GMA News

The Value of Royal Rangers

By Roel J. Tambolini

Posted 7/3/2008

Note:  This essay may be seen in the latest issue of "High Adventure".

   This is my story of a boy that was changed thru the Royal Ranger Program. I will begin by saying “Thank You” Royal Rangers for being there for me thru a difficult period in my life. As I think back as a young boy 6 years old having my father go be with the Lord after his battle with colon cancer.  It was very hard for me to understand at that age why he went to be with Jesus when I needed him to hold me and play with me as he did everyday. But, thank God for my mother who assured me that we would see my father again one day in heaven.

   My mother and I began going to an Assemblies of God Church ( Christian Life Center ) where I was introduced to RR Outpost #7. It was a Wednesday night and the boys where meeting and I was a visitor. I was welcomed in and stepped right on in and began working on whatever the boys where already doing. Little did I know the changes going on inside of me? I could not wait till the next Wednesday night. God had a plan and a purpose for me and I was happy and smiling all the way to my first campout and after a few years my first council fire and powwow. I was having the best time of my life.

    I have never experienced anything like a council fire service at a powwow where hundreds of boys are broken and yearning for the presence of the Lord. It was there that I asked the Lord to come in my heart, and was baptized in the Holy Spirit and God touched my heart and soul. The fire was ignited and my spiritual walk with the Lord began to take its course. I have to say that God put a very special person in my life that was my Senior Commander Cecil Pruitt. A man of God that has taught me a lot of what I know, and who has guided me and believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. He is a very special to me and I know I have a friend for a lifetime.

    Royal Rangers has challenged me to overcome many hurdles in my life. It’s helped me in my schoolwork (especially reading and writing). One hurdle is that of Dyslexia that has been a constant challenge. Though be it mental, physical, social or spiritual Rangers have shown me how to handle myself and be “ready for anything”. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

    I attribute many of my accomplishments in life thus far to Royal Rangers. I can only imagine what I might be today if God had not used the Royal Ranger Ministry to reach me and keep me on His path. My mother and I moved about a year ago to a new area of town where God directed us to

 ( Calvary Church at the Fountains) AG Church. There Royal Ranger Outpost #223. Here I was able to pick up where I left off, from the other outpost. I’m very grateful to all my commanders who are working with me to finish up the work for my Gold Medal of Achievement. I also, was able to pass the FCF test and am looking forward to many years of life changing adventures and rendezvous! I’m going to try out to be the Scout for the Longhorn Chapter. This will give me many opportunities to learn more about FCF.  

 I know that whenever I need help or someone to talk to I can call any of my commanders which are a phone call or email away. Thank you Royal Rangers for guiding me and pointing me in the right direction; I’m hanging on to the adventure of my life.

  Special mention to my mother Liz: Thank you mom for all your love and support, and teaching me to live a life of faith.              Love You …. Roel