Pastor Kent Ramler grew up at my home church in the Chicago area. He is now a seasoned pastor and doing a great work in a very challenging area outside our nation’s capital. The week had its challenging aspects, but we were grateful for all the Lord did in hearts. I think you will be encouraged as you read of God’s working in the lives of young people near Washington DC.
On Tuesday, Annie, the Incredible Ranger co-captain, recruited a group of teens at McDonalds. The school was able to pick them up, and they all accepted Jesus as their Savior the first night. One of the girls told Annie that she knew God was pursuing her because she had been in South Carolina with her aunt this last summer. She had heard the gospel and never responded. When she came and heard it again at the War, she knew she had to get saved.
Austin, the captain of the Mighty Marines, was burdened for one of his guys all week. It was clear God was working in his heart, but he resisted during each message. Finally, after the split session on Friday afternoon, the boy surrendered and stayed back to talk with Austin. After going through the gospel, he realized he had never accepted Jesus as his Savior. That day, he got saved!
Violet, the co-captain of the Might Marines, recruited a young girl at the local high school on Monday. She signed up online and said she’d be there on Wednesday. She came, and we found out that she had walked almost four and half miles to get there!
Annie counseled a teen on her team on Wednesday. The girl realized she was bitter at God and was very excited to know there was an answer for sustained victory. Annie showed her how to use the Battleplan for Victory, and the girl decided to confess to her mom that day. She testified on Friday,
I think one of my biggest issues in my life is pride. I’ve always been a very prideful person when it comes to asking for help in anything, whether it’s school or bigger things like mental issues or spiritual issues. I just have always been feeling like I can do it or if I pray, then it’ll all come together…Austin taught yesterday a lot of things, but one of the things he talked about was pride and that really spoke to me in a deep way… A few days ago there was a message on bitterness. And at first I was like, I’m not bitter towards anybody, really…I don’t hold grudges, I don’t stay angry at anybody. But as I thought about it more, especially today, I realized that I’ve been pretty bitter towards God because…I lost my grandfather this year…So, I think even though I have processed that grief, I think deep down I’m still bitter that he was taken…just like out of nowhere basically felt like….it’s not…that dramatic or anything, but it’s more just…I’ve realized this week that I have bitterness.
Carissa, the co-captain for the Super Seals, counseled a senior girl after the Friday message. She hadn’t responded throughout the week, but that morning, she realized that the reason she was never having victory was because she was doing it all in her own strength. She was convicted about wearing a mask and pretending to be perfect to everyone around her while struggling with all this sin inside. She decided to be more open to her parents and cultivate a relationship with God.
Violet talked to two girls on her team living in a split home. They were struggling to trust God in the midst of circumstances they could not control. Violet shared some verses with them and counseled them to pray for their parents. They could be a gospel light in their homes as they trusted God even in the hardest of situations.
Hyles, the captain of the Incredible Rangers, was able to counsel some of his guys about getting their sin into the light. They realized they could never have sustained victory while hiding their sin.
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