This year’s annual GBB National Event was held at Hueston Woods State Park near Oxford, Ohio.  There were men and boys from nine GBB units in attendance as well as several guests and visitors.  The week was full of activities that surrounded the outdoors.  The daily devotions and the guest speaker readied the boys for the highlight of the week - a visit to the Creation Museum in Kentucky.

Each day began with devotions set up by our GBB Chaplain, Pastor Bob Smoker from Susquehanna Grace.  Before the groups started their activities for the day, we had a flag raising ceremony and the older boys rotated the responsibility of carrying out flag duty.  There were activities provided for each morning and afternoon, followed by the evening colors and council fire.  Each day ended with a leader’s huddle so the men could discuss the day and pray for the people and issues that surrounded Rendezvous.

The daily activities included wood carving, lashing, fishing, orienteering, hiking, canoeing, archery and rifle shooting for the younger boys.  During the mornings the older boys also participated in rifle shooting and canoeing as well as horseback riding and mountain biking.  In the afternoons the older boys assisted activities as junior leaders. 

The guest speaker for the week was Pastor Kip Cone from the Winona Lake GBC.  During the mornings he spent valuable time with the older boys.  His investment with the boys as well as his evening messages revealed Pastor Kip as a very gifted leader.  He challenged the boys each evening with the components of the Armor of God.  Since we were camping for the week, Pastor Kip switched the pieces of a soldier’s armor with pieces of camping equipment.  For example, he used the “compass of truth” to describe how the boys need to find their point of reference (true direction) as the truth that is Jesus Christ.

The men and boys studied Genesis all week during their morning devotions which led up to our visit to the Creation Museum.  Both men and boys commented on how the museum really illustrated the proper view of creation.  The boys especially enjoyed the museums presentation of “Men in White.”  In the short special effects film presentation the main characters present scientific facts that support creation and debunk evolutionary arguments.  The men noticed how impressed the boys were with the museum and commented how their own faith was both validated and strengthened by the overwhelming evidence of creation.

The combination of godly men and qualified teachers in an isolated setting certainly aided in the mission of GBB.  That mission is to first reach boys for Christ, then instill godly character and finally mold boys into godly leaders through discipleship.   We’re seeking to equip boys to be godly Grace Brethren leaders in their families, their churches and their communities.

For more information on GBB National Events please contact GBB’s Director of National Events, Harold Brandonburg or the Director of Boys’ Ministry, Rob Gable at GBB National Headquarters.

(HQ@gbbnational.com, 330-927-5114, 330-464-8185)