Zero Week

It has been a long but very wonderful week.  I had planned to post a blog once a week but there may be too much happening in this time period to report.  We arrived Sunday and met the school cadre and each other, settled into our rooms and prepared for what is termed 0 week - a week of in processing.  This included a lot of paperwork to cover finance, insurance, personal records; we also did our dental and medical checks.

On Monday, while coming out of the Clothing and Sales store I received my first salute.  A Sergent First Class provided me this opportunity and I handed him my silver dollar - a tradition in the military, stemming from the pay that officers would give to enlisted aids they would hire.  I was happy that it went to an NCO who recognized what it was about.

That afternoon I was interviewed for a leadership position in the class, I was subsequently assigned as the 1st Platoon Platoon Leader - the All American Platoon.  This is a great honor, not only to be in this position but to also represent the 82nd Airborne.  Our Platoon song is "All American Soldier".  I have a great group of Chaplains and Candidates and I have the utmost confidence in them and our ability to perform.

Tuesday was filled with dental and medical processing, I ended up needing a filling but they were able to do that that very morning.  Wednesday was very cold and we completed our medical processing.

On Thursday I received and incredibly honor and an even better surprise.  We were addressed by the school leaders.  CH (Col) Boone, the school commandant, was the first to speak and at the end he called me to the front.  I had no idea what was about to happen, but as I stood at attention facing the class he commended me on my initiative and leadership ability in setting up our class Facebook page, he then presented me with his personal coin.  These are known as challenge coins and are a matter of unit pride, CH (Col) Boone's coin is very unique as it is wooden.

He then surprised me even further by announcing that Denise and Cody were here in the back of the room to see this - needless to say I was shocked, I had spoken to Denise that very morning and she had said nothing of all this!  This was a wonderful surprise and even though they are moving down here at the end of this next week it was great having them here this weekend with me.



Today we attended the post Jewish service.  This was for a number of reasons - first, I am required to attend five different post services and report on them; second, Denise has become good friends with Ms. Stephanie Alexander, a Lay Jewish leader here on post and the person responsible for a number of our blessings here, and there is great opportunity to learn.  After the service we attended some down time with the basic training and AIT soldiers here on post, very young men and women away from home.  It was a blessing to see how I can minister to them, to just talk to them and encourage them.

I am humbled by the Chaplains in class with me, we are what I believe to be the example of Christian leadership - here we are, all from different denominations and backgrounds, we even have three Rabbis with us - yet we have put this all aside to serve God, Country and the men and women who protect us.  I am, and my family is, exactly where God wants us.

A Song of Ascents. I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night. The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever.
(Psa 121:1-8)

"Civil Prayer" repost

For a while now I have been wanting to write a post on the controversy of ministering in a pluralistic environment, particularly the subject of prayer and praying in the name of Jesus.

Chaplain Paul Lynn, a brother whom I have come to know through his blog and emails and even though we have not met in person - a good friend, wrote on this very subject on his blog (please visit the link)

worth my salt - civil prayer


Since accepting this call to the Army Chaplaincy (note- a calling by God, not a personal decision) I have met with questions, concerns and even criticism over this subject.  One thing that needs to be clarified - the Army Chaplaincy is a pluralistic environment, not pluralistic religion.  My duty as a chaplain is first and foremost to serve God by serving the soldiers, secondly is to provide for the freedom of religion to all soldiers.  Is this a contradiction?  I believe no; God gave us the freewill to choose to follow or believe in Him because He desires us to come to know Him out of love.  Should we mere humans be any different?

Father Joseph O’Donnell, a retired Vietnam Chaplain describes the chaplain's ministry this way; “he must have the willingness to accept people where they are in their understanding of life and faith, not where the chaplain would like them to be. No matter how firm I am in my approach to God, I cannot have the last word for anyone else.”

This past weekend my home church held an ordination and farewell ceremony for me and my family.  One of the songs that was played during the service was "They will know we are Christians by our Love".  This is how I want to be identified.  I want every soldier in my care; Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Atheist, or whatever their belief, to know that I love them enough that they will feel comfortable in coming to me for help or guidance without the fear of criticism or admonishment - God will take care of the rest.  He put me here in the first place and I trust Him to know what He is doing.

For God and Country

"For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD" Jer 29:11

   Today we had my ordination and farewell ceremony at New Life Authentic Christian Community Church (yes I was ordained a year ago by WCICC, but today was a special occasion as my church laid their hands of approval upon me).  For those who have never seen an ordination; it is a reflection of Acts 13 where Barnabas and Saul are set apart from the church by the Holy Spirit - called to leave them do go and do God's work.  The people prayed and laid hands upon Barnabas and Saul and sent them away.  During the service today the elders, deacons and members of the church laid their hands upon me and my family to pray for us as they sent us away to serve in the Army Chaplaincy.

   It was 6 years ago this month that God called us to this new plan in our life.  I can still remember it clearly, we were seated in the third row back on the right side of the church.  Pastor Steve was preaching on answering God's call, according to Denise - I do not remember this as I was overcome with emotion.  I remember feeling God's presence and there were no words but I knew he was calling me to ministry and at that time I was sure it was to the Army Chaplaincy.  Denise told me later she saw the tears coming down my face and felt nervous, but when we got out to our truck I just broke down and cried, I told her and the kids what was going on and that began it all.
   A few days later Steve came by the house and we spoke, he agreed that this was truly a calling from God.  Three weeks more I was in school -an example of God's incredible ability.

Pastor Steve Clark - My Mentor and Friend

   It has been a long 6 years - a BS in Religion and two Masters Degrees.  Many lessons learned and the experience of discipling our next generation of leaders in a Christian High School.  I have seen the good and the bad of American Christianity and I have seen the love that can only be from God present in friends and family as we have endured the trials and tribulations that have molded us and prepared us for this incredible ministry we are about to enter.

   We will miss Catawba County NC and all the friends we leave behind, thank you for being there for us and for allowing us to grow as we have over these years.

   I read a quote this week by Charles Spurgeon: "The Lord gets His best soldiers out of the highlands of affliction"   What a blessing to read such words and reflect upon where we have been and where we are going.  I pray and ask you to pray that God will continue to lead our lives and we will be able to serve Him as faithfully as He has been with us through these years.