Mark Penfold, the Charis Fellowship endorser for military chaplains has sent a review of 2020 activities for the Eagle Commission. Among the items: The year 2020 has also been a significant year for the Eagle Commission. With the advice and full support of GBIF, the Eagle Commission drafted bylaws and was incorporated in the state of Indiana. Over the summer and into the fall, committed several committed pastors and individuals joined and were confirmed on the board of directors.
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In other news:
In 2020, three men joined our Eagle Commission team of chaplains …
- Tim (Ashlie) Wilmetti is pastor of the Pataskala Grace Church (OH) and serves in the US Army Reserve;
- Isaac (Hannah) Anderson is a Chaplain Candidate from the Upper Arlington (OH) and is in the Ohio Army National Guard; and
- Zach Williams from Eagle River (AK) was approved for accession as a Chaplain Candidate in the US Army Reserve (pending his military physical … but it’s a long story).
Providentially, we have five of our chaplains (Justin Hayes, David Mvondo, John Jacobsen and Jim Murray, Charles Pridgen) serving with men and women who are in training. The military training environments are often high stress and lonely places. It’s where many hear the Gospel for the first time. Our chaplains report of men and women coming to faith in Jesus, beginning initial discipleship, and some even following to baptism before going to their next assignments across the world.
We’ve been blessed to have several of our senior chaplains in key strategic assignments. George Youstra completed his time with US Special Operations Command, Billy Graham is working in the Army Chief of Chaplains’ office and Carl Phillip is assigned to another key Army command.
In summer 2020, chaplains and their families moved to new duty stations. Pete (Monica) Stone to Schofield Barracks (HI), Cameron (Kerrie) Michael to Fort Gordon (GA), and John Jacobsen to Fort Sill (OK).
Our chaplains were also deeply affected by family and health issues. In November, Deanna (Carl) Phillips’ father died due to complications from COVID. This just a few short months after Carl’s father and Deanna’s mother died. My predecessor, John Schumacher, was diagnosed with prostate cancer and also experienced a stroke. Please keep these dear families in your prayers.
I would be remiss if I failed to acknowledge the ministry of Jack and Judy Galle. As some of you know, Jack retired from the Navy in 2008. After a short break for study, Jack began serving as a VA hospital chaplain, focusing on palliative care. Jack and Judy have represented our Fellowship so faithfully since 1986 when he was a young Navy chaplain. In January 2021, Jack will retire again. A heartfelt “thank you” and “well done” to both of them and their family.
Prayer Items
Finally, in spite of travel limitations, the Eagle Commission is on track to meet its 2020 budget, thanks to generous and sacrificial support of churches and individuals in the Fellowship.
In 2021, we ask you to pray for:
- Divine rescue from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Our current team of Chaplains and their families. We’ll be sending out a signup form soon to receive the 2021 Chaplains Prayer Guide.
- Godly and faithful men who will respond to the need to serve as chaplains. May several from our Fellowship respond with the words of Isaiah, “Here am I, LORD. Send me!” (NOTE: this year, all branches are seeking to recruit almost 600 new chaplains or chaplain candidates (seminarians).
- Unity of vision and effort with our new board of directors.
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