By Chaplain (CPT) Danny Claypoole, Task Force Iron Shield MNC-1, Iraq
I want to thank the Church of God and the Chaplain’s Commission for all that they are doing to support military chaplains and the troops that they minister to. My troops were blessed when the Chaplains Commission sent thousands of Little Debbie Christmas Brownies to Iraq this year. It is really interesting how Soldiers get motivated to help when they are handling free brownies. This amazing ministry is supported by churches like yours that reach far beyond the walls of the church to serve their Armed Forces community. The Chaplains Commission and Dr. McNabb helped us coordinate support from the local churches which makes my initiative to care for God’s people so much more fulfilling. It has been a lot of work, but work that is rewarding. I have found through ten years of civilian ministry and going on six years of military ministry that you can talk to people till you are blue in the face, but when you show them you love them it really makes the difference. I am showing the Troops that the love of Jesus Christ is alive in me by passing the brownies and care packages to them when they need it the most.
Church of God member, Margaret Pogin has coordinated with me and her church to bless us beyond what we could ever have imagined. She had dreams of us being swamped with care packages and that is exactly what has happened. LifeChurch of Bloomington, MN spent sacrificial time and money that is boosting the morale of Soldiers already. I will never forget how LifeChurch supported us during some of the most critical times in our life this year. Margaret has constantly told me about how members of her church are lifting me and my family up in prayer weekly. I have never met Margaret but I know that Jesus is alive in and through her life and ministry. I am just one of many ministers that she has inspired and supported. I cannot thank them enough for the care that they have provided. No programs can replace the leading of the Holy Spirit and the unction that He gives for us to be Jesus to others. Pastor’s Shelly and Thomas Lewis, Franklin Church of God, Franklin, Alabama, are coordinating to send care packages by Christmas also. They are getting their community involved through radio broadcast with the intentions of being Christ’s hands extended to Service members. Shelly has also prayed for me and my family and supported us through inspired words of encouragement.
My Aunt and Pastor Janice Claypoole and the women’s ministry of the Ark of Mercy Church of God have sent cards and “Ale-8s” in support of me and this ministry. They know how much I miss home and my favorite canned drink from the old home place in Winchester,KY. This church and Janice have supported me all of my life. I was anointed with oil and set forth from the Ark of Mercy twelve years ago. I never regret where I came from and am hopeful and expectant about where I am going. Your love and support has proved to me that the Church of God will be there to meet the needs of its people in our most desperate times. So, Merry Christmas and thanks to the Church of God and the Chaplains Commission for all they do in blessing and not forgetting our troops defending our freedom around the world. Keep up the great work of being the extended hands of Jesus for God and Country!
To learn more about the Church of God Chaplains Commission chaplaincy programs, visit the Chaplains Commission website at: www.cogchaplains.com.
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Chaplain (CPT) Claypoole with Little Debbie shipment. |