Many things in the “blogosphere” or even in the news tend to be covered only in the most superficial way. At times, for a Christian, even discussions from other Christians may not broach the depth or academic/theological rigor that may be desired.
A source that attempts to fill that void is the Journal of Faith and War, which has Read more…
Nov. 22, 2012: U.S. soldiers pray before eating a Thanksgiving meal at a dining hall at the U.S.-led coalition base in Kabul, Afghanistan. (AP)
We certainly have much to be thankful for.
Marines in Afghanistan give thanks on holiday.
Marines, sailors celebrate Thanksgiving at sea.
Columnist Dennis Norwood speaks of the recent enlistment of his son, Ben, and recounts some of the advice he gave:
Choose your friends wisely. Running with the wrong crowd in the military carries the same consequences as it does in the civilian world — only the penalties can be much harsher…
Take your training seriously. One day it may Read more…
An OCF article notes the likely common experience of Eric Creekmore, a former US Marine Major and F/A-18 Hornet pilot, as he tried to ‘do the Christian thing’ and point out a fellow pilot’s sin to him:
A squadron buddy in the process of getting a divorce had just finished telling me of a weekend with his new girlfriend. Technically, he was still married — the papers weren’t yet signed. Trying to be the “good” Christian, I saw this as my opportunity to point out his transgression. After a brief treatise on fidelity and marriage, I punctuated my comments by calling him, “Mr. Immorality.” That would make clear the error of his ways and with any luck I would soon be leading him in the sinner’s prayer.
I eased back in my office chair with a sense of pride at my work for the cause of Christ. Looking for additional opportunities to “help,” I asked why he was getting a divorce in the first place…
It turns out the situation wasn’t quite as Creekmore imagined, and his arrogant self-righteousness was soon replaced with sorrow. His attitude, however, Read more…
Last November it was reported that the US Navy launched an investigation into the submarine community after a “cheating scandal” resulted in around 10% of the crew being kicked off their boat. Allegations that similar “cheating” was common were made in the press, and presumably by some of those who were kicked out.
The Navy has now concluded that cheating is not widespread, as had been asserted.
The inspector general…opened an investigation following a complaint Read more…
An interesting, if somewhat odd, article at the ChristianPost documents the story of Jacob and Jordon George, two men who grew up in the church and have developed a pacifist view:
George grew up in a Southern Baptist church…but said it was his three tours in Afghanistan that opened him up a new interpretation of Christianity – one that does not misuse or misconstrue the words of Christ and war.
“I think those two things have absolutely nothing to do with each other,” he said…
“Jesus was an advocate for non-violence. He never Read more…
Some have likely read the story of Hyman Strachman, the 92-year-old World War II veteran who has shipped thousands of bootleg copies of movies to the combat AOR:
Hyman Strachman [is] a 92-year-old, 5-foot-5 World War II veteran trying to stay busy after the death of his wife. And he has sent every one of his copied DVDs, almost 4,000 boxes of them to date, free to American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Even Strachman admits the “error” of his ways: Read more…
US Marine SGT Evan Mendes was recognized at the San Diego Petco Park as an NCO of the quarter. How did he do it?
Mendes, outshined his peers by following what he believes will bring him closer to God.
“As a Christian I try to glorify God,” said Mendes, whose life revolves around his faith. “When I do a good job or not, I’ve done it for God.”
Working as if for God should motivate Christians in every walk of life. Mendes Read more…
An official DoD article highlights the “positive role” SPC Benjamin Reynolds has in his unit, the 82nd Airborne currently deployed to Afghanistan. Even those around him know what drives him:
Reynolds sites his faith as playing an important role in maintaining the positive attitude that so many in his unit admire. In the toughest of times, his beliefs seem to grow even stronger.
“I usually pray for my safety and those around me and use my faith as a motivator,” he said. “When God pulls you through something like that it’s an amazing feeling. It really reinforces your faith.”
Reynolds’ company commander literally couldn’t stop giving him praise: Read more…
Prominent Milblogger Blackfive had the privilege of attending a Hollywood premiere of Act of Valor. In his write up, he made an interesting observation:
Two friends of mine, SEALs and Christian brothers, Clint Bruce and Jeff Bramstedt have created and produced a men’s bible study modeled on the SEAL Code and using the film as a demonstration tool. It can be found online at Life of Valor.
The Life of Valor site has an amazing set of videos (25 minutes total, but available in smaller portions) in their resources that use the experience of the Navy SEALs and apply it to living a life of faith. The videos are worth your time.
Via Maggie’s Notebook.
In a significant but under-reported story, the Associated Press highlights the faith of the military family at home:
Faced with long periods of separation and worry over the next combat tour, a group of wives…are drawn together weekly to seek spiritual support to bolster the strength of their marriages…
“The military, because of the complexities of the deployment, can have more uncertainties,” she said. “The reason God is the answer is because scripture says that He has never changed. From the beginning of time to the end of time, He is unchanging.”
Mya Parker, wife of an Army aviator and a former Soldier herself, started the non-denominational “Lantern” Bible fellowship. They meet in small Read more…
The rate of divorce in the US military was recently reported as 3.7%, with an increase in officer divorces accounting for an increase in the military as a whole.
The Air Force had the highest rate, at 3.9%. Enlisted women had a nearly 10% divorce rate.
The general American population had divorce rate of 3.5% in 2009, the last year for which numbers are available. (It’s unclear if these “population” numbers also included members of the military.)
While this may sound dire, it’s also worth noting it is difficult to Read more…
As noted previously, Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow has an enormous platform for Jesus Christ — one he maintains with a humble yet strong spirit.
That platform has resulted in (literal) worldwide attention. “Tebowing” even made Time Magazines Top 10 Memes, one of its 54 “Top Ten” lists for 2011.
What does Tebow think of the meme? The quarterback has said he is pleased that the internet fad, however fleeting, is encouraging people to pray.
How’s your Christian witness?
Via the ChristianPost.
The widow of US Air Force Capt Eric Ziegler, killed in June in a crash due to G-LOC, has demonstrated a calm reliance on her faith. When asked about knowing the circumstances of her husband’s death, Sarah Ziegler said she found them “kind of irrelevant.”
“I’ve always believed, and still do, that everything happens for a reason and a purpose, and so I didn’t need a source or object to blame or anything like that,” she said.
While there is still grief, faith can help people deal with such loss. Why? Knowing there is an ultimate purpose, and the grief is temporary. Sarah understands the fact that she and her husband had — and still have — a platform for Christ: Read more…
The US Navy is reportedly investigating accusations of “pervasive cheating” among the members of the Navy’s nuclear corps.
After the cheating ring was discovered aboard the Groton-based submarine Memphis last November, the Navy fired the commanding officer and kicked off 10 percent of the crew. Navy officials said it reflected a rare lapse in integrity, but several former submarine officers told the AP for a story in August that it is not uncommon for sailors to receive answer keys or other hints before training exams.
The issue of competence has never been in question. In fact, some have said the Read more…
God and Country is a ministry of ChristianFighterPilot.com.
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the authors, and do not necessarily represent the views of any government, military, or religious organization.
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