Church of God Chaplains Commission

It takes very little observation to realize that the government of the United States is deadlocked in a political battle over the issue of raising the debt ceiling; and obviously, there are numerous connected issues that can and will be attached to this congressional/administrative decision. One does not need to look far to note that these issues have already been debated in numerous countries and will continue to be so in the coming months. However, what concerns me most is what I am hearing out of many Christians in the wake of these financial problems.

I never knew how devoid we had become in the area of faith and how consumed we had become with fear. This is an unprecedented step backward for the Christian church. Jesus taught us to “fear not”. He further encouraged us by saying, “Peace I leave with you”. What’s so amazing about His words is the fact that He said these in the wake of His own impending death, one He knew would lead Him down a road of massive suffering and despair.

While it is certain that these tumultuous events will impact our chaplaincy ministry, as it already has, we must continue to be people of faith. As many of you know, some of our chaplains have already lost their Vocational positions due to budget cuts and it is certain others will; however, nothing surprises God. Before any of these events happened He was there! I am asking each of you to go back to the Word of God and once again re-kindle your faith in His promises. He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”. We have spent our lives preaching about faith. These are the days wherein we must demonstrate to the watching world how faith in action really works.

Today I am praying for God to open your eyes that you may see and ears that you may hear what the Spirit is saying to the church today. After all, you are the church. May the blessings of faith be yours today!

Donnie W. Smith, D. Min.
Director

Vocational Chaplaincy News

Pastor Joe Nelms, Baptist Church in Gladeville, Tennessee, made national news this week when he thanked God for his “smokin’ hot wife” in his invocation at the NASCAR race in Nashville. Since NASCAR is the only major sporting event to televise an invocation, the news spread quickly about Pastor Nelms’ prayer.

Vocational Chaplains, who are both ministers and staff members of an institution or organization, normally have greater freedom in offering public prayers than our civilian pastors who are restricted in the public arena by local laws and ordinances. In fact, chaplains are sometimes asked to pray atypical prayers. On more than one occasion, I have had an infantry Soldier standing with a group of fellow Soldiers on a range who asked for prayer, right there, right then, for his weapon in order to qualify on the range. Of course, I didn’t pray for the weapon, but I did pray for the Lord to help the Soldier to qualify and do his best.

Though we may have some out-of-the-norm prayers, Vocational Chaplains frequently incorporate prayer “inside” the institutions they serve. One great example is the prayer program Chaplain Henry Thomas leads at Providence Hospital. Henry covers the ICU’s and has routine prayer time for the patients and families. About 6 months ago, the nursing directors over the units asked for daily prayer at 0730. He states,

“All are welcome to join us, staff and families alike, as we join in and pray for the day and needs of the units. The response has been great. Other units are doing likewise. There is now an effort to send in prayer requests to an intranet site for the hospital and persons who are praying for the needs noted. Many persons pray in times of trouble, but many are praying and drawing closer to God. Prayer is changing lives and our hospital one person at a time.”

I thank the Lord for the powerful impact each of you have in the setting God has placed you in to minister as His representatives. You make a profound difference in the lives of those you minister to through preaching, teaching, counsel, advice, and prayers.

News from the Field

Congratulations to Army Chaplain (CPT) Daniel Isfan and his wife Diana on the birth of their daughter, Hannah Grace.

Correctional Chaplain Carol Johnson gives thanks to the Lord for His protection as she ministers in the midst of violent attacks and outbreaks in the prison. Remember to pray for all our correctional chaplains who interact with dangerous offenders on a daily basis.

Clinical Chaplain Brenda Presha, in her position as the Chairperson of the Chaplaincy Council for Egleston, Scottish Rite, and Hugh Spalding Children’s Hospital, coordinated a meeting with the newly formed Alliance of Pediatric Palliative Care of Georgia. The purpose of the alliance is to fill the gaps in the care for children in Georgia. Brenda is making a significant contribution in pastoral care to sick children.

Industrial Chaplain Roger Lafferty conducted eleven special services last month in the workplace. Through his sermons, Bible studies, and devotionals, he was able to see two individuals brought to Christ.

I thank the Lord for the help each of you bring to people facing a variety of challenges in their lives. There is great rejoicing in heaven when one of them comes to know the Lord as their Savior.

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

Community Service Chaplaincy News

Update from the Field

The summer is running its course and the life of a Community Service Chaplain really never catches up with all the things that we would “like” to do. I trust you are all blessed and experiencing the goodness of the Lord, even with the tremendous heat that has come upon most of our nation. Monday afternoon, I received a telephone call from Chaplain Sam Saylor, Regional Coordinator for the Northern Plains Chaplaincy Region. He expressed a great need for CSC volunteers to assist with the aftermath of the flooding in North Dakota, especially in the Minot area. Please be prayerful about this particular situation and keep all those affected by the flooding in your prayers.

Reports and Requests

Community Service Chaplain Arliss Beavers, Burnside, Kentucky, reports continued chaplaincy ministry in the group home and the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice. This is a maximum security facility for teens.

Community Service Chaplain Dorothy J. Roland, Madisonville, Kentucky, reports a very special time of ministry. She took the time to minister and counsel a woman who lost her pet, praying for her comfort and grief.

Community Service Chaplain Hazel Caldwell, Mableton, Georgia, reports using her 24 years in personal sales (Avon) to do ministry to a hurting world. Additionally, Hazel requests prayer for one of her close friends who suffered a fall.

Law Enforcement Chaplain Wilbert D. Nichols, Williamsburg, Ohio, reports continued chaplaincy ministries during “ride-a-longs” with the department officers.

Community Service Corrections Chaplain Ian Perry, St. Cloud, Florida, reports he is now serving as the Senior Chaplain in a Department of Corrections run facility in Kissimmee, Florida. Chaplain Perry is now serving two cities in chaplaincy ministry.

Community Service Chaplain Tim Fulmer, Jesup, Georgia, requests continued prayer for his personal recovery and his Chaplaincy/Sunday School program which he is doing at Mossy Oaks Extended Care Facility. We are praying for you Tim.

Community Service Chaplain Dorothy Edwards, Brooklyn, New York, reports her continued ministry at Brookdale Hospital in Brooklyn. Her chaplaincy ministry has her visiting the sick, praying for the hurting and grieving, as well as giving personal support to those in need.

Community Service Chaplain Desmond Khanoo, Brampton, Ontario, continues to do ministry among inmates at Ontario Correctional Institution. Please be in prayer with him for the needs of the inmates during their time of incarceration.

Community Service Chaplain Ruben Perez, Berwyn, Illinois, reports a fantastic ministry of outreach to the community every Saturday morning on a radio station. Wow, this is a great opportunity Ruben. Praise the Lord.

Dr. Jake Popejoy
Coordinator, Training and Community Service Chaplains