FrontLine: CBAmerica Chaplains in Ministry

Summer 1996 - Volume 5, Issue 2

Allen Russel: Colossians 4:3-4, "Pray for us, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ... pray that we may proclaim it clearly." These are exciting days to be serving the Lord and He is opening many doors of opportunity for our CBAmerica chaplains. We depend on the prayers of God's people. This is the time of year for transition for many of our military chaplains. Some are moving to new assigments, others are going off to their summer Annual Training, and some to schooling. Pray for all the adjustments they must make. Pray for the wives and children of our chaplains, for their summer plans. A number will be making the transition to college this fall. This opens another door of emotional change.

On June 6, Carol and I move into the city of Chicago to begin pastoring Galilee Baptist Church, on July 1. Thanks for praying for us furing these days. Pray for balance in the dual role of pastor/director of chaplains. We are thankful for the ways God finds to s-t-r-e-t-c-h us in our ministry.

I would like to challenge our churches to consider adding Chaplaincy to your missions budget. We are placing missionaries in key places around our nation and the world. Chaplains can be an important part of your mission outreach. I would welcome the opportunity to talk to you about this possibility. The following stories are representative of some of our chaplains who have made and are making a difference for Christ.


Dr. Donald Knapp has been in pastoral ministy in Pennsylvania with Conservative Baptist churches for the past forty-two years. He is now senior chaplain at the Fox Chase Cancer Center located in Philadelphia. As part of this ministry Donald speaks to clergy groups on "Ministering to Cancer Patients and Their Families. Donals also serves as chaplain to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in Harrisburg. He gives talks to groups on returment for Speaker Service. Donald works with the Brittany Pointe Estates as administrative chaplain. Pray for Donald in his various ministries.


We were saddened to hear of the sudden homegoing of chaplain Kurt Wohlert on March 28th. Kurt began as a Navy chaplain in March of 1954. After retirement from the Nacy, he served as a hospital chaplain with the Veterans Administration for a number of years. Kurt and Lydia retired in Texas. Pray for Lydia and their three daughters Karen, Karol, and Kathy. We are grateful for the wonderful ministry Kurt had over the years. He brought joy to the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know him.


Dick and Virjean Camp are completing twenty-two wonderful years of ministry at the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY. They have had the opportunity to minister to thousands of student, staff, national leaders, and many, many others during these years. Only eternity can measure the impact their lives have had on those to whom they have ministered. In August Dick becomes the director of A Christian Ministry in the National Parks. This ministry offers opportunities for service in sixty-five different locations in the US. Pray for Dick and Virjean as they transition to this new work. We are grateful for their years of faithful service at West Point and with them God's richest blessings in this new adventure.


Frances Johnson, faithful prayer warrior and friend to our CB chaplains, went home to be with her Lord, February 24. For over 22 years she prayed for our chaplains and wrote hundreds of letters to them. She was active in the Ladies Minstries and Missions Committee of First Baptist Church, Lake Elsinore, CA. Her ministry of prayer and encouragement to our chaplains will be greatly missed. Pray for her daughter, son, eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Will you be the one to take her place praying for our chaplains?


A Second Opinion: The Good Samaritan Works Here

by Chaplain John Riggs

One of the most beloved parables of Jesus is The Good Samaritan. It's the story of a stranger who had compassion for the victim of a brutal robbery. As a military hospital chaplain, I see this parable played out when I meet patients who have been attacked by the brutal thieves of disease and injury, then witness Samaritan acts of compassion carried out by those around him.

I see a nurse take time to hold the hand of a frightened patient. I hear a social worker making phone calls to have a patient placed in a rehabilitation facility near family and loved ones. I watch volunteers delivering kind words of assurance along with a book or magazine.

I've heard doctors at prayer before surgery. I see therapists putting patients back on their feet - literally - after surgery or accident. Ministers visit patients, sharing the Word of God that soothes the spirit and hastens the healing of body and mind.

Just recently, my wife, Carol, and I were ambushed on that treacherous road. We were afraid the attacker was cancer. Everyone involved withher care offered support and compassion through phone calls, cards, and flowers, meals, and prayer. They celebrated with us when we heard those blessed words, "The results are negative."

The parable ends with Jesus telling those who would be lovers of God and their neighbors to "go and do likewise". When we encounter the most painful events of life, it's comforting to know that the wellspring of His compassion is available for all through those who follow Him.

Colonel John Riggs is chaplain at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Ft. Bliss, near El Paso, Texas.

Let's Pray


FRONTLINE, USPS 698-190, Volume 5 Number 2, 1996. Allen Russel, Director of Chaplaincy. No subscription charge. Published quarterly by CBAmerica, 25W560 Geneva Road, Carol Stream, IL 60188. Second class postage paid at Carol Stream, IL. Postmaster: send address changes to FRONTLINE, P.O. Box 66, Wheaton, IL 60189.
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