I knew there would be much I could teach and give my sons, but there was also much I could not provide on my own. I also knew that God designed men to learn from other men.
When my oldest son turned thirteen I was increasingly aware of his need for a community of men and boys that could be a source of Godly encouragement and friendship for him. As a homeschooling mom, I knew there would be much I could teach and give my sons, but there was also much I could not provide on my own. I also knew that God designed men to learn from other men.
A friend recommended Battalion at the right time and I signed up my oldest son. Over the next few years my other two sons grew old enough to participate in Stockade and Battalion. Although our involvement started as a trial it quickly became a central part of my boys’ lives. They thrived under the Godly men learning life skills, developing meaningful peer friendships, and creating cherished memories. Our life rhythm included weekly Battalion nights and annual events the boys wouldn’t miss.
Our life was not without challenges and hardship. We experienced the breakup of our family during these years through divorce. And in the midst of this I saw again the provision of the Lord for my sons through CSB. I remarried nearly five years ago and my two new sons joined their bonus brothers at Battalion for the first time. The timing of this was so important because one of those sons was beginning to choose a tough path. But through the discipleship of men in his Battalion along with the voice of his father and other men at church, he not only came out of that season successfully but came to salvation through those hard circumstances. His growth was remarkable to watch and plainly evident to all who knew him.
Additionally, all the joint experiences through Battalion helped solidify the bond of these new brothers and they’ve each had various opportunities to grow in leadership. Several of our older sons have continued involvement in Battalion after high school knowing that it’s important to give back. Currently, one leads the Lieutenant squad and another serves on the board of Sequoia Brigade Camp. Our blended family finished strong with five for five sons involved with CSB.
I have been blessed as a mother, seeing the goodness of the Lord in His provision for my sons. My sons have been blessed, adding to the foundation that was laid in their childhoods, that they might be men who worship the Lord by serving Him and His kingdom. And others have been blessed, as they have experienced God working in my boys who are growing into servant-hearted, capable, and kind men.
I pray for continued blessing and fruitfulness in ministry as CSB strives to fulfill its mission: “Building Godly men of today and tomorrow.” I pray too that each one of my five sons will take on that mission as their own, for the sake of Christ, the church, and their own sons and daughters. To God be the glory!
Gina Pritchett
MOB (Moms of Brigadiers)
