Expectant Prayers ®

If you caught my blog yesterday, you will remember that I mentioned that three of my boys were gone last weekend to a Pow Wow and I was concerned about the severe weather that was going through.  I prayed for their safety continually while they were away.  My heart sank last night as the press reports came in that four Boy Scouts had been killed at their campgrounds in Little Sioux, IA when a tornado struck.    

The Scouts (like our Rangers)  use weather radios (and other means) to monitor the weather so they know when severe weather is coming.  Apparently last evening, the scouts were aware of the weather situation and were gazing at the lightning when one boy spotted a funnel cloud.  They ran to a nearby cabin for shelter.  Most of us know that the structures at campgrounds are primitive.  Tents are widely used. Most of the tents the boys had set up were crushed under the extensive fallen trees in the area, so it's good the boys had a cabin to go to!  When the tornado struck, it moved the cabin off it's foundation, collapsed a stone fireplace that was in the cabin, and sent debris flying.   It is reported that three scouts and one junior leader were killed.  I heard this morning that there were 93 at the camp and probably more than 50 of them were seeking safety in the cabin when the tornado hit.  58 were reportedly injured.
The governor of Iowa said they were being hailed as "heroes" today because of their efforts to assist one another with first responder aid.  Thankfully they had been trained in emergency preparedness (like my oldest son has been) and were able to help each other!  Rescue workers had a difficult time reaching the camp due to the uprooted trees, debris, etc. from the tornado.

Our prayers go out to the families and those involved in this tragedy.  It's a headline close to my heart since I have five boys of my own- all of which will be involved in Rangers at some point in time. 

The Boy Scout Motto is "Be Prepared".  The Royal Ranger's Motto is "Ready".  I am thankful for these programs to train young men to be prepared and ready to live in today's world.  The Ranger motto explains;  "Ready. Ready for anything.  Ready to work, play, serve, worship, live, and obey God's Word."

We are often asked about the difference between the two programs.  They are similar in many ways, but the biggest difference is that the Rangers program is Christian based and God focused.  Rangers tie in the spiritual along with physical and mental training.  In my opinion, the Biblical training is one of the best aspects of the program!

This weekend, we will be attending a district ceremony for two boys from our church who have earned the Royal Ranger Gold Medal of Achievement. 
The GMA is equivalent to the "Eagle Scout" in Boy Scouts.  It is a highly honored achievement, one which is often recognized by the city Mayor, State Governor, State Representatives/Senators, or even the President of the United States!

One of these boys was at my house yesterday as we helped him finish his display board for the ceremony.   Hopefully my oldest son will be finished with his GMA by this time next year!

CONGRATULATIONS to both Joe and John on your achievement.  We are proud of you and glad to know there are fine young men leading the way into tomorrow.

Again, our prayers are with the scouts and the families that were effected by these natural disasters.  Please continue to pray as more severe weather is expected in the region which not only has brought tornadoes, but also widespread flooding.  I heard of 2 people killed in Manhattan, KS yesterday as well as Kansas State University- which is in Manhattan- sustaining $20 million dollars worth of tornado damage!  Towns are being evacuated due to the flooding up north and into Iowa.
Our Aunt in Michigan even lost her power when a tree was uprooted in her yard due to a tornado!

Devastation and Disasters:  another sign of the times?  I think so.

Several times in this past week I have been confronted with devastation and disasters; the death of a Pastor's wife, a brain tumor effecting the brother of a friend, terminal cancer in another Pastor's wife, natural disasters, financial crisis... people's lives are being turned upside down.  No one can predict the events of the hour; many are being caught off guard.    I don't mean to sound "dooms day" or "negative", I just want us to be aware that this IS the hour we are living in.  It sounds like Biblical warnings coming true from prophets such as Isaiah or Ezekiel.

God is still God.  We can trust Him in our sorrows and our joys; in times of peace or in times of struggle.  During the trails of life; the hours of devastation and destruction, we are either held steady by our strong roots of faith or blown away from lack thereof.   Pray that your roots will grow deep and strong; like the tap root - tapping into the only source of true strength and power- the Spirit of God.