Experiencing a ‘Holy Spirit’ moment: Fourteen make decisions for Christ at RA Congress

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer

WOODWORTH – The recent RA Congress concluded with truly a Holy Spirit moment during the Saturday morning session according to Gibbie McMillan, state director for Royal Ambassadors.

After offering an invitation to come forward and accept Christ, McMillan watched as 14 young men made their way to the front of the Tall Timbers Conference Center activities building. Only the Holy Spirit could have orchestrated that moment, McMillan believes.

“We had a very great opportunity right there to see those boys come to Christ,” McMillan said. “It’s a moment where we present the Gospel to them and they respond in a way of the Holy Spirit drawing them to a point of decision.

“It’s always an exciting time to see the Holy Spirit move in this way,” he said. “Seeing the boys come forward to make a decision is why we do ministry.”

McMillan said the decisions resulted from seeds being intentionally planted, cultivated and harvested.

“That’s the end result,” McMillan said. “This is an example of why it’s vitally important the Gospel be presented at every opportunity.”

Dustin Lee, children’s minister at First Baptist Lafayette, was able to lead one of the boys in his group to Christ at RA Congress. Lee said the weekly RA meetings at the church played a part in the young man making a decision to accept Jesus as his personal Savior and Lord.

“Leading one of my kids to Christ is my favorite part of being a children’s minister,” Lee said. “It’s also incredible when you get to disciple the new believer and family and have the privilege to baptize them.”

Held April 8-9, RA Congress drew 200 RAs from 12 churches. Seven more churches had registered but were unable to come because of the recent flooding.

The two-day conference featured competitions such as archery, BB guns, obstacle course, rope craft and log-sawing, as well as the opportunity to launch a rocket as part of the “Take Flight” theme or the event, based on Psalm 104:4.

RA Congress also included Pinewood Derby and Soap Box car races.

For both 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.

Pinewood Derby Champions:

First Place – Asher Jones, First Baptist Lafayette

Second Place – James Basco, Kingsville Baptist, Pineville

Third Place – Thomas Garbarino, First Baptist Lafayette

Soap Box Derby Champions:

Fastest Crusader – Caleb Savoie, First Baptist Lafayette

Fastest Lad – Ethan Savoie, First Baptist Lafayette

The weekend also featured breakout sessions led by missionaries, including Randy Hales, director of missions for Bienville & Webster-Claiborne Baptist Associations and Philip Vandercook, director of Global Maritime Ministries in New Orleans.

The annual Louisiana Baptist event allows the boys to experience activities they normally might not participate in, said RA consultant Mike Collie.

“Seeing dads get so excited about their sons doing things out here is always a highlight,” Collie said. “This camp out allows the boys to be a part of something that will hopefully stay with them for many years to come.”

Watching the race cars come down the lane “at super, fast speeds” was a highlight for Jackson Stafford. His dad, Logan, said spending time with his son was a highlight of his weekend.

“Coming out here to spend time with the boys and getting them engaged with missionaries was worth it,” said Stafford, a member at First Baptist Pineville. “RA Congress reminds them of the need to learn about cultures and spreading the message of Christ to other parts of the world.”

Robert Vicknir, an RA leader from First Baptist Ponchatoula, said RA Congress leaves the boys with an excitement and passion to learn more about Christ and what missionaries do.

“This gives them a jumpstart in the real world, which is important,” he said. “Events like this also allow the boys to get around other believers and make friends that can be a positive influence on them.”