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CFGC Newsletter April 2008
1) Prison Invasions
2) A Year in the Life of Missionaries
3) Domestic Issues
4) Time to Stand Up for America
5) Military Oath of Office
6) From a Navy Chaplain
7) Heart’s Desire – To be a Chaplain
8) Dear Jim and Charlene
9) Dear Saints
10) Wado Grandmother!!!
11) Deployed in February
12) CFGC Staff Schedule
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Prison Invasions
Randy is still teaching in the Wynne Unit every Tuesday, and he is also there on Saturday nights to help with the services, so that the other Volunteer Chaplain can get a little time off. Randy loves it because sometimes the speakers that are scheduled to come in cannot make it, so he gets to preach. He said last Saturday night that God showed up and showed out like He does when we let Him. Amen! Men are being saved on a regular basis around the Wynne Unit as the inmates are constantly praying for revival there. We (Law of Liberty Ministries and the guys at the Wynne Unit) are all believing that revival is the will of God, and that revival will come if we persist in prayer and do what the Lord leads us to do.
There has been a steady increase in prayer throughout the unit, on the rec yard, in the workplace, and on the pods. Many inmates are praying for other inmates in these areas, and for the prison staff as well. Devils (demons, unclean spirits), are also being cast out. This is a clear sign that the Kingdom of God is come, according to Jesus: “But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the Kingdom of God is come upon you.” Luke 11:20. God is moving, which only makes us pray that much harder. We are hungry for God to come and help us. We know that it’s not because of us, but more, it is God’s goodness that keeps us going for the goal of seeing His Kingdom come. Whatever it is, we want more of it. Praise God!
– Randy & Cindy Richter, Buffalo, TX
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A Year in the Life of Missionaries
Praise the Lord! One school year is finished toward Sula’s Doctorate in Theological Education program. All the students were able to make it to the two week module in Columbia, including two Cubans. It is good news to know that the Baptist seminary in Cuba has 600 students enrolled, and the school is starting a specialization in Christian Education. The curriculum for this specialization was finished in the class of “Theories and Curriculum Designing” with Rob Brynjolfson and Jonathan Lewis. Well, only one tip for you: Curriculum designing is one of Sula’s passions.
CECAM, the missionary school in Guatemala, is benefiting from this passion. CECAM has 14 students, doubling last year, and the first two classes were designed by Sula. We, the Crabbs, are thrilled for the opportunity to help CECAM, a task that one accomplishes only in a team. The director is excited to see the churches pulling together to bless the new institution. Come and spend your vacation at CECAM. Write to us about it. (dancrabb@oci.org)
We want to report to you that Christmas time with the PEB women of Lanquin was inspiring. We saw the students already using embroidery and crochet skills to help with their families’ income. Learning about Christian family, the ladies are happy to discover that they have a voice in the family. You need to see how far they have come from where they started two years ago. Praise God, and thank you for your help.
-- Dan & Sula Crabb, Guatemala City, Guatemala
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Domestic Issues
We are working hard to raise public concern about the sovereignty issues, which include the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) that was reaffirmed by President Bush in Canada last August, the TransTexas Corridor for which a 50-year toll-road contract has been signed with a Spanish company, the “totalization” plan to put illegal aliens into our Social Security system, the entry of Mexican trucks onto US highways and road, and our government’s refusal to enforce the laws against illegal migration into the US.
– Phyllis Schlafly, President, Eagle Forum
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Utah state lawmaker Stephen Sandstrom (R) has introduced a resolution encouraging the US to withdraw from the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America and any other bilateral activity that would move the country toward a European Union style continental merger. Sandstrom termed this ongoing process “a stealth methodology.” A similar measure passed the House, but was blocked by the Utah Senate last year. The resolution reads in part: “The gradual creation of such a North American Union from a merger of the US, Mexico and Canada would be a direct threat to the US Constitution and the national independence of the US, and would imply an eventual end to national borders within North America.” Rep. Sandstrom is confident that the resolution will pass this year. [To stay informed and “track in prayer” on this matter visit the “North American Union” page at www.ifapray.org.]
-- World News Daily, 2/1/08
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Time to Stand Up for America
- Standing up for the Rule of Law means that the President and Congress must do their constitutional Article IV duty to “protect [us] against invasion” by people who come here illegally and then expect US tax-payers to provide them with social benefits.
- Standing up for American sovereignty means that we expect our leaders to defend American borders and independence from foreign or international control.
- Standing up for American jobs means that we expect our government (both President and Congress) to defend American workers and their jobs against trade policies of other countries that cheat Americans. – excerpted from The Phyllis Schlafly Report, June 2007
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Military Oath of Office
I ___(Name)___, ___(Social Security No.) , Having been appointed an officer in the Army/Navy/Air Force of the United States, as indicated above, in the grade of _______, do solemnly swear that I will support (President’s Oath adds “preserve”) and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and DOMESTIC, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter, SO HELP ME GOD.
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From a Navy Chaplain
We have seen continual growth in the contemporary service at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. It is wonderful to see the Lord bless our efforts with more people. I have even had Marines come to me and say that word is getting out that there are good things going on at the chapel. People are beginning to pass the word that it is a good place to worship the Lord.
I have temporarily taken over the liturgical service. The base swapped chaplains with one of the battalions, as the battalion chaplain was non-deployable due to some health issues. We lost a liturgical Protestant and gained a Roman Catholic Priest. So, I have agreed to take on the second congregation for a time. It takes me back to my Lutheran roots. Please pray that the Lord will bless my efforts here. The congregation is very small (averages between 8 and 10).
I hope all is well with everyone there in Dallas. It is too bad that I was not able to attend the annual meeting this year. I pray that the Lord blesses you greatly as you gather. Thank you all so much for your support. I appreciate all of your prayers.
– LCDR Dave Stroud, CHC, USN
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Military Oath of Office
I ___(Name)___, ___(Social Security No.) , Having been appointed an officer in the Army/Navy/Air Force of the United States, as indicated above, in the grade of _______, do solemnly swear that I will support (President’s Oath adds “preserve”) and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and DOMESTIC, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter, SO HELP ME GOD.
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Heart’s Desire – To be a Chaplain
Dear CFGC family, hello and God Bless!
Hope the annual conference went well and that all is well there. I am doing very well physically, mentally and spiritually! I have been getting several interviews with the VA lately for full-time Protestant Chaplain vacancies, so I am hoping an offer for employment will come through soon. My Navy Reserve Chaplain Package is about ready to go to Board (I had to get more medical paperwork for them), so I should be hearing on that soon. In the meantime, I have applied for Prison Chaplaincy in the New York State System.
Thank you for all your support in chaplaincy!
– Albert Cross, Contract Chaplain, Bath, NY VA
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Dear Jim and Charlene
It was so very good to see you both (at the CFGC Conference), and thank you for the opportunity to share. I came home very spiritually refreshed.
Thank you also, Jim, for giving me some time to talk about my future. As I have tried to objectively assimilate our conversation and the input from the brother in Stuttgart (Germany), I feel led to ask you this: Please, let’s keep the door cracked for my possible involvement in Europe. It came to mind that if you and Charlene had taken notice anytime someone had said, “That’s almost impossible,” look at the things the body would have missed out on!! We surely wouldn’t have CFGC for starters! It may take a little time, but things are changing all the time, and I DO feel burdened for the Chaplain who struggles, or is sometimes alone, in what must be very difficult circumstances. Maybe just encouragement and support on strategic personal visits would be valuable … ??
Anyhow, you know me well, and I don’t have to labor my willingness or gifting, such as they are. I pray God’s supreme touch and provision on you both, in every way, with love.
– Carol Hall, Bible teacher par excellence.
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Dear Saints
I have just read the February Newsletter, and I was thrilled to read the letter from LTC Howard L. Malone. I would like very much to share this letter with my friends and associates. I believe that this kind of "good news" is essential to encouraging the Church in America and bringing focus as to our Christian duties and responsibilities. What a great letter that brings glory to a great God.
I have taken the liberty to optically scan the letter and convert it to a MS Word Document. I also created a representative masthead of CFGC to give attribution to your letter. I have reviewed it for accuracy to assure nothing is added or omitted
With your permission, I would like to send this letter, as it appears in the attachment, to my friends, relatives and associates. If I need to change or add anything, please advise.
In His Service,
Pastor Burton Stokes
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Wado Grandmother!!!
I wanted to let you know that I am doing OK, and that I got A's in the 3 classes I had last semester. Also, I got the latest newsletter, and once again immensely enjoyed it. I even brought it to class to share with a friend.
I can't thank you enough for being there for me. Your support means A LOT!!!
Blessings and Peace to you and yours
-Chandra
(Chaplain’s response to above) Every time I wonder if the Lord wants me to keep up the newsletters, I get a report like this....This girl is a two-time suicide survivor that found the White Eagle website late one night and decided to try the Native Christian way (she is Cherokee in AZ). Afterwards, I mentored her via email for a few months. She has since gotten a job and gone back to college -- how cool is that! "Wado" means "thank you" in Cherokee, and a "Grandmother" is an elder in the tribe.
– Rev. Chari Bouse, Correctional Volunteer, Coppell, TX
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Deployed in February
I am in Iraq where I coordinate and provide oversight of Bible studies and am the camp’s Gospel Service Pastor. During the month I have established re-deployment briefs and a family support system for Army National Guard personnel assigned/attached with command. I have accompanied troops on convoy and visit and officiate services accordingly. I have conducted several baptisms, as well.
– CH (CPT-P) Guy McBride, Army Active Duty
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CFGC STAFF SCHEDULE
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| Apr |
08-10 |
Military Chaplains Asso., Ft. Jackson, SC |
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23 |
Secretary’s Day |
| May |
01-03 |
Retired Army Chaplains Bi-Annual Reunion, Kansas City, MO |
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11 |
Pentecost Sunday & Mother’s Day |
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17 |
Military Prayer Breakfast, San Antonio, TX |
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26 |
Memorial Day |
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