It has been a great week of CH-BOLC with a few surprises, but praise the Lord for His provision. This past Friday we spent the entire day focused on Military Ramp Ceremonies, Memorial Services, Memorial Ceremonies, and Graveside Services. This block of instruction may seem quite morbid to those outside the sphere of the Chaplaincy, but I must say it was one of the best blocks of instruction thus far. As Chaplains we have 2 primary statutory obligations: perform or provide for worship each Sunday and perform or provide funeral services. This is further expanded in the 3 major functions of the Chaplain: Nurture the living, care for the wounded, and honor the fallen.
Honor the Fallen is one of, if not the most important task of the Chaplain. It may be hard for many to understand, unless you have experienced the brotherhood of arms (although Chaplains do not bear arms). Well I digress...during this block of instruction we had the honor of watching a mach memorial service led by our Cadre. It was abundantly evident that each of the Chaplains participating was deeply moved even in this mach ceremony. I imagine that each of them could see the faces of Soldiers that they had the honor of knowing, praying with, serving as ministers to, and honoring in their passing. As I witnessed our Cadre visibly moved as they taught us this block of instruction, I could not help but be moved also. I applaud them for the vulnerability that they exhibited.
Today has been a great day. Chapel Next was AWESOME this morning! It's an awesome thing when you have a group of Chaplains rotating the preaching responsibilities from week to week, but each week seems as anointed as the last, and in each message you can sense the hand of God moving in your life. I wondered what the worship would be like at Ft. Jackson, and whether I would find a Chapel service that spoke to me. For me Chapel Next is my church home away from home. The services are so anointed, the preaching is fantastic, the worship is free, and the fellowship is awesome!
Well 5 weeks left. I am sure that it will pass by quick. We have 2 outings this week to Charleston and to the Fort Jackson Cemetery. Looking forward to both of these outings. Miss all my family and friends, but only 5 weeks left! I continue to covet your prayers! Feel free to e-mail me - would love to hear from you! God bless!
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