It's been a little while since my last blog, and I apologize for that. Let me begin by sharing how humbled I am by those who continue to send me cards, e-mails & texts of encouragement, and mention my name in prayer. I will never be able to tell you how touched I am. Just today I had 2 cards in the mail from 2 of my church members at NHBC. I dare not try and mention everyone by name who has blessed in such ways, but just know that I am indeed humbled by your efforts.
In a few weeks it will be Thanksgiving, and one of the projects that I have been working on is providing winter items, such as blankets and jackets, for orphans at an orphanage that we support. I mentioned this project in a blog some time back and I was blessed as I was contacted by 3 ministries that wanted to volunteer their efforts to supply these needs. I have received jackets and other winter items from Sandy Creek Baptist Church and Greenwell Springs Baptist Church Early Learning Center. I want to thank BJ Baxley and Jancie Corie, as well as all those who worked with them for their gifts and support. I will post pictures of the kids with their coats and other winter items once we present them to the orphans.
My home church, New Hebron Baptist Church, generously offered to provide blankets and other winter items for the orphans. They made "fleece-tie" blankets, and then Ginger Calhoun personalized each blanket by embroidering each child's name on their own personal blanket. I would like to thank Ginger Calhoun and the entire NHBC family for their generosity. I look forward to sharing your gifts and sending you the pictures.
I received a great surprise from Ginger's mom, Mrs. Nell Calhoun. She and her ladies made crochet sock hats for all the kids.
I am most grateful to SCBC, GSBC, and NHBC for your prayers, encouragement, and generosity. I will never be able to repay your generosity, but I also know that it was never about me - it was always about the Kingdom of God and for His glory!
Serving as a Chaplain of the Gospel Service is an unique experience. I have been blessed to see many decisions made on a regular basis. This past Sunday I was blessed to baptize 3 Soldiers who embraced Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Please pray that God will continue to move through the Holy Spirit to draw people unto Jesus!
The most recent highlight of my ministry here was the opportunity to lay hands and pray over my boss, a Brigadier General (BG). He is a godly Christian man who not only shepherds our Command in a manner that honors the Lord through his integrity and character, but also leads His family as the priest of his home. I am blessed to serve as his chaplain. I have learned a lot from him. I have been told by many that this opportunity to serve as a Command Chaplain on a BG's staff is an opportunity that no other Captain in the Army could imagine...though that might be somewhat true, to me the greater privilege is to serve under such godly leadership and have the opportunity to pray over & for him. My CG (Commanding General) told me how touched he was that I prayed over him. As I told him, I am his Chaplain and we all stand in need of prayer - he more so than anyone in our Command due to his position. This experience touched me deeply - more than I can convey in words.
I honestly must say I feel completely inadequate for the calling that God has placed on my life to serve both as a Pastor and a Chaplain. Through these ministries I have had the opportunity to both leave an imprint on the lives of those around me and also be imprinted by them. So many people have been instrumental in advancing the ministry God has called me to and in doing so they have advanced the Gospel of Jesus Christ. One of my Soldiers asked me recently why did I choose the Army as a Chaplain - to me it's simple. The Army affords me the unique opportunity to be embedded with my Soldiers - we chew the same dirt, walk the same roads, live in the same tents, eat the same MRE's - we basically do life together. And although they do come to my office regularly, they do not have to wait to see me, b/c I am always wherever they are. The ministry of presence is of the greatest importance as a Chaplain. I thank God daily for the calling of the ministry.
Family and friends, I anxiously await the opportunity to see each of you again. Please feel free to e-mail or FB me (srevjds@gmail.com) anytime & as often as you like.
A Fellow Pilgrim,
Joe
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