Church of God Chaplains Commission

5 December 2008

 

Choice Christian Greetings!

 Obviously, as we experience this economic meltdown, political upheaval around the world, terrorist attacks in India, nations confronting nations, a new build-up of weapons in China and Russia, and all the other interesting, sometimes devastating possibilities, we must ask the question, “what is God up to?” This critical question is at the core of chaplaincy ministries. When a patient is told that they have cancer, the first question is, “Why me God?” For the more critical thinking person, the question is, “What is God trying to tell me?” Some may have a tendency towards dualism, in saying that God has nothing whatsoever to do with it; it’s circumstances, Satan, or some other outside force. But, for those of us who believe that even our breath is the business of God, we have to say God is always at the core of our experiences. On the question of Satan, to quote Dr. Ricky Moore, Old Testament Professor at Lee University, “Don’t forget, Satan is God’s Satan.” In other words, we believe that this world does not operate independent of God’s involvement. So, “what is God up to?” LOTS! As I told my staff this morning during our devotional time, whether you are dealing with an economic meltdown, or, as is our church, a whole new changing paradigm, you have to look in the midst of that transitional pain for the good that God has designed for each of us. In terms of economics, we can no longer take that long anticipated trip to Disney World; what’s God up to? Obviously, while we are disappointed, it does force us to go back to some wonderful basic principles of life. Rather than Disney World, what about a conversation with the kids, a little more time to hug the wife or husband, or to read a good book, or start up again those meal time devotions? That’s chaplaincy; that is, regardless of the painful circumstances of our patients, inmates or soldiers, we are always looking to “what is God really up to?” There is goodness within the pain; within the loss; within that deployment; within that jail sentence. It is up to us, Chaplains who are trained towards that goal, to help those who are disillusioned, broke, or in pain, to discover those kernels of truth that lie within our deepest struggles. It is a joy to be in that process; helping people to discover “what God is up to.” 

 Chaplaincy News

- We are sad to announce the death of Jonathan, the oldest child of French Military Chaplain Michel Layes and his wife Danielle. Chaplain Layes writes: “Jonathan chose to go home to be with his Lord at 4:00 am this past Monday. He died, as he lived, in a peaceful manner. There was no suffering, no fear, just a gentle face, knowing he was on his way home. My genuine thanks for prayers that went out for Jonathan around the world.” (Please, send notes of condolences and prayer support to the Layes at: mlayes@gmail.com.)

- Army Chaplain (CPT) Jerry Hall, Baumholder, Germany, notes: “A few months ago we started a new Pentecostal service. This service has been growing in numbers and spiritually. I continue to preach on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit; and the altars are full of those seeking. My sixteen-year-old daughter was one of the first ones in the altar; tears running down her face.  She, like so many, is hungry for the Lord. On another note, we prepared 75 Thanksgiving food baskets for needy families in our community. It is a blessing to be in such a strategic place of ministry.”

- Hospital Chaplain Jerald Smith, Titusville, Florida, writes: “Each week I put out by email a devotional called ‘Glimmers.’ I have gotten many wonderful responses. Since I started this weekly devotional, my grandson, who is now three, has developed into a bright, sensitive, amazing little person. His dad has completed another tour of duty in Iraq; and thank God, has been protected. My eldest daughter, Jessie, and her husband, Josh, are now expecting, and we will soon be grandparents again. Amanda, my youngest, and Chad, are deep in the middle of wedding plans. It has been a great, ‘Glimmers’ year.”

- Our many thanks go to the Lord for the successful surgery of Judy Warrington, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Her husband, Don Warrington has worked with us for a number of years in helping with our website and other internet needs. Judy’s surgery resulted in the removal of a large cyst; which, praise be unto the Lord, came back as benign.

- Civil Air Patrol Chaplain John Gordy, Cleveland, Tennessee, tells us that his dad passed away at home in Vermont this past week. He is requesting prayer for his dear mom, Luetta; and the rest of the family. Also pray for Chaplain Gordy’s daughter, Analiza, who is completing US Marine Corps training at Camp Lejune, North Carolina.

- University of Tennessee Chaplain John Unthank, Knoxville, Tennessee, reports: “During Thanksgiving, our Campus Christian group prepared meals for 120 international students, representing 32 countries. Five area Churches of God helped sponsor this wonderful event.”

- Long-term Prison Chaplain, Joel Hammons, Parchman Penitentiary, Mississippi, sends this note of celebration: “In 1994, I was invited by Parchman Penitentiary Prison Ministries Director, Raymond Lankford, to come share my testimony. That is when God gave me this call. I am now celebrating my sixth year as a full-time Chaplain at this institution. I have known the favor of God all these years.”

- Community Service Chaplain Donald Collette, Hanceville, Alabama, was recently selected as a winner by the USA BOOK NEWS and their NATIONAL BEST BOOKS AWARD of 2008. His book, “Sermonsmacks; Help, Hope and Encouragement for Today,” was the winner in the prayer and devotional category. This book is available through www.amazon.com

- Air Force Chaplain, Captain, Matthew Boyd, Holloman AFB, New Mexico, notes: “Continue to pray for my wife Summer; she recently broke her foot. Also for our family; my uncle Foster “Pete” Teachout, passed away this past Friday, and we had the funeral this week in Michigan. Pete was a WWII vet, a medic on a hospital ship, and a strong believer. Pray also for his widow, Betty, who has been his companion and best friend for over 30 years.”  

- A number of our full-time and Community Service Chaplains have asked for special prayer for people in their areas who are losing their jobs, experiencing pay cuts, and other economic struggles due to this current national meltdown. 

 Special Report

We are blessed with two outstanding Chaplains at the nation’s most prestigious medical center, the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC. These Chaplains are, Walter Reed Pastoral Ministries Director, Chaplain (COL) Charles Howell, and, Army Chaplain (MAJ) Taz Randles. There is probably no more strategic area of ministry than at Walter Reed. Chaplain Howell sends us regular reports of the fabulous work of a highly trained and technical staff; but, also the human stories of our men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, with some unbelievable medical conditions. But, as Chaplain Howell will attest to, the most significant things that happen at Walter Reed are those daily, very human encounters, of patients and staff. Chaplain Randles wrote this week: “I had the privilege of ministering to a family whose son had just turned 30; as they prepared for his death from cancer. He lingered for quite some time; until the mother would agree for him to see his estranged father. I met the father at the airport and facilitated the visit. With God’s help, things went well; and the son went to be with the Lord. This past week I also had the honor to meet and talk with Kimberly Dozier, a CBS News Correspondent who was critically injured in Iraq in 2005.”

 Finally

 Last week I had the privilege of being the prayer breakfast speaker at Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama. I was guest of Army Chaplain (LTC) Mickey Jett, one of our many outstanding military Chaplains. What an interesting group; Generals, Privates, lots of highly trained civilians, and, my former Chaplain’s Assistant from Fort Benning, dating back to the late 1960’s. That is a long time ago. He, like me, has experienced many spiritual and physical changes (lots of physical changes), but, that spirit of togetherness that we had back then was immediately recalled. At the prayer breakfast, I reminded this highly sophisticated roomful of leaders, of the “X-factor” of spiritual leadership in today’s post-modern world.   I used Nehemiah as the example, a man of courage and integrity, one willing to give his life rather than violate his convictions. That is what is needed today, in the church, in the military, especially among our political leaders. God save us from this “vanilla” society which we are experiencing today; rock our boat, even if it takes us down a few notches economically and otherwise; bring us back to our knees; understanding that this God of Christmas wants to radically change our world and our hearts. 

 

 Robert D. Crick

 

 Director, Dr. Robert D. Crick, cricksot@att.net

Full-time Chaplaincy and Public Relations, Dr. Jerry McNabb, jmcnabb@cogchaplains.com

Community Service Chaplaincy and Training, Dr. Doc Williams, dwilliams@cogchaplains.com

Community Service Chaplaincy Administrative Information, wroberson@cogchaplains.com

Disaster and Compassionate Care, Reverend Tom Offutt, toffutt@cogchaplains.com

International and General Information, chapcm@cogchaplains.com

 Web Site/Page: www.cogchaplains.com

 RDC/als

 Correspondence