Rangers “Leave No Man Behind” at NNED Men’s Retreat

By Jay M. Woodward

Pony Express Editor

On May 14-16, 2009, Northern New England HonorBound Men’s Ministries held its annual Men’s Retreat at the Sunday River Conference Center in Newry, Maine. Approximately 150 men from across the three Northern New England states gathered for this exciting weekend of fellowship, recreation, great food, and most importantly, spiritual growth. For the fifth year in a row, Royal Rangers made its presence known at Men’s Retreat, and several of NNED’s finest Ranger leaders came to participate, and to serve in many different ways. Indeed, Rangers and Men’s Ministry go hand-in-hand. As District Director Jerry Love explained; “without strong, committed, Godly men in our churches, we cannot raise boys to become the next generation of lifelong servant leaders.

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“Leave No Man Behind”

The theme of this year’s Retreat was “Leave No Man Behind.” Evangelist Doug Reed was this year’s Guest Speaker. On Thursday and Friday nights, Doug gave sermons on the battle being waged by Satan against men, and how men morally fail, as well as how to overcome historic areas of personal defeat and victimhood with God’s help. It was a simple yet powerful message that resonated in the hearts and souls of the men present, and they responded to the message at the altar calls. The Holy Spirit was clearly moving! Doug also taught two Breakout Session classes on Saturday, when men could choose among workshops on various subjects, and his teaching series DVDs proved to be very popular items!

Rangers Serve It Up

On Friday, men had the choice of playing golf, taking part in a Motorcycle Trek, playing Paintball or shooting Black Powder and .22 Rifles. Commanders Bruce Paquette and Sid “Wooly Bear” Bean ran the Shooting Range, and Commander Kendall Sperrey headed up the Paintball range. Both of these events took place several miles away from Sunday River, and Commander Jason drove his church’s mini-bus to transport men to and from the different venues, and even made a pit stop for men to buy lunch at a nearby store! For the second year in a row, Rangers put on a special Light for the Lost Steak Dinner on Friday evening. Commanders Willy Gusha and Dale Montoya brought the NNED Missions BBQ Trailer, and spent hours grilled mouthwatering steaks and chicken, marinated and cooked to perfection! Also, First Lady Rita Love baked some 200 potatoes in advance for the Banquet. Topped off with salad, dinner rolls, and dessert, it was indeed an extravagant feast!

In addition to transporting men, Commander Jason also played drums on the worship team, which was led Men’s Ministry Director Ed Shearer, and co-taught the Ranger Orientation training module with Commander Jerry on Saturday, which is designed to introduce the Rangers ministry to those who are not yet familiar with it. Commander Jerry also reminded the men present at the Retreat of the need to evangelize, equip, and empower this and the next generation of Christlike men and lifelong servant leaders, and of the vital importance of Rangers in ministering to men. As he explained, “it has never been more important in the history of the church, to raise up the next generation of Godly men, as it is today. If we fail to bring the message of salvation to these young protégés, I can guarantee Satan will do his best to bring his message into their minds and hearts.” On Saturday afternoon, Pastor Ed gave the closing sermon, and the 2009 Men’s Retreat ended on a high note, with men heading back to their homes, churches, and workplaces spiritually refreshed, renewed and better prepared to be better leaders! This year’s Men’s Retreat was a success in no small part to the Ranger leaders who showed their servant’s hearts, and truly acted as servant leaders.

Commander Jerry commented “I was very proud of the leaders of Royal Rangers, and their commitment to working with the Men’s Ministry leaders. We have a great group of dedicated servants!”. What’s more, Rangers will be back next year, BBQ Trailer in tow, moving forward with their God-given mission, so that no man-or boy- will be left behind!