The Eagle Commission newsletter brings updates from several Charis Fellowship military chaplains. Below are those that are included. Click here to read the complete newsletter, including words of encouragement from Mark Penfold, endorser for military chaplains in the Fellowship.
Canadian Armed Forces Chaplain Oliver Edwards
“A quick update from my posting to the Royal Canadian Air Force, 4 Wing – home of Canada’s CF-18 Hornets. Flying has been challenging this year – normally we would come down once or twice to the USA for some warm weather (and two flights per day per jet is helpful but very challenging when the temperatures are close to 0 degrees F which is us November to March usually) – but they were all cancelled due to COVID. So, the pace has been high and ministry difficult with similar restrictions on people like me not being permitted to the flight line except in emergencies. Still, we have been able to offer the Alpha Course (an 11-week intro to Christianity course) to interested seekers. I have seen individuals come to my office regularly and it is a privilege to serve.
I am looking forward to the summer and being given the duty of Faith Community Coordinator – essentially the pastor of the Protestant Chapel on base. Please pray with me that God uses our congregation to draw more people to Himself and that I can help disciple dedicated followers of Jesus. One of my units will have a 2-week joint exercise/deployment a few hours away in the spring. I am looking forward to supporting them in that environment. On a personal note, we will be celebrating our 2nd son Lyndan’s graduation from high school in June.”
Air Force Chaplain Dan Ruiz
“This past season of ministry has been filled with blessings and trials. COVID undoubtedly had a major impact on our work here in New Jersey. We saw our weekly service attendance drop significantly and much of our ministry transition to virtual platforms. However, it has also opened the door for unique ministry opportunities. We have done drive through services and even preached Easter messages outside the windows to individuals in quarantine. My family continues to thrive in the military context. Kassi has been used by God to provide care to our single airmen by leading our dorm dinner program. This ministry has had a big impact in our community and on junior enlisted members. Both of my daughters continue to do all they can to bring joy and laughter into our home. We have truly been blessed the past four years at Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst.
We are excited as we are nearing a major transition in our military ministry. I will be going on a one year overseas tour. My wife and children will stay here in New Jersey for the year until we find out what adventure the Air Force will be sending us on next. Thank you for your support and prayers!”
Army Chaplain David Mvondo
“The Lord has been faithful to us here at Fort Benning. Although we are still working under several restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our team has been able to preach the Gospel and provide other ministries to about a thousand trainees each Sunday. Just in the last two weeks, we have had 124 trainees come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have not been able to baptize any trainees due to the restrictions and we currently have a list of more than 60 waiting to be baptized. We hope and pray that we are able to help them be obedient to the Lord by receiving water baptism soon.
I have received my PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders. My next assignment is at Fort Jackson, SC, as an instructor at the Chaplain school. My report date to Fort Jackson is July 14th. Please pray for a fruitful ministry to the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
