Chaplains Commission Weekly Update – January 7, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011 at 5:59 pm
As each of you are acutely aware, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” has been repealed. We realize the potential impact that this decision will have on our ministry to the Armed Forces, and we want you to know that we are currently making plans to address its many implications. We are hearing from many of you and your concerns. Therefore, in the next few weeks, Dr. Smith will be directing the establishment of a special committee to study and discuss our response and guidance that will be issued to all Church of God military chaplains. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. Also, keep in mind that we believe it is our responsibility to represent you, your ministry, our denomination and those you serve. We will be disseminating more information on this issue in the weeks to come. May God continue to bless you and your ministries.
Dr. Jerry McNabb
Special Assistant to Dr. Donnie Smith
Full-Time Chaplaincy News
The New Year started with newly elected politicians in Washington raising their hands to take the oath of office to serve America. Here at the Chaplains Commission, our newest US Navy chaplain also raised his right as I administered the oath of office to him. Lieutenant Junior Grade Ethan Everts, CHC, USN, and his wife, Tara, along with his three children, officially joined the ranks as a Church of God Navy Reserve chaplain.
We currently have 10 Church of God military chaplains deployed to war, and three who are preparing to go in the next few months. We rejoice and give thanks for the safe return of Army Chaplain (CPT) Megan Hodge and Army Chaplain (CPT) Abraham Sarmiento, who returned from deployment prior to Christmas.
Army Chaplain (MAJ) Jerry Hall conducted a Strong Bonds Marriage Retreat with 14 couples attending.
Army Chaplain (MAJ) Taz Randles has had the honor to serve the men and women of our military who have been treated at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. As the pastor to the congregation at the hospital’s historic chapel, he has seen numerous individuals accept the Lord as their Savior.
Closing out an old year involves completing reports. Industrial Chaplain Roger H. Lafferty gives God praise for the 49 converts he witnessed giving their hearts to the Lord in 2010.
Congratulations to Chaplain Robert Proctor, who was recently appointed as the Operational Supervising Chaplain of the Bakersfield, California Fire Department.
Many of you know that Clinical Chaplain Rick Mann relocated to Alaska this past year to minister in a recovery program, which is going very well with good results. Rick had a unique “Alaskan” experience in December when three moose tried to keep him out of the church. You will have to ask Rick for the rest of the story.
Please remember in your prayers Correctional Chaplain Betty Standifer and her family as they grieve the loss of her mother,Elsie Davis Robbins, who went to be with the Lord on December 23rd.
Also, please keep in your prayers Correctional Chaplain Jack Smith who lost his 53-year-old brother, Jerry, on December 4th. Jack had the opportunity to minister to his brother in the final days of his life here on earth. Jerry assured Jack that he would see him in heaven. Praise the Lord for the hope we have in Christ.
Richard Pace
Endorser and Coordinator, Full-Time Chaplains
Community Service Chaplaincy News
Greetings from CSC and Training. After a wonderful holiday season, enjoying family and friends, we are now entering into the new year of 2011 with a hopeful heart of anticipation.
During the holidays, so many of our Community Service Chaplains were selflessly responding to the many needs of their local communities. I continue to be amazed at the passion and dedication of these women and men of faith who continue to give of themselves so that others may be comforted and blessed.
Recent reports bring us the following information from the field:
Community Service Chaplain Mary Louise Miller, Battle Creek, Michigan, requests prayer from our chaplains community. She will be having a liver transplant in the very near future.
Community Services Chaplains Gary and Ellen Snyder, Isabel, Texas, who are serving as Chaplains to the Christian Motorcycle Association in their area, were integrally involved with the Association during the recent holiday services and outreaches.
CS Chaplain Led Hall, Ft. Inn, South Carolina, worked with the area food bank during the holidays and was able to give out 65 bicycles, 200 toys, and food.
CS Chaplains Greg and Holly Charlesworth, Miamisburg, Ohio, report their local church having a successful Christmas party for clients and families of the Celebrate Recovery program.
Community Service Chaplain Harold K. Sundgren, Dickinson, North Dakota, reports receiving 2010 top honors as Chaplain for the hospital which he services.
CS Chaplain Crystal Walker, Cleveland, Tennessee, serving as a Chaplain to senior adults and others in need, reports hosting a friend from Taiwan during the holidays, as wells a ministering to a number of seniors over this holiday season.
Veteran Police Chaplain Richard Popard, Saginaw, Michigan, continues to touch his community through crime scene responses, death notifications and other very difficult chaplaincy situations.
Community Service Chaplain Joseph Schuck, Lanett, Alabama, reports being re-appointed to the Alabama State Chaplaincy Committee. Let us continue to pray for Joe and Kathryn as the deal with some physical needs.
CS Chaplain R. Michael Denney, Chillicothe, Ohio, serving as a correctional chaplain, reports doing a Christmas Service for inmates at Ross Correctional Institute, as well as ministering to many of the inmates during a difficult time of the year for them.
I am very grateful for the many Community Service Chaplains that have reported to us during the Holiday season. I am aware that you are continually busy. Reports came from Romania, Philippines, Moldova, Scotland, England, Canada, Mexico and Haiti, just to name a few of the countries where the Church of God Chaplains Commission is represented. My prayers continue with you as you do this great ministry.
Chaplain Jake Popejoy
Coordinator, Community Service Chaplains and Training
Categories: Weekly Update
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