Becoming a chaplain in the Army was most difficult. In 1981, I received a DUI and a dismissed case on my record in 1979. The chaplain leadership hesitated and wondered how I rapidly changed into a mature man within ten years. In 1990, a Chaplain recruiter visited Harding Graduate of Religion seeking candidates for the Army Chaplain Corps. He was impressed with my academic achievements and commitment to better myself. Behind closed doors, I understood it was an uphill battle to become a chaplain because of the short time from the 1981 DUI and my dismissed legal record. The recruiter fought fearlessly to convince the chaplain leaders to accept my application. What turned the tide was a Colonel Chaplain wrote a staller letter explaining that I had made a 180-degree change since 1981. He mentioned the tremendous grades during my Master of Divinity degree program with no additional legal problems. The effort paid off, and they accepted my application to become a 1LT chaplain with my honesty on the Secret Clearance application. I officially became a Reserve Army Chaplain on April 28, 1991.
I learned that a DUI and legal problems can crush one dreams and toss them into the rubbish for burning. In 1981, a DUI while in the Air Force almost led to a dishonorable discharge. During these days, God again provided a vision to accept his calling as a servant in the ministry, and all concerns with the Air Force would disappear. If I say no, my current lifestyle will destroy me. A vision from God appeared as a heatwave, which was impossible to ignore. Desperately, I drew near to God, unlike any previous experience, and entirely ran with His call toward ministry. Immediately afterward, God sent His servants to surround me with graciousness and invited me into their homes for fellowship. Some appeared like angels who visited and vanished shortly after spiritual interactions. These acquaintances disappeared, never to be seen again. Christian aircraft mechanics surrounded me with powerful fellowship and protection. I was no longer on the Air Force radar screen for being a “bad boy.” I read the New Testament monthly for the next two years to prepare for my academic career.
While at Harding Graduate School of Religion, when I met with the chaplain recruiter. I knew acceptance into the Chaplain Corps was a calling from God and would happen. God provided me peace that my legal record will not stop anyone from His calling to give ministry to soldiers and their families. God is not partial. His way is to redeem all who draw near Him. He did not hold my past against me and protected me from all who salivated for failure in my dreams.
Whether you believe in God or not, many will still discourage our accomplishments in this fleshy World. By drawing near to God, His power will trump every nasty word people say behind our backs. Consider Jesus and realize he was scorned, made fun of, severely beaten, and cruelly nailed to a cross. He overcame death. As a believer in God, I have experienced that He dumbfounds those who seek to destroy God’s plan for me over time. Saint Peter says we have the advantage in God. But even if you might suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear their intimidation or be disturbed but set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts (1 Pet 3:14). God has blessed me for drawing near to Him, and I have many treasures in heaven for accepting His ministry to the downtrodden. Go in peace, and may your free will treat others kindly.
