As far as my specific responsibilities at SOCKOR, I am learning a great amount about being a more effective staff officer. As a reservist who normally drills once per month and has annual training once per year, we spend more time on religious support than being a staff officer due to the time constraints. Here as the Command Chaplain, a role I was not expecting, I spend 60% of my time working on staff officer items and the remainder on religious support. That is not to stay that being a good staff officer is not religious in nature - it is, but it is much more administrative in nature. I feel that being thrust into this role is challenging me to grow and mature in my role as a Chaplain. Additionally I believe the skills I am learning here are making me a more effective pastor.
On the religious support side, I have just been asked by our Garrison Chaplain to pastor at the Gospel Service. This is unique and exciting role for me that continues to challenge me as a chaplain and pastor. Traditionally, I fall into a more contemporary worship or a blended setting. The Gospel service is an exciting worship service filled with swaying Gospel choirs, strong worship through music, congregations dressed to the 9's, and ushers with white gloves. One of the things that I love about this service is that the congregation preaches back at you. To say that they are expressive would be an understatement. I was wore slap out the last time I preached in this service. They preached me to death (in a good way). Please pray for me as I have the honor and privilege to serve as a pastor to such a great congregation. Pray that I may maintain a humble and teachable spirit. Pray that I will be a pliable tool in the hands of my Savior as He seeks to move in and through me to accomplish His perfect will in this congregations life.
As the first Command Chaplain at SOCKOR, I have a massive task in front on me to create a Religious Support Plan were there was none existing. Previously, they received Chaplain support from 8th AR Chaplains, but none that were specifically tasked to be there Chaplain. I am working with our Command leadership and our Command JAG to vet all our Religious Support Plan. God is using me to provide a great amount of counseling. Please pray that I rely on the Lord for wisdom and possess a discerning spirit in all these areas of ministry.
Yesterday was my wife's birthday. I wish I could have been in the states to celebrate with her, but I was able to visit with her via Facetime and phone. She was truly blessed to have our kids and the Roots (Matt, Kristen, and the gang) there to celebrate with her. I am grateful for the great support that has been show to my wife and family in my absence.
On a lighter note, I adopted a 2 y/o Shihtzu, who I named Huck Finn (I call him Finn). He is a great companion that makes coming home a little more enjoyable. It is nice not to come home to an empty house. Although I would rather have my family with me, Finn will have to do for right now.
I plan on coming home in DEC. I have to go to the Joint Special Operations University for a class, and then from there I will take leave for a week and spend it at home with my wife and kids. I am so looking forward to that opportunity.
Please continue to pray for our church at NHBC. Since I left we lost a special Senior Adult couple who went to be with Jesus w/in days of each other; we have had several medical issues; some facing challenges relating to cancer, etc... Yet, even in light of all of this the Lord has shown Himself mighty and strong in the lives of the believers gathered there. I am very grateful to our staff - Brock, Christine, Duffey, Vida, and Kara. Additionally I am most grateful to Ronnie Whitten who is once again blessing the church with his pastoral gifts as he leads the SUN PM services. Please pray for the NHBC staff as they advance the Kingdom of God there in Elysian Fields.
I was excited to hear that our Jackets won their 3rd straight football game. Way to keep fighting through growing pains and adversity.
I have enjoyed hearing how each of my kids is doing great in their respective areas. Court is doing a wonderful job living on her own and maintaining a challenging collegiate schedule. She is truly a special young woman. Jonah is having a great year at school. Every time I talk to him he expresses his excitement at what he is learning. Abby has been on the move - quite literally. She has been to Orlando and Los Angeles singing and acting. Great experiences. She has been having a great time playing volleyball on the 7th grade B team. Lil' E never stops - school is going well for him, and he is in the throws of Stingers Football. Apparently he was laying the wood this past Saturday as he told me how many guys he laid out and the one he knocked the helmet off of. I am a rich man - God has blessed me with a great family.
I would be remiss if I didn't brag on my wife, Karlyn. She is managing our family on her own - strength beyond words. She is in her 2nd semester in Nursing school and is working hard to achieve her goals. I am so proud of her. I definitely out punted my coverage when I married her.
Lastly, I ask that you continue to pray for me and my family. We covet your prayers and are thankful for your support. Please do not hesitate to e-mail me at srevjds@gmail.com. I may also be reached via snail mail at:
CH(CPT) Joe Sherwin
PSC 303, Box 97
APO, AP 96204
If mailing, please address exactly as written above. Please remember it may take weeks to arrive here from the states. You may want to place a tracker on any packages sent, because it is not uncommon for items to be lost between the APO in San Francisco and Yongsan Army Garrison.
A Fellow Pilgrim,
Joe
