Church of God Chaplains Commission

Choice Christian greetings!

It goes without saying that we minister in what has been termed a “post-modern” world.  One of the characteristics of a post-modern world is there is no longer a “single value system” which functions in our individual or corporate lives.  We have many good things in this post-modern world, like a highly technically structured, well-managed ship at sea in a fierce storm.  What seems to be missing is a true lighthouse to guide us all home safely.  In a post-modern world, the focus is on doing the “right thing,” but very little attention given to doing it for the “right reason.”  We often turn up the music, create an environment of entertainment and draw the crowds; but who is sufficiently trained to not only get this generation to altars of prayer, but lead them to the deeper experiences in what we treasure as the Pentecostal faith.  Rather than building simply bigger, better and more technically developed ships, we had better give a renewed attention to “lighthouses.”  David Kupelian in a most provocative book entitled, “The Marketing of Evil,” makes the following comments about our post-modern world:  “The plain truth is, within the space of our lifetime, much of what Americans once almost universally abhorred has been packaged, perfumed, gift-wrapped and sold to us as though it has great value.  By skillfully playing on our deeply felt national values of fairness, generosity and tolerance, these marketers have persuaded us to embrace as enlightened and noble that which all previous generations since America’s founding regarded as grossly self-destructive – in a word, evil.”  Chaplains do their best work when they are lighthouses of faith, guiding people back to the basics of our Christian heritage.  We probably do our worst work when we are driven by these latest fads or modern trends that, though not so bad on the surface, are fundamentally taking the focus off the most essential truths of the Gospel.  Otherwise, we have become, as Ephesians 4:14-15 says, “tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.”  Thank God for great ships maneuvering the fierce waters of post-modernism; thank God for the lighthouses that will finally bring them safely home.  For on these ships are our sons and daughters.     On this Memorial Day weekend, as we remember those Veterans who laid their lives on the line to keep our great nation free, never forget they were able to finally come back to us because there were “lighthouses” of faith to guide them through their fierce times of combat and stress.  Thank you for keeping these Pentecostal lights glowing brightly, even in some of the darkest spots of our world.

CHAPLAINCY NEWS FROM THE FIELD:

Nursing Home Chaplain Bobby Williford, Jessup, Georgia, reports:  “Some may think this not to be a significant ministry, but it is one of the greatest ministries possible. God has allowed me glorious opportunities to lead many senior citizens to the Lord.  One died just 30 hours after he gave his heart to the Lord.  I was privileged to preach his funeral.  Keep this ministry in your prayers.” Law Enforcement Chaplain John Hudnall, Woodland, California, gives this inspiring notice of a special program:  “I am working with a program called Every Fifteen Minutes designed for high school students. It is a highly emotional and effective program designed to prevent students from driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.  One part of the program requires students to experience a death notice being delivered to their parents.  I would like to recommend this program to other chaplains.” Army Reserve Chaplain (MAJ) Taz Randles, Cleveland, Tennessee, gives this interesting report:  “As a way of raising funds for our local Special Olympics programs, the Cleveland Civitan Club auctioned off twice one of my desert uniforms which I wore in Iraq for a total of $650.  I thank God for a community that has this patriotic spirit.  I told the Civitan Club that it was the soldiers, not me, which I wanted to honor.” Army Retired Chaplain Rudy Burroughs, and now full-time Pastoral Counselor at a clinical center, Anderson, South Carolina, recently underwent extensive surgery.  This report comes from Barbara, his wife:  “Rudy is doing great.  The right kidney had to be removed; the cancer was too deep to save it.  We can see the Divine hand of God in Rudy’s situation.  Had he not had the attack of pancreatitis on a Saturday evening when we took him to the Emergency Room, we would not have known he had a mass on his right kidney.  By doing a CT scan on his pancreas, they discovered the mass.  That Saturday, Rudy had prepared his sermon for the hospital with the topic Divine Interruptions.  Is that not ironic?  He has not been able to preach it, but he has lived it out!  Divine interruptions can sometimes mean Divine interventions!” Clinical Chaplain Jerald Smith, Melbourne, Florida, reports:  “This past Wednesday, Erie Chapman, author and founder of Baptist Healing Trust, was with us to present to our hospital the Healing Hospital Award.  We have received this reward two years in a row.  This award is based on a hospital going the “extra mile” for the patients.”  Chaplain Smith cites his hospital as one with “fantastic loving care.” Chaplaincy Coordinator for the Philippines Dr. Ernesto Sacro reports:  “In addition to our other chaplaincy ministries, we are working closely with Cadence International in the development of our ministries.  I have also been invited to teach chaplaincy subjects at the Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary, Baguio City.  We are, of course, using Church of God Chaplaincy resources.” Federal Prison Chaplain James Thomas, Susanville, California, is one of our most recently assigned full-time chaplains.  He notes, “I have now completed the Basic Chaplaincy Course with the Bureau of Prisons.  I find this ministry to be a great match for me.  Keep me and my future ministry in your prayers.” Retired Prison Chaplain Richard Paul, Silver City, New Mexico, is undergoing extensive medical treatment.  His last note stated:  “I am now in Houston for my latest treatment.  My sister has donated her stem cells, and I am preparing for chemo and will be in the hospital for an extended time.  Thank you for your prayers.” Air Force Chaplain (CPT) Jonathan Hurt, Okinawa, testifies that:  “We recently had 170 teens from across Japan, including 78 from mainland Japan, for our spring break retreat.  A team of students from Azusa Pacific University helped minister to these teens and did a fantastic job.  In addition to this ministry, I was privileged to baptize 7 converts on Easter Sunday.  As most of you know, in September we will be leaving Okinawa for our new assignment at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Army Chaplain (CPT) Neal Durham, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, reports that in July, he and his family will be leaving for their new assignment in Germany this July.  He also tells us that in November he will most likely again deploy to Iraq with his new unit.  I know you will be praying for Neal and his family.

A MEMORIAL DAY SPECIAL REPORT

Army Chaplain (Major) Mickey Jett, Iraq, sent these remarks concerning the recent extensions given to soldiers in Iraq:  “As you probably have heard, many units, to include my unit, have been extended for duty in Iraq for several more months.  I am aware of the great sacrifice of our young men and women.  Let me share with you my Brigade Commander, Col Steve Lyons’ remarks given to our Brigade.

Col. Lyons stated:  “Today, our Brigade headquarters will be extended 90 days. I recognize that the impacts for some are enormous…affecting family plans, vacations, schools, career plans…I would ask that we all continue to reach out to our fellow Soldiers and Families to assist where possible. In 24 years of service, I have never been so proud as to stand in the ranks of this great organization and I remain in awe every day of your magnificent performance and accomplishments throughout this deployment.  Our Nation has asked much and you have always answered the call.  I Thank You for your service.”

And, on this Memorial Week-end, all of us, who love freedom, should stand up and thank God for leaders like Col Lyons; and all our military men and women.  Above all else, remember to pray for those who are deployed; and for the families of military personnel who have paid the supreme sacrifice.

A REMINDER TO PRAY

Chaplains Commission Board Member, Rev. Thomas Powell, Griffin, GA, sent us this recent note:  “A young man from our community, Lance Cpl Jeffrey Walker, age 21, was killed by a sniper in Iraq the day after Mother’s Day.  I had the opportunity to visit with and share with his parents.”

FINALLY:

Could it be we are living in the best of times and the worst of times?  Undoubtedly, there has never been a greater opportunity, especially for chaplaincy ministries, around the world.  Who would believe that we now have 2600 endorsed chaplains in 69 different countries, representing ministry to 40 different types of agencies?  Who would believe we would have Pentecostal chaplains doing baptisms of new soldier converts right in the middle of an Iraqi dessert?  Who would believe that we are able to put chaplains into public school systems, the FBI and numerous other agencies that just a few years ago would not have allowed such assignments?  On the other hand, these could be called the “worst of times.”  We are told that Christians, in so many places around the world, are being daily martyred for their faith.  A note from the Wesleyan Methodist Church tells us that in Pakistan, conditions are deteriorating daily.  There is a plea for prayer for “those who are dying by the fanatics.”  We are told that believers are afraid to leave their homes. . In the midst of the storms of this age let us stay focused.  Let us not forget the essentials of God’s Word; which began to develop in us as we were nurtured in a Christian home, or discovered during an altar experience. Let us continue to grow as we keep head and heart well balanced and integrated.   On this Memorial Day weekend, we are told to “never forget those that sacrificed for our freedom.”  The same applies for our faith.  Let us not forget it was He Who came, He Who died and He Who was resurrected that is the basis for our entire life; and most essentially, our ministry.  May you have a safe and meaningful Memorial weekend!

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert Crick

Director, Chaplains Commission

Director’s e-mail: cricksot@worldnet.att.net

Office e-mail: chapcm@bellsouth.net

Web Site/Page: www.cogchaplains.com

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