Hello! My name is Andrew Speight. Royal Rangers means so much to me that it is a key part of my life. It is not just a night out of the week to have fun but a tool God uses to reach boys for Jesus Christ and to help them grow spiritually, mentally, physically and socially as stated in the gold points of the Royal Ranger code. I personally have been reached, taught and kept by and for Jesus Christ for the past ten years in Royal Rangers. When I was 5 years old in Straight Arrows I earned awards, but the real reward was that I met people who cared for me and that wanted to see me in the Kingdom of God. My mom, struggling to raise me without the help of a husband, saw Royal Rangers as a place where I could be influenced by Godly men. She did all she could to keep me involved in every Royal Ranger activity, and trusted me to this ministry. I am grateful for her faith, courage and sacrifices in giving me these opportunities. After a few weeks, I knew I wanted to be the best Royal Ranger I could be with the help of my Royal Ranger leaders and friends. Some of my first Royal Ranger leaders are still encouraging and challenging me to look to God for all my needs today. In Royal Rangers I have found myself closer to God than at any other place. At Advancement Academy, a week long camp to earn merits, every night we have council fires. It was at one of these services around a big campfire in the woods that I was slain in the Holy Spirit for the first time in my life. I praise God for that experience, and for how God has brought me closer to Himself through it. Many people ask me why I am still in Royal Rangers and when will I start coming to Youth Group. I've always told them, “I don't know”, and honestly, I DON'T know. I feel such a joy at Wednesday night meetings, at campouts and whatever else we do that I might never leave Royal Rangers. I am now 15, but age does not matter. All that matters is the touch of God and doing what He wants me to do. And if that means reaching more boys for Christ through Royal Rangers, I am READY! Several years ago there was a Ranger in our Outpost who determined he would earn the GMA. David Kaye worked hard and became the first GMA recipient from Outpost 50. He set the example, and when I saw him get it, I decided that I must get it too. I've worked so hard to achieve this not only to have the award, but to set an example like David did. I may be the second Ranger in Outpost 50 to earn this award, but hopefully not the last. Being a Royal Ranger has helped me to develop as a leader. I have always been a quiet person and kept things to myself. I've always wanted to help others in any way I could but never imagined I could lead or tell anyone else what to do. As I've progressed in Royal Rangers, I was seen by the leaders as leadership material and I took responsibility. Every Wednesday night I lead our Outpost in our opening ceremony which includes reciting the motto, code and salutes to the American, Christian and Royal Ranger flags and prayer. These and other leadership opportunities have helped me realize some of the responsibilities leaders carry, and the importance of being a Godly leader. I am not the best leader, but with God's help and the help of Godly men, I will become a great leader. Someday someone will lead in my position in this Outpost, and I hope they are inspired to lead well because of the example I set as a leader. Whenever I used to think about Royal Rangers it would be, “When is the next campout?”, or, “Can I earn another award today?” Now I think, “Who will be the next GMA?” or, “Who will be the next boy filled with the Holy Spirit at the next campout?” I have come a long way and I thank everyone who has helped me get here. I am honored to wear this uniform and honored to stand before you today. The greatest honor though, is that God used a simple program to change my life for the Kingdom of God.