Miserere Mei

Today marks my first official day of active duty in the U.S. Army. I am joyful to begin work, though the days, weeks, and months ahead are already packed with many activities. A little over a year ago, several things occurred that seemed to dismiss the possibility of this day. Yet, God has made all things work together for his purpose; he has brought me here to accomplish his work as a minister to soldiers. People, things, and problems encountered in the last year all proved to be no challenge for the Lord.

I won’t recount all the things that have stood in my way over the past several years as I strived to become qualified as a chaplain and to be accessioned to active duty. Some of those matters are personal and not appropriate for disclosure here. I’ve alluded to a few of them here, occasionally asking for prayer. God has answered all my prayers–not for my sake but for his own. He has not abandoned me because he seeks to work his will through me in order to glorify himself. May he truly be glorified!

Thanks for your prayers. This is only the beginning and I need prayers now as much–or more–than ever. There are many challenges ahead. Some of them I will share here soon; others may never be named in this forum. Yet, God will give me strength and wisdom because he has ordained my footsteps and I am ready to do his work.

Please pray that I will be diligent to speak God’s truth in all situations, to glorify God in all things, to honor the Lord with my words and deeds, to be always humble before the Lord, and to never be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.