The 48th Visited


I went to see the boys of the 2/121 yesterday. It was ear.y when I left and it was so late when I left I ended up staying in a motel halfway between Ft Stewart and Ft Jackson. What a day!

I get nervous you know. I always think that I am going to fail and all that I have worked for is a better dream than reality. When I arrived at Stewart, they would not let me on base cause I forgot to renew my registration. (Have to fix that tomorrow) So, for a moment, I thought that perhaps I would be spared the fear of failure. Not so, they came to get me. I met the Brigade Chaplain (Chaplain Bamberg), the deputy Brigade Chaplain (CH Yokam) and another chaplain from MI (CH Smith). I also met several members of the various UMTs. SGT Franklin is my assistant and has proved to be an excellent soldier. He is a minister with the Apostolic United Pentecostal Church, so he is a solid Christian; he was a marine on active duty for 10 years (he served as an infantryman, Embassy Guard, sniper, and platoon leader); he has served in the Navy and most recently, in the Army Guard. He is an Atlanta policeman who is going detective when he gets back - so he is a great soldier. No fear on that count. He helped me immensely yesterday as we went around to each company, meeting commanders and soldiers.
We had planned two services - 1700 and 1800. At 1700 there was no one there so we went around to all the companies and invited them. The problem was that there was a required meeting from 1730-1800 and chow followed. I really didn't think I would have any soldiers there at all. Everyone I met were delighted to see the chaplain finally, but there is SO much to do and the soldiers were so tired. I had actually started to pack up my stuff when I turned around and there was a room full of soldiers waiting for the Word.
They sat looking expectantly at me, their eyes betrayed the expectant skepticism they had in me. For a moment, I faltered, not knowing what to do. Then I plunged in and we had church. The first service these solders had experienced for a while. It went really well. We sang, worshiped, and studied the Word together. There is a company commander that is a youth pastor back home. He was delighted that we had praise and worship. Adam Hanners was there. We spoke at length after the service. He is doing real well. We had communion. I need to practice that more. It should be more fluid.
All in all, it was the beginning of what God is going to do in 2/121.

Myself, CH Bamberg, and CH Yokam

Myself and SGT Franklin

Road March - the wee hours of the morning!!

Posted: Sun - March 13, 2005 at 05:07 PM        

©