By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer
WOODWORTH – A movement of the Holy Spirit during the recent Royal Ambassador Congress prompted 10 young men to commit their lives to Jesus, said Mike Collie.
The RA consultant added that the decisions resulted from seeds being intentionally planted, cultivated and harvested throughout the weekend.
“Oh what a joy it is to see God working in the hearts and lives of these young boys … to know these 10 young men had the courage to step out and overcome all obstacles to surrender their hearts to Christ,” Collie shared.
Held March 29-30 at Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center in Woodworth, RA Congress drew 202 students and adult leaders from 14 churches. The two-day conference featured American Ninja Warrior contestant Jared Greer, who used a portable obstacle course to present the Gospel.
The event also included missionaries who shared about the dangers of substance abuse.
Additionally, the young men had opportunities to make a gun out of pipes and participate in the Pinewood Derby and Soap Box car races as part of the “Mind and Body” theme, based on 1 Corinthians 9:24.
In his presentation, Greer shared with the boys strategies to over-come obstacles. When he first appeared on the TV show in 2014, he felt crushed and defeated after he did not complete the obstacle course.
A year later, he was given a second chance to complete the course.
He was unsuccessful, again, but Greer told the boys he learned through that experience that God had other purposes for his life beyond American Ninja Warrior.
American Ninja Warrior contestant Jared Greer presented the Gospel to RA Congress participants. Brian Blackwell photo
He now travels the country to tell his story about how God has allowed him to use his skills displayed on the TV show to share the Gospel. Greer will have another opportunity to compete on the show during the upcoming season in June.
“We’re going to face challenges and obstacles in life,” Greer told the boys. “If we trust in Jesus we can overcome anything.”
During the Pinewood Derby competition, participants competed in a series of heats to determine a first place winner for each grade level. These victors advanced to the finals to determine the top three overall champions.
The RAs and leaders also took part in a Soap Box Derby race.
PINEWOOD DERBY
Most Unusual: First Place, Bryce Wilson, First Baptist Church, Opelousas; Second Place, Nolan Hogan, Temple Baptist Church, Ruston; Third Place, Caleb Stryzewski, First Baptist Church, Opelousas.
Best Design: First Place, Caleb Bennett, Kingsville Baptist Church, Ball; Second Place, Luke Rowe, Quitman Baptist Church; Third Place, Ryan McIntyre, First Baptist Church, Lafayette.
SOAP BOX DERBY
RAs: First Place, Daniel Asher, Temple Baptist Church, Ruston; Second Place, David Asher, Temple Baptist Church, Ruston; Third Place, Nolan Hogan, Temple Baptist Church, Ruston.
Leaders: First Place, Jeremy Asher, Temple Baptist Church, Ruston; Second Place, John Ward Sr., First Baptist Church, Lafayette; Third Place, Jimmy Kimmel, First Baptist Church, Lafayette.
The annual Louisiana Baptist event allows the boys to learn from godly men about biblical man-hood, according to Collie.
