By

Jay M. Woodward

Pony Express Editor

On January 24-25, Northeast Region Royal Rangers held its 18^th Annual Leaders Conference at the Lehigh Valley Hotel and Conference Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The Conference’s theme was “Great Father, Great Son!“ For the previous 17 years, the annual conference was held in Falling Waters, West Virginia, but the Regional Staff decided to take a step of faith and embrace a change. As a result, a near-record 355 commanders and spouses turned out for this important weekend of fellowship, training, and drawing closer to the Lord. From Northern New England, eight leaders made the journey to the Conference, bringing with them a full-fledged winter scene, to help promote Maine Yukon Day and Winter National Training Camp (WNTC). The facility proved to be a big change from the previous location. As District Commander/ Regional Public Relations Coordinator Jerry Love observed, “The facilities were good…..the rooms were great, the food was good, and overall, it was a huge step up.”

In addition, there was a very special Guest Speaker: National Commander Doug Marsh came to share his heart and his vision for the Rangers ministry, and meet with Commanders. Indeed, the Conference began with much anticipation and excitement. By Friday morning, when most Commanders arrived and checked in to their spacious hotel rooms, the classes began. During Friday and Saturday, leaders were given a wide variety of training classes in enhance their ministry skills, including the NRA Range Officer Safety Course, First Aid/CPR, and different LTA Modules, including Ranger Basics, Ranger Kids Skills, Discovery/ Expedition Activities, Outpost Chaplain, Senior Commander, and Your Legacy. District Training Coordinator Jason A. Wright served as an instructor, as did Instructor Trainer Dana Lemieux, who taught a class on a subject he knows an awful lot about: Backpacking!

There was also activities for the ladies, with a special ladies devotional, craft time, and a shopping trip to a nearby mall! And of course, on Saturday there was the world-famous Regional Auction, with Commander Jerry playing his famous role of auctioneer, selling items donated from all across the region, from New Jersey blueberry iced tea to food baskets to FCF costumes, and even a bottle of home-made root beer that ended up selling for $800! All for a good cause, as the proceeds go toward missions and operating expenses to help Northeast Region Royal Rangers. NNED even brought some special new friends: on Saturday night, a flock of 10 penguins joined Commander Jerry in singing “WNTC” to the tune of “YMCA”, to motivate leaders into attending February’s WNTC in Winthrop, Maine. These fine-feathered friends were brought to the conference courtesy of the talents of Commander Judy Tilton. They received a roaring applause! Northeast Regional Coordinator Dwight Walters commented, “I am always amazed at the things Commander Love and the NNED come up with. I even noticed some non-NNED dressed up as penguins….it’s contagious!”

On both Friday and Saturday night, leaders were led into the awesome presence of God by the Dunamais Worshjp Team from Bethlehem. Following worship, Commander Marsh shared an important message with the audience, reminding that Rangers is not a program, it is a ministry to “preach the gospel.” Using the Conference’s Scripture verses, Luke 1:14a and 1:15a, he also encouraged Commanders to believe in the dreams that God has given them for the ministry, no matter how big they are. Many leaders responded to the Holy Spirit’s leading during the altar calls, and poured out their hearts before the Lord. It was indeed a powerfully moving experience! As Commander Dwight observed, “I thought Commander Marsh delivered two excellent messages for the leaders of our Region. I believe this was indeed God’s Word for us at this time and I feel that the leaders will respond.“ At the Conference’s end, leaders went back to their Outposts with greater training and a greater sense of God’s purpose for their ministries, and their lives!

As Commander Jerry commented, “I think this was a great Conference, seeing as it was a huge move for the Regional Staff to pull off. The response was overwhelming, actually, with near record Rangers ministry, the best is yet to come!