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19 Firefighters Killed in Arizona Blaze

July 2, 2013 by John Potter

prayer invite

People across America are mourning the loss of 19 Prescott Arizona firefighters.  The special team of wildfire experts died on Sunday, battling the Yarnell Hill fire.  The wildfire combined dry conditions and a rapid wind shift into a lethal situation.  Sunday now stands as the largest loss of firefighters’ lives since 9/11/01.

Please take time to pray for the families and friends of the Arizona 19.

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Can You Teach an Army Chaplain New Tricks?

June 24, 2013 by John Potter

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Can you teach an Army chaplain new tricks?

That seemed to be the question for our class at the brigade chaplain course.  The last couple of weeks at Fort Jackson were a strange odyssey to say the least. Everything was new and I felt old.  Perhaps ancient would be a better word after seeing some of the newly commissioned lieutenants.  For someone who entered the Army in 2000, little looks the same.

Religious support training and staff officer work before 9/11 consisted of battle books with three-ring binders stuffed full of paper with colored tabs.  The war years changed resources to compact disks, thumb drives, and websites.  It seems like nearly everything has changed since I learned to wear a set of battle dress uniforms, BDUs, and shine my boots.  Heck, even the chaplain school changed.  It is now a joint facility shared with the Navy and the Air Force chaplain corps.  And let me tell you, I don’t even know how to speak Navy!  Water talk is not in my vocabulary.

2013 and the post war years will ultimately usher in another round of change. Today, battle books exist in the cloud.  Field Manuals are now boiled down to fifty documents.  Digital references and documents will be downloaded and viewed on portable electronic devices.  We now conduct Soldier Leader Engagements instead of Key Leader Engagements.  And yes, no one wears BDUs any longer or shines boots. It has all changed.

That was a major take away from the course.  Chaplains, and the Army, must learn how to prepare for, balance, and conduct operations among change.  In an age of satellites, drones, and cyber commands, change is inevitable.  President Woodrow Wilson once exclaimed, “We won the war to end all wars!”  The comment seemed valid at the time, but today it is used in a disparaging way to highlight people being short-sighted.  When you hear the statement now, it just reinforces the idea that change is heading your way.

While all of this change can seem overwhelming, ministry has not changed, nor the need to give religious support to Soldiers and military families.  Sure services, tools, resources, and items may have changed, but the concept of ministry has not. People need the Lord.

Apps, mp3 players, and Skype are great new ministry tools, but ministers, pastors, and priests are still needed to share the life changing message of Christ.  Military chaplains will continue to use new ministry tools and resources, but the mission of our calling has not changed.  Sharing the gospel with a dark and sometimes unwelcoming world is the Great Commission work that we are called to perform.  It is our duty to remain faithful and true to Christ in all we do and say.

While the Army has certainly changed since 2000, a few things will not change.  God reigns.  His love is unfailing.  Christ provides redemption and salvation.  Thank God these things will never change.

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Time to Remove Pornography from the PX

June 17, 2013 by John Potter

PX

Congress and the administration continue to seek answers in fighting military rape and sexual assaults.  As part of the sexual assault reduction effort, service chiefs instructed commanders to remove offensive and degrading material from military offices and workplaces.  This written policy required units to remove pornographic and offensive material like, “books, pictures, photographs, calendars, posters, magazines, videos . . . .”

While this is a good reminder on maintaining an appropriate work area and promotes equality, it seems highly contradictory to continue selling pornography on military installations when it is not allowed in other public areas.

Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Exchanges continue to sell inappropriate magazines which treat woman as little more than objects for sexual pleasure. Please keep in mind that this smut is located in aisles where service members, spouses, families, and kids walk past every day.  While a placard may be present to hide the magazine cover, pornography continues to be sold on US military installations across the globe.

It is high time for this practice to stop.

If the military is truly concerned about this fight, then let us attack the attitude that allows sexual exploitation in the first place!  Let us create a better environment where people can truly be seen and respected as equals.  If pornography cannot be allowed in the workplace, why is it allowed in every government-sponsored store on post?

While pornography is not the sole cause of sexual assaults in the military, it is degrading the environment for women in the force and polluting a military climate built on respect, service, and integrity.

Many will call me outdated, old-fashioned, pre-historic, a Bible thumper, a religious zealot, or worse.  I have big shoulders if folks disagree, but pornography is part of the problem with our military culture.  We also deserve consistent policies guiding its removal.  If Big Army is listening, it is time to remove pornography from the PX.

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Faith and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

June 10, 2013 by John Potter

Enduring Freedom

Most service members think about spiritual matters during deployment.  We take stock of our lives while in the face of death and danger.  This time of examination and spiritual questioning is important.  Rarely do we stay the same afterward.  This time of spiritual searching will frequently send service members in one of two distinct directions.  Many gain a stronger relationship with God.  Others may question their beliefs and feel spiritually empty.

For those who may be in the later category, I want you to know that it is normal to ask questions about our faith.  Spiritual matters are important downrange, when we have returned home, and as we reintegrate into our communities.  Everyone is impacted differently by war.  We have endured different levels of strife and conflict. We also have different levels of spiritual understanding when we enter the combat zone and when we leave.  Regardless of your location or when you served, your faith will be different when you come home.

No matter if your faith has grown or shrunk, it is important that you continue moving forward in your Christian walk.  Do not stand still in your faith.  1 Timothy 4:7b-8 shares, “rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

Every believer, civilian or veteran, needs a spiritual fitness routine.  Like physical fitness, spiritual fitness must be practiced.  While it is different from going to the gym and lifting weights, the concept is the same.   We need to exercise our spiritual muscles in order to grow our faith.

Spiritual fitness can take place in many different ways:

  • prayer
  • reading scripture
  • attending worship services
  • seeking spiritual counsel
  • fellowship
  • meditation
  • journaling

This is a small, but important sample of spiritual exercises that you can try.  Feel free to try one and gradually combine others to your list.   You can also participate in these activities with your family, friends, and a Christian community of believers, adding a greater dimension to your spiritual fitness by increasing your connection to other people.

Spiritual fitness is important to everyone.  It draws us closer to God, forms us in the image of Jesus Christ, and allows us to strengthen our faith.  Your spiritual fitness also affects your ability to deal with stress and times of crisis.  Multiple studies determined that veterans who have an active spiritual practice report fewer and less severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.  Those who struggled with their faith or felt alienated from God had more severe PTSD symptoms.

Spiritual fitness also reduces anxiety, loneliness, and depression.  Studies have also documented how people with a weekly pattern of attending worship services live longer, are healthier, and recover from illness more quickly.

Veterans and service members can take comfort in the transforming power of God. No matter where or when you were deployed, God still cares about you.  No matter what you saw downrange or what you did, you can have a redeemed life.

When life seems full of despair, the Lord shares purpose, meaning, forgiveness, and acceptance.  Continue to move forward in your faith.  Train yourself to be the godly and righteous person you were called to become.

Posted in Christian Living, Spiritual Practices, Veteran Resources | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments »

Smart Dog

June 5, 2013 by John Potter

Dog poo

Smart dog.  I wouldn’t want to go in there either.

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Oklahoma Tornadoes Bring a Christian Response

May 30, 2013 by John Potter

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During the past week, you could not help but see the horrible path left in the wake of a killer tornado.  The people of Moore, Oklahoma are no strangers to quick storms, but this tornado will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.  It killed 24 people, uprooted families, devastated multiple communities, destroyed schools, wrecked churches, and performed an estimated $2 billion worth of damage.

The scenes were reminiscent of the Joplin, Missouri tornado where 161 people were killed nearly two years ago.  The sights even reminded people of the Branson, Missouri tornado last year that did millions of dollars in damage along highway 76 and downtown.

During the recent storm in Oklahoma, much was totally destroyed and much is still needed by the survivors.  Emergency relief agencies were quick to respond.  State and federal aid workers were quickly on the scene to provide the basic necessities of life.  But I found it so very encouraging to see how the people of Joplin and Branson joined in the relief and recovery effort.

Joplin sent a team of public safety employees from the police and fire departments. Joplin City Manager Mark Rohr said that his community remembers the assistance it received in 2011 and feels an obligation to lend a hand in Moore.

Branson businesses, churches, and entertainers have conducted multiple benefits to raise funds for the Moore tornado victims.  As school is now out for the year, many classes are undertaking volunteer clean up efforts.

What a tremendous blessing!  These two communities understand the hurt and pain that this storm brought because of their past suffering.  By sending emergency personnel, donations, and volunteers they are able to offer help and hope to the people of Oklahoma.

It is a commendable example we find in scripture.  2 Corinthians 1:3-5 shares this, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.”

We are called to comfort those in any kind of trouble.  We are to comfort just as God has given comfort to us.  This passage is a great reminder of how we can be a living sermon to people who do not know Jesus.  As Christians and faith-based agencies continue to provide comfort, let us join in the effort through prayer and gifts of our time and wealth.

The people of Joplin and Branson have painted a beautiful picture of how the “Church” should respond to people in need and fulfill the work of Christ.  The sufferings of the past are being redeemed and transformed into a holy and righteous effort to help people in crisis today.  I hope that this “faith-based FEMA” is able to continue and grow as people respond to this tragedy.

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A Memorial Day Devotion

May 24, 2013 by John Potter

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For many, this weekend marks the beginning of summer.  It will entail a trip to the lake, a national park, or just staying home to grill some brats. Others will attend patriotic parades, decorate grave sites, fly the American flag, or participate in a Memorial Day event.    

It is a weekend when we remember those who have died defending our nation, our freedom, and our principles.  It is estimated that nearly 1.3 million service members have died and an additional 1.5 million service members were wounded fighting for our country.  Speakers and politicians will highlight stories of sacrifice, selfless service, and love as essential values that create military heroes.  While people will point to battlefields, war zones, and far off foreign campaigns as the epitome of valor, these values have a greater beginning.

We understand sacrifice, selfless service, and love because of God.

John 3:16 shares, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”  God gave His Son as a sacrifice for the sins and wrongs of humanity.  This sacrificial gift shows the value and love that God has for us, His children.  Jesus Christ demonstrates this perfect and holy love by freely laying down His life for us.  He acts as a substitute, bleeds and dies on our behalf, so that we can benefit in life with the Lord.

It is a familiar story that we will hear about heroic Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines.  It is the same reason that we hand out medals for bravery and valor.  But do not forget the one who died for you.  Many died for our freedom, but one died for our salvation.

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National Park Service Offers Free Passes to Military Members

May 15, 2013 by John Potter

buffalo

Now is a great time for military members and families to start planning your 2013 vacation.  If you want to see the great outdoors, consider visiting a National Park, National Forest, or Fish and Wildlife area this summer for free.

The National Park Service is offering free park passes at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites.  The park pass is available to US military members and their dependents in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.  Members of the National Guard and US Reserves and their dependents are also eligible.

The park pass is good for a full twelve months across the country and is non-transferable.  It covers entrance to National Park Service and Fish and Wildlife Service sites that charge entrance fees. It also covers standard amenity fees at Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation sites. The pass admits the pass owner and accompanying passengers in a private, non-commercial vehicle, at “per vehicle” fee areas; or the pass owner, and up to three additional adults, at sites that charge per person. Children of age 15 or under are admitted free.

Annual park passes must be obtained in person at a Federal recreation site.  They are available to service members and dependents by showing a Common Access Card (CAC) or Military ID (Form 1173).  The Pass does not cover expanded amenity fees such as camping, boat launching, parking, special tours, special permits, or ferries.

This is another great way for America to say “thank you” to its defenders.  It is also a great way for service members to get out, relax, and enjoy some of the benefits of freedom that they preserve so well.

Grab a park pass this year and enjoy it to the fullest in 2013.

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Military Appreciation Month

May 10, 2013 by John Potter

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May marks the celebration of Military Appreciation Month, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, and Armed Forces Day.  One special month and special days are a good start to recognizing the sacrifices of our American service members and their families.  Show that your thanks and appreciation is unending for those who serve our nation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Posted in Military Family, News & Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Support Syrian Christians on a Day of Prayer

May 9, 2013 by John Potter

prayer invite

Christians in Syria continue to suffer persecution and strife in the midst of an ongoing civil war.  Open Doors USA is encouraging Christians worldwide to pray for the war-torn country on May 11.

“As Christians in Syria continue to suffer from the devastating effects of the two-year-old civil war including killings, kidnappings, homelessness, lack of food and shelter and closing of schools; they are also seeing that God’s hand is at work as all denominations are joining in passionate prayer,” Open Doors USA interim President/CEO Steve Ridgway said in a recent statement.

Since March 2011, Syria’s Ba’ath Party government, led by President Bashar al-Assad, has been involved in a brutal civil war against rebels trying to overthrow the government, resulting in the death of nearly 70,000.

It is difficult to image the hardships that the Syrian church is enduring half a world away.  Finding food and medicine is a struggle.  As daily survival is already difficult, Christians are being persecuted, killed, and church leaders continue to be kidnapped.

Please add these believers to your prayer list on Saturday and join the international prayer effort.

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