 In the ancient world, the Rock of Gibraltar and the Jebel Musa in Morocco were known as the “Pillars of Hercules,” or the “Gates of Hercules.” They represented the end of the Mediterranean Sea. Since there was nothing visible beyond, the motto for them was “Ne plus ultra” – there is nothing beyond.
After the Spanish discovered the New World, they changed the motto from “Ne plus ultra” – there is no beyond – to “Plus ultra” – there is a beyond. What was the difference? The Spanish -- led by Christopher Columbus' expeditions -- went "beyond the gates" to find a New World that people didn't know existed. When He went to the Cross, Jesus also went "beyond the gates" to make the people -- and that means us -- "holy through his own blood." Now it is our turn to do the same, to go beyond the walls of our churches and to minister to a hurting world in a way that is worthy of our Savior. The Church of God Chaplains Commission serves as a screening, certifying and monitoring agency for chaplaincy and pastoral counseling personnel. Our task is thus to facilitate the entry and success of people who are called to minister in institutions such as prisons, hospitals, businesses, homeland security agencies and of course the military, both U.S. and others. The reach of our work is international. Our ministry and that of our chaplains is ongoing. Take a look at what we offer:
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“And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.”(Hebrews 13:12-14)