Allen Russel:
Psalms 75:1, "We gice thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for Your Name
is near, men tell of Your wonderful deeds." During the National Conference in Valley
Forge, PA, some thirty four chaplains, wives, and children joined others from our CB
family to celebrate victory in Christ. We had our own mini-conference during the week
and spent time sharing and praying for each others ministries. Several had the
opportunity to share their story during the CBA hour. Let me share some of their
stories with you so you can pray more effectively for them.
Bob and Cynthia Hicks just moved from the Philadelphia area to Maxwell Air
Force Base in Alabama so Bob can attend the Air Force War College. Bob is the first
Navy chaplain to be invited to attend this school in residency. Bob has pastored,
taught at Seminary of the Easy, been an Air National Guard chaplain, and has
authored many books. At Maxwell, he will study with many other senior officers of
our Air Force as well as military leaders from around the world. God has strategically
placed the Hicks at the War College. Pray for them as they study and have the
opportunity to interface with these officers in a variety of casual settings.
1 Chr 12:32 says the "men of Issachar understood the times and knew what
Israel should do." Dennis Newton, stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY, is known for
his computer skills. Dennis and his son Sean are creating our CBAmerica Web Site for
us. You can now look us up online. The address is
http://www.cbamerica.org/. More data is being
added on a regular basis. They are also managing
CBInternational's site. Pray for Dennis and
Kathleen in their ministry at Ft. Campbell. Praise God for the skills He gives us!
Walt and Shirley Dryer oversee the ministry of Community Chaplain Service in
New Bedford, MA. Every time I read reports from this exciting nursing home ministry,
I rejoice. A number of their chaplains are retired CBInternational missionaries who
are leading dozens of our nation's elderly to Christ. In their recent newsletter
they tell of chaplains leading 93-98 year old men to the Lord. Others share of leading
cancer and Alzheimer patients to Christ. Pray with Walter and Shirley in asking God
to provide a new directory to take over their leadership role. Praise God for their
faithful ministry!
Where are they now? Keeping up with our retired chaplains could easily tire one
out. They are staying busy for God in a variety of ministries. Ronald and Rhoda
Hook served with the Veterans Administration as a hospital chaplain for many
years. They are presently active members of Galilee Baptist Church in Denver where
Andy Meverden pastors. Andy is a chaplain with the Colorado National Guard. Ronald
was ordained at Galilee 50 years ago. He and Rhoda assist in ministry at the Windsor
Gardens Chapel which was started by Galilee 27 years ago. Pray for our retired
chaplains as they faithfully serve the Lord.
Chris and Michelle Buck are stationed with the Navy in beautiful Puerto Rico
where Chris serves as senior Protestant chaplain at the Caribbean Crossroads Chapel.
God is blessing the ladies' Bible studies through Precept Ministries. Pray for growth
in the mens' fellowship and youth programming. Pray for the Bucks as their kids are
in the Northwest while they minister in Puerto Rico. They will have some leave to
visit in October. They survived the hurricanes of '96 at the base. Praise God for
a growing ministry.
Meet our newest chaplain candidate. Guy (Rich) and Patricia McBride were
endorsed for the Army chaplaincy during our June board meetings. Rich graduated
from Western CB Seminary and has had 10 years of prior military service with both
the Navy and Army. He was raised in an Air Force home so is well rounded. They
live in Portland and have a 4-year old daughter, Krista. Rich was not selected for
active duty by the October board but will be looked at again in February.
Non-selection at that board will still allow him to serve in the National Guard.
Pray for the McBrides during these days of seeking God's leading in their lives.
Mark and Shelly Campbell both serve at Dyess Air Force Base in Texas. Shelly
recently received her commission to the Air Force Nurse Corps. Mark has been deeply
involved in the ministry to the families of the tragic air crash following President
Clinton's vacation in Wyoming. Both Mark and Shelly have ministered to family
members and Marc participated in the memorial services. He recently was given a
ride in the B-1B supersonic bomber as he is the chaplain on the flight line of this
aircraft. Serving God is not all work! Pray for the Campbells ministry as they
minister in Texas.
With the endorsement process there are basic expenses in the processing and placing of candidates including travel costs to meet with the chaplains commission, CBAmerica board, and be presented at the National Conference. This also allows expenses for our director of chaplaincy to make visits to our chaplains as a part of the accountability process.
What do you get for your investment?
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