This is the last post from California as I am hopping onto a bus in a few hours to make it to the airport and wait 6 hours for our 0500 flight back home. I have really enjoyed my time out here with my Marines and have learned quite a bit more about the USMC and what to expect in Afghanistan. The desert environment has been quite the challenge on me and my equipment and I learned tricks to overcome that. One thing I would improve is to have some dedicated training/mentoring for the Religious Ministry Teams (Chaplain and RP) that come out here for a month. It is a mentality of go figure out how to operate under a schedule and training environment that is nothing like deployment. So, RP and I had to figure out ways to make the training effective for us.
We did five foot patrols with the guys in a mock town in two days this week to get our teamwork and communication down. We have some more work to do, but there has been a good start and we can build on that next week and during our in country training period.
I got to participate in a few key leader engagements with Afghan role players. I was just there to engage with their religious leader if needed. It was great to learn the culture in an intense setting and to eat Afghan food. I did get to say a prayer at one of the meetings. It was odd saying a prayer as a Christian in a room of Muslims. I gather I did a good job as it was well received and I heard a comment of how our prayers are very similar.
Easter was great, despite preaching in 30+ mph winds. 80 people showed up across all three services throughout the afternoon. We couldn't do a sunrise service due to the training schedule, but I was pleased with the turnout. We'll see how many show up once we get into country. I am predicting a pretty good turnout, but that depends on how things are going.
It was a good experience for RP and I to bond and get a good feel for how we work together and what the stressors are for each of us. We also learned what happens to each of us as we get tired and exhausted. I am really looking forward to heading out in a few weeks and ministering where there is a distinct and great need.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Easter Sermon from EMV
I know this is posting things a bit early, but I am not sure I will have time to post this tomorrow due to the crazy schedule and lack of computer access after I finish preaching the three services to all the positions of the companies in the field. While in the field I don't typically use a manuscript instead just relying on notes. But as this is my first major Christian holiday in the field I wanted to post the full text, well minus any ad libbing I do tomorrow, to test out something I want to do in country. I want to post sermon notes and texts so my lay leaders can use them as discussions so when I visit the Marines they are connected with any kind of series or recurring themes while I have been unable to visit. Plus, it gives a small window into how I reach my Marines. Unfortunately, you won't be there with them at the Forward Operating Bases in the desert and haven't been with them the last month, but I hope you get a feel for what they are going through and what they need as I have discerned.
Have you ever experienced a moment that you will never forget. One that is etched in your mind for all eternity. 9/11, for us old folks, the Challenger explosion, your first kiss, when you proposed, the birth of a child, the death of a loved one. This is one of those moments for the two women named Mary in the text. Normally, those moments have significance to just us, but this moment changed history and affected everyone for the last two thousand years.
I have been trying to picture this whole scene at the tomb in my mind the last week. Let’s all put ourselves in the women’s shoes here. What would this whole thing look like?
A man we trusted and followed despite ridicule and banishment from our religion that defined our lives was brutally executed this past Friday. He didn’t go quickly either. He hung there dying for hours undergoing torture at the hands of people who couldn’t care who he was or what he meant to us let alone the world. All his other close friends essentially abandoned the last three years of following him and went back to their old jobs and lives the next day. Who can really blame them though? They needed to live and this Jesus guy wasn’t really who he said he was right? He promised to save Israel and had open arms for everyone. He did heal people, but so did other. So maybe he was just a fad like all the others.
If I’m honest with myself, I’d probably do the same thing. I put most of my chips betting on Jesus, but hold some back in case I’m wrong. The disciples did the same thing, it seems like human nature. But, these women don’t run away from Jesus, they are slower to go back to their old lives. Despite their world crashing down on them and essentially losing everything in his death, they go to the tomb after the Sabbath. They are following their customs when things get back to normal in Israel and want to anoint the body and help keep the stench down. They want Jesus to have respect and dignity in death, even if he did let them down.
When they get there though, the world changes again in a dramatic manner. According to Matthew, the earth shook, the stone rolled away and an angel was sitting on the stone. Imagine that scene for a second. You are grieving the loss of a dear friend and then bam, an angel is sitting on the stone at an open tomb that was sealed last time you looked a second ago. I’d run far and fast. The women pause and the angel says, “Do not be afraid.” Yeah, right! That would make me want to run even more. The angel says that the one we are looking for isn’t here, he is risen. Every scary legend I learned about graveyards is coming true before my eyes. These women know about Lazarus and how he walked out of a tomb, so this scene isn’t exactly new to them, but no one was there to raise Jesus. Did he do this himself? Before they can ask a question, the angel say to go and tell the disciples that Jesus will meet them in Galilee. They leave still afraid but are doing what the angel instructed.
On the way there, they see Jesus who greets them saying, “Hi!” like nothing has happened. Don’t be afraid and tell those scared men to meet me in Galilee. It seems like Jesus expected this and it isn’t all that amazing that he is talking to people a few days after his death. But, Jesus is not exactly like us. He looks like us, talks like us, walks like us, feels like us, but there is something distinctly different and this event has brought that into clear focus. And he needs people to tell the world who he is and what he is here for.
We misunderstand him all the time. We tend to lose focus on what Jesus came for and why he went through all he went through the last week of his life. On Sunday, he entered Jerusalem as a hero and then went and turned over tables at the temple. Monday he curses a tree as an object lesson and tells some parables about what is going to happen. Tuesday he seals his fate with the religious leaders. Wednesday his arrest is arranged. Thursday he has his last meal and is betrayed during his prayer with God. Friday he is beaten and executed after a trumped up trial in a kangaroo court. But, despite all this he came back. For us, each and every one of us here today. For this world so broken that creation moans for renewal. That is the gospel. That is the grace of Christ. That made everything he taught took a different meaning. Everything he said has eternal consequences and shapes how we live out our calling to bless to world.
In the passage from Colossians, Paul says we must seek things of Christ because he is part of us and we part of him. Christ has participated in everything we undergo in life and rose above it all. So doing the things of Christ are what brings his glory here on earth. So what exactly are the things we, those of us called Christians who proclaim the glory of the day we remember today, are called to do?
We have to go back to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry to see what today means. Jesus laid out the kingdom and what he was here for in the Sermon on the Mount. It also defined who Jesus is. The sermons in Lent have revolved around “Who is Jesus?” Today the answer is proven. We heard it from Jesus’ mouth earlier in Matthew so lets look again at how wide, wonderful and glorious this kingdom is.
It is humble, full of broken people doing what they can to help others as much or more than they help themselves. It is people who are looking to make peace with the world and others. People who care for creation as gardeners and not just consumers. People who love even their enemies as much as friends. People just like us who know they need Jesus to live into that kingdom. It is inclusive and waiting for anyone to come into the kingdom at any time.
The kingdom is Christ’s death, our sins, forgiveness, thankfulness, community, hospitality, inspiration, equality and our calling to be a blessing to the world. The kingdom is here for those of us who are broken and know the world is broken and know that is not what the world should be.
This kingdom turns our culture and what we value on its head. It doesn’t matter why you are here today, this kingdom is for you. You may only worship today and Christmas, you may only come when you need strength, you may come every Sunday because it is the only way you make it through the week. Jesus is alive and on the move for you.
This kingdom is for losers like me, where the least of these become the greatest in the kingdom and are the focus of Jesus’ ministry and who we losers are called to minister to as well. And what is amazing is that the king of this heavenly kingdom loves losers like me so much that he defeated death for me.
And this king is more than just someone who died to save us. I have to admit that sometimes I cannot adequately put into words who Jesus is and what it means to have him as my king. Those raised in an African-American faith can articulate that better than I ever will so I will take excerpts from a description of King Jesus by the Rev S.M. Lockridge from 35 years ago that is still powerful and relevant on a day like today.
"My King is: The king of the Jews-that’s a racial king. The King of Israel-that’s a national king; the King of glory; the king of kings and the Lord of Lords.
My king is a sovereign king. No means of measure can define his limitless love! No barrier can hinder him from pouring out his blessing!
He’s enduringly strong! He’s entirely sincere! He’s imperially powerful! He’s impartially merciful! He’s the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world!
He’s God’s son! The sinner’s savior! The centerpiece of civilization! He stands in the solitude of Himself! He’s the fundamental doctrine of true theology!
He sympathizes and saves. He strengthens and sustains. He guards and guides. He heals the sick. He cleansed the lepers. He forgives sinners. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate.
I wish I could describe him for you, but he’s indescribable! He’s incomprehensible. He’s invincible! He’s irresistible!
You can’t get him out of your mind or off your hands! You can’t outlive him and you can’t live without him! The Pharisees couldn’t stand him, but they found out they couldn’t stop him. Pilate couldn’t find any fault in him. Death couldn’t handle him and the tomb couldn’t hold him.
That’s my King, that’s my king, that my king and he’s the kingdom and the power and the glory Forever. AMEN!"
Easter 2011
Psalm 113:1-2, 14-24 (Opening Prayer)
Colossians 3:1-4
Matthew 28:1-10
“Who Jesus Is”
24 April 2011 Field Services
Have you ever experienced a moment that you will never forget. One that is etched in your mind for all eternity. 9/11, for us old folks, the Challenger explosion, your first kiss, when you proposed, the birth of a child, the death of a loved one. This is one of those moments for the two women named Mary in the text. Normally, those moments have significance to just us, but this moment changed history and affected everyone for the last two thousand years.
I have been trying to picture this whole scene at the tomb in my mind the last week. Let’s all put ourselves in the women’s shoes here. What would this whole thing look like?
A man we trusted and followed despite ridicule and banishment from our religion that defined our lives was brutally executed this past Friday. He didn’t go quickly either. He hung there dying for hours undergoing torture at the hands of people who couldn’t care who he was or what he meant to us let alone the world. All his other close friends essentially abandoned the last three years of following him and went back to their old jobs and lives the next day. Who can really blame them though? They needed to live and this Jesus guy wasn’t really who he said he was right? He promised to save Israel and had open arms for everyone. He did heal people, but so did other. So maybe he was just a fad like all the others.
If I’m honest with myself, I’d probably do the same thing. I put most of my chips betting on Jesus, but hold some back in case I’m wrong. The disciples did the same thing, it seems like human nature. But, these women don’t run away from Jesus, they are slower to go back to their old lives. Despite their world crashing down on them and essentially losing everything in his death, they go to the tomb after the Sabbath. They are following their customs when things get back to normal in Israel and want to anoint the body and help keep the stench down. They want Jesus to have respect and dignity in death, even if he did let them down.
When they get there though, the world changes again in a dramatic manner. According to Matthew, the earth shook, the stone rolled away and an angel was sitting on the stone. Imagine that scene for a second. You are grieving the loss of a dear friend and then bam, an angel is sitting on the stone at an open tomb that was sealed last time you looked a second ago. I’d run far and fast. The women pause and the angel says, “Do not be afraid.” Yeah, right! That would make me want to run even more. The angel says that the one we are looking for isn’t here, he is risen. Every scary legend I learned about graveyards is coming true before my eyes. These women know about Lazarus and how he walked out of a tomb, so this scene isn’t exactly new to them, but no one was there to raise Jesus. Did he do this himself? Before they can ask a question, the angel say to go and tell the disciples that Jesus will meet them in Galilee. They leave still afraid but are doing what the angel instructed.
On the way there, they see Jesus who greets them saying, “Hi!” like nothing has happened. Don’t be afraid and tell those scared men to meet me in Galilee. It seems like Jesus expected this and it isn’t all that amazing that he is talking to people a few days after his death. But, Jesus is not exactly like us. He looks like us, talks like us, walks like us, feels like us, but there is something distinctly different and this event has brought that into clear focus. And he needs people to tell the world who he is and what he is here for.
We misunderstand him all the time. We tend to lose focus on what Jesus came for and why he went through all he went through the last week of his life. On Sunday, he entered Jerusalem as a hero and then went and turned over tables at the temple. Monday he curses a tree as an object lesson and tells some parables about what is going to happen. Tuesday he seals his fate with the religious leaders. Wednesday his arrest is arranged. Thursday he has his last meal and is betrayed during his prayer with God. Friday he is beaten and executed after a trumped up trial in a kangaroo court. But, despite all this he came back. For us, each and every one of us here today. For this world so broken that creation moans for renewal. That is the gospel. That is the grace of Christ. That made everything he taught took a different meaning. Everything he said has eternal consequences and shapes how we live out our calling to bless to world.
In the passage from Colossians, Paul says we must seek things of Christ because he is part of us and we part of him. Christ has participated in everything we undergo in life and rose above it all. So doing the things of Christ are what brings his glory here on earth. So what exactly are the things we, those of us called Christians who proclaim the glory of the day we remember today, are called to do?
We have to go back to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry to see what today means. Jesus laid out the kingdom and what he was here for in the Sermon on the Mount. It also defined who Jesus is. The sermons in Lent have revolved around “Who is Jesus?” Today the answer is proven. We heard it from Jesus’ mouth earlier in Matthew so lets look again at how wide, wonderful and glorious this kingdom is.
It is humble, full of broken people doing what they can to help others as much or more than they help themselves. It is people who are looking to make peace with the world and others. People who care for creation as gardeners and not just consumers. People who love even their enemies as much as friends. People just like us who know they need Jesus to live into that kingdom. It is inclusive and waiting for anyone to come into the kingdom at any time.
The kingdom is Christ’s death, our sins, forgiveness, thankfulness, community, hospitality, inspiration, equality and our calling to be a blessing to the world. The kingdom is here for those of us who are broken and know the world is broken and know that is not what the world should be.
This kingdom turns our culture and what we value on its head. It doesn’t matter why you are here today, this kingdom is for you. You may only worship today and Christmas, you may only come when you need strength, you may come every Sunday because it is the only way you make it through the week. Jesus is alive and on the move for you.
This kingdom is for losers like me, where the least of these become the greatest in the kingdom and are the focus of Jesus’ ministry and who we losers are called to minister to as well. And what is amazing is that the king of this heavenly kingdom loves losers like me so much that he defeated death for me.
And this king is more than just someone who died to save us. I have to admit that sometimes I cannot adequately put into words who Jesus is and what it means to have him as my king. Those raised in an African-American faith can articulate that better than I ever will so I will take excerpts from a description of King Jesus by the Rev S.M. Lockridge from 35 years ago that is still powerful and relevant on a day like today.
"My King is: The king of the Jews-that’s a racial king. The King of Israel-that’s a national king; the King of glory; the king of kings and the Lord of Lords.
My king is a sovereign king. No means of measure can define his limitless love! No barrier can hinder him from pouring out his blessing!
He’s enduringly strong! He’s entirely sincere! He’s imperially powerful! He’s impartially merciful! He’s the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world!
He’s God’s son! The sinner’s savior! The centerpiece of civilization! He stands in the solitude of Himself! He’s the fundamental doctrine of true theology!
He sympathizes and saves. He strengthens and sustains. He guards and guides. He heals the sick. He cleansed the lepers. He forgives sinners. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate.
I wish I could describe him for you, but he’s indescribable! He’s incomprehensible. He’s invincible! He’s irresistible!
You can’t get him out of your mind or off your hands! You can’t outlive him and you can’t live without him! The Pharisees couldn’t stand him, but they found out they couldn’t stop him. Pilate couldn’t find any fault in him. Death couldn’t handle him and the tomb couldn’t hold him.
That’s my King, that’s my king, that my king and he’s the kingdom and the power and the glory Forever. AMEN!"
Notes from California-EMV Part 3
It has been a good two weeks out here. The battalion seems to be performing well. I'm not a ground combat tactician so I'm basing that on what I am hearing, etc. The Marines are in good spirits and are eager to get this last week done and get back to NC. I can say I am there with them.
I have had a good time out there watching artillery do their job in the combined arms portion of this long training. It is weird being out in the field with weapons flying overhead. You definitely hear them coming before you see them land about a mile away. My RP and I have yet to spend more than two nights in any one location. We are getting tired by all the traveling, but it is rewarding and I am there to serve my Marines so that is what we get to do. We did get the last two nights back at Camp Wilson for some rest and refit. We are heading back out in two hours for the last event here that will last until Thursday and then on Friday we are off to the airport for the flight back to NC.
I would have some great photos from the last week or so, but the cell phone literally cooked in the heat and isn't working at all. And my camera didn't make it past the first week.
Next up is getting ready for the Easter preaching extravaganza tomorrow as I plan to do 4 services so I can be at every company position for Easter. That is why the rest over the last few days has been well timed. Last week I got to do something pretty special and participated in a Passover Seder out in the field. I had to order the meals for everyone three months ago due to the special order nature of the event, but it was great to participate in such a setting for a special meal. I even got a thank you email from one of the moms for making sure to think about the Jewish Marines out here. That was one of the emails that makes the job worthwhile.
I have had a good time out there watching artillery do their job in the combined arms portion of this long training. It is weird being out in the field with weapons flying overhead. You definitely hear them coming before you see them land about a mile away. My RP and I have yet to spend more than two nights in any one location. We are getting tired by all the traveling, but it is rewarding and I am there to serve my Marines so that is what we get to do. We did get the last two nights back at Camp Wilson for some rest and refit. We are heading back out in two hours for the last event here that will last until Thursday and then on Friday we are off to the airport for the flight back to NC.
I would have some great photos from the last week or so, but the cell phone literally cooked in the heat and isn't working at all. And my camera didn't make it past the first week.
Next up is getting ready for the Easter preaching extravaganza tomorrow as I plan to do 4 services so I can be at every company position for Easter. That is why the rest over the last few days has been well timed. Last week I got to do something pretty special and participated in a Passover Seder out in the field. I had to order the meals for everyone three months ago due to the special order nature of the event, but it was great to participate in such a setting for a special meal. I even got a thank you email from one of the moms for making sure to think about the Jewish Marines out here. That was one of the emails that makes the job worthwhile.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Notes from California-EMV Part 2
So I just got back to the main base out here, Camp Wilson, sort of unexpectedly due to some training I have to give to all the companies before we leave here and two of them are back here for the next two days so I get to give them the training tomorrow. It will be nice to get a shower and do some laundry. The soda I just finished was amazing after not having anything cold to drink for the last two weeks. What a great time out in the field though. I was able to get out with each of the companies for a few nights over that time and held some field services with good attendance numbers of about 10% of the companies. I also got to get out and walk alongside the Marines as they performed on some live fire ranges, one of which I have heard them talk about since the day I arrived 6 months ago. Range 400 out here is a sort of coming of age type experience for the infantry types and I must say it was quite impressive. I walked along with the Battalion Commander who provided some great insight into what I was seeing. There were times where machine guns were firing overhead and I was 100 yds from explosions of all kinds. Pretty surreal to say the least.
We have endured all kinds of weather out here in the desert. From 100 degree days to 30 degree nights to even some rain and 50 mph winds. It is truly looking like a great place to get that final training in before we head out and deploy. I'll leave now so I can go and finish some other work, relax and get some sleep before getting up late tomorrow (6 am instead of 4am like the past few days.)
We have endured all kinds of weather out here in the desert. From 100 degree days to 30 degree nights to even some rain and 50 mph winds. It is truly looking like a great place to get that final training in before we head out and deploy. I'll leave now so I can go and finish some other work, relax and get some sleep before getting up late tomorrow (6 am instead of 4am like the past few days.)
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Notes from California-EMV Part 1
So I am now out at Twentynine Palms, CA for Enhanced Mojave Viper training, our last hurdle before deployment. We have been at the main training camp called Camp Wilson all week and will push out to the remote training areas today. It has been an interesting week out here. It all started with a charter flight from Cherry Point on Sunday afternoon/evening to Ontario, CA. We had to arrive on base 10 hours before the flight to draw weapons and pack up, etc. We loaded the buses and headed down the road to Cherry Point and the bus I was on got lost twice on the way there. Not to worry because we were at the terminal for hours before the flight left. For military flights they weigh you in before you get on which was a new experience for me. The flight left about 90 minutes late for various reasons so we didn't land until about 11pm California time, got on buses for another two hours and finally had our gear here in the desert at about 4am. Back up at 8am for the normal day to begin.
Most of the week was training for the Marines so RP and I got some good PT in and basically worked out of the chapel on Camp Wilson. Many classes and meetings throughout the week. I also got the honor of getting my smallpox vaccine on Wednesday. Man it is itching right now. The other infantry battalion chaplain and I got to do some visioning of our plans for deployment as he will be in an area close to ours on deployment and it was nice to have deep theological discussions like in seminary again. We are both from different backgrounds and had some great discussions on a wide range of topics and how we do worship, etc. One of my Chaplain School classmates is stationed out here and he stopped by for a few hours on Thursday to catch up and offer some tips on deployment, etc. All in all a good and productive week with some good counseling and lay leader training as well.
We held a Bible study on Wednesday night and had a movie night on Thursday for anyone interested. Not much turnout, but the guys have typically been exhausted each night after training. Other than yesterday the temperatures have been quite comfortable and makes me glad we are here training because it is dry and there is usually a breeze to cool you off. I'll get one final run in and hopefully have time for a shower before we push out for 4 weeks. I have decided that if I were to deploy to a place like this, I'd probably go crazy. I'm too much of a personality that needs to get out and do stuff to be stuck at an established base with restaurants and such for a long period of time. This week has been long enough and I am ready to get out there with the Marines and get this show on the road.
Hopefully I'll be able to get some updates as we are out there training. If not, I'll provide the select few of you who read this an update when I get back to this bastion of civilization in a few weeks.
Most of the week was training for the Marines so RP and I got some good PT in and basically worked out of the chapel on Camp Wilson. Many classes and meetings throughout the week. I also got the honor of getting my smallpox vaccine on Wednesday. Man it is itching right now. The other infantry battalion chaplain and I got to do some visioning of our plans for deployment as he will be in an area close to ours on deployment and it was nice to have deep theological discussions like in seminary again. We are both from different backgrounds and had some great discussions on a wide range of topics and how we do worship, etc. One of my Chaplain School classmates is stationed out here and he stopped by for a few hours on Thursday to catch up and offer some tips on deployment, etc. All in all a good and productive week with some good counseling and lay leader training as well.
We held a Bible study on Wednesday night and had a movie night on Thursday for anyone interested. Not much turnout, but the guys have typically been exhausted each night after training. Other than yesterday the temperatures have been quite comfortable and makes me glad we are here training because it is dry and there is usually a breeze to cool you off. I'll get one final run in and hopefully have time for a shower before we push out for 4 weeks. I have decided that if I were to deploy to a place like this, I'd probably go crazy. I'm too much of a personality that needs to get out and do stuff to be stuck at an established base with restaurants and such for a long period of time. This week has been long enough and I am ready to get out there with the Marines and get this show on the road.
Hopefully I'll be able to get some updates as we are out there training. If not, I'll provide the select few of you who read this an update when I get back to this bastion of civilization in a few weeks.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)