Church of God Chaplains Commission

We have just celebrated “Memorial Day” all across the United States, and even in a number of foreign lands, where individuals gathered together to honor those who served in military forces and made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for God and country. Such sacrifice remains at the pinnacle of sacrificial giving; even in our world of today that seems so often forgetful of the price that has been paid for our freedom and the continuing struggle around the world for others to enjoy this same blessing!

This year I was reminded of a visit I made many years ago to the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines, which seemed all too much like Arlington National Cemetery. I will never forget how moved I was at the time and how long I lingered among the graves attempting to imagine the perils that were faced by those young troops. In February of this year, a group of us traveled to Manila again and I asked missionary Marc Morris to take the ladies to the cemetery. That evening, when they returned, I asked my wife what they thought. She stated, “I don’t know what everyone thought, we just wept.” Such language we can all understand. “We just wept!”

Perhaps you haven’t considered it but it would appear to me that we are having far too many memorial days. Oh, I don’t mean the official one but rather days wherein we are reminded that someone somewhere gave their life for someone else. Like the father who sheltered his little daughter at the campsite during the horrible storm and was able to save her but could not save his own life. Or maybe you heard about the mother and father who covered their baby girl and dog in the bath tub. The mom died on the scene and the Dad remains in critical condition but the baby girl and dog were found 50 miles north unharmed. These are unusual days that have called for unusual courage, but fortunately courage has not run dry. Courage remains well-seated in the very heart of God. Greater love has no man that this, that a man should give his life for another. After all, is that not what Christ did?

Donnie W. Smith, D. Min.
Director

Full-Time Chaplaincy News

This past weekend, Army Chaplain (CPT) Jeff and Teresa Bartels attended the decommissioning of the Chapel of the Centurion at Fort Monroe, Virginia. As a part of the BRAC law, Fort Monroe will be turned over to the state of Virginia in the next few months. The Chapel of the Centurion is a beautiful chapel that has been the place of worship for Soldiers and military families for over 153 years. The chapel is the oldest wooden chapel in continuous Army service since 1858.

I have had the privilege of preaching in this historic chapel and it is sad that it will no longer be the home of the military community of faith at Fort Monroe. Fort Monroe is only one of several military installations that will close its gates this summer and relocate military units to other installations in compliance with the decisions of Congress. Each relocation brings with it disruptions of Christian congregations comprised of both current and retired military families.

Military families accept relocation as a normal part of life and will adjust to a new community of faith. There is a good possibility that when they arrive at the new chapel there will be someone there they know from a previous assignment. Military personnel have pride in historic buildings and installations, but their joy is found in the friendships that last after the buildings are torn down. I am reminded of Abraham, who with his frequent relocations of residences, never lost sight of his goal to reach the city whose builder and maker is God. One of the keys to a fulfilling chaplaincy ministry is to keep focused on what is of eternal value—the relationships with eternal souls and the prize of eternal rewards.

Correctional Chaplain Eugene Wigelsworth has implemented the “Mentoring Children for Tomorrow” program in all 42 Mississippi Department of Corrections facilities. The program matches children who have a parent in prison with a mentor. Chaplain Wigelsworth also presented a workshop at the American Correctional Chaplains Association South Central Conference on “Carpenter’s Toolbox: Beatitudes for Correctional Chaplains.”

Correctional Chaplain Carol Johnson testified of the joy of seeing the power and love of God change the lives of the inmates under her pastoral care. She states that inmates are encouraged when they hear of how God has blessed others in need.

Congratulations to Chaplain John Taylor, Kannapolis, North Carolina, who graduated this past week from the Pentecostal Theological Seminary with the Doctor of Ministry degree. Well done John! We are all happy for you and proud of you!

Richard L. Pace, D. Min.
Endorser and Coordinator, Vocational Chaplaincy Ministries

Community Service Chaplaincy News

God continues to bless our nation and people of the world and for this we are sincerely grateful. As Chaplains, we truly know that it rains on the just and the unjust alike. We remain ever aware of the King of the universe who holds all things in the palm of His hand. In the wake of the tornadoes in the South, now the Midwest is also experiencing devastation and our prayers continue with them. Our continued prayer in the Chaplains Commission is that all of our dedicated volunteers remain safe and healthy during these times of instability. Thank you again for all of the ministry that is coming from the CSCs, and also for the kind and generous care that you continue to give to those in need.

I am presently traveling in Mississippi with Chaplain Dean Yancey. We are visiting the flooded areas at the request of the State Bishop. In a few days we will develop a plan of response for those of you who wish to assist the flood victims and do counseling, debriefing and care ministry in those devastated areas. Chaplain Yancey is an expert in Crisis Counseling as well as debriefing, so I am extraordinarily blessed to have him with me on this trip.

New Training Level Begins: In the month of September the Church of God Chaplains Commission will begin a new training level which will be certified by the Commission as well as Homeland Security. It will be “C.E.R.T. CHAPLAINCY” (Community Emergency Response Team Chaplain). Eastern North Carolina will be the first state to host and implement the training. Call Jake Popejoy at 423.778.7706 for more information about this training.

So many of you have been reporting from the field and we read every report which arrives in our office. Thanks to those of you who are so faithful to send monthly contributions. These contributions allow us to carry-out ministries in areas that have experienced damage and disaster. Your ministry is a blessing to the Chaplains Commission and certainly to the Kingdom of God.

Updates from the Field: Community Service Chaplain Anne Sanders, Fort Mill, South Carolina, reports continued chaplaincy ministry with “Celebrate Recovery” and also asks special prayer for a family in Eutawaville, South Carolina, who has suffered the loss of a husband and father.

Community Service Chaplain Janice Blackman, Keller, Texas, reports that she is volunteering at Baylor Hospital with the Pastoral Care Unit. Praise the Lord for your ministry Janice.

Community Service Chaplain George Adams, Lindhurst, New York, gives several special prayer requests; for people with cancer and for a premature baby. George, we will pray with you about these important needs.

Community Service Chaplain Mary Schmidt, Farmingdale, New York, continues to do chaplaincy ministry in her area. She has been visiting nursing homes, doing telephone visitation and ministering at rehab homes for women. She also requests special prayer for the healing of her grandson Owen.

Chaplain Donna Kirk, Babylon, New York, reports assisting First Responders at the scene of a multi-car accident. Donna, your ministry to the responders and officers will not go unrewarded. You help keep people mentally and spiritually focused.

Community Service Chaplain Connie Gregory, West Des Moines, Iowa, reports that she is making preparation for a mission trip to Alaska followed by a mission trip to Jamaica and then Africa. Let us pray for her very busy Summer and Fall.

Community Service Chaplain Douglas Messerly, Valley Junction Church of God, West Des Moines, Iowa, reports gathering clothing for the needy as well as pickup and delivery of food twice weekly.

Chaplain Francine Ahearn, Lindenhurst, New York, reports that she continues to lead and direct the local chaplaincy ministry at her church as well as provides regular weekly training for the Community Service Chaplains in her area.

The Chaplains Commission would like to express gratitude to long-time CS Chaplain Hazel Caldwell for her continued ministry and faithfulness in reporting.

Law Enforcement Chaplain Ron Countryman, Big Timber, Montana, reports that he has been asked to sit on a board for selection of a new Deputy.

Hispanic Chaplaincy: Chaplain Abel Cuen, Coordinator of Hispanic Chaplaincy – USA, reports the following:

Los Capellanes Hispanos en Los Estados Unidos de America estan trabajando muy duro en todas las areas de necesidad en las comunidades de las diferentes ciudades y regiones del pais.

Los Seminarios de capacitacion siguen siendo una herramienta de bendicion para los cristianos que quieren salir de las cuatro paredes para impactar su medio ambiente y es por ese motivo que son un exito en cada plaza en donde se presenta la Comision de Capellanes para dar sus entrenamientos intensivos.

Al momento ya tenemos mas de 300 capellanes hispanos graduados en un periodo de 12 meses lo que ha establecido un record historico en la oficina de la Comision en Cleveland TN. por lo que le damos toda la Honra y la Gloria a Nuestro Senor Jesucristo. y muchos de estos ya estan bien activos tanto en el area religiosa como en la secular.

La Capellan Martha Herrera de Chicago, Illinois, esta realizando trabajo de consejeria a mujeres.

El Capellan Mike Aponte de Chicago, Illinois, esta trabajando en la carcel del condado Cook.

El Capellan Obed Diaz de Cicero, Illinois, esta realizando un trabajo dentro del programa de alimentacion a los desamparados de la calle.

El Capellan Angel M. Lopez de Chicago, Illinois, esta trabajando en el Hospital General.

El Capellan Angel Najera de Maywood, Illinois, estuvo visitando el asilo de ancianos del sur de su ciudad.

Como podemos ver un ejercito de servidores se esta levantando llevando la bandera del Evangelio de Jesus y el Ministerio Poderoso de la Presencia llenos del Espiritu Santo y tocando nuestras comunidades por dondequiera que pasamos …aleluya!

Busca la proxima fecha de certificacion en el area en donde vives, muy seguramente La Comision De Capellanes estara cerca de tu ciudad muy pronto. tambien puedes preguntarle a tu Obispo Administrativo del proximo seminario de Capellania de Servicio Comunitario en tu Region. Dios te Bendiga Abundantemente Siempre.

More Upcoming Classes: Please check the website for current and upcoming classes to be conducted:

I would like to mention that I have just submitted an After Action report of a number of Chaplains who responded to the tornadoes, floods and devastation in the South. Now we have CSC Chaplains like Law Enforcement Chaplain Sam Saylor and Dan Sweeney of Bismarck, North Dakota, who are presently fighting to keep their community from the flooding from the Missouri River. Please remember all areas of our country. Some areas receive more “press” than others, as the devastation may be more dramatic or life threatening, but nonetheless, the human suffering and tragedy that is being experienced across our nation is being responded to by God-fearing, well-trained men and women of faith known as Community Service Chaplains.

Dr. Jake Popejoy
Coordinator, Training and Community Service Chaplains