Church of God Chaplains Commission

Over the past few weeks, each of us have been pummeled with a constant media blitz of scenes portraying our world in chaos. Governments have been overthrown and many people have lost their lives. Perhaps far more than any of us can imagine. Even within our own borders are scenes of protests and almost violent political disagreements. It is a disturbing scenario of world chaos that I suppose will only escalate as we near the end of time.

 

This brings me to the question, “What about chaplaincy and world chaos?”  Now this may appear to be irrelevant for the moment but I don’t think so. You see, our Church of God Chaplains have always been on the frontlines of any and all situations of deep-seated disturbance…a mighty force in these last days. Whether in times of war, local and/or global disaster, or other multiple scenes of worldwide conflict, our chaplains are there.

 

Church of God chaplains possess certain skills and knowledge that make them the most likely qualified to deal with difficulty. Years of preparation, education, on the job training and constant refreshing of technique have made our chaplains a mighty force in these last days. And yet, most of all, our chaplains are men and women of prayer.   We together have learned that prayer is the key and without prayer we will not get the work of Christ done!

 

I want us to note something I pointed out earlier in the phrase, “Chaplains a mighty force in these last days.” I am certain that what we are watching is part and parcel of the end time birth pains. There is a reason why the Church of God has spent so many years, time and effort to effectively establish a ministry such as ours that goes “beyond the gates” to reach a hurting world. I believe chaplains will be at the forefront of ministry during the concluding days of this prophetic generation. Listen, chaplain, this is the moment for which you are prepared! Stand firm and hold fast; God is now ready to bring out the best that He has placed within you for all these years. It is your day and it is your time.

           

I, for one, am honored to know men and women of such mighty valor of faith; saints of God who are equipped for the work of the Lord. May God guide each of you as you go forward in faith.

Director 

 

 

Daniel has always been a fascinating personality to me. As a child, I learned in Sunday School about how he survived the lion’s den. That made him a superhero in my mind. As a teenager, my youth pastor used him as an example of a young man who took a stand for righteousness by not defiling himself with the king’s wine. He had my respect. In college, I was intrigued by the special wisdom God gave him to comprehend all types of knowledge and understand mysteries. I thought, “I could use some of that.” In seminary, I was exposed to his prophecies and visions and how it applied to the end times. I knew this guy was way out of my league.

 

Oddly enough, one very important aspect of Daniel’s life that wasn’t emphasized in the church was that in addition to being an extraordinary man of God, Daniel was also a government official. He was on the king’s staff. Most of his time was devoted to taking care of matters of the state. He had supervisory responsibility over numerous subordinate government agents. The Bible confirms that he was an outstanding government worker. He rose to the top. If there ever was a man of God who knew how to also succeed in a secular institution, it was Daniel.

 

As full-time vocational chaplains, serving both God and secular intuitions, there are some things to learn from Daniel. The most important fact that I want to emphasize is that God placed Daniel in his position and empowered him to be successful. God has also called each of you to be His man or woman of God in the context of a secular institution. My prayer is for God to empower each of you to enjoy success in your ministry setting and to be known as a representative of God and your church.

 

Army Chaplain (COL) Bryan Walker was in town this past weekend. Bryan is the only Army chaplain who is a resident student in the National War College this year. When he graduates from the Washington, DC College this summer, he will be awarded a master’s degree in strategic studies.

 

I talked with Air Force Chaplain, LTC (RET), Charles A. Perry this week. Since retiring from the Air Force, Charles has worked in prison chaplaincy and also with the state in a homeless veterans’ home. Charles told me of an event when a hardened gang inmate was sent to talk to him. The inmate said he didn’t want to talk to a chaplain and he didn’t want to talk to a white man. However, when he entered the room where Charles was sitting, the inmate put his hands over his face and began to cry. He said, “I feel God in this room.” Like Charles, we have the privilege to take the presence of God into the secular organizations we serve.

 

Army Chaplain (CPT) Abraham Sarmiento was busy this month conducting a marriage retreat for 27 couples of Task Force Brawler. After enduring the hardships of deployment, the Soldiers and their spouses were able to enjoy the retreat at the Marriott Resort and Spa in Hilton Head, SC.

 

I am saddened to inform you that our office received notice this morning of the passing of correctional Chaplain Judy Davis on Monday, February 21^st. Judy, who lived in Swainsboro, Georgia, had resigned from full-time correctional ministry a few years ago due to health reasons. The funeral will take place Friday, February 25^th at 2:00 pm at the William Grove Church of the Living God in Swainsboro, Georgia. Visitation will take place prior to the funeral, from 12:00 – 2:00 pm at the church. Please keep Judy’s family in your prayers.

 

May God continue to bless each of you and your families as you take the hope of Christ to those God has brought across your path.

Endorser and Coordinator, Full-Time Chaplains 

 

 

Updates from the Field

 

Becky and I have just returned from a three-week trip to Asia and Africa, where we conducted several Community Service classes as well as ministered in several areas of chaplaincy and care.   I sincerely appreciate your prayers and emails while we were away. Thankfully, we have returned safely to the USA and are making the “time zone” adjustments quite well.

 

I am blessed by the reports of ministry which I found on my desk upon my return. Following are just a few of the many things that are being done by you and Chaplains like you.

 

Community Service Chaplain Deborah Mitchell, Ft. Eustis, Virginia, reports that she is now engaged in a prayer ministry with our Soldiers, via Skype and OoVoo.

 

CS Chaplain Keith Honeycutt, Penrose, North Carolina, reports nine decisions for Christ, by inmates over the past two months.

 

We are pleased to announce that Community Service Chaplain Jeni Cline, Oxford, Alabama, was presented the Legion of Honor Award by the “Chapel of Four Chaplains”. The award was in recognition of her service and ministry to all people regardless of race or faith. Congratulations to Chaplain Cline.

 

CS Chaplain Carol Hill, Seaford, Delaware, continues to volunteer at hospitals and nursing homes in her area.

 

CS Chaplain Barbara Bettis, Knoxville, Iowa, reports she is handling a prayer line which is a telephone chaplaincy ministry to shut-ins and interested others desiring prayer.

 

Community Service Chaplain Becky Popejoy, Cleveland, Tennessee, reports feeding over 300 AIDS related patients while in South Africa, and was privileged to serve meals to more than 900 outpatients at the Mahatma Gandhi General Hospital in Durban, South Africa.

 

CS Chaplain Richard Munson, McDonough, Georgia, reports having conducted 10 services during the month of January in the Henry County Jail, with additional services in other institutions.

 

CS Chaplain Stanton Sleeper, Coquille, Oregon, reports continuing his chaplaincy of care at the Coos Bay Homeless Shelter.   Thank you Chaplain Sleeper for your continued service in this much needed ministry.

 

The Community Service Chaplains Section of the Chaplains Commission was privileged to host the Regional Bishops from the USA Hispanic ministries. After a catered luncheon, supervised by Ashley Shoemake and served by several staff members, we presented, to the overseers, our philosophy of chaplaincy as well as our training model to them.   They acted in solidarity as they responded positively to the presentations. We are looking forward to an exciting year of training among the Hispanic regions.

 

 

Coordinator, Training and Community Service Chaplains