[…]Bibles and neon power drinks. But together they are examining what the Bible says about leading wisely and handling temptation. 1800 The heartbeat of OCF—small group fellowships—are in full swing across the continental U.S. Deep in the heart of Texas, they’re enjoying the praise night underway at Fort Hood, an aspect of Aaron and Joyce Zook’s OCF ministry also serving as a garrison event in support of the chaplaincy. Aaron has melded a rich variety of worship styles into one unified Body of Christ worshipping God. The worship styles include traditional, contemporary, Hispanic, or gospel, as well as praise […]
[…]countless others. Through her questions and grief she made room for action by organizing and leading the Kansas City area chapter of the American Gold Star Mothers, remembrance walks, and a local veterans’ memorial to honor the sacrifices of soldiers and their families. When others in the community lost loved ones in their service to our nation, Diana was the first and arguably the most effective person rushing to their side with support. She has become a cherished friend and the community’s most productive healer to those who are alone, hurting, or suffering emotional wounds. We see in Diana what […]
by Captain Bill Weimer, United States Navy, Retired Military men and women are well acquainted with Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders that transfer them from one duty station to another across the globe. And as they will attest to, sponsors are crucial for such reassignments, those advocates welcoming them as they report to a new command by introducing them to command leaders and personnel, and befriending and making them feel at home. But what about the day when we transfer out of this world to that actual permanent change of station ahead on the horizon for every one […]
[…]Immorality.” That would make clear the error of his ways and with any luck I would soon be leading him in the sinner’s prayer. I eased back in my office chair with a sense of pride at my work for the cause of Christ. Looking for additional opportunities to “help,” I asked why he was getting a divorce in the first place. His response included a detailing of his wife’s two one-night-stands, the second one resulting in a pregnancy with baby due any day. My self-righteousness abated and my soul began to ache at the realization of my sin, […]
[…]act of service. Cornelius did not set out to be remembered. He had the responsibility of leading soldiers and his family. His devotion to God was neither a hinderance nor an after thought; it was his habit to beseech God on behalf of others and to do what was in his power to assist. A focused leader and faithful believer, Cornelius seamlessly integrated his faith with his profession and availed himself for God’s use. His characteristics as a “devout man” (Acts 10: 2) and his acts of prayer and giving alms pleased the Lord and are commemorated by Him. What […]
[…]emotions. What an honor and privilege it is to run this race alongside you–our military men and women and families–helping keep the light of Christ shining brightly to illuminate the paths of those around us walking in darkness. Join us! So let me once again ask, How is your Christ light shining in the places where He has you right now? If it’s dim, shout out and let OCF help rekindle its brightness. If it’s bright–use it to illuminate the paths of others toward Him who paid the ultimate price for […]
[…]to needs and preferences. Check the OCF website home page for Small Group Resources and click on Leading Small Groups for an article with excellent advice by Jon Harris. Topics include prayer, Bible study, relationships and preparation to lead. A downloadable PDF and other related articles are also available. If your OCF group is effectively meeting the participants’ needs, you will see the evidence of growing affection for each other and in their desire to share the experience with others. Important: To improve from there, OCF encourages that at least once a year the leader collect feedback by using the […]
[…]with OCF Specialty group—any of the models above but created specially for singles, women, senior officers, or whatever salient demographic at that location. Since you are OCF, your group will be what you make it at your duty station. Determine the need and start working to fill it. OCF’s website has great resources for starting/leading groups and finding other OCF groups near you. Or contact the home office link-up program for assistance. Let the home office know if you do begin a group, and encourage others in your group to officially join OCF—not just participate in an OCF group—so they can […]
