In Pursuit of a Dream

By Darlinda McDonald

Carson (left) was commended by the Navy Chief and the Commander for training Navy recruits and providing them transportation for several weeks before he himself left for Boot Camp.

Carson standing on top of a climbing obstacle at BRM. He has hurled many obstacles and excelled in making great accomplishments.

Michael, Carson and Lucas with some of the Cub Scouts they led through the BRM obstacle course last summer.

Carson (on left) leading the Sharpsville Varsity Soccer Team through “Black Tire Pain” – one of the hardest challenges at the BRM obstacle course.

Carson (Bill and Karen Rudge’s grandson) was born in San Diego one month after 9/11. His family moved to Pennsylvania several years later. Carson graduated from high school during the coronavirus. A dedicated athlete, he played soccer for the Riverhounds in Pittsburgh and played in soccer tournaments across the country as well as in Italy. At age 18, Carson turned down a scholarship to play soccer in college to pursue his dream of special military service in the Navy.

Carson has been a great blessing to Bill Rudge Ministries for many years. He helped Bill with school assemblies, defense clinics, and the obstacle course for sports teams and military recruits, as well as assisting with grounds maintenance, mail pick-up, delivering clothes, school supplies and household items to local missions and ministries, and loading trucks with boxes of books, sports jerseys, soccer balls, school supplies, etc. for delivery to Third World countries. Carson has been willing to help in any way needed at BRM. He also mentored several peers, assisted an injured Vietnam Vet by moving furniture, doing yard work and various other projects. He delivered and moved furniture for Building of Hope to those in need and for several elderly people.

Carson is greatly missed by family, friends and BRM staff and volunteers. He continues to support the ministry by having a portion of his pay from the Navy automatically given to BRM. We pray God’s protection for this young man of excellence, a consistent and valued volunteer – never charging anyone for anything he did to help.

Bill’s Advice To Carson Before Boot Camp

“Always remember the tetherball battles, hockey games, boxing, obstacle course, sleeping on our couch and borrowing my clothes.

“Always remember, Carson Brock, that you were created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26). Never forget that He loves you so much He died for you (John 3:16). Realize that Jesus will forgive anything if you ask (1 John 1:9).

“Rejoice that your name is written in the Book of Life and one day you will rule and reign with Christ (Revelation 20:6). You may have some lonely times but He will never leave you or forsake you (Matthew 28:20).

“Have faith, courage, determination, discipline and integrity because you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13).

“There will be challenges and difficulties but God will use them to make you strong and work everything out for good (Romans 8:28).

“Through it all you will be molded into the man He intended you to be (Romans 8:29). In the end you will look back and know the truth of God’s Word and that He honors those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30).

“One day we will never have to say goodbye again. Stay safe, healthy and close to Jesus. And never, ever forget how much I love you. I am so proud to have you as a grandson!”

Papa Bill

Navy Recruits Meet the Challenge

by Darlinda McDonald

On a Saturday morning this Fall, Navy Chief Steve Ware brought 16 enthusiastic Navy recruits to the Ultimate Challenge Obstacle Course at Bill Rudge Ministries, for a grueling two and a half hour workout led by Chaplain Bill Rudge with assistance by three of his grandchildren, Moriah, Anneka, and Lucas. Overseeing the training with Chief Ware were Petty Officer First Class Ryan Perry and Petty Officer Second Class Lindsey Orosz.

During the physical training, each recruit was encouraged to put forth their best effort regardless of their ability. Equally important to the individual challenge was the emphasis on teamwork. Chaplain Rudge also reminded the recruits to be mindful of their emotional and spiritual health in order to keep their lives in balance and to reach their maximum potential. It was inspiring to observe all of the recruits tackle each obstacle with vigor and a positive spirit. After completing the course twice, each recruit had the privilege of ringing the victory bell in congratulations for their excellent efforts. We are blessed to be one of a very few ministries that has access to the schools and the opportunity to work with and train military personnel.

A Soldier Meets God

The following poem was found on the body of a nineteen-year-old American soldier in Vietnam.

Look God: I have never spoken to You,
But now I want to say, “How do You do.”
You see God, they told me You did not exist;
And, like a fool, I believed all of this.

Last night from a shell hole I saw Your sky;
I figured right then they had told me a lie.
Had I taken the time to see the things You made,
I would know they weren’t calling a spade a spade.

I wonder, God, if You would shake my hand;
Somehow, I feel that You will understand.
Strange, I had to come to this hellish place
Before I had time to see Your face.

Well, I guess there isn’t much more to say,
But I am sure glad, God, I met You today.
I guess the zero hour will soon be here,
But I am not afraid since I know You are near.

The signal – well, God, I will have to go;
I love You lots, this I want You to know.
Looks like this will be a horrible fight;
Who knows, I may come to Your house tonight.

Though I wasn’t friendly with You before,
I wonder, God, if You would wait at the door.

Look, I am crying, me shedding tears!
I wish I had known You these many years.
Well, I will have to go now, God. Goodbye—
Strange, since I met You, I am not afraid to die.

Reprinted from the Jesus People Newsletter, Volume 47, Issue 2, Sacramento, California.

Marines Get Down and Dirty

Gunnery Sergeant Michael Kaufman recently coordinated a group of 35 Marine Recruits (from the Pittsburgh, Hermitage, New Castle and Cranberry areas) and four other Recruiting Sergeants to bring them to the Bill Rudge Ministries’ Ultimate Challenge Obstacle Course. Bill Rudge led them through two hours of intense training, challenges and competition for the recruits. Helpers Teenie Blystone, Dick Hetrick, Joshua Lozier, Ken Ridgley, BJ Rudge, Lucas Rudge and Moriah Rudge aided in various ways . The recruits, some soon to leave for boot camp, were under the watchful eye of the five Recruiting Sergeants. The participants enthusiastically rose to the challenge of the course.

Bill Rudge has run this obstacle course free of charge for many youth and adult groups and organizations such as high school athletic teams, church groups, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Army, Navy, Marines and Mission Teams. Bill adjusts the level of intensity for each group’s specific goals and circumstances.

Army Assists at Obstacle Course

by Darlinda McDonald

The Hickory Boys’ Soccer and Sharpsville Girls’ Soccer teams as well as members and recruits of the U. S. Army tested their skills at the Bill Rudge Ministries’ Ultimate Challenge Obstacle & Fitness Course in Hermitage. The Army assisted Bill as he guided the soccer teams through the course before they embarked on their own physical training. They also passed out U.S. Army water bottles to the teams afterward.

Bill challenged both the youth and adults to reach their maximum potential physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.