[…]of Christ. An ageless military axiom comes to mind — soldiers never leave their wounded or dead on the battlefield. These words apply here, and they have added urgency on the spiritual battlefield. You should know that your soul is just as precious to God as anyone’s, even after all you have done. It may be difficult to see now, but God is working His plan of justice and mercy through the pain and sadness. I don’t know where you are in the cycle of sin we see in the book of Judges (sin, suffering, seeking, salvation), but hopefully you […]
[…]Christianity.” Old war buddies came to visit me, trying to persuade me to discard “this crazy idea.” Others accused me of being an opportunist, embracing Christianity only for how it might impress the Americans. But time has proven them wrong. As an evangelist, I have traveled across Japan and the Orient introducing others to the One who changed my life. I would give anything to retract my actions at Pearl Harbor, but it is impossible. Instead, I work at striking the death-blow to the basic hatred that infests the human heart and causes such tragedies. And that hatred cannot be […]
[…]be compassionate and humble. –1 Peter 3:8 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. – Colossians […]
[…]As wives, we need to grow–to stretch to our utmost potential. Learning to handle finances, dealing with repairmen, buying or selling a house–all of these can be growing experiences. In his poem, “Good Timber” Douglas Malloch expresses a similar idea: Good timber does not grow in ease; The stronger wind, the tougher trees; The farther sky, the greater length; The more the storm, the more the strength… Don’t dwell on all the things you think are missing because of your husband’s absence. Concentrate instead on special activities that his absence makes possible. It is not uncommon to hear married women […]
[…]the most important factor that determines how a family facing the crisis of deployment or war will deal with its members’ fears. People often turn to God during crisis. In the media coverage during recent missions, there were constant public references to prayer and looking to God for help. Faith gives people the hope and courage they need to get through trials. The realization that you have no control over your circumstances may draw you to God for the first time, or possibly back to God. “The power is in the Person to whom faith clings. . . . The […]
[…]lead worship, counsel, teach troops, care pastorally for all, encourage ethical conduct, honor the dead, nurture the wounded, and give hope to the weary. But how’s that role fleshed out? I think you should expect a godly person who: Is honest and ethical Really cares about the people in the unit, willing to face opposition in order to make their lot more livable. Will die with you and will not run away. Will pray for and with you as you lie dying or wounded–willingly go where needed, no matter how dangerous that place may be. Knows the different religious practices […]
[…]your life will give you confidence to handle the weight of combat command and the courage to face death. This does not mean that you may not be killed. Jesus was Lord as much in my brother Jon’s life as he was in mine, but God allowed the North Vietnamese machine gun bullets to cut him down after only a few weeks in battle, while I survived fifteen months there with only a few scars. Nor does your faith mean you will never feel fear. It is part of our humanness–often a necessary and helpful part. In times of immediate […]
