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Greetings from the ALERT Academy!
I wanted to bring everyone up to speed on past, current and
future events here.
Looking back this summer we held our annual Quest program in
June and July with over 100 young men involved. Pray for them that they will
continue to implement the disciplines they’ve learned to be more effective
servants in their homes, churches and communities.
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In July we also ran our second Conqueror 101 retreat with
eight guys in the Northwoods of upper Michigan. It was a solid two weeks of
training and outdoor events that brought us together for a common purpose of
deepening our walk with Christ and enjoying fellowship with other men in
striving to be “more than conquerors…”
For those not familiar with the program, the curriculum consists of the
Conqueror Series videos (learning about sexual addiction and how to be an
overcomer), examining what a surrendered life looks like, devotional times, and
a number of outdoor activities that included hikes, canoe trips, lakefront
activities like tubing and skiing, and other impromptu events. It is well
suited for any guy 17 or over; past attendees have included ALERT men, Quest
guys, and men who found out about the program on the internet. Please call for
more details and consider joining us in June of 2022 for the next session. I’m
doing a rework of the schedule and it may include an opportunity for fathers
and sons to integrate into our camp for an extended weekend if they’d like. I
hope such an adjustment would enable those who have limited time off to still
experience some of the key programming we do. Please give me a call to discuss
such an option as I would welcome your input into developing this further.
Changes such as this will only be made if I get positive feedback regarding
such.
We started up our summer quarter at ALERT with sixteen guys
in 2nd Phase, eight in Tech Rescue, three in our Leadership & Communication
class and three serving on the Campus Support Team. Training is progressing
nicely and the new guys have adjusted well to battalion life. We have another
solid group of Unit Leaders, and are thankful for their discipleship mindset.
We are also grateful for the leadership of our new Sergeant Major, Matthew
Moody, who replaced our outgoing Sergeant Major, Marcus Nafziger. We are grateful for the years of service that Marcus gave the men at ALERT, and look forward to seeing where God takes him.
For our alumni, or guys who have not yet finished all three
phases of training, consider enrolling in either our Fire Academy, EMT or
Missions programs this fall. Some of these classes are subject to minimum
enrollment so letting us know sooner than later would be very helpful. Also,
Basic Training Unit 65 is rapidly approaching with a start date of September
23rd. I’d ask that you help us by getting the word out in any way you can. Call
us for promotional material or whatever else you might need as you share the
ministry of ALERT with others. We’re more than willing to visit by phone or in
person with potential candidates if you feel that would be helpful.
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| I’d also like to invite you to consider several outstanding
opportunities for training and fellowship this fall:
- If anyone in the midwest (or from anywhere else for that
matter, if you don’t mind traveling) is interested in a mini-reunion/fellowship
weekend, I’m floating the dates of September 17-19 as a possibility for a
gathering in central Wisconsin at our cottage. Costs would be very affordable,
mainly to cover food and some housing related stuff.The weekend would consist
of some great discussion topics, relaxation, some iron sharpening iron, group
prayer times as well as outdoor activities such as canoeing, fishing, some
competitive corn hole, and just plain relaxation. I’ve never been more
convinced that we as men need to get together to regroup, refresh and encourage
one another. Perhaps you’re struggling in your walk, lost purpose or vision in
life, or are in the throes of some serious battles or crisis in your life or
marriage and would benefit from other men rallying around you for support. And
please remember it is not necessarily limited to ALERT alumni if you know
someone who needs some encouragement. This could be a great personal ministry
opportunity for you to bring someone along.
If you think this is something you feel is important and would likely
attend, I really need to hear soon from you to determine if there is enough
interest to firm up the plans. Please let me know now if you are interested
- For those of you in the Michigan, Ohio or Pennsylvania
region please consider attending the Father/Son Camp East in Waynesburg, PA
(south of Pittsburg) from September 30th-October 3rd. It is not sponsored by
ALERT, but it is an outstanding camp and perfect for ALERT dads that want a
meaningful weekend with your son(s). How does archery, shooting, rappelling,
ziplining, hiking, frisbee golf, knife throwing, potato guns, great speakers,
and music sound for starters? I’m really praying that more ALERT dads would
redeem the time and latch on to this event. There will be over 200 fathers and
sons in attendance this year, and space is going to be limited. Let's have a big
contingent of ALERT families in the mix and have our own mini-reunion. Call me for more details, or better yet go to
www.fathersoncampeast.org for more info. You DO NOT need to attend the entire
camp if your schedule doesn’t permit such.
- In early December we will be holding a Conqueror Series
retreat here on the campus in Big Sandy for those fathers and sons in this
region interested in coming to grips with the battle of pornography addiction
and how to begin the steps to get free. This is also a great weekend for those
who are walking in freedom but looking for material to help others in their
church or circle of friends. Again, just send me an email letting me know of
your interest, and I will keep you posted on the details. The meals are great
(let me brag on my wife), the fellowship refreshing, and the material powerful.
We incorporate extended breaks of activities to make it relaxing as well as
informational. For fathers of sons who attended Quest, this would be
particularly helpful as a discussion starter regarding sexuality with your son.
- Finally, in January 2022 we are looking at holding a
Conqueror Series weekend retreat in Waynesburg, PA. If you, or someone you
know, is battling pornography, this is a must-attend event. The cost for this
weekend retreat is very affordable so we can reach as many men as possible.
More details will be released later this fall, but again, let me know if you’d
like updates so I can put you on the list.
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| Blessings on all of you for the remainder of this summer and
may God give you the opportunity to engage with us in some form or fashion over
the next several months.
In Him, |
| | Colonel Marv Behr Director, International ALERT Academy
Cell: 903-714-3481 mbehr@alertacademy.com
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