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.
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!