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Dear Parents,
You may be asking right now, “Why RAD? Why should I send my son or daughterto RAD Ministries?” May I try to answer that question for you? RAD is about God, who wants to develop a deep, intimate relationship with each of His precious children.
Your child is of great importance. God has a specific and special plan for each human being. Many people do not recognize this, or if they do, they have no clue what God is calling them to do. RAD is designed to train your young adult to purify his/her life before God, hear God's voice, and discern God's calling on his/her life. Throughout the whole course, the students are trained so that when they graduate, they will be prepared to live for God and to step into the role God is calling them to fill. That role or calling could be anything from a normal business occupation to politics to overseas missions. It could be anything. Our desire is to prepare your child to do whatever he or she is called to do. So, why RAD? …To obtain practical life and spiritual training.
RAD doesn’t only offer adventure and physical activities. RAD is dedicated to the spiritual growth of each individual. Each student, as the program progresses, will deal with and overcome old attitudes and ungodly ways of thinking and acting (but only if the student is willing—it’s a choice). The student will also receive ministry and help to overcome hurts and poor programming that affects his/her life. This will lead to a life of spiritual freedom in Christ. I can tell you from experience that the freedom God offers us is indeed freedom. The release and joy that come with His freedom is amazing.
RAD is about community as well. Students live in community for the nine months they are in the program. They learn how to handle all different types of personalities and how to get along with others in a godly manner. It is a stretching time, to that I can attest, but how can we grow if we are not stretched? A rubber band is not useful unless it is stretched. We as humans and Christians are the same. If we are not stretched, we are useless. Stretching produces growth, and growth leads to abundance in Christ. Stretching comes in different forms: trials and tribulations, teaching, stepping outside of our boxes, ministry, interaction with opposite or conflicting personalities, etc. God uses these things as a tool to develop our character.
RAD is faith-based, so each student, in his/her own way, grows in faith and the ability to trust in God for everything. I have seen God provide in the most unexpected ways. He has provided at just the right time money, vehicles, places to go, things to do, trainers, etc.
We are in a battle, a real battle against the forces of evil. Students are taught about this war and how we can fight. The most important thing is that we already have victory over evil in Christ's sacrifice. The tricky thing is learning how to walk in that victory and not in constant defeat. Students are taught to stand on the truth.
RAD is about surrender. We must surrender our flesh and the old ways of life. We are called to surrender all we are to our Creator to live for Him and love Him with all we are.
Well those are some practical reasons why RAD exists and why RAD would be good for your young adult. Going through RAD was a life-changing experience for me, and I know more is to come. There are many more reasons why RAD would be excellent for your child. The biggest reason, though, is the fact that your son or daughter would be setting aside nine months of life to further develop his or her relationship with our Savior. It is sweet and worth every moment.
Blessings on you and your family,
-Joshua O’Neil, RAD Graduate 2006
“Before RAD, I was wondering what my life was really all about, and what I was supposed to be doing with it...Since RAD, I have come home to become a leader and teacher in my church, a daughter who encourages and disciples her parents, a mentor to a young girl, and a wife in a loving, selfless marriage, ordained by God alone. I have a direction and purpose...I am becoming the woman of God He has created me to be and encouraging others to do the same. Without going through RAD I never could have had the ability or tools to do what God has allowed me to do.” —Christina Karst, FL Read More
