Rangers Reach Out at NNED Men’s Retreat

By Jay M. Woodward   
NNED Publications Coordinator
 

On May 19-21, NNED HonorBound Men’s Ministries held the 2011 District Men’s Retreat at the Jordan Grand Hotel at Sunday River, Maine, which brought men from all over Northern New England together for fellowship, fun, and spiritual renewal.  As it has for the last several years, Royal Rangers was present to reach out to men and help make the Retreat a fun and successful event.

    On Friday, Commander Ron Daigle coordinated paintball shooting with equipment provided by Rangers, helping to make it a time of fun and intense competition for all the men who participated.   The Friday night Light for the Lost Banquet meal of beef brisket and baked potatoes was prepared by Commander Willy Gusha and the NNED BBQ Trailer, and was able to satisfy the appetites of the  men who gathered for dinner, as no one left the dinner tent hungry!

    Also, Men’s Ministries Director Ed Shearer has been a strong advocate for Rangers, and shared his heart about the importance of the ministry to the men at the Retreat.   District Director Kendall Sperrey spoke personally to the men on Friday evening, explaining to them the importance of mentoring the next generation of men.  He shared a personal story of a young man he met in Aroostook County, Maine, who had spent time in jail and was living in a hopeless situation.  For Commander Kendall, this hit home for him, and made him realize all the more clearly the need to reach the next generation of young men for Christ, and for men to become Godly mentors.  During the Retreat, Commander Kendall was also able to build relationships with several men who expressed an interest in Rangers, including those from a church in Maine that are ready to start up their own Outpost.   Commander Kendall said, “We need to be praying that the Lord will raise up leadership within our churches with a desire and vision to faithfully mentor young men.  This is a great time for Rangers.  Men are seeing the need and God is preparing hearts.”

    Indeed, it is an exciting time of new opportunity!    NNED Royal Rangers will continue to work alongside the men of our District to reach more boys than ever, more effectively than ever!