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Stockade: Dodge Ball
& More
by Roy Woods
Bright
and Keen for Christ
Our Christian Service Brigade "Stockade" program is for boys
from 3rd through 6th grade. This is not just another boy's program. The
mission of Christian Service Brigade is to help the Church disciple
boys for Jesus Christ through Christian men. The boys participate in a
variety of activities, games, stories and special events; all the while
being exposed to the Gospel by word and by deed. Our aim is to help
boys experience personal salvation in Christ; direct boys to the Bible
as their guide for life; provide example, instruction and opportunity
for growth into Christian manhood; and challenge boys to be good
witnesses for Christ in the world.
We meet almost every Thursday night during the normal school
year at Hilltop Baptist Church from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. The boys wear a
uniform shirt upon which they can display badges earned by performing
achievements in their books, a process which we highly encourage
parents to participate in at home.To find out more about the Stockade
and Battalion programs, please visit CSB Ministries web site.
We do 'not' separate the men from
the boys.
Stockade
Update
Although we may be small in numbers this year, we certainly
are not lacking in quality. It seems that each year I think I’ve seen
my best group of boys ever, the next year comes along and they get even
better. Now, I’m not going to say they are little angels, for you
parents already know better, but I can say they are a joy to be around
and make our time together a lot of fun.
It is interesting to see the differences in the boys and how
each one has a particular quality that allows him to contribute to the
group as a whole….sort of a thumbnail picture of how the church body
works together.
The younger boys seem to be more motivated in completing
their book achievements and receiving badges for their uniforms. The
older boys are able to handle more responsibilities and are showing
some of the characteristics of proper leadership. Each is a unique
individual and we leaders have tried to impress upon them how they are
God’s workmanship, custom designed by Him according to His own
pleasure.
And that brings us to our leaders. Many who read this will
understand how challenging it is to juggle time constraints,
employment, priorities, etc., and how tempting it might be to approach
this ministry half-heartedly. Yet, this year’s leaders (Rangers) have
invested themselves enthusiastically into our Thursday night programs
and it shows. It is a real privilege to work with these guys.
Earlier in the season we were able to take a hike to the top
of Province Mountain under the leadership of Ranger Rhody. The weather
was foggy and gray but we had a good time and we were even able to
experience more of the mountain than originally planned …which is a
nice way of saying we got lost. Not to worry, we eventually found our
way back.
A few of the boys have had birthdays this season, and we’ve
been able to come up with some cupcakes in celebration. Nothing like
filling the boys.
up with sugar just before sending them home…… you’re welcome
parents.
We had a special guest speaker, Mr. Ron St.Savior, who is a
registered Maine guide and who gave a presentation on outdoors and the
wilderness.
A few of us made an attempt on the summit of Randall Mountain
through deep snows, cold, and wind. We discovered that disgression
really “is” the better part of valor and turned back short of the top.
For the 3rd year, we’ve been able to
try our hand (as well as our legs, arms and backsides) at cross-country
skiing thanks to the Sacopee Valley Recreation Council. This is always
one of my favorite activities with the boys.
The month of February finds us working diligently on our
Shape-n-Race cars so we’ll be ready for the regional race day on March
15 at East Auburn Baptist Church. These boys have quite an imagination,
perhaps we have some future design engineers among us.
April and May will find us preparing for the “big event”,
Stock-o-rama, which will be held at the New England Frontier Camp in
May.
And we can’t forget Mother’s Day! Let’s see, what activities
should we have this year?
Perhaps a greased pig competition, or bungee jumping!
Something the moms will enjoy participating in……….we’ll continue to
work on the details.
Once Spring finally arrives, we’ll have to consider a bicycle
trip or another hike, and certainly a campfire with roasted hotdogs and
marshmallows.
This season still has plenty in store. Let’s go Stockaders.
Roy Woods
Chief Ranger
©2007 Limerick Free Baptist Church
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Free Baptist Church
of
Limerick