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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Jul 3, 2009 - 7:37:28 PM |
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| Airfield community members come and worship together. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. First Class Krishna Gamble) |
Blackanthem Military News, BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Members of the Bagram Airfield community gathered for three nights in the MWR clamshell to revive their faith and celebrate the beginning of the spring season.
Enduring Faith Chapel Gospel services hosted the first Spring Revival at BAF March 21-23.
The theme for the services, "Having faith that pleases God," was taken from the concept pointed out in Hebrews 11:6 of the King James version of the Holy Bible, which reads, "... without faith, it is impossible to please God."
"Faith is what you believe in and it affects everything around you," said Chap. (Maj.) Terry Simmons, Enduring Faith Chapel Gospel services chaplain. "I believe God had great impact on our BAF community. I believe God has more plans to influence and move through us in BAF and Afghanistan."
The services were open to all members of the BAF community to come and worship. Each night, two ministers from the gospel service brought forth a message of hope, faith and encouragement. The gospel choir and dance team also contributed to the services through various performances, demonstrating their faith.
"In order to obtain faith, we have to be obedient to God's commandments that are given to us," said Sgt. 1st Class Kadesha Thompson, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade. "[We as Christians cannot] allow our faith to be wavered by anything."
"Faith is developed by the word of God, by trials and past experiences," Simmons said. "Faith is only developed in your relationship with God."
Revival services can be traced back to before the 18th century when preachers and teachers would gather in communities to spread the message of a particular doctrine, according to information gleamed from the Christian World Ministries website. The teachings may have differed in presentation and denomination, but the central theme was the belief that in revival, the Spirit of God moves in and grips men and women in such a way that suddenly the community becomes God-conscious.
In those days, revivals were preceded by corporate prayer and had strong leaders who preached the message in a new and powerful manner. These revivalists preached at non-traditional times in non-traditional places, and music was an important part of the services. Revival leaders often faced fierce opposition, but word of mouth helped spread revival services throughout communities and attendance would always increase.
Today, many churches and religious groups host revival services at the changing of the seasons - spring and fall.
"I enjoyed the services and the message was comforting, especially being away from home under these circumstances," said Sgt. 1st Class Terrance Williams, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade.
"It is time to take a stand. A stand for faithfulness, a stand for understanding, a stand for guidance, a stand for love, a stand for learning and doing God will," Thompson said. "No longer is it our will, but allow His will to be done."
ADDITIONAL PHOTO:
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| Army Chaplain (Maj.) Terry Simmons anoints Army 2nd Lt. Rosilyn Woodard as part of the Enduring Faith Prayer Ministry during Spring Revival services . ( U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. First Class Krishna Gamble) |
Comments
Pastor Ronald Benson
17 Aug 2008, 17:51
I am a pastor in San Antonio, Texas at the Bethany First Baptist Church.I
would like to help our military troops in Texas in some way. Please tell me
how this can be done. I have a tremendous burden to work as volunteer
pastor with troops teaching, preaching or counseling in Ft. Hood area. I
enjoyed reading your page and will pray for your continue success for our
military members. Thank you for any help.
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