary Rd. Bel Air, MD 21015 harry@sitesupportservices.com (410) 420-2215
Seth Van de Ven - Special Aide de Camp 3202 Amberley Lane Fairfax, VA 22031 seth.vandeven@gmail.com (703) 560-5886
Tracy Groves - Staff Advisor 2340 Liberty Rd. Eldersburg, MD 21784 tgghunter@verizon.net (410) 781-4906
Phil Georg - Training Coordinator 111 East H St. Brunswick, MD 21716 philgeorg@hotmail.com (301) 834-9871
Tyler Mazer - GMA Coordinator 99 Shenandoah View Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 camarocougar@comcast.net (304) 876-1875
Dick Aldridge - Staff Advisor 46 Tadcaster Circle Waldorf, MD 20602 raaldridge@paville.org (301) 645-9091
Craig Powis - Junior Training Coordinator 100 Kingbrook Rd. Linthicum, MD 21090 cpowis@juno.com
Isaac Brannon - Special Aide de Camp P. O. Box 390 Owings, MD 20736 itbrannon@verizon.net (410) 257-9446
Brandon Campbell - FCF Scribe 116 Ellis Martinsburg, WV 25404 redneckbaker@aol.com (304) 268-1807
Chris Basham - Media/Productions 166 Serviceberry Ct. Stephens City, VA 22655 cbasham@live.com (540) 869-8432
Dale Eger - Special Aide de Camp 8213 W B & A Rd. Severn, MD 21144 Dale.eger77@gmail.com (410) 980-7134
David Jimerson - District EMT 4812 Amberjack Ct. Virginia Beach, VA 23464 dcjimerson@hotmail.com (757) 822-8375
SECTIONAL COMMANDERS Mark Brannon - Capital Virginia Section 2815 Angus Chase Lane, Huntingtown, MD 20639 capseccmdr@verizon.net (410) 257-9446
Phil Vieth - Tidewater North Section 200 Treis Trail Yorktown, VA 23693 philvieth@verizon.net (757) 766-8351
Mark Brannon - Capital Maryland Section 2815 Angus Chase Lane, Huntingtown, MD 20639 capseccmdr@verizon.net (410) 257-9446
Roger Riendeau - Tidewater South Section 7719 Doris Dr. Norfolk, VA 23505 roger.riendeau@cox.net (757) 440-8432
Northwest Section Jerry Sinden (Acting)
Ken O’Maley - Central Section 11042 Settletown Place Rixeyville, VA 22737 kenomaley@aol.com (540) 937-6139
Ken Black - Eastern Section P. O. Box 58 Manchester, MD 21102 Talloak218@aol.com (410) 239-2645
Greg Barr - North Central Section Box 384, Fort Ashby, WV 26719 ncscribe@yahoo.com (540) 580-9615
Marvin Boswell - Southern Section P. O. Box 35 Rockville, VA 23146 mwboswell@gmail.com (804) 749-8397
Robert “Buzz” Gregory - Eastern Shore Section 9260 Hickory Mill Rd. Salisbury, MD 21801 Buzzgregory@comcast.net (410) 742-0415
Western Section Greg Barr (Acting)
Jerry Sinden - Northeast Section 1805 Milstream Dr. Frederick, MD 21702 Sindenfred@aol.com (301) 620-0034
Potomac District Royal Rangers on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/PotomacRangers
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