BUILDING CHRISTIAN LEADERS, FAMILIES, FELLOWSHIPS

“And let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

I recently returned from deployment in Iraq. To serve in a time of war is honorable–but it comes with many challenges. One of the challenges I faced was to do good to those around me at all times. During deployment we can become weary of our duties, weary of interacting with the same colleagues day after day, and weary of the monotony no matter how exciting the mission may be.

Spiritual weariness can develop, too. I became weary of going out of my way to assist others and of doing those small things that set lovers of Jesus apart from lovers of self.

This type of attitude is often excused during a deployment. The stresses of war, being apart from family, and the proximity of other temptations, make being a follower of Christ seem more difficult. We can bide our time until we return home. But if that is our attitude, how are we any different from those who are not followers of Christ.

The Lord showed me that amidst the challenges of day-to-day life–which happened to be in a combat zone–doing good would train me to deal with the spiritual battles that exist as part of the Christian walk. These battles comprise the ongoing war that pre-exists any earthly conflicts.

First Lieutenant Heidi Carlson, United States Air Force

Officer Christian Fellowship members are found throughout the world, from the service academies to ROTC units to the combat zones, active duty forces, National Guard, and the Reserves.

From the Executive Director…

History

We are truly privileged to be able to serve as spiritual warriors in the Army of the Lord while also members of the Armed Forces of the USA. At this time in our nation’s history our efforts to advance the gospel from within the military are particularly critical. During times of war when injury and death are constant companions, combatants are more open to eternal things than ever in their lives. This has been historically true, as this quote from a chaplain in the Confederate Army shows:

“Up to January, 1865, it was estimated that nearly 150,000 (Confederate) soldiers had been converted during the progress of the war, and it was believed that fully one-third of all the soldiers in the field were praying men, and members of some branch of the Christian Church.” William W. Bennett, 1877, A Narrative of the Great Revival Which Prevailed in the Southern Armies.

Purpose

Our deployed troops who are truly in harm’s way are just as eager today as back then to embrace the truth about their eternal destiny. When our brothers-and-sisters-in-arms ask why we have hope, we have a divine obligation to share the truth of the gospel in our lives. Simply sharing our own story with them is often the seed that leads another soul to Christ.

Encouragement

Many of our fellow warriors already have a personal relationship with the Lord or at least turn to their Bibles for strength in adversity. Don’t neglect to invite them to join our fellowship. Give them a copy of our application brochure, “The Heartbeat of OCF,” or lead them to our website http://www.ocfusa.org where they can find that brochure and many other helpful, encouraging resources. Ad Hoc Bible studies or invitations to existing fellowships may well be the answer to a seeker’s search for the Truth.

May our loving Lord protect you as you serve Him and our country.

Bruce L. Fisher

Lieutenant General, USAF, Retired

Source: Connected July 2009, Vol 4, No 3

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