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With Royal Ranger National Council now behind us, the men of the Southern Idaho District found many opportunities to put into practice the premise for how we mentor the boys and young men of today. We reaffirmed that our vision is to disciple young men in such a way that they will grow with Christlike caracter, while developing in servant leadership. Standing on the strength of our mission, to evangelize, equip and empower the next generation, Royal Rangers developed the Johnny Barnes Excellence in leadership and Ministry Initiative. This ongoing instruction, while meant for todays leaders, stressed that excellence is not a onetime event, but rather a commitment to continual improvement. So often we overestimate what we can do in one year, but underestimate what we can do in ten. Wisely, someone once said, “Being male is a matter of birth; becoming a man is a matter of choice.” Too often families and churches leave that choice to chance. Royal Ranger leaders partner with parents, and caregivers to lead boys to make that decision and to grow in their relationship with Christ. The decision to become a man does not take place at a certain age, but when a boy or man accepts responsibility for his life by first recognizing his need of a Savior. As Royal Ranger Leaders we have the exciting priveledge of leading boys to Christ, instructing them in Christ like manhood, and modeling it for them to emulate. Royal Rangers is much more than a ministry that takes boys camping, in many outpost across the nation, men give of their time just so they can build a solid relationship with boys by doing a variety of fun projects. Sure, it is our spoken goal that boys would come to know their Savior in a real and more personal way, but we have learned that a strong trusting relationship, built over a lifetime, not only challenges and blesses the boys, it provides inmeasurable benefit to men who can pass on much needed skills and wisdom that, through our commitment to servant leadership, can make a difference in the life of a boy. And why not? Today, we live in a fatherless society, where a boy, at his own peril, and eventually his own children, face the disasters of bad choices, poor relationships, and eventually eternal damnation. How ruthlessly the enemy has attacked, knowing that he can lay claim to families by deception and lies spoken to young men when they are most impressionable, and suseptible. The selfishness of our society penetrates his heart and mind and turns both to stone. How is it that we can turn a blind eye and deaf ear to the cries of a boy who simply needs a father in his life that will provide the guidance necessary to help him understand right choices, loving relationships, and the saving grace of Jesus Christ? Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1,”follow me as I follow Christ”. Wouldn’t it be awesome if more men were to give that as instruction? Let’s do it! Let’s make that commitment right now! Involve yourself in your church, get off the back pew and move up front, taking boys of all ages with you. Shed the selfish mantle of me first, and instead, become a Christlike man yourself and journey with those boys from start to finish. Are you not quite there in your life? Admit that to God and ask for his help. Boys don’t need to see men that are perfect, but men who are eager to be perfected by God’s grace and help!

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