Allen Russell, Director of Chaplaincy
Ecclesiastics 1:9-10 says, 'What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one can say, 'Look! This is something new?' It was here already, long ago' it was here before our time.'
If you haven't noticed yet, this format for Frontline is new and improved. We are going to a two-page layout to cut costs. Please read the news about our CBAmerica chaplains carefully and keep them in your prayers.
I've been going over reports from our military chaplains. In the last five months they have seen 140 people give their lives to Christ. Another 385 have heard the gospel one-on-one. There are just the reports from the military chaplains. God is doing a great work throughout the ministries of all our chaplains, whether it be in nursing homes, hospitals, prisons, etc.
Mark and Shelly Campbell
Mark serves in the Air Force on active duty. Shelly and the family are at Dyess AFB in Texas while Mark is finishing an unaccompanied tour in Korea. Mark is seeing the Lord do exciting things at Kunsan. Recently during the opening of a worship service, a man identified himself as a newcomer. He said that he heard on TV, 'If you want to know Christ as your savior go to church and they will tell you how to find him.' The chaplain led him in the sinner's prayer right then and there while the rest of the congregation prayed. Praise the Lord!
According to Mark, people are staying after services to pray so long he almost has to turn the lights out to get them to leave. Mark has led several to Christ and has seen others get right with God and rededicate their lives.
Randy and Julie Brandt
Randy serves as hospital chaplain at Ft. Campbell, KY, where he does a lot of counseling. In a recent session with a couple, they gave their hearts to Christ and God began to change their marriage relationship. He saw four other individuals come to Christ and six others rededicate their lives to the Lord. Ministry is exciting! Pray for the heavy load he carries.
Pray for this newly-endorsed couple. They are members of First Baptist Church in Newtown, PA, where he is the worship leader. Lyn also works as librarian for Seminary of the East. He transferred his endorsement to us from another group and serves with the Pennsylvania National Guard.
Jay serves with the Colorado National Guard and as the Family Support Director for Guard families. He is also interim pastor at Far Horizons Baptist Church in Arvada, CO. They have three grandchildren. In order to keep balance in their lives spiritually, mentally, and physically, they are 'regulars' at a 24-hour fitness center near their home. They are known as the 'iron-pumping grandparents.'
Jay retires from both Guard positions this fall. He has had a profound impact on families in this ministry. In March, they will travel to Europe with their son, Danny, where he will present live concerts for the military - Danny just cut his fourth CD. Pray for the Oertli's as they plan for retirement and future ministry.
Dan and Linda Stephens
Dan serves as a Navy chaplain assigned to the Coast Guard in Largo, FL. In early March, Dan led a couple and a female seaman to faith in Christ. Pray for their growth. Pray too for his significant ministry and his family. Dan will be leaving soon to spend time visiting Coast Guard personnel along the west coast of Florida. Linda teaches first grade at a Christian school. Their oldest daughter, Amy, ministers musically to local churches and their son, Jonathan, graduates from high school in May.