| What Boys Need
by Glen D. Cole,
district superintendent Northern California/Nevada
Years ago when pastoring in the Northwest district, I attended a Royal Ranger Leadership Training session on the major needs of boys in today's society. As a pastor as well as a father of two boys, I was interested in this critical area. Now that I am a grandfather of four more boys, as well as a district superintendent interested in having an effective Royal Ranger program, I have revisited my list of major needs of boys, only to find that things haven't really changed.
- Boys need love.
Society has fractured the role of a father and fostered broken homes. Through this Assemblies of God program, boys can experience the love of God, as well as the love and concern of men dedicated to blessing boys.
- Boys need understanding.
Many boys have been told, whether directly or indirectly, that they are worthless. Boys have problems, and boys have needs. One thing they don't need is someone telling them they don't really count. The great challenge of Royal Rangers is to give boys the understanding they deserve in order for them to excel.
- Boys need a sense of belonging.
Each boy needs to belong to something bigger than himself. We call this identity groups today. The gangs of our cities have endeavored to fill this role for boys by the thousands, but with little satisfaction. Royal Rangers fulfills that need wherever men will take leadership and open that door.
- Boys need a sense of importance.
So many people in our society struggle for status. Boys are not immune to this crying need in the human spirit. Through our anointed Royal Ranger programs they can discover the ability to excel in something and know they are needed. How wonderful to hear these words at any stage in life: "You really are important to what is going on here!"
- Boys need activities.
My mother taught me that mischievousness is the invention of idleness. I have lived long enough to believe that is true. Royal Rangers provides adventure, fun, challenges, a variety of activities, and much more. Something to look forward to is a vital part of life.
- Boys need opportunities for development.
Where does a boy discover his talents? Where does he develop his skills? Where does he find an area of achievement, that achievement so critical to his self-worth? Where better than Royal Rangers!
- Boys need guidance.
Boys need a set of rules or codes by which to live and operate. Boys need firmness from people they depend on and trust. Boys need examples to follow. Royal Ranger leaders provide this critical area of their development.
- Boys need to understand Christian living.
Royal Rangers leads boys to salvation. Royal Rangers brings boys into the Church of Jesus Christ. Royal Rangers teaches how to know the Bible, how to witness, how to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, and how to continually deepen a walk with God. How society could change if every boy had the opportunities this program provides!
After 40 years of pastoral ministry with strong Royal Ranger programs and desiring a strong district program for boys with godly leaders for 4 years as a district superintendent, I am more convinced than ever that the Lord has directed this movement by the Holy Spirit to open the door of opportunity in these eight areas of boys' needs. May God give the increase! |
