message from Captain Howard

Hello everyone - Battalion leaders, boys and families:

Yesterday was absolutely the worst day I've had since coming down with this silly heart condition. It was even worse than the day I went to the hospital (for a week's stay). There was stuff to be done for the "Building Men" men's conference, and I needed the Battalion's help to get it done. After stuffing 125 Info Bags for me in less than 10 minutes, the guys put me in a circle and prayed over me. As the prayers were ending, I felt a burden being lifted from me - I was feeling better. By the time I got home, it was much better, and I had my first great sleep in days - only six hours, but no discomfort. I feel great, and it's all because the Lord responded to the prayers of His People, young though they are. God wants our prayers, and He wants to respond to them, but for whatever reason, He wants us to do the praying. It was wonderful to see His response to yesterday's prayers, so immediate, so complete. Thank you all.

Now, about this men's conference... guys, dads, husbands, this is really something worth taking in, even if it's just for Friday night or Saturday morning. I've been closely involved with all of it -from conception to planning to putting it together - I know this is going to be different from any other men's conference that I've ever been to. If you know me, you know that I'm very much about us being "men of action". It's all very good to be good, godly men, but that is only what we should be like - we must desire and work towards a Christ-like character. But, it's a life-long process and some of us may never arrive, at least not in this life. God has a "calling" for every Christian; a job that is uniquely designed for each of us to perform for the sake of His Kingdom. He calls us to that work - to that action - as soon as we believe, and for some, if not all, long before we ever become Believers in Jesus Christ. His calling is always according to our abilities, but focused on our potential, thus forcing us to lean on Him. We become men, or women, of action while we are still working on improving our Christian character. In fact, it is often through our calling that we feel the desire to clean up our act. This men's conference is about seeking His Calling, and about cleaning up our acts.

It is a conference designed for men, and as far as we're concerned (and that includes Dr Chuck Stecker), manhood begins at 13 years old, so our Battalion boys are invited. This is going to be a challenging event. I'd like to see you - you men and teens - there.

God bless you as He has blessed me. Thank you for your prayers.

Bright and Keen for Christ, guys.

- Howard

Shape N Race Testing

Hi Guys,

Just a reminder to get your cars all finished up. The plan for Thursday is to get the axles and wheels on and do some testing on our track. Then on Saturday March 20 it is time to race everyone else in BC. Check out the CSB BC webpage for info on where and when.

It was great seeing Captain Howard at Battalion after he had been in the hospital for a week. Remember to keep him in your prayers.

Lt. Garth

Shape N Race is coming!!!

Hi Guys,

Just a reminder that Shape N Race is coming up on Saturday March 20. For more information check out CSB British Columbia's new website at www.csbbc.org. If you go to the events page you will see stuff about Shape N Race. Also tell your parent(s) about Chuck Stecker coming. Dads may have an interest in it.

This Thursday the plan is to finish your cars with the last bit of sanding and painting. Don't forget them at home.

Lt. Garth

Shape & Race

Hi Guys,

Just a note that Shape & Race is coming up on Saturday, March 20 at Langley Evangelical Free Church so we will be working on cars the next few weeks.

Thursday February 25 - Design cars

Thursday March 4 - Shape & sand cars

Thursday March 11 - Paint cars

Thursday March 18 - Test and tweak cars

Saturday March 20 - Race them at the BC 1000.

Come prepared with ideas.

Also check out the new website at www.csbbc.org

Gym Nights for February to April

Hi Guys,

Here's the Battalion Gym Night Schedule courtesy of Captain Howard.

Feb 19, 2010
Feb 26, 2010
Mar 5, 2010
Mar 12, 2010
Mar 19, 2010
Mar 26, 2010 - UNAVAILABLE - Spring Break
Apr 2, 2010 - UNAVAILABLE - Good Friday
Apr 9, 2010
Apr 16, 2010 - UNAVAILABLE - per the school
Apr 23, 2010
Apr 30, 2010

See you there.

Noncom Conference A Success!

Well guys, the 2010 Noncom Conference was a success. A total of 22 noncoms, nits and adult leaders were there. A lot was done and talked about. Lots of activity and lots of food.

To those of you boys who were there make sure you get the signatures needed to get yourself your full first star, not just the brevet version.

For those of you who weren't there, ask those who were what happened. This is something for you to work towards. First step is making sure you have done your Observer achievement.

Post your comments as to what you thought of the weekend.

Noncom Conference

Hi Guys,

Just a reminder about the Noncom Conference happening at the beginning of February. You don't want to miss this.
Lt. Garth