And so the training has ended for me at the ROTC command.  To be honest it was a rather odd feeling on graduation day, knowing that I would be leaving this installation jobless.  A few nights before graduation I slept very little.  Up all night thinking about what comes next, where God would take me and what he had planned for me.  The other part of me was wanting and desiring a break, rest from having to make ministry decisions and simply hang out with old friends and family-which was about to happen.      

     The past few days have been rather trying. The unit, all 300 and sum cadets and cadre moved out to the field to conduct various exercises. This means no more tent cities and the ground below quickly becomes one's mattress and canopy of trees becomes your sheets. Unfortunately the packing list that was presented to the cadets was very minimal. I'm not sure why this was but the cadets did not have appropriate gear for the weather conditions they were bond to have. Yet, I know for myself all I had was my wet weather top and my sleeping bag, the sleeping bag is not water resistance at all. The other unfortunate business to all of this is that cadets have their leadership experience in a matter of hours instead of entire days. This means that these cadets literally have hours to gain experience, something that would be difficult for anyone. What is great to see is the high morale that many of these cadets have despite sleeping in the woods, having bugs crawling all over them, the loud noises of the forest at night and being rained upon. The ingenuity of many of these cadets as they make “gypsy tents” with their ponchos or what ever they have to keep themselves as dry as possible is simply great to see. Relationships are forged to the utmost degree as these cadets, who were strangers weeks ago, and are now sharing everything they have to provided some common comfort.

And so for a few nights I stayed outside with the cadets...and some times the birds of the trees blessed many of us with their songs a-l-l through the night -_- Simply put the conversations and counseling sessions here out in the sticks become the most down to earth as people so naturally turn their talks from what their favorite movie or food to God and matters of importance without any influence of me-”camping” has that affect on people you know. And that has been my prayer for so many nights, that these cadets would search for the Heavens and God himself, that they be developed in a fashion of heart searching and self discipline to reflect their current statues between them and God. Within days I can not tell you how many sessions I have had that regarded relationship with wives, boyfriends and girlfriends, the importance of marriage (especially with the recent ruling by the Supreme Court), respecting leadership, why I became a Chaplain, and simply being positive despite current conditions.

However, there are no words for me to express my life recently other than I have been basking in the glory from God. The gentle whispers from Heaven saying, “go see that cadet, walk over there, wait here for someone to pick you up, say this to that person, sleep with this unit tonight.” The gentle reminders that God is present with me as I hear cadets, “Hey sir I'm glade you are here...” as I finally arrive on scene. The energy after only having a few hours of sleep moving to one patrol sector to another stopping by to talk to cadets or when sound and light are restrictive simply to pat their shoulder, give a daily Bible verse card, or hand out a Dum Dum lollipop and the whispers of “thanks” from the cadets or some cadets whispering, “We really appreciate you talking to us sir.” All these little moments of great encouragement as I see the most beautiful things ever as cadets upon cadets stream out of their wet woods and tiresome conditions to attend a field service, cadets even apologizing coming late to a service and asking when the next one will be, getting excited for a Bible study or a service or even a chance to pray together, coming to a unit with 40-50 Bibles and devotionals and returning with none, having cadets openly state that the last thing they thought would happen to them while attending this training is that they would grow in their faith but more important hearing them say that they have started to return to their faith. Having the energy and compassion for these cadets a I march by myself for miles to meet up with their units as they are spread out is nothing short than dancing with the trinity.

My prayer recently has been, “Lord you say that the feet are beautiful that share and spread the Gospel, let my feet be beautiful today.” As my body is worn and weary from this, as my throat clenches up from the seasons and the lack of sleep, as my energy dips and wanes at times it is my hope that I may always have compassion and love for those God has called me to serve and love. One of the most encouraging things I have ever been told recently as I talked to a few soldiers that were not part of our unit but helped with the training and me asking them what they did and how much longer they will be here one them asked me who I was. I simply stated that I was their chaplain and still training. However, one the senior enlisted there stated, “I could tell you were a chaplain.” Now my thoughts went to was my uniform jacked up or something? And so I asked him, “How could you tell.” He says, “Because you are so calm.” Beloved, God has called us all to live a life, so live it with a boldness and yet with gentles. “...I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”

    There is no reason to lie to you all, I'm tired and very worn.  In just two weeks, me and my battle buddy have preformed a total of 60 counseling sessions, three Bible studies, 5 Chapel services, and engaged in personal conversations with cadets 827 times-and I'm writing this blog with half closed eyes.  Most days are filled with events each hour and I have grown to learn the funny feeling of sweat dripping off my skin, rolling down my leg and dripping off the brim of my hat to then be soaked up by my uniform and seeing the colors of the uniform change to a dry camo pattern to a wet mess.  Matter of fact, some days the heat and humidity is so overbearing that its like a hot sponge upon one's lungs, sucking up all the breath and making even trips from the barracks to the car, about 100 yards, feel like miles.  Indeed, even though most days are filled with adventures the 17-20 hour work days can exhaust the body in more ways then one.  But I tell you God provides the strength and energy I needs.  Phil. 4:13
    So many Chaplains have different views of what being a Chaplain is all about.    Yet, at Chaplain school there are two sayings, mottos, mission statements that are taught numerous times.  1. Chaplains need to have "Muddy Boots." 2. Chaplains need to have a "Ministry of Presence."  To me, those two statements should define the ministry of a chaplain.  To have muddy boots means you are living like Paul as he said, "I have become all things to all people".  Why is that so important?  Its important because what Paul is declaring is that there is no one greater or lesser then himself and therefore he is able to reach people from all walks of life.  His view is that where people are he will approach them in ways that they can understand, not force people to understand certain traditions and cultures.  So does a chaplain have to share the same experience as every single person, no he doesn't BUT why not share enough with them.  Several days ago we were hit with the remaining parts of Tropical Storm Bill.  We marched at 0400am and I was with them as the cadets formed up and marched out.  It started to rain, then pour, then the gates of Heaven opened up drenching all of us and the wind began to blow against us.  It was by far one of the most unpleasant experiences I have ever felt as my socks turned into wet rags and my boots turned into squeaky musical instruments.  Our destination was the shooting range, a location that most might not think I would have any impact because, once again, chaplains don't shoot.  Yet, as we marched I was able to talk to several cadets and have at lest 1 counseling session in route.  Then when we got there I helped set up chow and began feeding the cadets, trying to encourage each one.  Feeding chow is something I love to do because it gives me the chance to make eye contact with each and every cadet in the unit.  The rain never ended and every uniform was soaked, it was terrible for the cadets who had to lay in puddles and shoot!  While I was there, a place that many wouldn't think a Chaplain should be, I preformed two personal prayers, four counseling sessions, and had contact with 27 cadets in personal conversations that extended beyond the basic, "Hey what sport did you play" type of discussions-not to mentioned danced in the rain which produced smiles on the weary cadets and shared plenty of high fives.  This is not to boast me up but to share that God provides the energy needed to bring joy and peace to those who simply can not produce a smile by themselves.  
    The experience was a "muddy boot" experience.  To have "muddy boots" means that I'm willing to get dirty, be stinky, and share common things with those that I'm meant to serve.  Therefore, when I serve food I'm not just serving food but the cadets are witnessing an officer do the exact same thing that their peers.  Now, I don't do "muddy boot" ministry to simply be seen but as I'm walking through the woods with the cadets, marching to another location, getting rained upon, getting my boots literally muddy words can not express how I'm able to embed in the lives of these cadets.    

    This leads me to the next saying, "A ministry of presence".  The differences between a ministry of presence and muddy boots is the fact muddy boots makes me approachable but the impact of this ministry is what my presence brings.  How many times do we read in the Bible where the presence, or spirit of God poured into believers.  What about the account of Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego being thrown into the fiery pit and the very angel of the Lord was present in the fire.  How about God leading the people of the Exodus through the Red Sea.  The account of Elijah on the mountain side and heard that still small voice.  The account of Moses and the burning bush.  There are many accounts of the very presence of God in the mists of the lives that God personally involved himself with.  The other day I was humbled by one of the cadets at the Team Development Course who stated that he gained so much confidence in the course simply because I was present.  Another cadet saying, "Sir, you always motivate us." Or when I walk through the halls of the barracks at night sticking my head in each room saying, "How is everyone?  Merry Christmas!" and cadets come up with their worries and their joys.  Having a presence means one notices your existence where you are.  But more then simply being there its having a presence and state of mind of what you as a person represent.  The other day I was present at the team live fire, this is a buddy team movement with live communication and the nerves were high.  What did I offer to do?  Pray with and for anyone who wanted prayer, nearly 20 cadets responded to the call for prayer.  Therefore, as a man of God my state of being in an area should represent the very peace, comfort, and assurance that only God can bring through me.  I can not tell you how many times cadets have told me that me simply being present has helped them and I have to give God all the credit because there is no way I could make the impact that is happening.  A flood of verses stream through my mind each day: Phil. 4:8-9; Phil. 1; 2 Tim. 1-2; Mica 6:8; 1 Peter 7:11-14; and a ton of others!

What makes the role of the Chaplain so unique is that, often, people find, even those who claim not to be very religious, the Chaplain to be a calming eliminate to the unit. Perhaps it is because most chaplains are not a threat to the other command staff. Perhaps its because most people assume that chaplains have a “close” relationship with God, I mean even General Patton ordered the Chaplain to pray for good weather during WWII. But it seems, if you have a good reputation, that even those who claim to be atheist will come to you, the chaplain, for help and guidance. Some crazy chaplains won't help those who aren’t affiliated with their own faith-how stupid and ignorance. My first counseling session was with an atheist needing to vent about several different things...what a great opportunity to build and unique relationship with a solider who doesn't believe in God.

My first few days have been long but very fun! Most of these days will begin around 4am and won't end till about 930-10pm, but its all fun. Yes, fun, I said it. Odd though that God has called me to this profession because I'm actually an introvert. And yet, I will literally talk to hundreds of these cadets, often more than once, about what is going on in their lives and what they need help with in just one day. I mean, where else will you have so many opportunities to engage in conversation with people who need guidance. Often, the conversation begins with the basics and then it will change to various issues. Other times people exchange jokes and memories about different events in their life. It amazes me the type of people God puts together and in our lives. I often will walk the hallways simply saying “Hey”, “Merry Christmas everyone”, or other greetings. Simply making sure people are doing alright and trying to boost that unit morale up. Each time I'm looking at two main things- 1. Their eyes to see how tired and weary they look and 2. their posture...to see if they are depressed or have a complete lack of energy. Other times I stand before the Dinning Hall giving every high fives, again high fives are cheap to give but can make a huge impact on others.

We had our first round of bible Studies and I tell you what I was at first rather upset by everything. The Army schedule can be quite fluid, meaning times when things should begin and end normally don't happen. And so things are pushed to the “right” or “left” during the day. Well, The first Bible study happened an hour later then planned but I was so encouraged by the 12 cadets that came! We had an awesome time and a great study. The 2nd Bible study had nearly 25 or more cadets! But what I needed to be reminded on is that because how fluid the training can be I need to be flexible and be willing to adjust fire when needed. Nothing is here for me, I'm here for the cadets. A simple lesson that needs to be learned each and every single day.

As I look out amongst the ranks and ranks of these men and women who look so young I can see my former youth students. Many of them are nervous how the world is going to look for them in the next few weeks. Many of them are curious about God and some have massive amounts of pressure to preform well here. And as I look at each cadet my mind is often filled with prayers for them. That God will be revealed to them in powerful ways, that they will have rest each night and ready for the next day. That these cadets will be safe and they will be able to learn well. I find myself praying as much as I talk to all these cadets as they come up to me for the verse of the day or a good word to hear or simply saying, “Hey Sir!”. I find my self seeing each and every single cadet as a son or daughter of worried mom or dad who are thinking how well their “baby” is doing.

Being a Chaplain is and always will be about being with the troops. Looking into their eyes and seeing their hurt, their brokenness and even their joy. Getting to know the troops and how they are doing and trying to provide the encouragement they need to simply get through the day. Being a chaplain is the most humbling experience I have ever had.

  The Chaplain brief started at 9:30am and the last one was given at 2300, that is 11pm. Already, I had my first 19 hour work day. I was so tired, but was still motivated that the cadets, “my flock”, had come. So what does the Chaplain brief the cadets on? Two main things. 1. Every person has a constitutional right to practice their faith or not to be forced to practice one. Therefore, religious support will be given through Chaplain services, religious materials such as Bible or devotionals, rooms for meditation and other things. And 2nd, for counseling needs. Interesting enough a Chaplain has more confidential privilege than your own personal doctor. There is nothing that binds me to share what happens during a counseling session. This provides an avenue to support those who claim not to be very religious to have someone to go to and vent or talk through things. It was a great day to see the cadets when they first arrived, tired from their traveling and the nervous look in their eyes. Each brief ended with the cadets walking past the Religious support table and grabbing a Bible if they wanted or something else, and then a High Five from me. High Fives or a “pound it” are cheap to give but provide a great source of smiles.  Being a Chpalain means then one must be sesative to the mood of the those before you..  And how you raise unite morale is a consistent pursuit of creativity and prayer. 

So the past few days I have been constantly thinking about being a chaplain in the sense of the pressing question that haunts nearly every single officer, “Will I be able to follow the training plan and not miss any movements?” Missing a movement is the very last thing any soldier wants to experience because you are separated from you troops and miss the training.


More importantly, as the cadets are arriving tomorrow, the past few days have been filled with thoughts about them. Who they are, what issues will they have, will the in process be smooth? It always amazes me the people that God brings together. And that is something else I have been thinking about, “Who exactly are these cadets be?”


Last night I simple could not get to sleep. From excitement to being anxious were the culprits of keeping me awake. It was getting rather late, 11pm actually and I could hear the bugle playing outside. Every Army post will have a various number of bugle calls throughout the day, each meaning something different. They alert the post when the flag is being raised or coming day, marking the beginning and end of the “work day”. The calls can even alert units when chow is being served. Every single day these bulge calls are played out, almost like the “bells” on a navy ship alerting the time of day. However, at 11pm the bugle call is Taps. Such a melody echoes each night on Army installations and of course is played at funerals, memorial services and other special events. But I thought it odd that when hearing Taps being played out I thought of 2 Tim 4:1-2, “Before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom, I solemnly charge you: proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching.” There was a brief moment that I thought how how unique and special living on an Army post is considering few places will play music alerting what is going on.

Why did I think of that verse exactly? Except for maybe this one reason. Just as these bugle calls are played out each day, alerting when to raise, to eat and even when to go to bed and rest. A chaplain should also be consistent with this ministry and not be slow to act in mercy and love, in kindness and in grace. But this ministry should be embraced each and every single day, not just while I'm here to support the cadets but every day of my life.