Royal Ranger’s Our foundation rests on Jesus. This is the basis of our faith and is the key to the Gold Medal of Achievement award (GMA) given Sunday night, March 30, 2008 to William Taylor Matney at the Terrell First Assembly of God church in Terrell, Texas. The GMA is a medal of the greatest distinction and honor within the Royal Rangers. In over forty years of history the GMA has been earned by over five thousand boys ages twelve through seventeen years of age. Taylor Matney joined the Royal Rangers in 2003 at age ten and seems to have made a lasting impression on everyone he has met. Taylor’s Pastor, Pastor Harris describes Taylor this way, “Extraordinary young man reaching the pinnacle of
Written by Rhonda Varsane
Taylor Matney Gold Medal Winner
Texas State Representative achievement, an exemplary out programs. Master of Ceremony Betty Brown who presents the example.” Gary Bierschwale, dresses in Texas State Flag which flew Walking into the blue kilts and welcomes a full over the Texas capital. Terrell First Assembly of God house at Terrell First Art Sullivan, Frontier Assembly of God as Taylor Christian Fellowship (FCF) Matney stands at attention, on name is ‘Flint Lock’, is stage. dressed in Buckskins as part Two hours of of the re-enactment of the ceremony start with a slide Frontier Spirit within Royal presentation that shares the Rangers. His gift is a special fifteen years of Taylor’s life. handmade knife. A three man team presents Terrell’s Mayor Hal Colors and the pledge to the Richards pronounces Sunday, United States Flag follows. March 30, 2008 William G l e n n Hershberger presents a certificate from Texas Governor Rick Perry along we are greeted by a group of with a Certificate of multi-aged Royal Rangers, Achievement from and some surround a table that President displays the Taylor Matney Laura Bush that picture others eagerly hand reads, “We join your friends and family in congratulating you on your outstanding achievement. Your accomplishment Photo by Rhonda Varsane pays tribute to your Lou Stephens signs the guest book prior hard work and dedication. Best to the Royal Ranger’s Taylor Matney wishes for your Gold Medal Ceremony. future success.” Tim Avrit presents a Taylor Matney day. The crystal writing pen along with Proclamation from the office handmade leather ‘possible of the Mayor honors William bag’ containing a leather Taylor Matney stating covered journal. “WHEREAS, there are over Clothing during the Colonial a quarter of million boys Photo by Rhonda Varsane Jonas Poland, (far left to right) Triston McKnight, Robert period lack pockets making it involved in the program Baker, David Renfro, Mason Hyde and Kirk Clay, all Royal necessary to carry belongings worldwide, only one out of Rangers eagerly greet friends and family at the Taylor Matney in a haversack or by hand. every five hundred will ever Gold Medal Ceremony. Next on stage is, advance to this position.
This proclamation urges all residents to join with us in acknowledging Taylor’s many accomplishments and contributions to the community of Terrell, as we recognize the organization for their work and encourage the young men in the area and our
previous GMA winner. Senior Commander Mark Wood presents a 1800 replica rifle, a ‘joint gift’ purchased by ‘The Outpost’, Taylor’s fellow Royal Rangers. Michael Clay known by his FCF name of ‘Bald
presents a 1962 Collectors forgotten throughout history. Edition of Barefoot Dreamer, Senior Commander, a book written by Johnny Mark Woods promotes him to Barnes, founder of the Royal Junior Commander, pinning Rangers. bars on his lapel Rick Beebe, Deputy District Pastor Harris leads to Commander, gives a Fred Taylor’s moment of thanks. Devers print and a certificate from the National office. With family gathered; mother, father and stepfather praise this young man with many accomplishment within such a short time, with strength of character and many sleepless nights. John Trower gives Taylor’s mother, Kim, the Gold Medal to pin on her son. An emotional mother speaks of her sons Photo by Rhonda Varsane accomplishments then gives William Taylor Matney during him the pieces that finish his the Gold Medal of Achieve‘Colonial wear’; shoes, socks ment Ceremony. and garter. Photo by Rhonda Varsane Being a Blacksmith is Sunday tithing takes place Preparation for the pledge to the United States Flag during the Gold Medal of Achievement Ceremony for William Taylor Matney. Taylor focus within the before an almost forgotten Colonial setting of the Royal moment roses from Taylor to Country. Eagle’ is dressed in period Mayor Richards later clothes. He gifts a bible to speaks of the similarities in Taylor before reading the Scouting and the Royal Proclamation from the City of Rangers, “Integrity, honesty Forney declaring Sunday, and faith, these are timeless. March 30, 2008 William The stuff life is made of. They Taylor Matney day in the city [values] are constant not of Forney. Jonathan Trower, subject to the situation, values never change. God never District Commander read letters of recognition from the changes.” Senior Commander National Office and District Mark Wood presents the pants Prespator of the Royal shirt and jacket that follows Rangers. Sam Kellum gave Colonial clothing from 1770Taylor a 2007 uncirculated 1790. Photo by Rhonda Varsane PeeWee Bushnell silver dollar. A coin that is not William Taylor Matney listens as Terrell Mayor Hal Richards presents the American flag yours, it is not to be spent, you proclaims Sunday, March 30, 2008 William Taylor Matney day. along with accompanying are simply the Stewart. It is to certificate. This flag flew over be kept then given to your son. Rangers, a craft chosen for his mom. A reception with Fellowship Christian food follows in the the United States Capital and Art Sullivan presents Frontiersman. His goal is to Fellowship is a gift from Texas State Hall. An Representative Jeb a replica compass from have a ‘Smitty Shop’ by additional gift of a handmade District, which is the same summer. Prepared with anvil, wooden cup was given to Henserling. Robert Lewis reads a type compass used by the forge and post leg vice he is Taylor from Ron Goodnow. now set up for the letter from National Training Roger Ranger group. Congratulations to Coordinator Ryan Beatty, a Wayne Word development of a skill almost William Taylor Matney.
The Gold Medal 1. Salvation socially and spiritually. boy and a godly role model. displays the Royal Ranger 2. Baptism in the Holy Spirit These young men are “The Life of a Emblem which has great 3. Healing introduced to church Royal Ranger experiences meaning: The community and nature great outdoor adventures red represents through activities through camping, water the blood of developed to increase activities, hiking, Christ; the gold their social skills and rappelling, and mountain represents our awareness while climbing as well as foundation as instructing and inspiring challenging indoor we rest on Jesus. the boys in Bible adventures.” http:// The white is the doctrine, Christian royalranger.ag.org/about/ halo that service and moral index.cfm. radiates from conduct. Camping events Christ. This ring The Royal Ranger are an outstanding rests on the blue spiritual education is opportunities year-round ring, the code of through Bible study, which span the ‘outpost’, the Royal memorization and district and national levels. Rangers. The devotionals supported The Commander’s eight blue points by Christian role responsibility is to monitor are the bricks models, mental the boy’s progress on his which build the strengthening is advancement trail. testimony of life. achieved by an Each boy learns They stand for advanced awards-based about the Royal Ranger the Royal Ranger weekly program. And Code, Royal Ranger Pledge who is: physical ability is and the Royal Ranger Photo by Rhonda Varsane ALERT heightened by age- Motto designed to develop Terrell First Assembly of God Royal Rangers. He is mentally, specific activities. their Christian value physically, and spiritually 4. Rapture This allows the total system. alert. This supports the top boy to be developed in Christ. The Royal Ranger CLEAN four gold points representing They are lead by Pledge is, “With God’s He is clean in body, mind, the four ways boys grow: ‘commanders’ during a help, I will do my best to and speech. physically, spiritually, weekly outpost meeting serve God, my church, and HONEST mentally and socially. meant to achieve love and my fellowman; to live by The Royal Ranger is understanding between the the Ranger Code; to make He does not lie, cheat, or a Christ based steal. ministry reaching COURAGEOUS the He is brave in spite of danger, throughout United States and in criticism or threats. sixty-five countries LOYAL He is faithful to his church, worldwide focusing family, outpost, and friends. on the development of the total boy for COURTEOUS The He is polite, kind, and Christ. mission of the Royal thoughtful. Rangers is to reach, OBEDIENT He obeys his parents, leaders, teach and keep boys for Christ with the and those in authority. purpose to SPIRITUAL He prays, reads the Bible, and evangelize and keep the boys in our witnesses. Next are four red churches. T h i s points representing the Cardinal doctrines, the program is designed Photo by Rhonda Varsane teachings and beliefs of the to motivate boys Robert Lewis, Michael Clay, PeeWee Bushnell, Glenn Hershberger mentally, physically, participants of presentations. Church:
made up of four age groups which meet weekly and participate in group activities, fun games and meaningful crafts and biblical lessons. The four programs are as follows: Ranger Kids Program;
Skill development is emphasized. Boys are challenged in their camping and outdoor activities, Junior Leadership Training, Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship and national recognition with the Bronze, Silver and Gold medal. (kindergarten through second Expedition Ranger (ninth grade)
The weekly lesson and objectives reinforce godly principle learning by activities indoor and outdoor using a challenging and fun system that allows achievement of advancement awards that are place on an awards vest which is worn weekly as part of the official Royal Ranger uniform. Discovery Rangers Program (third through fifth
through twelfth grade)
This is an action packed opportunity for challenge through advanced camping, camp craft skill and ministry opportunities. Building self-reliance and confidence which gaining appreciation of God and challenged to serve through Home Missions, Foreign Missions, Youth Ministry, and Men’s Ministry. Advance programs grade) available are Air Rangers, Sea This system allows Rangers, Trail Rangers, Photo by Rhonda Varsane the boys to learn through Junior Chaplaincy, High Commander Mark Woods promotes Taylor Matney to Juncamping and non-camping Action Ranger, Junior ior Commander, pinning bars on his lapel activities working at their own Leadership Academy and the Golden Rule my daily learning how to treat others pace within this merit-based more. Occasionally sanctioned church and curriculum. rule. The Royal Ranger Motto through is, Ready. Meaning of Motto community service activities Adventure Rangers (sixth events involving many outposts are help across the Each outpost is through eighth grade) is: Ready to work, play, serve, United States. worship, live, and obey God’s These events are Word. The GOLDEN c a l l e d RULE: “In everything, do to Camporama or others what you would have Rendezvous them do to you.” Matthew offering an 7:12 atmosphere of The growth of the praise, worship Royal Ranger is in four areas: and camping fun 1. Physically through for all proper exercise and diet the participants. body develops by Anyone involvement in an ageinterested in specific activities and finding out more recreation information can 2. Spiritually through view the Royal prayer, Bible study, Ranger ’s witnessing and devotions webpage at 3. Mentally by h t t p : / / studying and reading through royalranger.ag.org/ a merit-based advancement Photo by Rhonda Varsane program Taylor’s mom Kim Leuba speaks during presentation while Taylor’s fa- a b o u t / index.cfm. 4. Socially by ther, Randal Matney, and Taylor stand-by.