Church of God Chaplains Commission

Chaplains Commission Weekly Update

Saturday, November 17, 2007 at 9:28 pm

Choice Christian greetings!

The Chaplains Commission now endorses chaplains to some 40 different types of institutions. Most of us know about our chaplains in prisons, hospitals, the military and other traditional institutions. But are you aware that we have trained more than 50 pastors and youth leaders for chaplaincy services on college and university campuses? Or, do you know we have an outstanding chaplain who serves a medium-sized industry, Chaplain Roger Lafferty, Glen Morgan, West Virginia? Are you aware of the ministry of Chaplain Rick Mann at the Charles Town Race Track in West Virginia who, in addition to his worship services and Bible studies, is a certified drug and alcohol counselor? Consider the growing hospice chaplaincy programs throughout the United States. This “home care” chaplaincy service demands training in grief, death and dying, and other issues related to this specialized field. We also have chaplaincy ministries in high schools, middle schools, juvenile courts, scouts and many other public and private institutions. We believe the Church must go to all of these secular institutions. While there is a technical and difficult process in getting into these institutions, by no means is the Church shut out. We simply must share the table with many denominations. Pentecostals, because of their deep roots and dynamic nature of their faith, when given such an opportunity will lead the way in these institutions in seeing that the Lord, Jesus Christ, is honored; and ensure that those who are confined and working in these institutions are given every opportunity to accept Him as Lord and Savior. Chaplaincy cannot be kept within; it must be spread “beyond the gates” into every segment of society.

CHAPLAINCY NEWS FROM THE FIELD:

1. Community Service Chaplain Roger Daniel, McCalla, Alabama, was recently selected as a chaplain associate at the DCH Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This hospital is adjacent to the University of Alabama campus. Chaplain Daniel also serves as one of our primary trainers in the area of law enforcement chaplaincy.

2. Bureau of Prisons Chaplain Jim Thomas, Susanville, California, reports: “In one of our recent worship services, I had the privilege of baptizing five inmates. Immediately following, these inmates assisted me with the Communion service. God’s presence was keenly felt in a unique time of blessing.”

3. Prison Chaplain Coordinator Mable Manning, Gastonia, North Carolina, reports that at a prison housing female inmates, 49 have committed their lives to the Lord over the past several months.

4. Covenant Transport Chaplain Debra Carroll, Ider, Alabama, reports that during the past several months, she has ministered to drivers and their families who have experienced death. She states: “I was able to minister to a mama driver who lost her 26-year-old son, who just didn’t wake up one morning. I praise the Lord for giving me the right words to say to her.”

5. Community Service Chaplain Ted Jenne, Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a very busy volunteer chaplain at a local Gospel Rescue Center. He shared that in one month’s time, he has worked with some 100 homeless, helped destitute men living on the streets, assisted recent converts in Bible study and other programs, counseled a blind man who needed personal attention, led singing at anointed Gospel services and served as back-up janitor. We praise God for the over 2500 Community Service Chaplains who have taken our Basic Course and are now involved in volunteer chaplaincy ministries around the word.

6. Community Service Chaplain Tammie McConnell, Charlotte, North Carolina, thanks her chaplaincy family for their prayers during her recent missions’ trip to China. Additionally, Chaplain McConnell finished two courses through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation: critical incident stress management and peer support.

7. Hospice Chaplain Thomas Phythian, Woodbridge, Virginia, sends this report: “I recently conducted a seminar on death and dying at the North Star Church Network, 2007 Ministry Conference. I was also contributor to a CD produced by Capital Hospice, with clinicians discussing various aspects of parent and family visits, how they view the service, and how to best communicate to families dealing with emotional and physical pain. This was a very positive experience.”

CPE SUPERVISORS:

The Church of God is fortunate to have several Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisors. These endorsed chaplains must have completed a Masters of Divinity or higher degree, several years of Clinical Pastoral Education training/courses and a residency in Clinical Pastoral Education supervision. In order to be certified nationally, they must develop educational and supervisory papers and successfully meet the standards of a national board.

CPE Supervisor Jose Cedillo, Houston, TX, recently completed a summer unit, which included two students holding PhDs, two ordained pastors, a retired editor and an Episcopal Priest. Also, Chaplain Cedillo just returned from the ACPE National Conference held in Dallas, Texas. Along with two other colleagues, he presented a workshop on “Resources and Strategies for Supervision of Hispanic Students.” We send our commendations to Chaplain Cedillo.

MILITARY CHAPLAINCY REPORTS:

1. We welcome home from a 15-month Iraqi deployment Army Chaplain (MAJ-P) Mickey Jett, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In January, 2008, Chaplain Jett will report to his new chaplaincy position at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. This post is located near the city of Huntsville. Coming from Iraq, Chaplain Jett was awarded the Bronze Star and other commendations. Send your notes of welcome home to Chaplain Jett and his family at: mickey.jett@us.army.mil.

2. Army Chaplain (CPT) Everett Franklin, Fort Rucker, Alabama, requests that we pray for their daughter, Lindsey. He notes: “She is recovery well from back surgery: but she is undergoing more tests on a separate physical issue. Once we have completed the tests, I will let you know her status. We believe the Lord will heal her and alleviate any lasting problems.”

3. Army Chaplain (CPT) Barron Wester, Iraq, as most will remember, was wounded in combat, air evacuated to Germany for recuperation and returned to his army unit. He sends this testimony: “Continue to pray for the peace and prosperity of Baghdad and all of Iraq. I am now the senior pastor of the Gospel service at FOB Falcon. Thankfully, we have had no KIAs during September or October. Previously, we were averaging two per month. Not having to conduct memorial services is a blessing! I have been concentrating on being a good old fashioned circuit preacher, covering four congregations spread around Baghdad.”

SPECIAL REPORTS:

1. If you have been reading the news, you know the Dominican Republic was hit recently with a devastating hurricane. Our Chaplaincy Coordinator for the Caribbean, Chaplain Ismael Ponce, sends this report: “I just received a report from Dr. Elvis Medina concerning the damage in the Dominican Republic. He tells me there are over 85 official deaths, 6,000 evacuated and 20,000 left homeless. The numbers change every day. There are some 135 communities with no access for vehicles. The only way to get to them with food, medicine and water is by helicopter. Chaplain Luis Velazquez, one of our law enforcement chaplains, is coordinating our chaplains’ activities. We are attempting to develop chaplaincy teams out of Puerto Rico to give assistance in this endeavor.”

2. One of our dynamic chaplaincy partners is Dr. Thomas Grassano, Urban Harvest Ministries, New York. Let me share with you some briefs from his recent report: “Our ministries in the South Bronx are expanding. The same goes for our work in Detroit. The network of partnering churches is reaching across metro areas into churches of many denominations, cultures and races. Many of you have been praying for my dad, Thomas Grassano, Sr. He has struggled with his health for the past several years, but our hope is not just in medical treatment. A recent CT scan has revealed that both tumors have significantly shrunk. We serve a God who does not abandon us. During this time of illness, we have received many notes from those who have been impacted by the ministry of my parents. One of them writes, Because of your dad and mom’s ministry to us, our students from many countries in Africa is multiplying the blessings of thousands of people in the body of Christ.”

FINALLY:

After the first of the year, every State Administrative Bishop in the Church of God will receive a letter from the Chaplains Commission encouraging the promotion of our chaplaincy ministries, especially training that we provide for pastors and other local church leaders. We will be encouraging them to offer every pastor the opportunity to attend the Basic Chaplaincy Course; and, because of the tremendous interest in ministry “beyond the gates,” to set up chaplaincy ministries as an integral part of their state programs. Additionally, in conjunction with the Care Division, the Chaplains Commission will be assisting in the promotion of a disaster response ministries program for local churches. This course will enable a local church to be more than “victims” during a disaster. Through this training, individuals and churches will be certified as disaster response chaplains and ministry centers. Chaplaincy is the bridge that connects our churches to the thousands of people within our cities; so that, when the next crisis comes, we will be first on the scene to share genuine care and the good news of the Gospel. Pray for our chaplains and their families.

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

RDC/vja

Categories: Weekly Update