Spring evokes new life, beginnings and certainly change. Regardless of what spiritual faith we represent, change is the operative word. During the last two months many comprehensive changes have been challenging chaplaincy in our military. Unit Ministry Teams (UMT) seek to provide comfort and guidance to Soldiers and their families negotiating new orders. Please pray for our Army and hold our UMTs, Directors of Religious Education and dedicated civilian workforce before God.
This is not a political statement or veiled support for a political party or philosophical strategy. We bring God’s love and Word providing the best religious support possible to the U.S. Army. The people we shepherd, actively serving and veteran, are trying to negotiate life successfully as defenders of peace within their spiritual beliefs, practices, and personal consciences. We are not judges of the leadership or led.
This is a difficult road as we all have experienced in our service to “God and country”. Note a clue how we do this from our own Army Chaplaincy motto. God comes first and is capitalized. Country comes second in lower case. This motto forever sets our priorities as religious leaders and providers. We are above the shifting sand and ocean tides of human thoughts. We present the eternal and the basics of life here and hereafter.
I call upon all our USACCRA membership and potential fellowship to “pray unceasingly” for our Chaplaincy. Pray for our Chief of Chaplains William Green, Jr. and our RSGM Meaghan Simmons. Pray for our Deputy Chief of Chaplains Jack Stumme. Pray for our Institute of Religious Leadership (IRL) Commandant, Chaplain Causey. Pray for their staff and our IRL. Pray for our garrison UMTs, our armies, corps, divisions, regiments, brigades, and battalions. Pray for our hospital staff. Pray for the USACCRA Board of Directors and project teams as we strive to hold up the chaplaincy arms during these latest battles of change. Pray that changes are in alignment with God’s word, will and way. Pray not for power of one party over another but pray for a godly peace “that surpasses all understanding…”.
Blessings Sisters and Brothers in these changing times and new beginnings.
Scottie Lloyd
USACCRA President
- The USACCRA Scholarship Team is looking to announce in April our new family educational scholarship program. Several new benefits and iniatives are progressing speedily. Membership increased to an historic high of over 510 members. By April we should have the final schedule of events and opportunities to celebrate the 250th U.S. Army Chaplain Corps anniversary in July (Ft. Jackson, SC). The Military Chaplain Association (MCA) will celebrate their 100th anniversary in July. These are exciting times. Pray. SRL
