Chaplaincy
REST STOP: Reflections of a chaplain approaching the off-ramp
REST STOP: Reflections of a chaplain approaching the off-ramp By Gordon Ruddick, Hospital Chaplain, Oregon I am drawn to wounded people. I am curious when I see the limp, the hesitation, the crooked smile. The shadow in the eyes. The holding back in the heart. And of course, it is my own wounds that give…
Read MoreUpdate: Long Distance Hiker Chaplain takes a Lunch Break with High Schoolers
Update: Long Distance Hiker Chaplain takes a Lunch Break with High Schoolers By Dennis Newton, Chaplain & Coordinator Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Randy, Thanks for the encouragement. I had a great time today feeding hikers hot dogs and sodas. A Christian High School Summer Hiking Camp came in and I got to invite them over…
Read MoreSettling In: Participating In Korean Memorial Day Ceremony
Settling In: Participating In Korean Memorial Day Ceremony By Chaplain Greg Uvila, US Marine Corps, ROK Military Chaplains change assignments every two to four years. One chaplain recently transferred from the Pacific Northwest (Eastern Pacific) to the Republic of Korea (Western Pacific) in time to participate in his host nation’s Memorial Day Ceremony. Following is…
Read MoreSPIRITUAL RESILIENCY TRIPS: JORDAN AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 2020
SPIRITUAL RESILIENCY TRIPS: JORDAN AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 2020 By Chaplain Adam Kawaguchi, US Army Reserve “DUDE! BAPTISMS IN THE JORDAN RIVER On the itinerary, the Jordan River, Mount Nebo, Madaba and Machaerus represent the most biblical of the sites in Jordan. Jerash has some early churches, Umm Qais is traditionally the site of the demon-possessed…
Read MoreSubmarine Veterans Chaplain Wins Souls and Saves a Life in the Process
Submarine Veterans Chaplain Wins Souls and Saves a Life in the Process By Assoc. Dir. Andy Meverden & Myra Meverden, RN, Chaplain, Rocky Mountain Submarine Veterans, Denver, Colorado Since January 2015, as director, and since April of 2020 as associate director, I’ve visited VCN chaplains across America. It’s been exciting to see our chaplains and…
Read More“Raise your Right Hand”: One Pastor’s Journey to Commissioning
“Raise your Right Hand”: One Pastor’s Journey to Commissioning By Pastor Ryan Faust, Chaplain, US Navy Reserve Here is my journey: When I was a kid, I always wanted to join the military. For various reasons, my parents convinced me not to join. So, I went to college instead, got married, and felt called into…
Read MoreHealing Hero Award: Recently endorsed VCN Chaplain Goes Above and Beyond
Healing Hero Award: Recently endorsed VCN Chaplain Goes Above and Beyond Humbly submitted by Chaplain Scott Boyles, Bristol Regional Medical Center, Bristol, TNorse One of our newly endorsed hospital chaplains forwarded the following recognition: Randy,  I hope all is well with you! Thank you so much for remembering my birthday last month! I know it’s…
Read MoreFun Run for the Son: All American Chapel Team hold Heaven-Class Event
Fun Run for the Son: All American Chapel Team hold Heaven-Class Event By Sean Callahan, Army Chaplain at Fort Bragg, NC On Saturday, 3 July, All American Chapel Protestant Service hosted a 4 Mile Family Fun Run on Fort Bragg. For weeks leading up to the event, we advertised at the chapel and on social…
Read MorePenultimate Chaplain Visit: Chaplain Retires on a Blessing!
Penultimate Chaplain Visit: Chaplain Retires on a Blessing! By Chaplain Jim McMillan & Andy Meverden, Associate Director Good afternoon, Andy, Today I am honored to pray for you, Myra and your ongoing faithful service to our Lord and His kingdom. I have been praying for your health needs as well as enjoyment in your retirement…
Read MoreSeason of Uncertainty and Trouble: Chaplain shares message of hope with listening ears
Season of Uncertainty and Trouble: Chaplain shares message of hope with listening ears By John Hatfield, Chaplain, Rhode Island National Guard A man has joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! (Proverbs 15:23) It has been a tremendous blessing to proclaim the excellency of…
Read MorePastor Quietly Returns to Pulpit after Military Deployment
Pastor Quietly Returns to Pulpit after Military Deployment By Greg Klein Staff Writer, The Daily Star It is a big deal for a church to send its pastor off on deployment. It is less common to hear about their return. “Chaplain (Maj.) Timothy Miller of the New York Army National Guard, who is also the…
Read MoreMaking Airborne Disciples: Paratroopers Dig Deeper in God’s Word
Making Airborne Disciples: Paratroopers Dig Deeper in God’s Word By Sean Callahan, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC Our travel schedule remained as busy as ever for this quarter, but one incredible blessing was the increase in one-on-one discipleship meetings each week. I have several Paratroopers that I meet with on a regular basis, and…
Read MoreWould He Have Ridden a Motorcycle? – Chaplain Reaches Bikers for Jesus
Would He Have Ridden a Motorcycle? – Chaplain Reaches Bikers for Jesus By Shawn Taylor, Motorcycle Chaplain, Phoenix, AZ The Christian Motorcycle Association has a pamphlet with the title; “He Would Have Ridden a Motorcycle.”  The inside text continues… “Jesus The Biker: He was a lot like you and me. The government didn’t like him. …
Read Morelessons on ministry longevity
Finishing Well: Associate Director shares lessons on ministry longevity By Andy Meverden, Associate Endorser Proverbs 20:29 “The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.” Old age has its moments. In addition to its aches and pains, God grants opportunities for continued service to upcoming generations of chaplains. On…
Read MoreChaplain’s New Book, The Jezebel Syndrome
Chaplain’s New Book, The Jezebel Syndrome, Strikes Nerve at Navy Consolidated Brig, Miramar. By Chaplain Daniel Klender A primary objective of mine since arriving at Navy Consolidated Brig (NAVCONBRIG) Miramar twenty-six months ago, was to provide the prisoners and staff with quality ministry, while simultaneously supplying ministry resources that will be available to prisoners long…
Read MorePromoting Daddy: Chaplain’s Family organizes God-honoring celebration.
Promoting Daddy: Chaplain’s Family organizes God-honoring celebration. By Andy Meverden, Associate Endorser In Romans 12:15, Paul wrote:“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” 2020 was a uniquely challenging year, for all of us, including our VCN chaplains, so when good things happen, we need to rejoice. February 10, 2021 was such a…
Read MoreSpiritual Reality: Chaplain Leads Soldier to Christ Virtually
2020 was a difficult year for the students at The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) at the Presidio of Monterey (POM). Starting mid-March 2020, all the classes were conducted virtually. I am also teaching my world religion classes virtually through Microsoft Teams (MS Teams). Our chapel services have also gone virtual. Â It has…
Read MoreMinistry in Austerity: Making the Most out of a Difficult Situation
By Chaplain Sean Callahan, US Army, Middle East The greatest blessing this quarter has been to minister to our Paratroopers in a very austere environment in the Middle East. There are no other Chaplains in my area of operation, and only occasionally do we have one pass through to provide support to some of our…
Read MoreVeterans Day Ministry: Retired/Redeployed Chaplains Wear the Uniform with Pride
By Andy Meverden with updates from Chaplains, Colonel (Retired) Bob Hicks & Wylie Johnson One of my continuing duties as Associate Director of Chaplaincy is to scan chaplain reports and correspondence for stories to post on our webpage. Serving a network of humble and busy chaplains, it’s often a challenge to get them to tell…
Read MoreMotorcycle Chaplain Vies for Dream Chopper: How cool is this?
By Shawn Taylor, Motorcycle Club Chaplain, Phoenix, AZ Brothers and Sisters in Christ I need your vote! I recently entered and was accepted for the chance to win a custom chopper built by Paul Teutul Sr. and Orange County Choppers. The competition is called Dream Chopper. Those who know me I have a passion for…
Read MoreMobilized for Ministry: Guard Chaplain Points Soldiers to the Master
By Chaplain John Hatfield, Rhode Island National Guard Matthew 8:27 “… even the winds and the sea obey him!” This past quarter I have been blessed by the LORD in many ways. I was activated for the Rhode Island National Guard back in March and have been serving as Brigade Chaplain for the COVID mission…
Read MoreDeployed Chaplain Encourages Local Missionary-Pastor in War-torn Balkans
By Chaplain Jason Dong, Oregon Army National Guard, Kosovo Dear Friends, Greetings! I hope this finds you well and standing on the promises of God day by day. COVID cases among the Kosovo population are going down so that is a good sign. However, we continue to have positive tests among our multinational partners. Despite continuing…
Read MoreGrowing Through Adversity
”Growing Through Adversity” is a documentary in which several couples share their personal, often challenging, marriage experiences, to provide encouragement to others who want to build strong marriages. U.S. Army Chaplain Corps and Army Leaders, as well as other special guests, open up their lives to the audience, to share a path forward during these…
Read MoreCB Chaplains Team Up to Provide Ministry in Middle East
By Chaplain Tim Miller, New York Army National Guard, Middle East This quarter I was able to answer the call from CH (MAJ) Adam Kawaguchi to help provide religious support to U.S. Military forces in Jordan. Adam has become a good friend and co-laborer. Between the two of us and our NCO’s we have been…
Read MoreLiving With the End in View: A Timely Book for the Miramar Brig
By Chaplain Dan Klender, USN, Miramar Marine Corps Naval Air Station While transiting back to the states from the British Indian Ocean Territories in October 2018, I spent ten days in Yokosuka, Japan. While there, I was able to fellowship with one of our great Navy chaplains, Jonathan Stephens, and his lovely family. After an…
Read MorePandemic Ministry: Air Force Chaplains baptize and disciple despite challenges
By Chaplain Steve Kim, USAF, Sheppard AFB, TX Greetings Sir/Gentlemen, I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July!!! The base commander had a fireworks show on base where we could see it from our driveway (on base) – it was great!! My Wing (senior supervisory) Chaplain retired – it was tough to see him…
Read MoreNew Dress Code for Hospital Chaplains: COVID-19 PPE
By Chaplain Gordon Ruddick, Peace Health Medical Center, Springfield, Oregon As chaplains, we’ve always been required to wear “business casual” to work. Still true. Now, though,  there’s a new addition. All employees are required to wear a yellow, slightly itchy, hospital mask during our workday. In order to enter one of only three entrances we…
Read MoreHe Was There
Chaplain response to NAS Pensacola terrorist attack By Chaplain Nick Dewhurst, US Navy Reserve, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida On Friday December 6, 2019, there was an attack on students at Naval Air Station Pensacola. At the time, the news reported over 11 hurt and several fatalities. The moment I heard of the events, I…
Read MoreIt’s Who You Know
Retired Chaplain Rivals the Energizer Bunny By Chaplain Bob Hicks, USAF, Retired & FBI Volunteer Cars, Taxis, & Walking CRU International Report 2019 Unlike years’ past, this 2019 found me serving the military in four countries. It was a very busy fall schedule taking me to Canada, Ukraine, Israel and Kenya. Kingston, Ontario, Canada Through…
Read MoreChat with Chaplain
Finding Hope in the Midst of Crisis By Chaplain Evan Spencer, Salem VA Medical Center, Salem, Virginia Here’s how one VA chaplain reaches out to confined patients…through closed circuit TV (CCTV) Welcome, and thanks for joining us! Hi, I’m Chaplain Evan Spencer and I’d like to talk to you today about finding hope in the…
Read MoreKeeping Distance in Kosovo
COVID-19 impact on life and ministry By Chaplain Jason Dong, Oregon Army National Guard, Deployed Greetings from Kosovo! Unfortunately, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 occurred on one of our bases here in Kosovo. (Approximately 60 cases have been reported in Kosovo with 1 death.) Restrictions on movement and social interaction where I’m located have…
Read MoreJesus our Hero
Pastor-friend’s long-term prayer for chaplain-friend By Chaplain Greg Uvila, LCDR, US Navy,Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, WA Recently at the CBNW annual enrichment conference we experienced phenomenal preaching and teaching by Pastor Jeff Vandestelt. He wisely articulated what “Everyday Evangelism” is. Pastor Jeff challenged us in many important ways; particularly one stuck like…
Read MoreMinistry in the Balkans
Guard chaplain supports peacekeepers in Kosovo By Chaplain Jason Dong, Oregon Army National Guard, Deployed Greetings from Kosovo! I hope this finds you in peace and good health. We arrived in Kosovo five days ago. Unfortunately, I’ve already become quite sick as the poor air quality reignited by chronic sinusitis into an infection. Due to…
Read MoreLingering Longer with the Lord
Chaplain preps himself for divine duty By Chaplain Dan Wilton, Illinois Air National Guard, Deployed My first deployment was full of many wonderful demonstrations of God’s faithful presence and gracious empowering. Nearly every day I saw God grow in me a greater desire to be obedient to His Spirit in what, when, and how I would…
Read MoreLittle Eyes Are Watching
How a Navy Chaplain’s wife supports her husband By Chaplain Jonathan Stephens, US Navy, 7th Fleet, Yokosuka, Japan When her first child was only six months old, Melissa’s husband received orders to the Forward Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF) in the 7th Fleet at Yokosuka, Japan. After the three of them arrived, it was only two…
Read MoreLast-minute Good-byes
Text reply from recently released inmate By Jerry Levizon, Chaplain to female inmates, Pacific Northwest This New Year’s Day I woke up early to take Misty to the train station in Klamath Falls Oregon. On Monday December 30, Misty was released from jail after serving 6 months. I began visiting Misty in jail three months…
Read MorePersing Pioneer
by Phil Persing Whew! 2019 is now history! Reflecting on the past year,  it’s difficult to imagine that God could have packed any more excitement into it for our family. The year began with a much needed reunion, as Phil returned from his nine-month deployment to Iraq on January 14. We enjoyed a family getaway…
Read MoreUnorthodox Thanksgiving
Ten-hour Pass during Ranger School By Chaplain Sean Callahan, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina This year, Thanksgiving was quite unorthodox, both for our family and our ministry. I started Ranger School in early November, and after receiving a “no-go” on patrols, received the news that I would be a Darby recycle for next…
Read MoreWhere Do I Start?
From Local Church Ministry to Prison Chaplaincy By Chaplain Joel Van Sant, Federal Bureau of Prisons Where Do I Start? This is the question that was in the front of my mind when the Lord began to lead me from local church ministry to prison chaplaincy. Where do I start? I knew that there would…
Read MoreOn the Verge of Something Great
Army Chaplains launch new ministry outreach By Chaplains Sean Callahan and Daniel Werho, US Army, Fort Bragg, NC Our greatest blessing this quarter has been the new Verge service launched here at Fort Bragg. This ministry was a product of much labor, prayer, guidance by the Holy Spirit, and the leadership of fellow CBAmerica Chaplain…
Read MoreThe Highs and the Lows
Chaplain Reflects on Blessings and Challenges By Chaplain Roy Fondren, USN/USMC, Okinawa Greatest blessing of quarter… There are many; but I’ll zone in on one. As a former Marine Infantry Officer, being in the urban training areas/field is what we do! And the ultimate auditor of a Marine’s fitness (Tactical, Physical, Emotional) is war! And…
Read MoreTouching Letters…Touching Lives
Ministry’s light in life’s darkest moments Subject: Touching Letters Dear Chaplain Meverden, Of all the thank-you letters I have received, this has touched me the most. The family requested me to pray for their dying retired Naval Officer before the doctor/nurse unplugged the life support. After I officiated a Memorial Service for one of our…
Read MoreG’day Mate!
US Navy Chaplain Ministers Down Under By Chaplain Ted Shields, US Navy, Australia “G’day mate!,” was the greeting I received when I walked in the chapel tent at Tiger Hill. Tiger Hill was one of several bases that were established to support Talisman Sabre 2019. Talisman Saber involves joint exercises performed by more than 34,000…
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