[…]with the kids. 1600 Kim and Kari Ann Hawthorne, Spring Canyon, and Clay and Marty Thomas/Paul and Dawn Robyn, White Sulphur Springs Finishing up nearly twenty-five years of successful ministry, Clay and Marty Thomas have hundreds of details to work through during the transition at White Sulphur Springs. Through the changing seasons of OCF Conference Center ministry, one thing never ceases: the living waters of Christ continually flow out of it and into the lives of hundreds of military service men and women and their families. For Kim and Kari Ann, and Paul and Dawn—all quenched by OCF’s conference […]
[…]like this one, “I only see hearts.” Nothing on the outside of people seemed to matter to Him. Paul wrote, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28). Paul shows exactly what matters to Jesus; not what you are or where you are, but who you are and where you’re going. You’re probably saying to yourself that it sure seems that whites get promoted faster and that minorities have a better chance at scholarships. Well, as my wife says, you can’t battle racism with more racism. […]
by Maj Paul Scott, USAF It was early afternoon and things were going my way. I had knocked out a couple work-related errands and was returning to the office. As I walked to my desk, I saw a blank yellow sticky note on my computer monitor–shorthand between me and my office mates for “your wife called.” When I returned Heather’s call, her normally steady voice cracked as she said, “Come home.” Right away I knew she had received the medical results–I told her I loved her and I was on my way. As I bolted from the office, I caught my […]
[…]that they are all under the ultimate command of their spiritual CINC–Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul said, “Join with others in following my example” (Philippians 3:17) and “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9). Spiritual UOC works when Christians look to their leaders and follow them as they follow Christ. The military may have learned more regarding unity during the last twenty-five years than the church has. The expeditionary nature of today’s military involves multiple deployments of units from all […]
[…]The essence of integrating faith and profession is in finding a practical and workable response to Paul’s exhortation: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”(Romans 12:2). Ambassadorship 201 Influence other leaders; healthy relationships and shared experiences. As your leadership experience and reputation grow, you will be selected for positions where you impact the organization by leading the leaders rather than the doers. An OCF installation-level ministry is like this as well, where your job is to encourage others through relationships of trust in an environment of grace. […]
[…]with God, the example He set constantly, He showed exactly how we should act. In 2 Corinthians 6:3 Paul says, “We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path so that our ministry may not be discredited.” Like Paul, through our walk with Christ, and our demonstration of our faith to others, people should not be turned away from the ministry of God. They should see what right looks like in us. Professional Development As military professionals we are often guided by the lessons we learn from past conflicts and operations. Professional development is an ongoing process for any officer, noncommissioned […]
[…]into another phase of the battle here on earth and the greater battle in the heavenly realms. As Paul said in Ephesians 6:12, “for the struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” You are being placed at new battle stations aboard this military ship of life. Perhaps you are headed back into conflict in Iraq or Afghanistan. Your family will again settle in a new set of quarters, kids will anticipate new friends and a […]
