CAN YOU FEEL THE RUMBLE?

 

Royal Rumble 7 is this Wednesday! Can Stevie defend his crown? Or will someone else step it up this year?

Make sure to be early! (6:45 p.m. Wednesday Night)

THE CAPTAIN

THE DIRECTOR'S CUP

 

It is going to be a busy week for Battalion 3739! On Wednesday it is our first Btln Major of the year; The Royal Rumble, and then on Saturday we go to Vancouver to defend our crown as five time Director's Cup Champions! We also get to watch the Lions defeat the Eskimos after our game.

Director's Cup info

1)We will be leaving from the church at 8:00 a.m. Saturday morning for Vancouver.
2)We will be arriving at Science World parking lot at around 4:00 p.m. for the Director's Cup(Bring cleats for football.) and tailgate party.
3)We will go to Boston Pizza after the Lions game.
4)We will be staying at the Hampton Inn in Langley.(Bring your sleeping bag)
5)The Hampton Inn has a water slide.(Bring your bathing suit.)
6)We will be back in G.F. around supper time.

Go Lions and Btln 3739!

THE CAPTAIN

ROYAL RUMBLE 7

 

Can't believe that it has been seven years since we started the Royal Rumble! The Rumble is the first of the five Btln Majors of the Btln 3739 season. Stevie has a chance this year to be the first back to back Champion of the Royal Rumble. Will Stevie win again or will Zach, Nathan, Cody, Gerrald, Jordan or Tristan take the belt?

Like in the past there will be two weight classes. Grades 7-9 in the Lightweight Division and grades 10-12 in the Heavyweight Division.

Make sure that you are early!

Remember, Battalion is like Heaven, there is always room for one more! So bring a friend!

ROYAL RUMBLE CHAMPIONS
2005-06 BEN JEPSEN
2006-07 JASON HAYASHI
2007-08 DEVIN CHURSINOFF
2008-09 DREW BROWN
2009-10 SAM SCHIESSER
2010-11 STEVIE LAWRENCE

THE CAPTAIN

BTLN UPDATE

 

Congrats to John Van on his first career Helmet win! Will this be the first of many Helmets? Only time will tell.
This week we played Handball and Bent wanted to be on the same team as Joe, so for the first time in years Jeremy and I were on the same team.(Very strange) The teams were very evenly matched and the score was 12-12 when we decided to go to 15. We(Jeremy's team) jumped out to an early 13-12 lead but then gave up three quick goals to lose 13-15 to Joe and Bent's team.
In Bible study this week we looked at Daniel in our year long series "Entrust to Reliable Men".(Daniel 6:1-28) So many good things could be said about Daniel but I will let God's word do the talking.

Daniel 6:3-5 Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said, "We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God."

Daniel was 1)distinguished,2)had exceptional qualities, and 3)was trustworthy! They(The administrators and satraps.)could NOT find any corruption or negligence in Daniel.

Daniel learns about the plot against him and what does he do?

Daniel 6:10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

Daniel continues to serve God in difficult circumstances. What is the end result?

Daniel 6:25,26 Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language throughout the land: "May you prosper greatly! I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel."

Many people heard about God because Daniel was a Reliable Man!

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Again congrats to John on his Helmet win! Jeremy lasted longer in Bulldog than I did, so our season series is The Captain 4 and Jeremy 3.

Next week is Royal Rumble 7! Make sure that you are early and bring a friend!

THE CAPTAIN

2011/12 BTLN 3739 SHIRT PREVIEW

 

It has taken a little longer than normal but I think it is going to be worth the wait! The shirts have been ordered and are about two weeks away.(They will be here in time for the Director's Cup.) I will have to wait and see the final product, but I think that I have a new favourite.

THE CAPTAIN

BTLN UPDATE

 

Week six of the 2011/12 Btln 3739 season is in the books! This week we played Murderball. The first three games were close but after that it got ugly. Ben had our team screaming at the beginning of each game(Braveheart style)as they charged the balls in the middle of the gym.(It seemed to work.) The final game count was Ben's team 6 and Jeremy's team 1. The season series is now the Captain 4 and Jeremy 2.
In Bible study we looked at Abraham as we continued our series "Entrust to reliable men".(Hebrews 11:8-19)

Hebrews 11:11 By faith Abraham, even though he was past age-and Sarah herself was barren-was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.

Hebrews 11:17-19 By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.

After waiting 100 years for a son(His wife Sarah was 90!)God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac as a burnt offering! Abraham believed God when he told him that he would have a son in his old age and he also believed that God would raise Isaac from the dead so that he(God)could keep his promises to Abraham. Even when things didn't make sense Abraham believed and trusted God! We will not always understand what God is doing in our lives, but we can always know that he is in charge and is doing what is best for us!

Hebrews 11:13a All these people were still living by faith when they died.

I pray that we will be faithful to the end like Abraham!

Hebrews 11:16b Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God.

What a verse! God was proud to be called their God! I pray that God is also proud to be called our God!

Jake started in the middle for Bulldog and after a few rounds it was Stevie putting on the Helmet! Congrats Steve! This is Steve's 12th career Helmet win! A very impressive total!

THE CAPTAIN

P-DUB, THANKSGIVING

 

Ephesians 1:16 - I have not stopped giving THANKS for you, remembering you in my prayers.

Colossians 1:3,4 - We always THANK God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints.

1 Thessalonians 1:2,3 - We always THANK God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 2:13 - But we ought always to THANK God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the spirit and through belief in the truth.

Here at Battalion 3739 we are thankful for all that God has done for us. We are thankful for all of the guys that are showing up to Battalion every week! We are also thankful for all of the guys that came out in years past! Calvin Peters is one of the legends of Battalion and was the 18th Sergeant of Btln 3739.(Calvin was the Sergeant in 2004/05) Calvin will be getting his Sergeant jersey this year in our "One forward and One Back" jersey program. Calvin is one one of the guys that we are thankful for! (Check out Calvin's "Meet the Btln Nation" it was posted Nov. 25 2008.)

THE CAPTAIN

BTLN UPDATE - BASEBALL

 

 

All day long it looked like the weather wasn't going to cooperate, but around 6:00 p.m. the rain stopped and it even warmed up a little. There were around twenty of us playing ball under the lights, not sure what the final score was, it was just good to get out and play some ball. Aaron had the biggest hit of the night followed by Joe.(Not real surprising.) After Ball it was on to Bulldog in the infield. It is always one of the best Bulldogs of the year and this year wasn't any different. With Nathan in the middle the guys were dropping fast but it wasn't enough to stop Dartagnan! This is Dart's first career Helmet! Congrats Dart! Another good night at Battalion!

Thanks to Kendall and Aaron for pitching. Also thanks to Jere for cooking the Menno.

Next week we are back at the gym.

THE CAPTAIN

BTLN PREVIEW - BASEBALL(UNDER THE LIGHTS)

 

This week Battalion is at James Donaldson Park playing baseball big league style, "Under the Lights".
I will be there around 6:00 p.m. setting up, so come out early and hit some balls with the toss machine. We will also be eating Menno and playing Bulldog in the infield!(Jeremy's favourite Bulldog of the year!)

Don't forget to bring a friend!

THE CAPTAIN

BTLN BIRTHDAYS - OCTOBER

 

It is already October and time again for Btln Birthdays. So many good pics and so many good memories!(let's make some more!)

2 Peter 1:2 - Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Isn't that an amazing verse? Grace and peace in abundance can be yours this year(and every year!) through the knowledge of God! May God bless you again this year and Happy Birthday!

HARLEY KOVACS - October 1
DREW BROWN - October 6
DALTON ERIXON - October 6
KENNY JOHNSON - October 14
GERRY NICKEL - October 31

THE CAPTAIN

THE DIRECTOR'S CUP, SIX IN A ROW?

 

 

That's right Btln 3739 is going to make it's annual trek to Vancouver to defend the Director's Cup title! Not sure what the competition will be like, but one thing is for sure, we will be ready!(We are five time Champions!)
After The Director's Cup we will be going into the new B.C. Place to watch the Lions as they fight for first place!(B.C. Place looks amazing!) The Lions are on a 6 game winning streak!(Wait a second, Btln 3739 will be too!)
The Lions will be playing the Edmonton Eskimos on Saturday, October 29th. We will be leaving early on the 29th and will drive home on Sunday the 30th and will be home around supper time.
The trip will be $50.00 per person.($35.00 for Btln 3739 Alumni that are already in Vancouver.) Let me know if you are interested.

THE CAPTAIN

BTLN UPDATE - MIKE NIGHT

 

This week was Mike Night and it is always a hit. The noise and excitement generated by Mike is hard to beat!(But were gonna try!) We played Mike with three teams. Zach's team jumping out to a big lead, but once we started using the bonus five point ball things changed quickly. Zane's team stormed back to take the win! The final scores were Zane's team 59, Zach's team 52 and Stevie's team 51.

Our theme this year at Battalion is "Entrust to reliable men". This week we took a look at Cain and Abel.(Genesis 4:1-16) These brothers can serve as a lesson to us. Cain was unreliable and dishonest, while Abel was reliable and called righteous by God.(Hebrews 11:4) Why was Abel called righteous? Abel was righteous because he listened to God and then he did what God had asked him. God required the shedding of blood for the remission of sins.(Hebrews 9:22) Even though Cain and Abel didn't know it, the lamb sacrificed represented Jesus' death on the cross for both them and for us!(Romans 3:23-26) We might not always understand what God is doing but we must always follow! He is the only one that can see from the beginning of time to the end of time!

1 John 3:11,12 This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were righteous.

Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.

How will we be remembered after we have died? I pray that we will be remembered as righteous men like Abel!

Daniel started in the middle for Bulldog, not an easy job for a younger guy, but if you are able to win the Helmet you should be man enough to start in the middle! Good job Daniel! Congrats to Nathan on his first Helmet of the year! The Helmets wins are never easy!

It was our first Random Bible Check of the year. This time everyone got a burger, it will be different next time! Bring your Bibles!(No matter what Max tells you, there is no pattern!)

Next up is Battalion Baseball at James Donaldson Park! "Baseball under the Lights!"

Remember, Battalion is like Heaven, there is always room for one more! So bring a friend! There will be plenty of Menno to go around!

THE CAPTAIN

BTLN PREVIEW - MIKE NIGHT

 

 

That's right this week is Mike Night at Battalion 3739!(And perhaps a Random Bible Check!)(Check out the old school photos!)

THE CAPTAIN

BTLN UPDATE

 

 

Sorry that this is late but life has been a little crazy lately. This week we played the Btln Trifecta. (The Trifecta includes Murderball, Handball and Extreme Bulldog.) Jeremy and Ben's team destroyed my team in Murderball, I'm thinking the games were 4-1 or 4-0, not sure all i know is that we got destroyed. It looked like things were going to be the same for Handball when Ben and Jere's team got out to a 6-2 lead,(The game was first to seven.)but my team battled back to take Handball with a 7-6 victory! I have never won Extreme Bulldog and things didn't change for me this week, it was close at the end but Jeremy and Ben's team won Bulldog and took the Trifecta. (The Captain 3, Jeremy 2)
Jeremy started our Bible study series "Entrust to reliable men" with Job.(Read Job chapters 1 and 2) What a great example of a reliable man Job was! God was so impressed with Job that he brags about him!

Job 1:8 Then the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."

God allows Satan to take everything away from Job to test him.(Job loses his wealth,health and children.)

What was Job's response?

Job 1:20-22 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

Job 2:9,10 His wife said to him, "Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!" He replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

It is amazing to see how Job responded to all of the trouble! If only we would respond this way! Job knew that God was still in control and that God still loved him no matter how bad life was!

Zach was in the middle for Bulldog, so this week he wasn't going to add to his Helmet total! This week it was Daniel winning his first career Helmet! Congrats Daniel!

(The second picture is Zach with his D.Q. coupon for winning the Belly Floop Competition. Check out Jordan in the background.)

Remember, Battalion is like Heaven, there is always room for one more! So bring a friend!

I have added Sammy's new blog to the list of blogs. Check it out!

THE CAPTAIN

MEET THE NATION - LEIGHTON FRIESEN

In this edition of "Meet the Nation" we will get to know Btln Legend Leighton Friesen. Leighton was the 8th Sergeant of Battalion 3739. Leighton was the Sergeant for two Btln seasons, 1990/91 and 1991/92. Leighton and his wife Sarah have three kids; Sadie, Sawyer and Sullivan.

RANDOM QUESTIONS
(1)Who is your favourite band/artist?
(A)Phil Vanderveen
(2)What is your favourite song?
(A)Standing with Giants
(3)What is your favourite style of music?
(A)Worship/Gospel
(4)Do you shave with an electric razor or a blade?
(A)Blade
(5)What would you rather grow? A beard or a moustache?
(A)Beard
(6)What would you rather drive? A big truck or a fast car?
(A)Both
(7)Ford, Chevy or Dodge?
(A)Ford
(8)How many times have you crashed a vehicle?
(A)3
(9)What would you rather wear? A ball cap or a toque?
(A)Ball Cap
(10)What size hat do you wear?
(A)Large?
(11)What is more important before you go to bed? Brushing your teeth or watching the sports highlights?
(A)Brushing my teeth.
(12)What is your favourite G.F. summer activity? Bridge jumping or tubing down the river?
(A)Bridge jumping
(13)What was your favourite class in school? Shop, P.E. or Band?
(A)P.E.
(14)What would you rather watch live? Your favourite band or your favourite sports team?
(A)Sports team
(15)What is your favourite sport?
(A)Hockey
(16)What do you like better? Skiing or snowboarding?
(A)Skiing
(17)If you could be a superhero for a day who would you want to be?
(A)Superman
(18)What would you rather come face to face with? A lion or an Anaconda?
(A)Lion
(19)If you could be anyone for a week who would you want to be?
(A)One of Jesus' disciples.
(20)Why?
(A)To be in Jesus' presence and listen to his teaching.
(21)What is your kryptonite?
(A)Material possessions
(22)What is your dream job?
(A)To be a CEO.
(23)Do you have any nicknames?
(A)LT
(24)What is your favourite quote?
(A)"Christianity, if false, is not important. If Christianity is true, however, it is of infinite importance. What it cannot be is moderately important." - C.S. Lewis
(25)If I had a million dollars....
(A)Nothing in my life would change.
(26)Something that you don't know about me is....
(A)One of my middle names is Lucius.
(27)I have always wanted to....
(A)See the Vancouver Canucks win a Stanley Cup!
(28)I will never....
(A)Cheer for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
(29)I really dislike....
(A)The Toronto Maple Leafs.

BATTALION QUESTIONS
(30)What is your M.M.M. from Battalion?
(A)Probably the Battalion campout at Christina Lake every May Long Weekend.
(31)What do you miss most about Battalion?
(A)The floor hockey
(32)You arrive at the boat launch on your way to the May Long when you realize the boat doesn't have enough room for both your tarp and your food. What do you leave behind, your tarp or your food?
(A)The tarp
(33)How did you spend most of your time at the May Long? Fishing or playing Cribbage?
(A)Fishing
(34)One big block of cheese, the outhouse or a fallen tree?
(A)The Cheese
(35)What is your favourite Battalion tradition?
(A)Being able to yell out "Attennnnnntion!" and actually have people listen.
(36)How long have you been a part of the Btln 3739 Nation?
(A)Since 1988(Leighton's answer) (Captain speaking here, I think it was actually since the 1986/87 season. That would be 25 years!)

FOOD QUESTIONS
(37)What is your favourite restaurant?
(A)Il Caminetto
(38)Menu item?
(A)Pasta
(39)How do you like your steak?
(A)Medium-Rare
(40)What is your favourite vegetable? Beans or potatoes?
(A)Potatoes
(41)Deep fried or barbecued?
(A)Barbecued
(42)What do you like better? Burgers or pizza?
(A)Pizza
(43)What size pizza could you eat in one sitting? Individual, small, medium or large?
(A)Small
(44)What is your favourite flavour of chips?
(A)Salt & Pepper
(45)What do you like better? Coke or Pepsi?
(A)Diet Coke

G.S.F. QUESTIONS
(46)Was there ever a time in high school that you would have climbed into a cage with a hungry bear rather than call the girl that you liked?
(A)No
(47)Have you ever been shafted by a girl?
(A)Yes

SERIOUS QUESTIONS
(48)What is your favourite book of the Bible?
(A)Romans
(49)What is your favourite Bible verse?
(A)Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners Christ died for us.
(50)Who is your favourite Bible character?
(A)Simon Peter
(51)Where do you work?
(A)North West Rubber
(52)What are your plans for the future?
(A)Travel around the world with Sarah and the kids.

Thanks to Leighton for taking the time to answer all of these questions! By the way, it has been five years for the blog, so after 950 posts and over 56,000 visitors I thought that we would celebrate with this edition of "Meet the Btln Nation"! Once again thanks to all who visit the blog!

THE CAPTAIN

BTLN UPDATE - POOL PARTY

 

 

 

The Pool Party is at the beginning of the Btln year but it is always one of the highlights of the whole year! The new diving board and the Zorbs were great additions. Guys were flying through the air and landing on top of the Zorbs, it was amazing!(I should have gotten a picture of it.) We ate nearly all of the 48 Menno dogs(around 6 left.),played in the Zorbs and Btln Pool Football(Always a favourite.) and of course the Btln Belly Flop Comp. The Belly Flop Comp. was awesome, Nathan Klassen nailed a sweet flop that really got everyone pumped. Later Zach got even higher and had a huge smack to take the lead with three tens. Last up was Ben Nicholson the reigning champ that also nailed three tens to the chant of Ben, Ben, Ben, Ben...... So Zach and Ben, already red chested went back to the diving board for a second round. Zach got up even higher the second time,(estimates were between 8'-10')(Check out Zach's superman pose in the collage.)getting another three tens. Ben missed on his second attempt making Zach the Belly Flop Champ! Congrats Zach! Zach is two for two Helmets to start the Btln Season!

Hope Jordan is okay, he hit the sidewalk pretty hard.

Next week we are back at the gym.

THE CAPTAIN

BTLN PREVIEW - POOL PARTY!

 

Pool Party!!! That's right, it's time to head over Abe's for some water football, Menno, grapes, Belly flops and for the first time, the Zorb! We have tried the Zorb on the water and it should be a lot of fun! Anyways show up early, around 6:30 p.m. to get a little more time in the pool.

The Pool Party is at 6715 18th street. See you in the pool!

THE CAPTAIN

BTLN UPDATE - FIRST NIGHT

 

 

First update of the year! Battalion 3739 is up and running! Super excited for this year! Zach is our Sergeant again this year and we have Jeremy, Joe and Ben helping out for the full Btln Season!(God always provides!) We played some American 21 and then on to Murderball were Ben's team beat Jeremy and Joe's team 4-2!(I was on Ben's team! The Captain 1 - Jeremy 0) After Murderball it was Bible study time. I am still unsure of our topic this year but was thinking about "Entrust to Reliable Men" as our theme. This week we looked at man's need.

We tried to answer 3 questions.
1)What can man change on his own?

Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.

Isaiah 64:6 All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all of our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

A)Like Adam our actions can only bring sin and death.

2)Can we save ourselves from sin and death?

Ephesians 2:11 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins.

Ephesians 2:8-10 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

A)Without God we are dead in our sins, but we can be saved by his grace! (Remember it is God that is doing the work, we are God's workmanship!)

3)If we don't have the power to save ourselves, can we at least keep ourselves saved?

1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

A)It is God that began the good work in us, and he will finish it!

We still had a lot of time left after Bible study so we played Handball. We were going to play to seven but started to run out of time when it was 3-3, so it was next goal wins. Like in Murderball Ben's team got the win! (The Captain 2, Jeremy 0)
Next was the first Bulldog of the year and the first Helmet win for Zach! Congrats Zach! This is Zach's 17th career Helmet win!(Yes it is a record.)

Next week is the Pool Party!(At Abe's pool.)See you at the pool!

THE CAPTAIN

BATTALION 2011/2012 BEGINS!

The 2011/2012 Battalion 3739 Season begins Wednesday Night(September 7th)at 7:00 p.m.! See you at the gym!

THE CAPTAIN

BTLN BIRTHDAYS - SEPTEMBER

 

It's September again and that means that it is the beginning of a new Battalion 3739 season! (Wednesday, September 7 at 7:00 p.m. is First Night!) So many guys having birthdays this month! It is amazing to look at the names of the guys having birthdays this month, so many good memories!

1 Peter 3:8 - Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

NATHAN KLASSEN - September 1
ZACH GOBBETT - September 3
JONATHAN FOJT - September 9
LANCE MARTENS - September 13
RYLEY HEPPNER - September 16
SAM JEPSEN - September 17
NOAH MAKORTOFF - September 17
CHARLIE LANGIS - September 20
BRUCE JEPSEN - September 24
CAM TYSSEN - September 25
CAM THOMPSON - September 25
DAVID PODOVINIKOFF - September 26

Happy Birthday and may God bless you again this year!

THE CAPTAIN