He might not have been a Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) presidential candidate, but Garrett McDaniel still went to Indianapolis to win.
McDaniel, a Royal Ambassador (RA) from Eastern Hills Baptist Church, Montgomery, in Montgomery Baptist Association, proved himself a master carmaker to the crowd of about 300 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis June 7.
His spiffed-up pinewood derby car won second place in the Lads Show and Shine division of the national RA race — the first national race ever held in conjunction with the SBC annual meeting.
The race, which attracted more than 50 racers from 18 states, was held as part of a yearlong celebration of RAs’ 100th anniversary.
"This is a very special event. I’ve been an RA director for 34 years, and I’m very glad they brought the national race back for this occasion. It’s the first national race since the 1980s," said Wayne Robinson, RA director for Eastern Hills Baptist, noting that although it was the race’s debut at the annual meeting, it had been held years ago at national RA congresses.
In addition to McDaniel, Robinson brought Crusader racer Blake Todd and RA Chase Cumbie to the race.
The excitement was palpable, said Rob Carr, national RA coordinator for the North American Mission Board.
"It was inspirational and touching to see men, boys and families come together to celebrate the 100th year of RAs. I was encouraged to see their commitment to missions through the event."
Carr said the daylong event was aimed at bolstering the boys’ enthusiasm for RAs so the program will continue to make a difference in their lives.
Though the race was the climax, the event included other character-building activities as well as a devotional led by Frank Stark, a raceway ministries pioneer from Missouri, and a testimony by racing champion Mel Kenyon. The boys also cut a big birthday cake and, in lieu of singing "Happy Birthday" to RAs, recited the RA pledge to underscore their commitment to Christ and missions.
For more information on the centennial celebration of RAs, visit www.royalambassadors.org/100. (Jennifer Davis Rash contributed)
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