The National Commander

My name is Robert Ian Holland, but the Rangers know me as 'Commander Bob', or even 'Bob the Builder', 'cos I am a real-life builder!

Life started for me one cold winters day in January 1947. My mum's idea of sending me out to play was giving me a shovel, so I could clear the snow from the path! As a child, I started going to a small Sunday school across the road from our house, and I eventually got involved with 'Pilots', a congregational youth organisation.

I heard a lot about Jesus, 'the master pilot' who could keep us keep you safe and steer your life, but I did nothing about it 'til I was sixteen. Then, on a Sunday morning in January 1963, I heard the good news of the gospel for myself. That night, as I lay on my bed, I gave my life to Jesus. The winter was very cold that year, but I had new warmth in my heart. When I told my boss what had happened he said, 'give it a few weeks, it'll soon wear off!' Well, that's 42 years ago, and it still hasn't 'wore off'!

I first got involved in Rangers in 1988, under the leadership of Beryl Barratt at Ashton – under – Lyne. I quickly became involved on a regional, and then national, level. When Commander Nelson Hogg took over from Emrys Burnett as National Commander, I became Nelson's 'aide-de-camp'. In 2004, when Nelson decided he was going to step down, I was asked to become National Commander myself. After much prayer and consultation, I agreed to step into Nelson's
moccasins, officially becoming National Commander earlier this year.

Having been involved in children's ministry right from the start of my Christian life, I have a deep passion and longing to see boys and girls get to know Jesus for themselves. Through the ministry of Royal Rangers, and also the use of Christian magic/illusions, my aim remains to 'reach, teach and keep boys and girls for Jesus'.

With God's help, I will do my best to carry the baton of Royal Rangers, as we seek to reach a new generation with the love of Jesus.

THOUGHT: 'The very best gift you can give to a child is your time…'
Johnny Barnes, founder of Royal Rangers.