They Call Me Mister Tibbs

In 1970, Sidney Poitier starred in the movie, "They Call Me Mister Tibbs."  That title/line is one of the most famous and remembered lines of Poitier as he played a San Francisco policeman.   I was reminded of that line over the past week or so, b/c of the many names/ways I have been introduced or called by those in our command.  Treum eun Joe Ip Nida (sp)...which means my name is Joe, as I was told by a Korean family.  It's quite funny the names the Chaplain is called - there are the traditional ones: chaplain, chappy, chaps, or padre.  Although I was blessed by one Navy Officer in our command who introduced me as "Battle Chaps."  That one was new for me.  I rather like it.  We talk a lot about battle buddies in the military - those people who are quasi "Accountability Partners" for us.  I hope that I can live up to the title "Battle Chaps", one who is dependable and trustworthy.  Another Air Force Officer who is about to PCS in October calls me the "Rappin' Chaplain."  I like that too.

There have been many things happening since I last wrote.  I had the opportunity to spend the day with a Korean family, whom I had never met before.  Mr. Jae Seoung, his wife, Na Woon, and their 2 kids, Minji & Minsu blessed me by allowing me to spend 8 hours one Saturday with them as part of the Korean Home Visitation Program.  We ate a ton of traditional Korean food, which I loved.  We toured 2 Korean Imperial Palaces.  Additionally, I was able to see how they lived, ask questions about their culture, and work on my very limited Korean language skills.  They are truly a wonderful, young Korean family that I hope to spend some more time getting to know.

This morning I had my first opportunity to preach at the South Post Chapel in the 1100 service.  This is a blended Protestant service that lends itself to a somewhat high church feel.  I'm not sure they were ready for this South Louisiana via East Texas fiery Baptist preacher, but they got both barrels this morning.  I was blessed to be able to share the inerrant, infallible Word of God with them.  I had many after the service tell me that they were glad to have a traditional Baptist preacher bring the Word this morning - I assume that meant the change of pace was good.  Better than anything else though, I believe the Lord moved to touch hearts this morning.  I'm just glad I was able to be a part of His larger work of grace.  This upcoming Sunday I have been invited to preach at the Gospel service.  This is a traditional Southern Gospel type service, complete with strong (long) preaching, a Gospel choir (that sways as they sing), and ushers dressed to the nines with white gloves on.  I really am looking forward to that service.  As always I count it a privilege to share the Word of life whenever and wherever I am asked to share.

I continue to be grateful for the prayerful support and encouragement I receive from you.  People have asked what they can send.  Let me begin and say that if you send something in a box, please ensure the box has either no product markings on it or they are blacked out, so as to not delay shipment or have it returned.  Second, this past week I went as we delivered food baskets to a Catholic Korean orphanage. There are approximately 20 children ranging in age from grade school to high school living there.  It would be a great blessing to provide them some throw blankets for Christmas with their names on them.  I will gather the names and provide them via my next blog for those interested.  I was thinking those fleece tie blankets would be an excellent treat.  If interested, please e-mail me at srevjds@gmail.com.

I finally received my permanent orders this week, which means I can now go to housing & work on getting my villa.  I have begun to acquire household goods that I will need to set up house...dishes, silverware, etc...  I anxiously await the opportunity to move out of the Dragon Hill Lodge and into my permanent home for the next year.  Still have to decide whether to buy an old junker (cheap car).  My mountain bike is being shipped over, but during the monsoon and winter season it may not be the most practical form of transportation.  Additionally, not very efficient for grocery shopping or late night calls to the Base Hospital.  Pray that God would grant me wisdom in these areas.

As always, please continue to pray for my family, my church (New Hebron), and myself.  Love & miss y'all! (I have included 2 pictures of the Korean family I spent the day with)