Weekly Update May 23, 2013

Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 11:21 am

DEVASTATION BEYOND BELIEF

It appears unlikely that any of us will be able to accurately describe the horrific scenes of the Moore, Oklahoma, (USA) tornado that touched down this past Monday at approximately 3 p.m. It has been deemed by many as, “the worst scene of tornado damage in American history”. The moving scenes of first responders removing dead bodies out of the rubble and debris left by the tornado and especially the deceased children has almost been more than we can bear as a nation. The overwhelming reality for many residents of this heartland city to realize that this powerful force of nature was so great that many cannot even determine where their houses or even streets used to be. For many, everything has been lost, their homes, their family memorabilia, and for a number even their families who perished in this disaster. As General Overseer, Dr. Mark Williams stated to me by text shortly after the tragedy unfolded, “It’s horrific”.

In times like these, we not only need our Savior, we must have His help. And, this is especially true for the Division of Care. Within the realm of the Church of God, no entity departmentally or otherwise bears the burden of response any more than the Church of God Division of Care, which is the principle agency of the church for disaster response. Within the first two hours of the tornado touch down, Operation Compassion (an affiliated agency of the Division of Care) and the Church of God Chaplains Commission were establishing lines of communication, loading trucks across America and organizing Community Service Chaplaincy Teams from eight states that would be the church’s “first responders” to the nightmarish event. These champions of trial and tribulation recognize the essential need to have an immediate response in time of trouble. Too, it has become almost “second nature” to them as they have sharpened their skills throughout many moments of disaster relief. I am so grateful to Operation Compassion’s President, Dave Lorency for his support in allowing the Chaplains Commission to serve as a primary partner in times like these. And, I am eternally grateful to Dr. Jake Popejoy and our numerous teams of professional community service chaplains who not only pay their own way to aid and assist but themselves send in offerings to help those who are hurt.

Chaplains, you are the “best of the best” and I am so thankful for you, your skills and your passion. God has anointed you for “such a time as this”. May His power be with you as you reach out to those who need you most in this moment.

Donnie W. Smith, D.Min.
Director

Vocational Chaplaincy

Somebody may be saying good things about you behind your back. My wife, Brenda, was recently speaking to a group of Protestant Women of the Chapel at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The family with whom she was staying has a daughter who is married to a soldier stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Their daughter was home for a visit during the time Brenda was in their home.

When the conversation turned to chaplains, the daughter said, “Well, I will tell you who the best three chaplains are at Fort Campbell. They are Megan Hodge, Clayton Gregory and Daniel Isfan.” With a huge smile on her face, Brenda said, “Do you know all three of these chaplains are with my church?” To which the daughter asked, “Which church is that?” Brenda replied, “Church of God.”

Megan, Clayton and Daniel are the only Church of God Chaplains among the more than 70 assigned to Fort Campbell. The accolade they unknowingly received from this young Army wife speaks volumes about their ministry and the impact they are having every day on the lives of those they serve.

The fact that they are all Church of God, well, that just makes me swell with pride. These three are examples of the outstanding Vocational Chaplains who are representing our church with distinction across multiple organizations and institutions. Remember people are talking about you—and they are saying good things!

Richard L. Pace, D.Min.
Endorser and Coordinator, Vocational Chaplaincy Ministries

Community Service Chaplaincy News

We have a heavy heart at the Community Service Section of the Chaplains Commission this morning. So far (at the time of this writing) the news media is reporting over 20 people who have lost their lives and 145 injured, as a result of the disaster in Oklahoma. Many of the dead and injured are children. The Chaplains Commission and The International Association of Community Service Chaplains is part of the relief response being sent to this terrible and disastrous event. Disaster Chaplain Steve Wallace has been tirelessly recruiting disaster chaplains, counselors and humanitarian aid chaplains to respond with him to Oklahoma. Following is a short report from Chaplain Angel Villezcas, who immediately sprang into action upon learning of the devastation in Oklahoma.

“Thank you so much for taking us into consideration of this great need in Oklahoma. A team of 10 chaplains including myself left yesterday morning to Moore and we provide certain goods that were much needed and required. Our help was well accepted by those in the afflicted area and they asked us to help the people that were in shelters. At the end of the night, we were rejoicing because we were able to help during such a big disaster. We were also told us that after Thursday they would need people to go to the affected areas to help on debris removal and cleanup, so on Friday we will have a bigger team to assist in the cleanup and collection of food and water for our Moore neighbors. Please know that we are at disposition of the Chaplains Commission, God bless you.” Chaplain Angel Villezcas

NOTE of THANKS: Many of you are already offering your assistance in manpower and finance. We are extremely grateful for your spirit of volunteerism. Please keep the victims and responders in your prayers.

PLEASE NOTE: These are the final days to make your plans to attend the Level III CSC seminar in Cleveland, Tennessee. Make your reservation to attend this class May 29th – 31st, 2013, in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Online registration is available at www.tiacsc.com or call 423.478.7740. For last minute bookings, please contact dcardona@tiacsc.com.

Reports from the Field

Community Service Chaplain Harry Long, Ealey, South Carolina, reports: Prayer and Needs: “PCDOC Correctional facility, both residents (inmates) and staff. A personal prayer request for me that God continues to give a physical healing. For past two years my health has declined to the point of my having to step down from ministry and lost ability to walk. January, this year, the Lord has given my ability to walk back and my health is recovering at a miraculous rate. I am out of the wheelchair and walking once again. Praise God and ALL Glory to Him.” Significant Activities: “Our Prison Ministry has been going into the PCDOC in Pickens County, South Carolina, for two weeks now. On May 16th, ten (10) residents received Christ for the first time and another eight (8) rededicated their life.” Thank you, Chaplain Long, for your ministry and the many hours of volunteer service that you give every month.

Community Service and CERT Chaplains Stephen and Nancy Bailey, Pensacola, Florida, report: Significant Activities: “Completed eight Readiness Living Workshops and four tutoring classes. Received invitation to begin classes at Kingsway Church in Pensacola from Pastor Rick Curry. Dates are to be determined.” Praise the Lord, Steve and Nancy! That is fantastic news with 98 hours of community service this month. Wow!

Community Service Chaplain Alejandro Ramirez, Fall River, Massachusetts, reports: Significant Activities: “By God’s Grace, I am going outside of the gate into the streets of my city on the most troublesome nights of the week with the Word of God and with assistance. God has used me to foil several criminal attempts, to stop a stabbing from occurring and most of all to speak a message of Salvation at probably the time in the City which needs it the most and receives it the least. Also, we have been visiting with people that have requested prayer and intervention/referral for relatives in cases of mental illness and suicide attempts. To God be the Glory! Twenty-two hours of volunteer service this month.”

ATTENTION ALL COMMUNITY SERVICE CHAPLAINS

As of June 1st, the Chaplains Commission (Community Service Section) will be officially rebranding to The International Association of Community Service Chaplains, Inc., (TIACSC). Our ministry outreach will grow and enrich as well as giving us the opportunity to partner with more chaplains around the world. We will remain strongly attached to the Church of God Chaplains Commission, and our tenets of faith and mission will remain unbroken. Our rebranding is in prayerful consideration of many community service chaplains of other denominations who wish to be actively involved in our training and ministry outreaches.

Dr. Jake Popejoy
Coordinator, Training and Community Service Chaplains

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Weekly Update May 17, 2013

Friday, May 17, 2013 at 12:20 pm

This past Tuesday the Chaplains Commission Board came to town to meet for our biannual Board of Directors Meeting. It is always a pleasure to meet with likeminded men and women who not only invest their hearts but also their time into this unique and thriving chaplaincy ministry. I had the opportunity to introduce our newest board member, James Gregory, to the board. I truly believe he will be a great asset to this ministry and I am looking forward to see what God does through him and the rest of our board members in the coming months.

As always, Dr. Pace and Dr. Popejoy did an outstanding job presenting their reports to the board. As I listened to how hundreds of chaplains have been certified since the last meeting and how many of our Vocational Chaplains have been honored and promoted, I could not help but thank the Lord for all the favor He has placed on this ministry.

This meeting was also unique because we had two very special guests come in and speak to us from a chaplaincy perspective. Clinical Chaplain Keith Munford came and represented chaplaincy well and helped the board to understand just how much time and hard work it takes to be a hospital chaplain. He is a CPE Supervisor and it was an honor to listen to his testimony and the many lives that have been changed because of His obedience to the Lord. We also had Chaplain Candidate Jerry Roberts come and speak to the board from a student perspective. He is on his way to becoming an Army chaplain and it was so refreshing to hear his desire to speak into the lives of soldiers as a commissioned chaplain.

The need for chaplaincy ministry is growing every day. I cannot express enough how proud I am of each and every one of you that have accepted the call of Christ and decided to become a chaplain. The Church of God has endorsed some of the best chaplains this society could ask for.

May you and your family be richly blessed.

Donnie W. Smith, D.Min.
Director

Vocational Chaplaincy

Some of the highest trained and educated clergy practitioners in the Church of God are endorsed by the Chaplains Commission. Yesterday, Dr. Keith Munford presented the Commission’s Board a short briefing on the requirements to achieve CPE Supervisor status and the responsibilities of the position. For him personally, the road he traveled to CPE Supervisor status passed through four years of college, three years of graduate school, and four years of CPE; and he also added a Doctorate of Ministry degree for professional development. The Board acknowledged that Vocational Chaplains like Keith are spiritual treasures in our church.

Minutes before beginning his briefing, we received an email from Chaplain Frank Nation informing us that on Monday of this week he had been granted ACPE Associate Supervisor status. As Keith read from Frank’s email, the Board celebrated Frank’s accomplishment that he has been working toward for the past six years.

For those who reach ACPE Associate Supervisor and Supervisor status it requires extensive work both in classroom academics and in ministry performance. Only those ministers who can successfully integrate the two, and effectively teach others the same, are competent to serve as CPE Supervisors. Many of you whose lives and ministry have been enhanced by a godly CPE Supervisor can personally appreciate the commitment and investment these chaplains make to the work of the Lord.

From all of us associated with the Chaplains Commission, CONGRATULATIONS Frank!

Richard L. Pace, D.Min.
Endorser and Coordinator, Vocational Chaplaincy Ministries

Community Service Chaplaincy News

The Chaplains Commission Board of Directors met this week in Cleveland, TN. We had a great time of positive interactive exchanges regarding Community Service Chaplaincy, and other issues of Chaplaincy importance. God has blessed us with very positive, forward thinking members and we trust that the Lord will continue to use them as a great asset for guidance and direction as we reach our communities.

The Chaplains Commission is in a very active and exciting time of training and chaplaincy education.
Courses are being taught in several countries this week as well as a number of venues in the USA. Upcoming courses in Ohio, Guyana, South America, Hunedoara, Romania and elsewhere are being conducted. Please keep all of our course instructors in your prayers.

Chaplains as Leaders

Our training concern is not merely to train and certify chaplains for occasional service to the church and the community, but also to train leaders in a ministry that is obviously “non-tradition” by the standards of conventional church ministry. As Chaplains have the opportunity to exert great influence on people that they encounter outside the walls of the church, we must train them to lead these “encounters” to a place of care and ministry. The local church remains our “hub” of strength. It is from the local church that we rally an army of men and women who lead the advance in ministry to our communities and consequently help fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ.

PLEASE NOTE: This is the final week to make your plans to attend the Level III CSC seminar in Cleveland, Tennessee. Make your reservation to attend this class May 29th – 31st, 2013 in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Online registration is available at www.tiacsc.com or call 423.478.7740. For last minute bookings, please contact dcardona@tiacsc.com

Updates and Reports from the Field

Community Service Chaplain David Manning, Hixon, Tennessee, reports the following: “Prayer and Needs: Employee births and deaths in April, impact of health care law on Christian centered businesses.” Chaplain, thank you for the important ministry to the Trucking Industry.

Community Service Chaplain Lucian Sebastian Pop, Ashbourne, Ireland, reports: “Prayer and Needs: I work in a Hospital and recently tried to get in contact with the Head of Chaplaincy Dept. It appears that he may be avoiding me. Let’s pray that God will open doors for us to bring care and hope to the people in need. Thank you.”

Community Service Chaplain Morné Lötter, Regional Chaplaincy Coordinator, Pretoria, South Africa, reports: “Conducting a Level II training seminar in Pretoria, with 37 chaplains completing the phase. “Chaplain Morné, thanks for the great job that you are doing in training and development of Community Service Chaplains.

Virginia Defense Force Chaplain Pete Shoars requests continued prayer for his wife Esther, as she continues to recover from her illness. Let us join with Chaplain Shoars as he prays for this important personal concern.

Community Service Chaplain Florentin Ghita, Cleveland, Tennessee, reports the following: “Significant Activities: Met with teens from the church and the community; offered 10 hours of Volunteer service.”

Community Service Chaplain Myrna A Moody, Leavenworth, Washington, reports the following: “Significant Activities: Assisted in family crisis intervention and recommended counsel for a overwhelmed single mom with preschooler and grade school child; offered 36 hours of volunteer service.” Way to go Myrna! Thanks for your service.

Community Service Chaplain Barb Rogers, Middletown, Ohio reports: “Significant Activities: My husband and I are active in our local church widows Ministry “Naomi’s Circle”. Presented prayer shawls to 2 ladies, gave encouragement bags to 7 ladies; sent 157 thinking of you cards to local widows & in Sevierville TN, sent 12 birthday cards to local widows and children’s home & widows in Sevierville TN. Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever!” Barb thanks for your service to our widows.

Dr. Jake Popejoy
Coordinator, Training and Community Service Chaplains

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Weekly Update May 7, 2013

Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at 4:15 pm

In only a few days we will be welcoming more than 600 Retired Ministers, spouses and widows of retired ministers to the campus of Lee University. This is an event that happens during the year in between General Assembly meetings and it is an event that involves all areas of Care Ministry, to include the Chaplains Commission. Our Executive Director and First Assistant General Overseer, Dr. David Griffis will be the opening night speaker and Reverend Annette Watson from Ocala, Florida will be sharing the message on Friday morning. In the Friday evening service, Dr. Mark Williams, General Overseer will be the evening speaker and on Saturday morning we will be having old-fashioned camp meeting singing. Reverend J. David Stephens, Second Assistant General Overseer and Dr. Wallace Sibley, Third Assistant General Overseer will also be involved as moderators of services. I would especially ask that each of you pray for this very special group of retired individuals that have given so much of their lives to the ministry of the cross and the church that God would protect them in their travels and bless them immensely during this conference. They deserve our highest honor and respect.

One of the most awesome things about care ministry is the spirit of teamwork that prevails among all departments. As the Spirit Care Ministries department began to plan this event it became obvious that they would need the assistance of many others and without delay those within the Chaplains Commission, to include directors and secretarial staff, volunteered to be involved. This is one of the signal things about the work of chaplaincy, a ministry that always steps forward to volunteer and assist. It is in the DNA of chaplains to be available when needed. I am deeply humbled by the spirit and heart of each and every chaplain we have that daily will step forward to the challenge to bring forth what is most needed in any and all situations of life.

I trust that each of you are observing closely the reports that are being given to us by Dr. Pace and Dr. Popejoy as the ministry of chaplaincy continues to excel in all areas. These men of God are leading in a dynamic way. They are tireless in their quest to offer to you, the chaplain, the very best in ministry resources and service. May God bless each of you as you continue to serve Christ in Care.

Donnie W. Smith, D.Min.
Director

Vocational Chaplaincy

“My parish stretches from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mt. Katadin in Maine,” is what you could hear Appalachian Trail Chaplain Josh Lindamood say to his clergy friends. The Methodist Chaplain will spend the summer hiking the 2200-mile trail talking and ministering to hikers.

I know some of you are thinking “that guy is nuts;” and others of you are wishing that you had his job. Whatever your opinion on the feasibility of such a ministry, you have to admit that it is creative chaplaincy.

Most of our Church of God Vocational Chaplains are employed in traditional settings for chaplains. Within your traditional organization or institution, there is the potential for creative chaplaincy. I know some of you are involved in innovative ministry that the rest of us could benefit from learning about what you are doing. If you will inform our office of your outstanding ministry, I will share it with others for their benefit.

If you are involved in a creative chaplaincy ministry like the Appalachian Trail Chaplaincy, I would love to see it firsthand. I will not commit to the whole 2200 miles, but walking a couple of days with you on your trail would be enjoyable.

News from the Field

Congratulations to Navy Chaplain, LT Ethan Everett who was selected for Active Duty Service. Ethan has been serving as a Navy Reserve Chaplain for the past couple of years.

Richard L. Pace, D.Min.
Endorser and Coordinator, Vocational Chaplaincy Ministries

Community Service Chaplaincy News

Chaplains Daniel and Millie Sylverston, National Chaplaincy Coordinators for the Republic of Ireland, conduct the 2nd annual Community Service Chaplaincy Seminar in Dublin this week. Once again, God was present in the hearts and minds of men and women who had made the journey from across Ireland to attend this event. Present were Church of God ministers along with Assembly of God, Independent Pentecostal churches and Baptist churches. Level I and Level II CSC courses were taught and a total of 44 chaplains were certified in Community Service Chaplaincy.

(Photo below, many of the chaplains from the Dublin, Ireland training seminars)

PLEASE NOTE: LEVEL III TRAINING is fast approaching. Make your reservation to attend this class May 29th – 31, 2013 in Cleveland, Tennessee. Online registration is available at www.tiacsc.com or call 423.478.7740. For last minute bookings, please contact dcardona@tiacsc.com


(NEW) Level III CSC Training – May 29th – May 31st, 2013
Cleveland, Tennessee – USA

Updates and Reports from the Field

Prison Chaplain Joel Hammons, Mississippi, send this important and passionate report to us: “This is my weekend to work so I’m sitting here at my desk during rare quiet moment thinking about Tuesday. We are facing another execution! That is such a generic, sterile term. We are putting another human being to death. I understand the “execution” of the will of the People, the “execution” of the Law and I believe in the necessity of the judgment. I understand too that man does his best and usually does not know for sure if what is done is right. However, each time, I find that I have to re-examine my role as a chaplain and man of God. I sit and look around at some one hundred Officers, Staff, Administrators, Officials and Chaplains that must take part. It is hard and should be. Please pray that I will be sensitive to the needs of all involved and that there will be an “execution” of God’s favor. Awards and Honors: On another note, I have been invited to attend a banquet to be recognized for 10 years of service. The Governor is starting this for all state employees for their 10, 20 & 30 year tenures. I’ll go to Jackson, the state capital, next Thursday. This will also mark my 10th year with the Chaplains Commission. THAT to me is worth something. God bless you and thank you for the time and training you have invested in me.”

Community Service Chaplain John McClure, Westlake, Ohio, reports: “Prayer and Needs: I have a lot of concerns; most importantly my daughter is having twins end of May, so please pray they are healthy both physically & mentally. Significant Activities: I have been involved in a good old fashion basement detoxing of addicts. To say it is a stressful job would be an understatement.” Great ministry John…. Keep up the good work.

Community Service Chaplain Judy Thompson-Mettler, Garden Grove, California, reports the following: “Prayer and Needs: I need guidance in ministry. Significant Activities: Provided one funeral service and one memorial service this month; providing spiritual comfort for the Emeritus adult living home in Garden Grove.”

Community Service Chaplain Mitchell Calvert, Wellford, South Carolina, reports the following: “Prayer and Needs: We have begun Women’s ministry on Sat mornings @ the same time as Men’s ministry. The ladies in our church are doing snacks for inmates that attend our services. Total of 121 inmates 11 volunteers going to detention center, with 22 saved for month of April. Pray for our ministry. We are very involved in 2013. Significant Activities: Services every sat @ Laurens County detention center for men and women.”

Dr. Jake Popejoy
Coordinator, Training and Community Service Chaplains

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