Last Updated on June 26, 2018 by OCF Communications

by LTC J. Randy Carey, USA (Ret.)

  1. Have everyone in your Bible study write out his or her testimony. Share one with the group each week.
  2. Understand what OCF is all about. Promote the encouragement that can be gained from a group coming together to worship Almighty God.
  3. Participate in OCF retreats and conferences. White Sulphur Springs and Spring Canyon offer continuous programs such as retreats, family events, and Rocky Mountain High.
  4. Use OCF as a meeting place to network with Christians on your base, in your unit, on your ship. Post updates on the Internet.
  5. Consider journaling your walk with God. Include prayer requests and answers.
  6. Remember that God selected you to serve in the exact position you are in so that you might learn to speak the military “language” to communicate about God and His love for those in the service. You may be the only person to whom a soldier or sailor will listen to about Christ.
  7. Be the “aroma of Christ” (2 Cor. 2:14-6). Never do anything to cover up that aroma in an effort not to offend anyone. Ultimately, you will be the fragrance of life to those who are being saved.
  8. Develop healthy relationships. Seek out like-minded Christians and participate in a chapel, a church congregation, a Bible study, or para-church organization.
  9. Read the Bible and pray daily if possible. Do it like Physical Training. Find a prayer partner to get with every week.
  10. When you are given the opportunity to talk to your platoon/unit, tell them who you are and include in a matter of fact way that you are a Christian. Do not preach to them; you are not paid to do that. Just inform them of the “stuff” that helps you make decisions.
  11. Be physically fit and try to set the standard in military bearing and professionalism. Remember God will never give you a mission you can’t handle. Like Joshua, be strong and courageous, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Josh. 1:9).

LTC Randy Carey USA (Ret.) has a passion to see young officers get hooked up with OCF. His last active duty assignment was at Wheaton College, preparing young men and women to become competent leaders in today’s military.

Randy is now Midwest Regional Director for Project MedSend, a Christian organization that offers educational loan repayment grants to health care professionals, freeing them for service in medical missions. His best friend and wife Beth, and their three boys, Ryan, Tyler and Max live in Wheaton, IL.