NNED Pow Wow 2009 - “Operation Enduring Hope”

On August 20-23, Northern New England Royal Rangers held its annual Summer Pow Wow at Camp Marist on the shores of Lake Ossipee, New Hampshire. This year’s theme was a military one, “Operation Enduring Hope”, and its Scripture verse was Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

For the leaders, and especially the boys, Pow Wow is the climactic event of the summer. It is a time of camping, competition, friendship, great food, and most importantly, to draw nearer to Christ! For the fourth consecutive year, Pow Wow was the held at Camp Marist, and the Outpost campsites continue to improve each year, especially from the work done at Pow Wow Work Day in May. In keeping with this year’s Pow Wow theme, each Outpost selected a military regiment from their state and created a flag and gateway representing that regiment.

For the third year in a row, District Training Coordinator Jason A. Wright served as Camp Commander, and Deputy District Director Kendall Sperrey served as Camp Coordinator. They served as the camp’s Generals, serving right alongside all the Christian soldiers present. They received aid from Commander Gaylon Long, who served as head of Security, and Commander Judy Tilton, who was in charge of Registration. They both played a big role in keeping the espirit de corps!

By Friday, all of the Outposts arrived at Camp Marist and had settled in to their campsites. After a fun afternoon of canoeing, kayaking and swimming, it was time for the opening ceremonies, which were held inside the Camp’s dining hall due to the rain.

Outposts got the chance to perform songs, skits, and yells, and District Director Jerry Love put a new twist on one of his favorite songs, substituting “Holy Spirit” for “Ravioli.” Then, it was time for a great time of worship led by Pastor Gary Williams from Outpost #62 in Milford, NH, followed by a message from this year’s Pow Wow Guest Speaker, Billy Sudduth, in which he shared his amazing testimony and gave a message that stirred in the hearts of the boys. Many boys responded to the Holy Spirit during the altar call. God was definitely in the house!

On Saturday morning the skies had cleared, the Color Guard got to post the American, Christian, and Ranger flags, and following the morning assembly, it was time to let the war games begin! Boys got to choose among a wide variety of challenging and competitive activities including .22 and Black Powder Rifle Shooting, Lacrosse, Paintball, Archery, Canoe Racing, Basketball, Bicycle Races, Floor Hockey, and a new event Commander Kendall introduced, “Super Rangers”, which involved navigating through a basic-training style obstacle course! All of this competition made for some hungry young soldiers, and Commander Willy Gusha brought the Missions BBQ trailer back for the second year in a row to cook up some tasty rations of hot dogs and hamburgers, compete with all the fixings! District Men’s Ministries Director Ed Shearer joined the boys and leaders for lunch and interacted with them throughout the day. Pastor Ed has been a strong supporter of Rangers, and his presence was greatly appreciated!

At Saturday evening’s assembly, which was held at the Camp’s new pavilion, following songs, skits, and yells, it was another great time of worship, and Pastor Billy came and delivered another powerful message aimed at the hearts of the boys. The Holy Spirit was clearly at work that night, as many boys came forward for prayer and to be ministered to at the altar call. To top things off, there was a great council fire and an awesome fireworks display put on by Commander Jerry, which ended the evening with a big bang!

On Sunday morning, it was time to hand out the awards for the various competitions, and announce the Top Outpost Award, which went to Outpost #18 in Fryeburg, Maine! Also, Commander Jerry awarded the District Commander’s Cup to a very deserving young man, Outpost #11’s Ryley Paquette, who was also recognized for being a National Ranger of the Year, and having earned his seventh Gold Buffalo! Following the awards ceremony, Commander Jason gave the dismissal, and Pow Wow 2009 came to a close!

Commenting on Pow Wow, Commander Jerry said, “We know that some Outposts stayed home due to the forecast of rain. Had they only known that it was the reign of Christ that poured down on the men and boys this weekend, they might well have reconsidered their decision. Nothing could dampen the move of the Holy Spirit that weekend, and the memories of another great Pow Wow will live on in the hearts and minds of all who attended.” Hats off to the men and boys of NNED Royal Rangers, who continue to soldier on for the Master Ranger, Jesus Christ!