Church of God Chaplains Commission

The Church of God Evangel has just arrived in most mailboxes revealing an outstanding review of Chaplaincy from many vantage points. Publisher Terry Hart and Editor Lance Colkmire are to be commended for their graciousness in giving us the space to update the church on the magnificent work of Church of God Chaplains around the world.

I especially want to thank Dr. Richard Pace for taking the lead for these past months in helping us to gather such an array of information. The amount of areas we wanted to cover would perhaps have required a large volume, however, when the time came for us to make the final selections of articles, it seemed most appropriate to turn our attention to the areas that would cover moments dedicated to detailing our Chaplaincy Outreach.

We wanted this edition to allow us to honor our first female military chaplain promoted to Major in the Army, hear from our chaplains serving in war zones, recognize one of our most outstanding CMC churches, gain insight concerning CPE Supervisors, acknowledge our business/corporate chaplains and a host of other important ministries of the Chaplaincy!

Also, I wish to congratulate Chaplain (Dr.) Richard Pace who has successfully graduated with his Doctorate of Ministries degree from the Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He did an outstanding job in defending his dissertation and now is getting a degree in completing the building of their new home which is perhaps one of the most challenging efforts for any one. God bless you Richard and Brenda, we are so thankful you are here.

One more item is also important to me. Dr. Bill Leonard, Coordinator of Ministerial Care, who works closely with the commission, is attending the Association of Christian Counselors Conference in Nashville, Tennessee where some 7,000 attendees are present. This organization has over 50,000 members and tomorrow morning he will be awarded the “Christian Counselor of the Year Award” for his area of expertise (4 levels are honored). He has been informed that this is the first time ever that a Pentecostal Counselor has received this award. We are here to honor him because he represents what so many of us do week after week. Congratulations Brother Bill!

Donnie W. Smith, D. Min.
Director

Vocational Chaplaincy News

Since the end of the Korean War, North Korea and South Korea have been divided by a strip of land that runs the length of the border between the two nations known as the DMZ. The purpose of the DMZ is to keep the militaries of the two nations separated by a two-mile wide space in order to reduce conflict. The DMZ is heavily guarded and mined on both sides to prevent intrusion by either side.

The DMZ is a visual reminder that we live in a violent and volatile world. In addition, it is a barrier that has separated families. It has become a hostile uninhabitable strip of real estate, at least for humans. The DMZ has a positive aspect. It has become an environmental safe haven for many endangered species of animals. There are some animals, like the Asiatic Black Bear, that can be found nowhere on the Korean Peninsula except in the DMZ.
Chaplains provide a type of safe haven for those who have been hurt. In the midst of pain, separation, and hopelessness, chaplains bring a message of love and acceptance. No matter how difficult a situation may be, I am thankful that Church of God Chaplains are there to minister to those in need. Thank you for all you do in the name of the Lord.

News from the Field

Congratulations to Air Force Chaplain Gloria Tyner Bun, who will be promoted to the rank of Major on October 1st. Gloria joins Army Chaplain Megan Hodge as our second female chaplain in the rank of Major.

Congratulations to Army Chaplain (CPT) Russell Sanders who was selected for Active Duty. Russell has served as a Reserve Chaplain for the past year.

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

Community Service Chaplaincy News

Community Service Chaplains are probably the most faithful and dedicated individuals that are found anywhere. Reports and activities continue to come into our office with astounding testimonies and reports of ministry and community support. Americans, Canadians, Europeans, Asians, Filipinos, South Africans, etc, are all part of this great ministry we call, Community Service Chaplaincy.

I am in Toronto, Ontario, this week training a group of Chaplains who will become the training cadre for our Canadian Disaster Chaplains. Administrative Bishop Daniel Vassell and Chaplaincy Coordinator Chris Sandru carefully chose this group of men and women who will become the first Community Emergency Response Team Chaplains (CERT) for the Church of God in Canada.

Updates from the Field

Community Service Chaplain Dolores Ann Fox, Naples, Florida, reports, “I continue to counsel, pray for and encourage relatives and nurses at a nursing home where I work every night seven nights a week also praying for the sick at all the hospitals in our city as I am called on to do so. It is an AWESOME privilege!”

Community Service Chaplain Welton Wriston, Cleveland, Tennessee, continues to do ministry and chaplaincy at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary. Welton is a great recruiter for Chaplaincy.

Community Service Chaplain H. W. Rutledge, Kenner, Louisiana, has a special request to the Chaplains Commission and this network of colleagues. He requests in his last report, “Pray for the City of New Orleans. There is a spirit of murder over this city as people continue to kill and murder each other.” Let’s seriously remember this prayer request from Chaplain Rutledge.

Community Service Chaplain Nancy Hansen, Norwalk, Iowa, asks for special prayer for a teenager with whom she is working. She prays that this young person will be free from the influence and attitudes of “gangs”.

Community Service Chaplain Hilton Brannan, Cleveland, Tennessee, has several important prayer requests regarding his sons. Also, Chaplain Brannan continues monthly services at Life Care with residents.

Community Service Chaplain Lee Patterson, Indiana, reported in by telephone this month and shared several encouraging testimonies and ministry blessings. I have asked Lee to make a small report to share with you. I am sure you will be very blessed by his ministry. Thanks Lee, for all that you are doing in Chaplaincy ministry.

Fire Chaplain Michael White, Fruitland, Maryland, reports, “I was at my post during the “Irene” Storm in the Communication Center for FIRE, Police and EMS agencies. I was there to assist in any way needed such as morale booster and guide for one of the National Guard vehicles when responding to calls in the area. I was also busy in the kitchen with food preparation for the meals served during the storm. I was there pretty much for a 24 hr time period to be a support to the agencies that were on duty during that time. I was asked to give a prayer in the preparation meeting for God’s safety during the storm the night before.”

Dr. Jake Popejoy
Coordinator, Training and Community Service Chaplains