FROM AN OLD BOY SCOUT

EXTRA: From an old Boy Scout.

  Today I am reminding you of something I’m sure you already know, and, because of narrow selectivity of public media, informing you of something it is likely you do not know.

  The Boy Scouts of America are today far from their genesis . . . and the depth of public trust they once held. The final proverbial straw for many was though majority of BSA membership thought current policy on homosexuality should stand, a majority of the 1,400 delegates at annual spring meeting voted otherwise.

  Immediately John Stemberger, Eagle Scout and Florida based attorney, and others of like heart went into action.

  First with a news conference. http://news.yahoo.com/photos/john-stemberger-eagle-scout-orlando-fla-based-attorney-photo-163143776.html  For further insight: http://flfamily.org/about-us/leadership/john-stemberger/

  Then soon thereafter with a September 7^th Inaugural National Leadership Convention in Nashville TN to jump-start TRAIL LIFE USA. Stemberger promised the meeting would be a “national coalition meeting of former BSA parents and other youth leaders who wish to return to truly timeless values that once made the BSA great.” In a mere 68 days the planning group  created constitution, by-laws, logo, and other organizational documents. They stated this “doesn’t happen in the power of men.”

  Organizers chose the rousing hymn In Christ Alone because it is both contemporary and reflects solid Christian theology. (For those having never heard:   http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=in+christ+alone+youtube&FORM=VIRE7#view=detail&mid=FA0A6CD15DF76C89BA79FA0A6CD15DF76C89BA79 and http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=in+christ+alone+youtube&FORM=VIRE7#view=detail&mid=CDF922ED5A8FD72A3FB8CDF922ED5A8FD72A3FB8 )

  One of opening declarations to the more than 1,200 delegates from 44 states was by radio personality Bill Buckner, “We’re here to honor the legacy of the Boy Scouts of America.”

  The TRAIL LIFE USA program motto is “Walk Worthy”. Boys of all faiths are welcome. Adults however must sign a statement of faith.

  While TRAIL LIFE USA was gaining vigor BSA was starting to bleed charter units, with conservative Scout leaders and sponsoring churches leaving BSA. Though BSA estimates about 300,000 members will soon leave because of the vote, they have yet to reveal how many have defected so far. Some of the sponsorship churches leaving BSA are considered mother churches that others look to for leadership precedent.

  The BSA was already losing income,  also now feeling the financial pressure because of decisions plus having doubled top salaries from 2003 to 2012, other increased expenses, and are consequently raising dues 60%.

  The USA is not yet bankrupt; Authentic men still treasure integrity over establishment. Now, if we could just recruit them to work the same miracle with our government? 

EBB4