Live Fire with Chuck Holton

Mason and I have been in Panama for almost a week now. We’re getting things prepared for Connie and the rest of the kids to come down. If you haven’t heard, we’ll be living here for an extended period, at least six months, while I do research on one book project and write a couple of others. Connie and the kids will get the joy of learning Spanish through immersion, and have a chance to see how the rest of the world lives. It’s kind of an extended field trip.

For the next week or so we’re staying at the home of a wonderful missionary couple, Charles and Jan Thomas. Charles is a big retired Marine who makes it his ministry to help Christians who are coming to Panama find their way around in the first scary months of their time here. His help has been invaluable.

Charles and Jan live in a nice neighborhood near the Pacific ocean on the east side of Panama City. I went for a run yesterday in their neighborhood, and about two blocks into my workout, ran by a huge, spooky looking mansion that was completely overgrown with weeds and obviously abandoned.

Then I read the name on the gate.
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Many of you are undoubtedly concerned about the direction today’s youth are heading. Stories of school violence, drugs and delinquency abound. But I recently got to spend some time with a group of young men that will restore your hope for the future of this country. And you may even want to pass this along to your sons or grandsons.

The ALERT Academy
is a one-year course designed to take young men fresh out of high school and give them skills that will enable them to stand firm in crisis and lead people in high-stress situations. It’s true aim is developing these men spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally – to mature them into capable, confident followers of Christ.

Located on a 2200 acre campus in Big Sandy Texas, The course teaches young men the following skills: (Yes, they do all of this in a year!!!!)

Firefighting
Crisis Incident Stress Management
EMT – full qualification with option to complete full Paramedic certification
Scuba Diving Qualification with a Search and Rescue specialty
Private Pilot Qualification
Sawyer Course
Law Enforcement option
Search and Rescue Training
Rappelling/Ropes course
Basic construction, electrical, plumbing and HVAC training
Basic Motor Mechanic training
Fundamentals of Financial Stewardship
Christian Counseling training – focus on Crisis intervention.
Leadership training
Business management training

All this is taught the cadets in approximately one year’s time. It’s all formed around a heavy regimen of bible study and memorization, and pursued with military regimentation. (the men are organized into military units and wear uniforms) During the year, the men agree to give up the comforts of home: television, music and girls, in order to fully devote themselves to their studies. The companies generally deploy to crisis zones around the world at least three times during their stay – this is considered “on the job training,” for crisis intervention, witnessing and discipleship. They do this through disaster relief, search and rescue, community service and humanitarian aid.

The academy was founded 13 years ago by David Green, the founder of Hobby Lobby and Mardell’s Christian Bookstores. Then it was donated to ALERT international, seven years ago.

It’s not meant for delinquents or Adjudicated youths. It’s meant for Godly young men who want to develop leadership skills that will follow them for life. It’s also seen by some as an [B]alternative to military service [/B] for those who want the benefits of learning military discipline and skills, but do not wish to participate in combat for whatever reason. Others see it as good preparation for the military.

For their part, the cadre of the academy simply encourage their men to seek God’s will for their lives, wherever that might lead.

You know, I could be completely swamped right now…we’ll soon be moving to Panama, I have a book to write, and too many other things that need doing to count. And yet, I’m enjoying the commitment I made at the beginning of this year more than any resolution I’ve ever made. I decided to make rest and time with my family a priority – that means putting it BEFORE all the things that try to steal my time. Whatever gets done, gets done. Whatever doesn’t doesn’t.

Strangely, though, I’m getting more done this year than I did by this time last year. And so I find another of those paradoxes of life that the Bible is so fond of. Cool.

Anyway, when you get a chance, read this interview with Billy Graham. (hat tip to powerline) It’ll help put the craziness of your life in perspective.