Gospel Knots Scout Devotional [PDF]

Zitiervorschau

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The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the Good News Translation © 1996, American Bible Society, used by permission. All rights reserved Gospel Knots Scouting Devotional (English Edition) Copyright © 2015 by Tyrone L. LaValley

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any form or any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other – except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher. Permission is granted to share the free online pdf version with the understanding that the purpose of sharing is to promote partnerships for this mission. Cover Design: Tyrone L. LaValley Interior design: Tyrone L. LaValley

Don’t miss the chance for a partnership between Boy Scouts of America units and units in Cote d’Ivoire: See the “International Opportunities” section of this Devotional.

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Contact Information

Skype VOIP: (912) 480-0444 (from the USA it is like calling Savannah, GA)

Skype video/voice: tyrone.lavalley Email: [email protected] Facebook: ty.lavalley unitedmethodistscoutingcotedivoire Blog: tyronelavalley.blogspot.com Donate to the mission: umcmission.org Advance # 3022028 (salary support)

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Table of Contents Evangelism Knots ......................................................................... 6 Bowline .................................................................................... 7 Sheet Bend ............................................................................... 8 Alpine Butterfly ........................................................................ 9 Square Knot............................................................................ 11 Sheep Shank ........................................................................... 12 Clove Hitch ............................................................................. 13 2 Half Hitches ......................................................................... 15 Formation Knots......................................................................... 16 Timber Hitch........................................................................... 17 Taut Line................................................................................. 18 Cleat Hitch on Halyard ........................................................... 19 Fisherman’s Knot ................................................................... 20 Figure 8 Knot .......................................................................... 21 Double Figure 8 Loop ............................................................. 22 Marlin Spike Hitch .................................................................. 23 Barrel Sling ............................................................................. 24 Service Lashings ......................................................................... 25 Square Lashing ....................................................................... 26 Diagonal Lashing .................................................................... 27 Sheer (Shear) Lashing............................................................. 28 Round Lashing ........................................................................ 29 Tripod Lashing ........................................................................ 30 International Opportunities ....................................................... 31

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Introduction This Gospel Knots Scouting Devotions may be used as individual object lessons while teaching knots to other scouts. Although each devotional stands on its own, it is best to follow the sequence. When done this way, you will find that each knot has a deeper meaning. You will see how God has called us to Know God, Grow with God, and Go with God into meaningful service. You will see how our spiritual formation is important on a daily basis. This book uses knots to communicate the Good News (Gospel) that God loves us so much that he made a way for us to be in relationship with him. God uses us to help others to be in this relationship too. This book is not a how to book on knots. There are other sources for this purpose, including your local Scout leaders. One helpful online source is www.animatedknots.com. It includes the step by step instructions for tying knots and gives information about their use. It is also a great reference because it quotes original references. It is my hope that this small “merit badge pamphlet” sized book will find its way into the backpacks of every Chaplain’s Aide in the BSA. It is an excellent gift for all Scouts who join a Troop chartered by a Church. May it serve as a blessing to you and multiply itself in the lives you share it with. All royalties from the first edition print will go to train Scout leaders in Cote d’Ivoire in West Africa.

Tyrone LaValley Scouting Ministry Specialist

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Evangelism Knots

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Bowline Acts 2:22-36 and Psalm 16 The Bowline has been called the King of knots. It can be used as a rescue knot and as an anchor for the end of a line. It is remarkably easy to tie. Most Scouts learn to tie it by making a bite (hole and tree) and use the free end of the rope as a “rabbit”. The rabbit comes out of its hole, goes around the tree and back into the hole. The rabbit is a secular symbol for Easter, the day Jesus was resurrected from the dead. What if you said: the Savior came out of the grave, went around with the disciples for 40 days and then ascended into heaven? Of course this would not make a knot, so the analogy fails, unless you consider the disciples all died eventually and went into the hole. The Good News is: the story does not end there. In Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, he references Psalm 16 and makes it clear that Jesus is the King that king David was talking about. God had a plan for the resurrection of Jesus and for the redemption of the people of Israel. You and I share in this promise. Personalize David’s words of confidence in God:    

I am always aware of the Lord’s presence. He is near and nothing can shake me (8) I feel completely secure (9) You will not abandon me to the world of the dead (10) You will show me the path that leads to life (11)

Prayer: Lord God let our relationship with you be like a Bowline. Let it be an anchor on one end and a rescue knot securing your people on the other. Pull us free from danger.

The Bowline is required for First Class Rank

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Sheet Bend Acts 2:14-21 and Joel 2:28-3:8 The Sheet Bend is used to bind together two ropes of different sizes. Without this special knot, the ropes would slip apart under strain. The two ropes have to be reasonably close in size for this to work. Thankfully, we are made in the image of God. Unfortunately, we still fall short of God’s glory. Our sin and God’s holiness are like two different sized ropes that cannot be reconciled without a special knot. Jesus Christ made a way for this reconciliation. In the same sermon listed in the Bowline devotional, Peter quotes the Prophet Joel to drive home the point that Pentecost was the fulfillment of Joel’s prophesy. The context is one of injustice versus holiness. Jesus can judge because he is Holy. We as sinful people need God’s grace. It is doubtful that most of the people in life have acted as unjustly as the people described in Joel 3, but nevertheless, we have still sinned and that is enough to need God’s grace. Look at the warning signs. When we sin, the light of God is obscured by our choices. Words used include: clouds of smoke (residue of our sin); darkened sun and red moon (result of eclipses of light). There is a cause and effect for everything. Sin requires a response that is impossible by us. God’s grace has made a way. The blood of Jesus has tied a knot that cannot be undone, will not slip, and is available for us today. Prayer: Lord God who makes a way, when no other way seems possible; give us the courage to call out to your name so we may be saved as you have promised.

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Alpine Butterfly Acts 2:37-39 The Alpine Butterfly can bear a load in any of the three directions. This means that it can have a load on the loop, while the two ends are used simultaneously to steer the load away from danger and raise or lower the load. While participating in a mountain training school on Mount Ranier, I was chosen to be the “injured person” on an A Frame evacuation up a cliff. It was because I was the lightest in the squad. They used an Alpine Butterfly. I had to trust the team that built the A Frame, trust the knot, and trust that my teammates would pull me safely up the 50 foot cliff. The key word is TRUST. It is the basis of FAITH. As mentioned earlier, we are saved by grace. The point of this devotional is to know that it is by grace through FAITH. Faith is exercised in action. Peter concludes his sermon with an invitation to accept this grace through faith. I invite you to do the same:   

Turn away from your sins Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins will be forgiven You will receive the gift of God’s Holy Spirit

This loop can be tied in the middle of the rope without access to the ends. In the same way, it doesn’t matter where you are in life, because. God can tie this loop in the middle of your situation. The following prayer is the only prayer in this devotional written in the first person. It is YOUR choice. Prayer: Lord God who saves; walk with me this short distance to the end of myself and the beginning of who I am in you. Show me the way to the community that you promised. 9

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Square Knot Acts 2:38-42 The Square Knot is called the joining knot in Scouts. It is the first knot that is tied to receive the Scout Emblem. When we join a Troop or a Church, we join a community. A common use for the Square Knot is to secure bandages. We must remember that the Church is a hospital for sinners not a club for saints. The first three knots were used to help you Know God. We now begin the section to Grow in God. Growing in God begins with baptism. This act in itself has no magical powers. It is an outward sign of a new inner condition. It is a moment to return to when times get hard and the cost of discipleship seems too high. It is at those points that you allow yourself to remember your baptism and be thankful. What should you be thankful for?    

The grace of God The faith to not let go of the one who will never let go of you The community of believers The power of the Holy Spirit to guide and intercede (to step in for you).

Prayer: God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as you are community within the Trinity; help us become the community that you desire us to be. Help us to love each other in our weaknesses and help each other grow in your Grace.

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Sheep Shank Romans 12:3-8 and 8:26-30 The Sheep Shank is used to shorten a rope without cutting it or to strengthen a weak point in the rope. It is only secure under tension. It will fall apart with slack. As Christians we are each given a Spiritual Gift for service to God as part of the Body of Christ – the Church. We are called to be stewards of those gifts. This means that we don’t waste the gift. To have a gift and not use it, or to use it for self-gain, is the same as cutting the rope. The next time you need to use the rope, its strength will be compromised. Remember the gift is given to strengthen the community. We are stewards (caretakers or trustees) of the gift. If we fail to exercise the gift (lack of tension), the “Sheep Shank” will fall apart. Whatever it was attached to will fall or be compromised. The Holy Spirit also dwells in us to relate our spirit to God’s Spirit. When we are weak, the Spirit steps in and communicates directly with God. This is what it means to walk in the Spirit. Our bodies are weak, but when we became Christians, we became new Spiritual creations. The same creative essence that created the universe out of chaos, recreated us to grow into the likeness of Christ. Prayer: Lord God we know that you always work for the good in this world. We thank you for calling us and using us to be part of this mission. Thank you for the power to know you and to do your work. Your power shines through us when we are at our weakest. Help us honor you in our daily walk.

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Clove Hitch Romans 12:1-3 and Acts 2:42 The Clove Hitch is the starting point for most pioneering projects. It is also required for First Class Rank. This is significant because at First Class a Scout begins to take on leadership roles. It is very important to begin with a strong hitch, before undertaking any building project or leadership role. We will discuss service projects when we get to the Lashings Section. For now it is important to know that the clove hitch starts and finishes nearly every lashing. Our discipleship also has to start with a strong connection to the Bible. The starting point in service is to offer yourself as a living sacrifice. Let the end of the rope be your reminder. Let the other end be the rope that is dedicated to his service. This is easy to remember since it is the end that will go around the staves and poles. The part of the rope that crosses over and holds them both tight against the object is a reminder that our sacrifice and service are to be pleasing to God. The way we make sure that we are pleasing God and not ourselves (regardless of our good intentions) is to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Our old ways need to be retrained for a way that we cannot imagine on our own. Prayer: Lord God who reveals himself to us. Show us the things that are pleasing to you and direct our pathways to a life of faithful service.

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2 Half Hitches Matthew 5:13-16 The Two Half-Hitches is used as a helper knot to increase the security of other knots. It is a common knot. When used as a helper, it is only effective when placed close to the other knots. It is required for the Tenderfoot Rank. Tenderfoot is the first advancement on the Scout Trail. It is only appropriate that the first knot on this trail is a helper knot. Remember a Scout does a good turn daily. As Christian Scouts we are called to be salt and light to the world. Bill Hybels, the Senior Pastor of Willow Creek Community Church wrote in his book Being a Contagious Christian that Salt means we should be potent and close to the object in order to preserve it. He wrote that Light means we should have a clear message as we illuminate God’s love. In the previous devotional, the point was made that our sacrifice and service must be pleasing to God. God is pleased when our service causes other people to praise God for the work being done. This does not mean God is an attention hog. It means that God is the only one truly perfect. All good things begin with God therefore God deserves the glory and praise. It has been suggested that the Clove hitch would be more secure with a half hitch. I suggest two half hitches with each loop representing Salt and Light. Prayer: Thank you Lord for being the start point for all things good. Let our lives be a reflection of your purpose in the world. Help us to add flavor and preservation to the lives of those we encounter. Let your light shine in us and through us.

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Formation Knots

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Timber Hitch Psalm 23 The Timber hitch is very useful for transporting a log or a bundle of sticks wrapped together. It is designed to drag or hoist an object. It is also the starting hitch for a Diagonal Lashing which will be a subject in the Service Lashings Section. It is required for the First Class Rank. Perhaps you may feel like you were drug to church as a child. Now you realize that the responsibility to accept or reject the Christian teachings are your own. The beginning point for your journey at this point is to know that you are not being drug to church. You are being guided by the Good Shepherd who has your best interest at heart. Let us look at what the Shepherd leads us to:      

Met needs Rest Refreshment Security Nourishment Goodness, Love, and a Home with God

Perhaps when you tie that first Timber Hitch on to a Diagonal Lashing you will realize that your service is pleasing to God because you are leading someone on the right path. Prayer: Shepherd God. Thank you for all that you have given us. Let us always remember with a glad heart that you are the one who has provided for us in our times of need. Use us to be the helping hands and feet to a world in need.

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Taut Line 1 Peter 1:1-9 The Taut Line hitch allows for the adjustment of a rope length without the need to retie the knot. Anyone who has ever stood under a tarp while the rain collects in the slack areas knows about the need to tighten up the slack. A loose line in the wind could cause the tarp to tear. During adverse conditions the line must be taut. Peter, talking to a group of refugee churches, uses the analogy of a refiner’s fire to explain the need for faith to be refined. The gold is heated to the boiling point of the impure elements but below the boiling point of the gold. The result is the impurities are destroyed and the pure gold remains. He was referring to their faith. He said faith has to be tested. The interesting thing is that the one grading the test is the one being tested. When we emerge from trials, we realize that the things we mourned were things that we did not need anyway. As you stand under a tarp in a storm and realize that the line in your own life needs to be tightened up don’t despise the storm for bringing it to your attention. The appropriate response is to tighten the tension. How do you remain strong in the storm?  

Remember your call: God called you and will protect you. Remember that the purpose of your faith is the salvation of your soul.

Prayer: Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise him all creatures here below. Praise him above the heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Being able to praise God in the storm strengthens faith.

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Cleat Hitch on Halyard Luke 9:21-28 The Cleat Hitch on a Halyard is used for securing a sail line on a sailboat and for securing the lines on a flagpole. The slack in the line is taken up and secured with a series of figure 8 motions (symbolizing infinity). The final loop is a reverse twist on the bite (symbolizing repentance), secured to the upper end of the cleat. The pressure of the changed direction holds the rope in place. When you are participating in a flag ceremony at camp think about what the flag stands for. It represents the living nation. As long as one flies, the nation lives. We raise and lower the flag daily at camp. Likewise, Luke reports that Jesus calls us to pick up our Cross daily and follow him. Many people have died for our nation’s flag. Jesus is calling us to die to self. It is the pressure of the repentance that holds our faith in place. This Bible reference is between Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Son of God and Messiah and the Transfiguration of the Lord. We can only deny ourselves when we know the One who we are denying ourselves for. The pain of the denial is replaced with the joy of the revelation of God. We cannot see God when focused on ourselves. Like the refiner’s fire mentioned previously, we are letting the things that are useless die. Yes, it may hurt at times, but as many coaches have said: “Pain is only the feeling of weakness leaving the body.” Prayer: Guiding Light of God, please help us focus on the ultimate goal which is to follow you daily.

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Fisherman’s Knot James 2:14-26 & Luke 5:1-11 The Fisherman’s Knot is used to join two ropes together. It is an easy knot to tie when your hands are cold and wet. Each rope is secured to the standing end of the other rope with one or more overhand knots and pulled together for a strong bond. If we are going to be: “Fishers of people” (Luke 5:10) then our words and actions (two ropes) must be joined. We cannot profess that we have a faith in Jesus Christ and not exercise that faith. If Simon Peter had not had the faith that the fish would be caught, he would not have cast his net one more time. If he did not cast his net, there would have been no miraculous catch of fish. A special note needs to be made that we are not saved by our works. We are saved by grace through faith. That faith is exercised in our actions. Our faith in action becomes a witness to others so their faith may be strengthened. We catch people, because we have the faith to cast our nets one more time, even when it may not be popular or convenient. Remember the fishermen were pulled up to the beach washing their nets when Jesus called them to go back out. Prayer: Lord give us the direction to put our faith into practice in appropriate ways. Let our actions always bring glory to your holy name.

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Figure 8 Knot Matthew 6:24-34 The Figure 8 Knot is used as a stopper knot or to reinforce adjacent knots. The big question for this knot is: What should people stop doing? I believe the answer is to stop worrying. Worrying has its roots in the lack of faith. The lack of faith causes worry. Worry leads to fear. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to sin. The opposite of love is not hate, it is fear. When we love unconditionally, we are secure from fear. As part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people to stop worrying about money, food, and clothes. The people in his time were known to offer sacrifices to pagan gods to satisfy the god’s vanity. They believed the gods would in turn provide them with food, drink, and other necessities. Worry leads to the sin of idolatry. A recent understanding is: we worry that we will never be good enough, smart, enough, rich enough… for whatever we aspire after. As a consequence we sell-out to popular culture in an effort to fit in. As easy as it is to change to fit in, changing yourself out of fear is damaging to your spirit. Prayer: Lord help us to be satisfied with the life that you have provided to each of us. Let us seek your face in such a way that we will not worry about what we do not have or what we might not have in the future. Let love be the reason we make decisions.

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Double Figure 8 Loop Hebrews 6:13-20 The Double Figure 8 Loop is also called the Bunny Ears. The two loops form what looks like two bunny ears. These two loops are used to equalize the load on two anchor points. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that we have safety with Jesus Christ. He encourages us to hold firmly to the hope that is anchored in the two promises that God made to Abraham:  

God would bless Abraham God would give him many descendants.

These promises to Abraham are complete in Jesus. God is redeeming Israel. We share in that redemption. We are part of the descendants promised to Abraham. Jesus received the ultimate blessing from God the Father and we share in that blessing. We are able to be in union with God. Rest in the promises that God made us part of his family and we are able to be in union with Gods purpose. This double anchor point equalizes the load that we carry with us. We can be sure and steadfast in this hope because Jesus went before us and made a way. The curtain of separation has been torn from the top down. We can approach God on the basis of the promise. Prayer: Thank you Lord for promises that you cannot break. Thank you for providing a way to a relationship with you. Help us to trust the anchor points that you have provided to us.

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Marlin Spike Hitch Genesis 28:10-22 The Marlin Spike Hitch is used as a quick one handed knot to secure a line to a mooring. A series of these hitches spaced evenly apart can form a ladder. The hitch is only effective when the spike is placed in the top part of the loop. Downward pressure strengthens the hitch. If you use the bottom part, the hitch becomes a slip knot and it won’t end well if you try to climb. Jacob’s Ladder is the song that is sung by many children in Sunday school. It is a reminder of Jacob’s vision of God at Bethel. The significance is that the promise that God made to Abraham was passed to his son Isaac, and at Bethel was passed on to Jacob. Chapter 35 shows Jacob (now Israel) returning to Bethel after many trials and challenges. God’s promise can withstand our trials. As a matter of fact, in this story is the promise that God would not leave Jacob. We have the same promise. Emmanuel (one of the names we use to describe Jesus) means God is with us. The birth of Jesus was the incarnation (God’s Word becoming flesh) and the beginning of God with us. After Jesus ascended into heaven the Holy Spirit came as our companion on the journey. Bethel means House of God. Jacob believed the place he rested was a door into heaven. Our daily door into heaven is through the Holy Spirit. It is through the Holy Spirit that we are able to communicate with God. Prayer: Lord of all creation who reveals himself to us through dreams and the storms in our lives. Thank you for never leaving us. Thank you for the blessing to be your children. 23

Barrel Sling The Barrel Sling can be used for a barrel, a bucket, or other objects that you want to remain upright while hoisting or lowering. The bottom of the sling must be centered and the top part of the sling must be higher than the center of gravity and low enough not to slip off the top. When Jesus took an unexpected route through Samaria he found himself at Jacob’s Well in Sychar. This is where he encountered “the Woman at the Well”. It was the heat of the day and she was all alone. I often wonder if it was her shame that drove her to do her chores in the heat of the day or if it was the judgement of others. We can know this woman was searching for a relationship that would last. A relationship with meaning. Jesus offered her that relationship. Jesus offers all of us life giving water. He said those who drink from this cup and thirst no more. The relationship with God will be like a life-giving spring of water that gives eternal life. The promise of Jacob’s Ladder, the sure and steady promise to Abraham, and the promise of the Holy Spirit are all part of this life-giving water. What do you do with this water once you have taken a drink? You go and tell others. You serve in the name of Jesus Christ who is the reason for the mission. The next section will cover lashings and help you see how to exercise your faith. Prayer: Lord let us be for others a vessel for providing a cool cup of spiritual water that comes from your eternal source. Let us never be afraid to do the unexpected for someone in need. Let us always remember that no matter how much of you we give away to others your eternal life-giving spring will fill us back up. 24

Service Lashings

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Square Lashing Matthew 16:13-20 The Square Lashing is used to lash together two poles or staves at right angles to each other. In a pioneering project this lashing ensures a strong foundation for the rest of the structure. For the Christian faith the strong foundation can be found in Peter’s Confession that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. The source of this confession was the revelation of this truth from God the Father. As we undertake mission and service projects and build the church, remember that the foundation is always the confession that Jesus is Messiah as revealed to us by God. Our project therefore begins with a Clove Hitch (we offer ourselves as a living sacrifice, dedicated to service, pleasing to God). Each wrap and frap is a confession that we do this because of who Jesus is. We know what to build, where to build, and when to build because it is revealed to us. When we are obedient to God’s revelation our service becomes pleasing. We should always be mindful of the quality of the lashings in our lives. Other people are watching and what we truly believe about is revealed through our actions. As Scouts we do our best as Christians we give our best. Prayer: Lord, as we prepare to go and be all that you have called us to be, keep us focused on the task to reveal you in our service. Keep us from chasing the service projects for selfish gain.

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Diagonal Lashing Proverbs 27:17 and Acts 2:42 The Diagonal Lashings allows for poles to be lashed together at many different angles. It reinforces the section of the project that was lashed together with Square Lashings. When connected to these other sections one end goes under the existing section and the other end goes over. Because of this the poles on this lashing may not touch. This is why it is important to begin with a Timber Hitch instead of a Clove Hitch. This allows for significant pulling on the poles until they come together. “People learn from each other just as iron sharpens iron.” These were the words attributed to Solomon in Proverbs. The first century Church knew the importance of this interaction and participated in group learning, group fellowship, group meals, and group prayers. Notice the emphasis is on Group. This is the third time that we have visited Acts 2:42. This passage in the Bible reflects the basics of an effective Church. Remember the Church is the people of God trying to be in service to God in such a way that it is pleasing to God. This is why we end in a Clove Hitch. After each project we analyze: was this pleasing to God? Of course it begins with a Timber Hitch that when pulled tightly, leads people to the Good Shepherd. Without the leading of Jesus the diagonal poles will remain apart with each pole focused on its own purpose. When following Jesus’ purpose, the poles naturally come together strengthening not only the connection, but the other structure it was meant to reinforce. Prayer: Lord guide us to reinforce the work that you are already engaged in. Use us to build community as we grow with it. 27

Sheer (Shear) Lashing Romans 10:8-17 The Sheer Lashing (sometimes spelled Shear Lashing) lashes two poles together to support weight. The Frapping is done to tighten the connection. Once completed, the two legs can be spread apart to form a bipod. The bipod acts as a lever when hoisting heavier objects. A series of these bipods is used to make a bridge. In Paul’s Letter to the Romans he discusses the need for Christians to be the bridge that connects a world to the message of Jesus Christ. Our greatest mission project is one that introduces others to the Savior. The goal is to have people call out to the Lord and be saved. Paul puts together a series of bipods lashed together with Sheer Lashings to build a bridge. He starts on the distant shore to understand what the recipients need:    

1st Lashing – help them believe (they need to hear) 2nd Lashing – help them hear(it must be proclaimed) 3rd Lashing – proclaim the message (someone must go) 4th lashing – go with the message (are you willing)

A good bridge for mission begins with the recipient in mind. We cannot be effective in missions unless we enter into the world of those we will serve in Jesus’ name. We must risk the death of our preconceived ideas as to why a person or group is in a situation. All we need to know is that they are in the situation and need to hear about God’s love. Prayer: Lord God, help us to be a bridge that connects a broken world to the message of your love. 28

Round Lashing Acts 18:1-4 Two Round Lashings can join together to extend the length of a pole. A common use is to make a flag pole in camp. Like the Round Lashing, the Apostle Paul joined together with Priscilla and Aquila in Corinth to extend the reach of the Church. They were all tent makers. So many times we think about the Apostles as preachers. We must remember that they had jobs in order to survive. It may be imagined that they used these jobs to introduce others to Christ. Imagine the object lesson: “I am confident that the quality of this tent will last you 20 years. Even as good as this tent is, it will eventually fail and be destroyed. With your permission I would love to tell you about a mansion in Heaven that will never wear out…” The Gospel message is all about relationships. It is ultimately about our relationship with God. It is about relating others to God in our natural interactions with people we know. This book of devotions is an easy start point to share with your friends while away at summer camp or preparing for a Scouts Own Service on a week-end outing. Simply walk around camp with your friend and this book while pointing out knots. They are everywhere. Prayer: God of the Good News, thank you for the call to tell others about you. Thank you for friends that will join us in the mission to love others 29

Tripod Lashing 1 Cor. 13:13 & Luke 10:27 The Tripod Lashing is used to make a free standing structure with one lashing. It is useful for hanging a pot over a fire for cooking. Two tall tripods with a horizontal pole connecting them is a quick gateway. Paul writes to the Church in Corinth that there are three things that will remain: faith, hope, and love, with the greatest being love. The Tripod has three points of contact. It would be good to remember these three points in our lives as faith, hope, and love. Add a second tripod to clarify what love looks like. Who should we love? Luke reports that Jesus said: love God, love neighbor, and love self. We cannot ignore any of the three legs on either tripod. We are in the process of becoming more Christ-like with every interaction. Every interaction strengthens our faith, our hope, and our love. Each interaction is a chance to share the love with God, with neighbor, and with self. Use a round lashing to join together with other Christian Scouts in the mission to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Place this extended pole between the two tripods and form a gateway into God’s kingdom. One last note: Don’t wait for them to ask permission to enter your camp. Go to them and bring them to the gateway and guide them to Christ. Prayer: Thank you Lord for strengthening our faith, for providing us hope, and for loving us unconditionally. Help us to share this Good news with others.

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International Opportunities One of the goals set by the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Church Cote d’Ivoire is to form partnerships with churches and Scouting units in the United States, Europe, and Cote d’Ivoire. Connecting the churches and the Scouts through various means strengthens our connectional structure. This may be done through several ways.

Partner Units:

Contact Tyrone LaValley, the coordinator of youth serving civic movements for the United Methodist Church Cote d’Ivoire, by email: [email protected]. He will match an Ivorian unit to a unit in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) from the USA or Europe. Scouts will then be able to stay connected through Facebook and other social media in accordance with Cyber Chip requirements. Imagine the excitement as both groups share what they are doing through service projects and special events like camporees. Both units will be emailed a poster that includes a unit photos and Troop/Pack/Company locations on a map.

Requirements for the Scouting Mission Partner Patch:  Read the Scouting Specialist Guide (French) or Scouting for Missions Guide (English)  Register your unit as a partner unit  Share your Christian faith story with someone  Promote one of the mission engagement projects at church or with your unit.

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JOTI: The Jamboree on the Internet is held every October through the International Division of the BSA. A structure is established to communicate by chat sessions with groups from all around the world. This is a good day to schedule a lockin and share the experience with your partner unit through Skype. Times and Skype addresses will have to be coordinated prior to the actual date. For more information go to: http://www.scouting.org/joti.aspx

Africa Region Jamboree 2016: will be held in Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire from July 28 – August 8, 2016. This is a World Organization of the Scouting Movement event. Significant planning will go into this event so begin early.

Requirements for the Spécialiste Patch:  Complete safe sanctuaries or youth protection training  Complete Mission Partner requirements (above). This does not qualify for the adult religious square knot in the BSA. This is a United Methodist Church Cote d’Ivoire Annual Conference award not a General Agency or BSA award.

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