Christian Report May 2025
Christian Report April 2025
Up From The Grave
It’s Saturday, the day after the Lord was crucified. A man stares at the huge boulder covering the tomb’s entrance. Let’s listen in on him as he speaks to himself:
I don't know how to say it. Words choke in my throat. My stomach wants to heave. Grief grips my chest. We thought he would deliver us. That God would restore our kingdom, keep His promise to our Fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob.
But that won’t happen now. He died last evening. Mocked. Spat on. Bloodied. Cold.
I watched him die.
His last words confused me. I’m still confused.
Without warning, he stiffened his legs and pushed his feet against the nails. At the same time, he thrust out his chest, pulled mercilessly against his hands also nailed to the cross. Then he lifted his face toward heaven, as if seeing something unseen. But his expression . . . It seemed out of place. No hint of anger. No pain. Almost . . . almost . . . I think ‘satisfied’ best describes how he looked.
Then he cried out – so sudden, so loud even the soldiers stopped and looked at him. “It is finished!”
His voice rang clear. Strong. Confident. Almost like a shout of triumph.
And that’s what confuses me. Triumph?
Then he went limp. Like an old cloth. His arms, still held by the nails in his hands, pulled against his shoulders. From where I stood, it looked as if his arms had been pulled out of joint.
One of the soldiers picked up a spear and thrust it deep into Jesus’ chest. Blood and water gushed from the wound, but Jesus didn’t so much as flinch.
When the soldiers let us, we took Jesus from the cross and gathered around him. We cradled him in our arms. His skin felt cold. His eyes were gray. Dull. Still.
Joseph wrapped him in a burial cloth, and we carried him to the tomb Joseph had given for Jesus’ burial. We rolled the stone over the entrance. And we walked away.
But what did he mean, “It is finished”?
Now the scene changes to the next day.
OH! Listen! He’s alive! He’s alive! I don’t know how . . . it's a miracle. A glorious wondrous miracle. He’s alive. I saw him die. I buried him. But he’s alive! Alive!
I just talked with him. Even ate with him. At first, we didn’t know it was him. But Oh! how our hearts burned when He spoke with us about the Scriptures.
He broke bread. And then . . . then he was goneᵃ. Vanished. Suddenly. Before our eyes. But oh, I remember His words, and I now know what was finished when he shouted, “It is finished.”
Death, yes even death’s power is finished. They killed the Prince of Lifeᵇ, but Jesus swallowed up deathᶜ. And now, everyone – everyone who believes and obeys him will live, even if he diesᵈ. And everyone who believes and obeys him will never dieᵉ.
Oh, death where now is your victory? Grave, where now is your sting? We know the sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law, but Almighty God has given us the victory over deathᶠ through Jesus our Lord.
God’s wrath against us for
our sins is finished.
We’ve all gone astray. We’ve all turned to our own way. But God laid on him all of our iniquitiesᵍ.
God’s wrath toward those who obey Christ is finished because He reconciled us to himself through Jesus’ death, making him to be sinʰ on our behalf so that we might become the righteousness of God in Christ. And now, by our obedient faith in Christ, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our sins according to the superabundant riches of God’s grace which he lavished on usⁱ.
Jesus is alive. He is the alpha and the omegaʲ. The beginning and the end. The first and the last. He alone holds the keys of death and of hellᵏ. OH! We all must get this! Jesus is alive, and all authority in heaven and earth belongs to Himˡ. It is finished. The battle is over between life and death, good and evil, hatred and love – it is finished. It’s the end of the conflict. It is finished.
And Jesus is Lordᵐ.
Amen.
a Luke 24:13-32
b Acts 3:14-15
c 1 Corinthians 15:53-54
d Hebrews 5:8-9
e John 11:25-26
f 1 Corinthians 15:55-57
g Isaiah 53
h 2 Corinthians 5:21
I Ephesians 1:7-11
J Revelation 21:6-8
k Revelation 1:17-18
l Matthew 28:18
m Philippian 2:10-11
CDR Richard Maffeo, USN (Ret.) served with the US Navy as a registered nurse. When he retired in 2007, he found employment in nursing education, both in Tacoma, WA and in Georgia. He fully retired in 2020 and now teaches Bible study and holds church services at a local memory care center and a 55+ independent living community. He and his wife, Nancy, are married for 50 years and have three adult children. You can find Richard’s blog at https://inhimonly.blogspot.com/. You can also find him on Facebook @Richard Maffeo
TAPS: In Memoriam
It is always with great sadness to us remaining here on earth to learn of the passing of our beloved friends and co-laborers in the Kingdom. Yet we rejoice as they have been promoted to their great reward, for as it is written “...no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him…” (1 Cor 2:9). Indeed, what is sorrow for us is not sorrow for them, and their homecoming is precious in the eyes of our Heavenly Father (Ps 116:15).
We often hear about the passing of our members far after the fact, so please bear with us when our announcements are not timely. Please also forgive us for not announcing the passing of one of your loved ones as this is a new feature of the Christian Report. Please call or send an email letting us know if we can inform our membership of the passing of your loved one.
Richard “Dick” Price, Veteran, USMC — February 15, 2025. Dick was a man of deep faith, unwavering commitment, and boundless love, leaving behind a legacy that touched countless lives.
Dick proudly served as a United States Marine during the Vietnam War. His dedication to service extended beyond the military, shaping his lifelong mission of guiding and mentoring others.
Dick’s commitment to others was evident in the time he dedicated to ministry and discipleship. In 2000, Dick moved to Jacksonville, North Carolina to serve with The Navigators at Camp Lejeune, where he led Bible studies and discipled young Marines. His mentorship left an indelible mark on many, offering wisdom, guidance, and a steadfast example of faith in action. After three years, he transitioned to the Christian Military Fellowship, where he continued his ministry, tirelessly supporting military families and strengthening their faith.
Dick’s commitment to others was evident in the time he dedicated to ministry and discipleship. He not only led Bible studies but also walked alongside those he mentored, providing spiritual guidance and unwavering support. For many, he was more than a mentor—he was a father figure, a friend, and a source of encouragement through every stage of life.
Dick is survived by his loving wife, Sue Price; his children and grandchildren; and a host of extended family members, friends, and those whom he mentored. His legacy of faith, love, and service will continue through the many lives he touched.
S. Linda Wainionpaa — August 18, 2024 — Beloved wife of LCDR John Wainionpaa, USN (Ret). Linda was passionate about making a difference in the lives of children. For more than 30 years, she coordinated the Operation Christmas Child ministry in every church that she attended, starting with Woodmen Valley Chapel in Colorado Springs.
For the nineteen years of his career that she and John were married, she held “the toughest job in the Navy – Navy Wife,” operationalizing the family’s eighteen moves in the first seventeen years.
Linda was an active member of Christ Chapel of Cape Cod, serving as Christian Education Leader, Nursery Coordinator, Women’s Fellowship Board Member, Bible Study Leader, on the Hospitality Team, and Operation Christmas Child Chairperson (her greatest joy).
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:4
Christian Report February 2025
Four Chaplains Day:
A Legacy of Faith, Courage, and Sacrifice
On February 3rd, we pause to honor the Four Chaplains, men of deep faith and courage who exemplified Christ’s call to selfless love and sacrifice. Their story is one of unity, service, and unwavering trust in God—a powerful reminder of what it means to lay down one’s life for others.
A Night of Heroism
It was the early morning hours of February 3, 1943, when the USAT Dorchester, a crowded troop transport carrying over 900 soldiers, was struck by a German U-boat torpedo in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic. Within moments, panic spread as men rushed to escape the rapidly sinking ship.
In the midst of the chaos, four Army chaplains—Lt. George L. Fox (Methodist), Lt. Alexander D. Goode (Jewish), Lt. Clark V. Poling (Dutch Reformed), and Lt. John P. Washington (Catholic)—sprang into action. Instead of seeking safety for themselves, they calmed fears, guided soldiers to lifeboats, prayed with the wounded, and handed out life jackets.
When the supply of life jackets ran out, these chaplains made the ultimate sacrifice—removing their own jackets and giving them to soldiers who had none. Survivors recalled the four standing together, arms linked, praying as the ship slipped beneath the waves. Of the 902 men aboard, only 230 survived. The chaplains were among the 672 souls lost that night.
Faith That Unites
One of the most powerful aspects of this story is that these chaplains came from different faith traditions, yet they stood together as brothers, united in their mission to serve both God and their fellow soldiers. Their actions remind us that, despite our differences in background or denomination, we are called to love, serve, and sacrifice for one another.
Romans 12:10 – “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Their selflessness also reflects the heart of Christ, who calls us to put others before ourselves.
Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.”
A Call to Remember
Each year, Four Chaplains Day serves as a time to reflect on their legacy of faith and sacrifice. As followers of Christ, we are challenged to live with the same courage, unity, and selflessness. Their story is not just a historical event—it is a call to action for each of us today.
John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
How Can We Honor Their Legacy?
Pray for Military Chaplains – Today’s military chaplains continue to provide spiritual guidance, hope, and comfort to service members. Lift them up in prayer as they minister to those in need.
Reflect on Selfless Service – How can we, like the Four Chaplains, serve others without hesitation? Whether in small acts of kindness or larger sacrifices, we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ.
Share Their Story – The legacy of the Four Chaplains is one that should never be forgotten. By sharing their example, we encourage others to live with greater faith, courage, and love.
As we remember these brave men, let us strive to live out their example—standing firm in faith, serving others, and trusting in God’s divine plan. May we all reflect on their sacrifice and seek to live in such a way that honors Christ.
Living Expectantly
Have you ever heard the tale of old Shep? In Montana, overlooking the Missouri River and the Great Northern Railroad, is a monument erected to pay tribute to old Shep, a collie dog that had belonged to an old shepherd. Wherever the man went Shep was always at his side.
Then in 1936 Shep’s master died. Shep accompanied him the final time when men took his body to the train station, from whence it would be shipped back East for burial. Shep tried to board the train with his master, but was put off. As the train pulled from the station, Shep followed as far as he could.
Losing sight of the train, he returned to the station where he dug a spot under the depot, from which he would keep vigil for the return of his master. Through six cold, snowy Montana winters and five springs he would expectantly greet the arrival of each train, looking for his master’s return. In January, 1942, a train struck the old dog, killing him. Railroaders who had befriended and fed the dog buried him on a bluff, and the monument was erected in his memory.
Are we, as Christians, as faithful as was old Shep as we look for the return of our Master? Unlike Shep, our Master will return. When God’s table of time is completed, “He that shall come will come, and will not tarry” (Hebrews 10:3 7).
Though years pass, we are “looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 3:13). The question is: ARE YOU READY?
St. Valentine’s Day:
Love Rooted in Sacrifice and Obedience
Each year, on February 14, the world celebrates Valentine’s Day—a day often associated with romantic love, flowers, and heartfelt gestures. But beyond the chocolates and cards, the true meaning of love in the Christian faith is deeply rooted in sacrifice and obedience to God rather than to the expectations of the world. While there are multiple persons known as St. Valentine, we will recount the story of the most well-known Valentine here.
The Legacy of Saint Valentine
While much of the history surrounding Saint Valentine remains a mystery, tradition tells us that he was a Christian priest in Rome during the third century. At that time, Emperor Claudius II had forbidden soldiers to marry, believing that single men made better warriors. Despite the imperial decree, Valentine chose to obey God’s higher law and secretly performed marriages for Christian couples.
For his faithful obedience to God rather than man, Valentine was imprisoned and ultimately martyred for his belief in Christ. His legacy reminds us that true love is not just about emotion—it is about sacrifice, commitment, and obedience to God’s commands.
Acts 5:29 – “But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’”
A Love That Reflects Christ
Valentine’s courageous stand echoes the greatest act of love—Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Christ chose obedience to the Father over the ways of the world, laying down His life so that we might have eternal life.
John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
His obedience to the Father was not easy, yet it was perfect love in action.
Philippians 2:8 – “And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Just as Saint Valentine refused to compromise his faith, we too are called to stand firm in Christ and to love not as the world defines love, but as God defines it—with selflessness, sacrifice, and unwavering faith.
Living Out True Love
This Valentine’s Day, rather than focusing only on earthly love, let us reflect on the greater love we are called to share.
Obey God First – In a world that often pressures us to compromise, let us remember that true love is shown through obedience to God’s Word.
Love With Sacrifice – Whether in our marriages, families, friendships, or communities, let’s reflect Christ’s self-giving love through acts of service, kindness, and forgiveness.
Share the Gospel – The most loving thing we can do for others is share the hope of Christ. Just as Valentine risked everything to honor God, we too should boldly proclaim His truth in love.
1 John 4:19 – "We love because He first loved us."
As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, may we fix our hearts on the greatest love story ever told—the love of Jesus Christ. May we live out His love daily, in obedience, sacrifice, and faithfulness to Him above all else.
Military Trauma Healing
CMF’s trauma healing program continues to offer hope and restoration to active-duty military, veterans, and their families. Through a Christ-centered approach, participants engage in a 12-week course designed to help them process and heal from trauma.
With the rising concern of military-related suicides, our program is committed to addressing this crisis head-on. Many veterans and service members struggling with trauma feel isolated and hopeless, leading them to consider destructive behavior or worse as a solution. Our mission is to intervene before it reaches that point. By providing practical coping strategies and a supportive, faith-based community, we empower participants to rediscover purpose and hope through Christ.
This program provides a safe space for individuals to explore spiritual, emotional, and psychological wounds. By addressing trauma holistically, we see remarkable transformations as participants learn practical coping strategies, experience community support, and find renewed purpose through faith in Christ. We are blessed to witness the profound impact it is having on the lives of those we serve.
Please let us know f we can start a trauma recovery group in your area.
Upcoming Trauma Healing Sessions:
National (Zoom) — Ongoing Gulf Coast Region — March, TBD
Ft. Cavazos—Start Date: February 5th
Are You Interested in Becoming a Local Leader?
Christian Military Fellowship exists to help you fulfill your calling in Christ to share the hope that is in you with those with whom you interact as part of your daily life.
Briefly, CMF Local Leaders will start, and sustain a CMF fellowship made up of members of the military community in their area. While CMF is an “all ranks” ministry, our area of focus is on enlisted personnel. Local leaders institute and lead the military community in Bible study, prayer, and fellowship, keeping in communication with participants. They should also seek to build relationships with the chaplains and the chaplain team.
Toward that end we encourage you to study and complete the CMF briefing material:
Orientation (Brief #1) that shares an overview of the CMF ministry.
Developing a Local Ministry (Brief #2) that shares the Biblical foundation for and delineates the logical steps in beginning your local ministry.
Pray and Plan (Brief #3) that shares the most important activity of all! Asking Jesus what He would have you to do and then being obedient to follow His leading in your local ministry. If you choose to begin this process, please reach out to us at: leader@cmfhq.org.
We’re praying for you!
- Their story is a testament to the power of compassion and the ultimate sacrifice. We should never forget their bravery. https://spacewaves.io
Christian Report December 2024
The Unexpected Gift: Finding Christ in the Chaos of Christmas
Christmas is often celebrated with sparkling lights, neatly wrapped presents, and picture-perfect family moments. Yet, if we peer into the first Christmas, we see a much messier scene—a child born in a stable, surrounded by animals, laid in a feeding trough. It’s a story far from the perfection we strive for during the holidays.
But maybe that’s the point.
Jesus didn’t arrive in the grandeur of a palace or the safety of a hospital. He came into the grit of humanity, showing us that God works through imperfection. As we prepare for Christmas, we can learn to embrace the messiness of our lives as places where Christ’s love can enter and transform.
A Messy Nativity
Consider Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. They were young, tired, and without a place to stay. The King of Kings entered the world in a barn. This was no accident; God chose humility and simplicity as the backdrop for His Son’s birth.
Could it be that God still shows up in the places we least expect—in our chaotic homes, our unpolished prayers, and our broken relationships?
Rethinking Traditions
What if instead of seeking the “perfect” Christmas, we leaned into its imperfections?
• Gift-Giving: Jesus Himself was a gift. What if instead of focusing on material presents, we focused on giving gifts of forgiveness, time, or compassion?
• Hospitality: The inn had no room for Jesus, but we do. How can we make space for those who feel left out, lonely, or burdened this season?
• Simplicity: Instead of exhausting ourselves trying to make everything look perfect, what if we rested in the joy of Emmanuel—God with us?
Joy in the Unexpected
The shepherds were the first to hear the good news of Christ’s birth. They were ordinary people, not kings or priests. This reminds us that God often works through the ordinary and the unexpected.
This Christmas, when plans go awry, or things don’t look as polished as you’d hoped, pause. What might God be teaching you through the imperfections?
A Season of Grace
Christmas isn’t about perfection; it’s about grace. It’s about a God who steps into our world not because we’ve earned it, but because He loves us. Jesus came to redeem not only our sins but our messy, complicated lives.
This year, as you look at the twinkling lights, remember the true Light of the World, who entered our darkness to bring hope, joy, and peace.
At Christian Military Fellowship, we wish you a holiday season overflowing with the love and light of Jesus Christ, the greatest gift ever given to the world. Merry Christmas!
Why Join CMF?
We are a group of believers whose mission and passion is to engage with the American military to win souls for Jesus Christ, to disciple these souls to strengthen their relationship with the Lord, and equip them to win more souls as they engage with people around them so that those people may come to a saving knowledge of Jesus. That’s why CMF’s motto is “To Win, to Disciple, to Equip, to Win”.
How do we do this? CMF has local representatives and field personnel who regularly meet with active duty military, both one-on-one and in groups, for Bible study, prayer, and fellowship to help them grow in their Christian walk and apply God’s Word to their lives and duties. We also meet virtually with military and veterans all over the world through our Facebook page and group, Instagram, as well as through live virtual gatherings when being in the same room is not possible.
And do you know what we have found? These on-fire military Christians, as they are deployed internationally, are often led by the Lord to engage with people of different cultures, thereby introducing them to Jesus, impacting their world, and fulfilling CMF’s guiding scripture found in Matthew 28:18-20:
“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Another powerful way we fulfill our mission is our Link Up program, where we unite members with other members no matter where they are in the world. Our Christian Report is an ongoing source of encouragement to our members. Despite deployments and changing assignments, there’s no need for our members to feel isolated and alone.
CMF is a prayerful community of believers. Members are encouraged to bring us their prayer requests so that staff, field personnel, and our membership can lift up these petitions before the Lord through our Battle Plan (monthly prayer list) and our Electronic Battle Plan (daily requests sent via email). Just email us at prayer@cmfhq.org. Isn’t it wonderful that we serve such a good God, who encourages us to “boldly approach His throne of grace” where we will receive mercy and grace to help us in our need?
While these are just some of the benefits of membership (which is free) they are effective ways to support and equip each other more effectively, where we can stand together for Christ. In a world that rejects Christ and Christian values, where the pressure can be great to compromise our faith, it has become more important than ever for Christians to be part of a fellowship that can support them in their walks with Christ. It’s through CMF that we can most effectively be united and equipped for this purpose.
Not yet a member? It’s easy to join. Simply point your smartphone camera at the QR code to the right and click on the box that says “Open in Web Browser” and you will be taken directly to the CMF website membership application. You can also navigate to www.cmfhq.org/get-involved/join-cmf. Simply read our Statement of Faith, and if you agree, complete the membership application. That’s all there is to it!
Why Donate to CMF?
Since our inception, May 1977, Christian Military Fellowship has remained true to our calling to give each and every person in or associated with the armed forces of the United States the chance to say yes to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Your tax-deductible donation enhances our ability to provide free resources to Christians in the military that include:
· Bible study material · Books · Bibles
· Leadership Training and materials
· Discipleship Training and materials
· World-wide fellowship link-up service
With your help, Christian Military Fellowship can continue to serve the men and women of the United States military and their families during these challenging times. Help us build a Godly legacy! Your gift, large or small, will help us to continue in the battle for souls.
CMF is a member of ECFA, a recipient of Ministry Watch’s Shining Light Award, and a recipient of the Platinum Transparency Award by Guidestar/Candid.
We’re Going Digital!
To better steward our resources and focus more on ministry, Christian Military Fellowship is transitioning our newsletter, The Christian Report, and our prayer list, the Battle Plan, to digital formats. Rising costs of printing and postage make this a necessary step, and we’re excited to continue providing these updates to you via email.
Please help us make the switch by emailing us at office@CMFHQ.org with your updated contact information (address, phone number, and email). Alternatively, you can navigate to our Substack sites directly to subscribe:
https://ChristianReport.Substack.com
https://BattlePlan.Substack.com
You can also scan the QR codes with your phone to sign up directly for The Christian Report and Battle Plan.
Thank you for standing with us as we adapt to meet the needs of our ministry while continuing to share God’s work among our nation’s military and their families!
Book of the Month
Many people have heard the classic Bible story of the birth of Jesus, but numerous unanswered questions remain, such as:
Why did God choose a young virgin named Mary and a simple carpenter named Joseph to bring his only Son into the world?
Why was the Son of God born in a lowly manger in a small town called Bethlehem? And what does this nativity story mean for us today?
Drawing from both the Old and New Testaments, noted pastor and theologian David Jeremiah provides answers to 25 of the most thought-provoking questions surrounding the most pivotal moment in human history―the birth of Jesus Christ.
Supplies are Limited! This book is offered free and postage paid to our members. You may order this and other great resources from emailing your request to office@cmfhq.org or calling us at (800) 798-7875.
Are You Interested in Becoming a Local Leader?
Christian Military Fellowship exists to help you fulfill your calling in Christ to share the hope that is in you with those with whom you interact as part of your daily life.
Briefly, CMF Local Leaders will start, and sustain a CMF fellowship made up of members of the military community in their area. While CMF is an “all ranks” ministry, our area of focus is on enlisted personnel. Local leaders institute and lead the military community in Bible study, prayer, and fellowship, keeping in communication with participants. They should also seek to build relationships with the chaplains and the chaplain team.
Toward that end we encourage you to study and complete the CMF briefing material:
Orientation (Brief #1) that shares an overview of the CMF ministry.
Developing a Local Ministry (Brief #2) that shares the Biblical foundation for and delineates the logical steps in beginning your local ministry.
Pray and Plan (Brief #3) that shares the most important activity of all! Asking Jesus what He would have you to do and then being obedient to follow His leading in your local ministry.
If you choose to begin this process, please reach out to us at:
We’re praying for you!
Christmas Around the World
The Christmas season is a time of joy, reflection, and celebration as Christians worldwide gather to honor the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. While the heart of Christmas—the arrival of Emmanuel, God with us—remains the same, the ways in which this sacred event is celebrated vary beautifully across cultures and countries.
The Universal Message of Hope
In every corner of the world, believers embrace the promise of hope and salvation brought by Jesus’ birth. As Luke 2:11 proclaims, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.” This truth unites us all, whether we celebrate under the sparkling lights of a Christmas tree, around a table filled with traditional foods, or in the quiet reverence of a church service.
Traditions from Different Nations
The Philippines: In this deeply Christian nation, the Christmas season begins as early as September! The centerpiece of Filipino celebrations is the Simbang Gabi, a nine-day series of dawn masses leading to Christmas. Parols—star-shaped lanterns—light up homes and streets, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem.
Germany: German families celebrate with Advent traditions, lighting candles each week to anticipate Christ’s arrival. On Christmas Eve, they gather to sing carols, read the nativity story, and exchange gifts around the Weihnachtsbaum (Christmas tree), a tradition Germany shared with the world.
Nigeria: Churches in Nigeria hold vibrant Christmas services filled with music, dance, and drama reenacting the nativity story. Families gather to share special meals, often featuring rice, chicken, and other festive dishes, and express the joy of giving by visiting loved ones.
Norway: In Norway, Christmas is marked by the peaceful tradition of Julebord (Christmas feasts) and quiet reflection. Candles illuminate homes, symbolizing the light of Christ breaking through winter’s darkness. Families read the Christmas gospel together and attend midnight mass.
A Military Christmas
For many in the military community, Christmas looks a little different. Deployed service members may find themselves celebrating in far-off places, joining with fellow believers to worship in makeshift chapels or open-air services. Military families at home may create new traditions to fill the gap left by an absent loved one. Through it all, the truth of Christ’s birth brings comfort, strength, and unity.
As part of Christian Military Fellowship, we are reminded of the global body of Christ we belong to—a family of believers that spans nations and cultures. Whether we sing “Silent Night” in English, German, or another language, our hearts are united in worshiping the One who came to bring salvation to all.
Reflecting on the Greatest Gift
This Christmas, as we reflect on traditions near and far, let us remember that the greatest gift is not found under a tree but in the manger—the gift of Jesus Christ. His love transcends borders, languages, and traditions, reminding us of the incredible unity we have as His children.
May your Christmas season be filled with the love of Christ and the joy of knowing that wherever you are in the world, you are part of a much greater story—the story of God’s redemption for all.
From all of us at Christian Military Fellowship, Merry Christmas!
Christian Military Fellowship
PO Box 449
Veradale WA 99037-0449
(800) 798-7875
(303) 761-1959
Https://www.CMFHQ.ORG
Office@CMFHQ.ORG
Christian Report November 2024
An Indigenous Ministry • Discipleship • Prayer • Community • Support
Supporting America’s Military Through Every Season
As the landscape of our economy shifts, we recognize that this is a season of uncertainty for many. Families and individuals across the country are feeling the impact of rising costs, and the same holds true for our servicemen and women and their families. Christian Military Fellowship (CMF) has also been impacted, yet we remain as committed as ever to supporting the spiritual, emotional, and relational needs of those who serve our nation.
For over 50 years, CMF has stood alongside military personnel and their families, providing not only a sense of community but also the hope of Christ through times of challenge and joy. As our world changes, so do the needs of the military families we serve, and, in response, we have continued to expand our ministries and support services.
With this expansion has come new opportunities. Programs like our trauma healing ministry and family support groups are reaching more people than ever, offering practical tools, spiritual guidance, and Christ-centered encouragement to those facing the unique pressures of military life. Whether it’s helping a soldier find peace after a difficult deployment or guiding a spouse through the transition of PCS season, CMF has been blessed to be a consistent source of strength and comfort.
However, meeting the increased demand for these services during challenging economic times has been no easy task. Resources are stretched, and, like many, we have been impacted by rising costs and a reduction in available funding. But with God’s faithful provision and the support of those who believe in our mission, we are pressing forward, confident that He will supply all we need to continue serving our military families.
To Our Faithful Donors
To those who have faithfully supported CMF, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you. It is because of your generosity that we have been able to reach so many lives, and we are not seeking additional gifts from those who already give. Your faithfulness is a true blessing, and we remain deeply grateful for your commitment to walking alongside us in this work.
A Call for New Partners in Faith
For those who may be hearing about CMF for the first time or who have considered partnering with us, we invite you to prayerfully consider supporting this ministry. With every gift, you help us strengthen and grow programs that bring the hope of Christ to those who bear the burden of defending our nation. Even a small monthly contribution helps us continue providing trauma recovery resources, Bible studies, community prayer groups, and much-needed personal counseling for service members and their families.
Together, we can be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need, providing hope, healing, and purpose to those who serve and protect us. Through your partnership, we can ensure that every military member and family who reaches out to us is met with open arms, resources, and the love of Christ.
Thank you for considering joining us in this mission. May God bless you for your prayers, encouragement, and support as we continue to serve America’s military community with the hope and love that only He can provide.
With deepest gratitude,
Your Brothers and Sisters at
Christian Military Fellowship
Military Trauma Healing
CMF’s trauma healing program continues to offer hope and restoration to active-duty military, veterans, and their families. Through a Christ-centered approach, participants engage in a 12-week course designed to help them process and heal from trauma.
With the rising concern of military-related suicides, our program is committed to addressing this crisis head-on. Many veterans and service members struggling with trauma feel isolated and hopeless, leading them to consider destructive behavior or worse as a solution. Our mission is to intervene before it reaches that point. By providing practical coping strategies and a supportive, faith-based community, we empower participants to rediscover purpose and hope through Christ.
This program provides a safe space for individuals to explore spiritual, emotional, and psychological wounds. By addressing trauma holistically, we see remarkable transformations as participants learn practical coping strategies, experience community support, and find renewed purpose through faith in Christ. We are blessed to witness the profound impact it is having on the lives of those we serve.
We are happy to report that our recent Trauma Healing course saw 16 attendees graduate.
Please let us know if we can start a trauma recovery group in your area.
Call Yourself a Christian; Start Talking About Jesus Christ
Preach the gospel at all times; if necessary, use words,” Saint Francis of Assisi is supposed to have said.
The aphorism, often quoted, expresses a well-meaning viewpoint of many Christians today. They are concerned that we’ve been too loud, demanding, and angry. Now, they say, we need to show the gospel by our lives.
It’s a good sentiment, and I certainly agree that we need to demonstrate the gospel change in our lives by caring for others. But there are two problems with the Assisi quote.
First, he never said it.
Second, it’s really bad theology.
You see, using that statement is a bit like saying, “Feed the hungry at all times; if necessary, use food.” For Christians, the gospel is good news—it’s what the word literally means. For evangelicals, our name speaks of the commitment to evangelism that defines us. The good news needs to be told.
Yet, Christians, evangelicals included, seem to love evangelism, as long as someone else is doing it. It’s time for all of us to start preaching our good news again.
Christianity Is a Missionary Faith.
It’s essential to understand that, regardless of our personal comfort level, we are called to share our faith because Christianity is a missionary faith. Despite the change in our culture and the way our faith is regarded, Christians are commanded to tell people about Jesus. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus called fishermen as his first disciples and told them he would make them “fishers of men.”
His disciples are still called to be fishers of men.
Even in our multi-faith environment, this calling should not be offensive to those of other faiths or no faith at all. Evangelism does not mean coercion. We can and should respect each other and strive for tolerance across varying beliefs, but that does not require pretending those differences do not exist. One of the core beliefs of Christianity is that Christianity should be propagated.
It isn’t necessary for every Christian to rent a stadium to proclaim the gospel to thousands. Most Christians can gain a hearing for the gospel while exchanging life stories at the coffee shop, taking a meal to a hurting family or standing for justice in an unjust world.
What evangelism requires is that when we care for a friend or speak out for a cause, we tell others that our faith is the reason. We tell them the good news that was told to us.
People Are More Open Than We Think.
When speaking to his disciples about sharing his message, Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37). The problem then and now has always been about the lack of workers, people who tell the news. It has never been about the harvest—those who do not know Christ. They are often more open to listening than we expect.
Famous magician and outspoken atheist Penn Jillette once talked on his video blog about an encounter with a Christian who gave him a Bible as a gift. Rather than be offended by it, Jillette recognized the gesture for what it was—concern for him. “How much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize?” Jillette asked. “How much do you have to hate somebody to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?”
That’s a good question for many Christians to answer today.
Lifeway Research, the Christian polling outlet that I lead, found that 78% of those who do not attend church said they, like Jillette, would be willing to listen “if someone wanted to tell me what she or he believed about Christianity.” Younger people were even more likely to say they would be willing to listen.
The harvest at least seems ready to hear, while the workers don’t seem as willing to talk. That’s a missed opportunity.
Christians Are Timid.
A 2012 Lifeway Research study found that 80% of churchgoing Protestants believe they have a responsibility to share their faith, but only 39% have actually shared with someone how to become a Christian in the past six months. In other words, a lot of people think they should share their faith, but they don’t often do so.
As I head to Wheaton College to take a newly created endowed chair, I’m aware of the man it is named after—Billy Graham. He was known for many things that should be part of our reputation as well. He cared for the hurting, sought to bring peace to tumultuous times, and partnered with others for the greater good. Ultimately, however, he was mostly known for one thing: sharing the gospel.
And we should do the same today.
In Jesus’ last words before he ascended, he said we are to “make disciples of all nations.”
Evangelism isn’t just one part of our calling. It is central to our calling. Jesus’ last words should be our first priority.
©Are You Willing to Talk About Jesus? - outreachmagazine.com
Ed Stetzer is the editor-in-chief of Outreach magazine, host of the Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast, and a professor and dean at the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. He has planted, revitalized, and pastored churches, trained pastors and church planters on six continents, and has written hundreds of articles and a dozen books. He currently serves as teaching pastor at Mariners Church in Irvine, California.
Mailing Address: PO Box 449
Veradale, WA 99037-0449
(303)761-1959
(800) 798-7875
CHRISTIAN MILITARY FELLOWSHIP
An Indigenous Ministry • Discipleship • Prayer • Community • Support
Encouraging Men and Women in the United States Armed Forces, and their families, to love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
Christian Report October 2024
“Heaven will direct it.”
For those of you unfamiliar with Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the above title is actually a quotation in Act 1, Scene 4 that was spoken by the least recognized of the three characters in that Scene. The three characters are of course Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, his best friend Horatio, and a soldier named Marcellus, another of Hamlet’s friends.
In the scene, Hamlet, Horatio, and Marcellus are standing on the ramparts of Elsinore in the bitter cold, waiting for the ghost of Hamlet’s father to appear. Sounds of Hamlet’s Uncle Claudius and his courtiers feasting and drinking merrily echo from inside the castle, and Hamlet tells his friends that Claudius’ constant revelry is soiling Denmark’s reputation, blotting out all that is good in the country.
The ghost of Hamlet’s father appears and beckons Hamlet to speak with him about exacting revenge for Hamlet’s uncle Claudius having murdered him (Hamlet’s father).
An interesting conversation ensues between the three friends concerning whether or not Hamlet should follow and speak with the ghost. Hamlet is determined to follow and bids Horatio and Marcellus not to try and stop him.
It was also during that conversation that Marcellus utters the famous line:
“Something is rotten in the State of Denmark,” to which Horatio responds with a far less famous line:
“Heaven will direct it.”
As one summary tells us, concerning the situation in Denmark,
Something is rotten because ghosts don’t just tend to appear in normal times when everything is spiritually well with the kingdom.
But more than that: for the ghost (or supposed ghost) of the late king to appear: something’s not right, and Marcellus, as a soldier and a sentinel keeping watch on the castle battlements, is trained and primed to know when something’s wrong.
It was Horatio’s “Heaven will direct it.” forthright conclusion concerning the ongoing State of Denmark that caught my attention when I only recently read it.
Perhaps Horatio’s response grabbed my attention because I’ve thought many times in recent days and months that “Something is Rotten in the State of Denmark.” perfectly describes what we see all around us in our own nation and indeed in our fallen world. Between natural disasters, wars and rumors of wars, and the rampant lies from the halls of political power is it any wonder that some of us might question if our nation will even survive and return to a time of national stability and prosperity?
I have to also admit that Horatio stating matter-of-factly that “Heaven will direct it” sort of jumped off of the page and hit me between the eyes. One library of notable quotations remarked that Horatio was expressing his Christian faith. It’s well known that Shakespeare’s England was a primarily a Protestant Christian nation. The words “Heaven will direct it.”, while acknowledging God’s providence and sovereignty over the affairs of men, seem, in this old soldier’s small brain, to carry a weightier meaning than just saying something like “God will sort it all out in the end.”
By saying “Heaven will direct it,” we are wading into connected streams, the sovereignty of God and God’s providence. John Piper provides helpful and easily digestible definitions for both:
“God’s sovereignty is his right and power to do all that he decides to do.”
God rules over and owns everything in His entire creation, precisely because He made everything. What God decides to do can be called His sovereign purposes. God’s providence can then be defined as the ‘how’ of what God decides to do; how He carries out His divine purposes:
“Absolutely everything that needs to be done to bring about his purposes, God sees to it that it happens.”
Perhaps one of the clearest illustrations of both the sovereignty of God and His divine providence is found in Peter’s sermon at Pentecost:
22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.” (ESV)
We know that God, our sovereign creator, after Adam and Eve rebelled in the Garden of Eden, determined to save His people from their sins and restore His perfect creation after the rebellion and sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Peter, speaking to the assembled crowd, tells his Jewish audience that Jesus was delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God (providence), then was crucified by the hands of lawless men (providence), but then was raised up by God (sovereignty & providence).
Back to Shakespeare, Hamlet and his companions. Something certainly was rotten in the state of Denmark, just as something is rotten in our world and in our beloved nation. Will the nation survive? Will there be an end times great revival, or is a once great country under God’s judgment? A sovereign God can decide to save the world, ‘resurrect’ a nation lost in sin, or He can decide to consign it to the dust bin of history, just as He did with the Roman Empire.
Theologians, speculators, and prognosticators abound. We, as Christians and believers in the resurrected Savior know what we would like to see in our future, but none of us can be certain, even from scripture, exactly what lies ahead.
But we do know at least two things:
First, we can agree with Horatio’s response to Marcellus’ “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” that “Heaven will direct it.”
Second, and perhaps more importantly, our commission from God and mission as believers, to preach the gospel to a lost world, and make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19-20), is still our business until He comes (Luke 19:13). As we have said many times through the years, “The main thing is still the MAIN THING!!!
i Hamlet Act 1, Scene 4 Summary & Analysis | LitCharts &
ii Ibid.
iii Ibid.
iv Heaven will direct it. - William Shakespeare, Horatio in Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 4 (allgreatquotes.com)
v Are God’s Providence and God’s Sovereignty the Same? | Desiring God
vi Ibid.
SGM Daniel Cartwright, USA (Ret.) is a 28-year veteran of the U.S. Army Special Forces and long-time member of Christian Military Fellowship. Dan is a Local Rep at Ft. Carson. He currently serves as Chairman of the CMF Board of Directors.
Military Trauma Healing
CMF’s trauma healing program continues to offer hope and restoration to active-duty military, veterans, and their families. Through a Christ-centered approach, participants engage in a 12-week course designed to help them process and heal from trauma.
With the rising concern of military-related suicides, our program is committed to addressing this crisis head-on. Many veterans and service members struggling with trauma feel isolated and hopeless, leading them to consider destructive behavior or worse as a solution. Our mission is to intervene before it reaches that point. By providing practical coping strategies and a supportive, faith-based community, we empower participants to rediscover purpose and hope through Christ.
This program provides a safe space for individuals to explore spiritual, emotional, and psychological wounds. By addressing trauma holistically, we see remarkable transformations as participants learn practical coping strategies, experience community support, and find renewed purpose through faith in Christ. We are blessed to witness the profound impact it is having on the lives of those we serve.
We are happy to report that our recent Trauma Healing course saw 16 attendees graduate.
Please let us know if we can start a trauma recovery group in your area.
TAPS: In Memoriam
It is always with great sadness to us remaining here on earth to learn of the passing of our beloved friends and co-laborers in the Kingdom. Yet we rejoice as they have been promoted to their great reward, for as it is written “...no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him…” (1 Cor 2:9). Indeed, what is sorrow for us is not sorrow for them, and their homecoming is precious in the eyes of our Heavenly Father (Ps 116:15).
CDR James “Jim” Shafovaloff, USCG (Ret) — 10/15/1952—02/17/2024. Jim, a long-time CMF member, was a graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy. His career as an officer exemplified his spirt of love of country and service to the safety and common good of all. He had a reputation of servant leadership and kindness. From Coast Guard members who said, “Jim is that guy who I would always want to be in the foxhole with me” … to deep father-child talks, playing chess online with his loved children, to making sure he conveyed thankfulness to a waitress or waiter by their first name - Jim was caring and authentic.
Jim is survived by his best friend and wife Ruth; his children, David (Amy), Jason, Sam (Brooke), Ali (Matt), Erica and Jack (Lacey); and his cherished grandchildren, Paige, Kate Madison, Katie, Eli, Seija, and Sybil. He is interred at Quantico National Cemetery.
Diane Elaine Rapp
09/15/1956—09/16/2024 Diane worked as a church secretary / office manager. She served her country with the Woman's Army corps from 1974 to 1976. She was honorably discharged on May 6, 1976 at Ft. Bragg, NC. She was an active and founding church member at Cornerstone Church, now called Life Connections Ministries. She loved to sing in local chorus and volunteered at her church. Diane and her husband, Ron, have been long-time members of Christian Military Fellowship.
Diane was loved and cherished by many people including: her parents, Frederick J. Walker and Lois E. Walker Sr. (Bader); her husband Ronald Rapp; her children, David Rapp and Sarah Staat (Michael); her grandchild Finley Staat; and her siblings, Peggy Walker (Jim) and F. John Walker (Sandy). Diane is interred at Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, KS.
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
Christian Report September 2024
Courageous Faith
All of the heroes who have served before us have already defined, with the last full measure, what courage means. One need not venture past the Quarterdeck of the San Diego Naval Hospital to see its cost. Therein you will find the names of the Hospital Corpsmen who were awarded our country’s highest honor. If you ask a warrior, he will tell you that courage is NOT the absence of fear, but instead, the substance of one’s convictions. Even in recent days we see the newspapers full of the accounts of heroes. Our history is rich with those days where uncommon valor was a common virtue. So the question is NOT what is courage BUT rather, from whence does it flow? This is an important question for everyone who wears the uniform of our country! In light of the fact that “Him who brings everything into conformity with His will” has, by an act of His sovereign will, made you a warrior, it would seem to me that courage would be an important virtue and courageous faith an absolute necessity!
Those of us who live in Colorado have been experiencing a drought for some years now. This brought to my mind the question: Where does water come from? In Colorado, it comes from the rivers. Question: From where does the river get its water? Answer: From the snow. Question: From where does the snow get its water? Answer: From the sky. Question: From where does the sky get its water? Answer: From the sea. Question: From where does the sea get its water? Answer: From the river!
“Then the man brought me back to the entrance of the Temple. There I saw a stream flowing eastward from beneath the Temple threshold. This stream then passed to the right of the altar on its south side. The man brought me outside the wall through the north gateway and led me around to the eastern entrance. There I could see the stream flowing out through the south side of the east gateway. Measuring as he went, he led me along the stream for 1,750 feet and told me to go across. At that point the water was up to my ankles. He measured off another 1,750 feet and told me to go across again. This time the water was up to my knees. After another 1,750 feet it was up to my waist. The he measured another 1,750 feet, and the river was too deep to cross without swimming….All kinds of fruit trees will grow along both sides of the river. The leaves of these trees will never turn brown and fall, and there will always be fruit on their branches. There will be a new crop every month, without fail! For they are watered by the river flowing from the Temple. The fruit will be for food and the leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:1-5, 12 (NLT)
I was absolutely awestruck the first time I read this passage in the New Living Translation. Sometimes the changes in the phraseology and the unfamiliarity of the keywords will shock this old mind into seeing what was once hidden. Here we have this magnificent description of the river of healing. I believe (and many distinguished and learned minds before me) that this is really an illustration of prayer. The water that finds its beginnings at the Temple threshold are the prayers of the saints offered in the Spirit. The threshold of the Temple is where we are encouraged to enter into the throne room of Grace.
“In the same way the Spirit also comes to help us, weak as we are. For we do not know how we ought to pray; the spirit himself pleads with God for us in groans that words cannot express. And God, who sees into our hearts, knows what the thought of the Spirit is; because the Spirit pleads with God on behalf of his people and in accordance with his will.” Romans 8:26-27 (TEV)
The prayers transformed by the Holy Spirit into something worthy of entering into the presence of the Father are now omnipotent as they flow by the right-hand of the altar (where our Savior is seated) then to continue swift and deep as eternal blessing of provision from the Father through the eastern gate toward us. We are somehow miraculously included as part of the process. Our courageous faith then is but one of the wonderful blessings of Christ Jesus that were planned before the foundations of the world. So then, courageous faith is really God’s omnipotent peace (the substance of our convictions) “like a river that attendeth our way,” provided of course the we are not just involved but led in prayer lest the river be empty.
ADCS (NAC) Robert W. Flynn, USN (Ret.) — Bob has been with the Christian Military Fellow-ship since 1981. He has served in a host of capacities including President/CEO, and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Bob enlisted in the United States Navy in 1968 and served on active duty until 1991. He currently serves on the Board of Directors.
What Did You Do with Jesus Christ?
Some things seem to last (painfully) forever. Try singing “American Pie” karaoke style with 4 bad singers. That was the longest 7 minutes of my life. Or try sitting through a concert or speech with malfunctioning sound equipment.
Then there are the things that you wish could last forever: summers during the growing-up years, a wonderful date with a girl you care a lot about, or visits to grandma's house all come to mind. But, invariably those "moments to remember" come to an end.
In this life, things are never permanent. When you drive down old state highways, you can see houses overgrown by foliage. There are old gas stations with vacant fueling islands and shards of glass still in the window facings. When passing these “ghost” houses and gas stations, I wonder about the stories behind them. In days gone by, there was a proud homeowner, or an entrepreneur excited about the prospects of being in business for themselves. Yet, 30, 40 or 50 years later these facilities stand as haunting reminders that life on this earth is transitory.
Some years ago, my wife and I went to visit New Albany, MS at Thanksgiving. As we drove around Union County, Sheri pointed out different places she had lived. She showed me the gravesites of Rev. Ernest and Altha Mae Rakestraw; her “unofficial” foster parents and pastor. I wondered about his ministry career as I stood there on that cold blustery day. I mused about what kind of an impact he had on people. I speculated on the different people that are in heaven today because he took the time to invest in their lives and lead them to faith in Christ. Yet, the gravestone in that cemetery stood in front of us as a stark reminder that this life is not permanent.
There will come a day when someone will open a family Bible or pull open a drawer in a dresser to find a yellowed piece of newsprint. They will read down through the article to find that a guy named Tony Barnes wrote a column for the NAS News. They too may stand and wonder about the impact that Tony had on his readers. Likewise, it will serve as a reminder to them that life is temporary.
Regardless of how fleeting this life is, every human ever born on this earth has eternal life. There are two destinations. We typically think of hell as being a place for evil people. It’s easy to surmise that the Adolph Hitlers and the Joseph Stalins of the world are likely in hell. But the truth of the matter is that there are some “good old boys” who are spending eternity separated from God. There are some sweet little old ladies who did not go to heaven.
Only those that have accepted the gift of salvation and committed their lives to Jesus Christ's leadership will be in heaven. There is no list of accomplishments that must be “checked off” to go to heaven. No ritual exists that is an induction into eternal life. Entry to heaven is based upon the question, “What did you do with Jesus Christ”? If you have accepted His gift of salvation and entered into relationship with Him, you are saved and will spend eternity in heaven. This life will end. But, instead of a sad event for the Christian, it is a graduation into an eternal inheritance.
2 Peter 1:10 exhorts us to confirm our salvation. So, with that, we must each ask ourselves: What have we done with Jesus Christ?
Tony “T-Bar” Barnes is a 28-year veteran of the Marine Corps and Air Force. He also retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs after 10 years. Tony serves on CMF’s Board of Directors.
Christian Report August 2024
Christian Report July 2024
- On a faith-based forum about relationships, I wanted local meetups for fun nights. A hookup site seemed discreet. https://www.freesexmatch.com/local-slut.html was mentioned in a private thread. It’s straightforward with distance filters and free chats to start. The site has verified accounts and tools for quick meetups. It made finding nearby folks for casual evenings simple, fitting the forum’s personal focus.
Christian Report June 2025
How BIG is Your God?
Many of us are familiar with the story of Job, who was a righteous man who suffered greatly at the hand of Satan, who dared God to remove his hand of protection from Job’s life and all that he had. God gave Satan permission to test Job and Job lost everything, even to the point that his wife challenged him to curse God and die. Not only that, Job had three main friends (plus a younger man who spoke later) who came to comfort him but ended up accusing him instead.
To make a longer story short, there was a series of conversations with his “friends” and the younger man. Job did not receive a direct answer to his suffering, but he came to a place of trust and humility before God. Instead of demanding explanations, he acknowledges God's greatness and repents for questioning Him. As a result, God restored Job’s fortunes.
The section of the Book of Job that stands out the most in the heart of this old soldier is God’s response to Job (Chapters 38-41), followed by Job’s repentance and humility (Chapter 42).
God’s response to Job consisted of a series of profound questions that emphasized His power, wisdom, and sovereignty over creation. There are 21 questions. Here are just a few of them:
· “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” (Job 38:4)
· “Does the hawk fly by your wisdom?” (Job 39:26)
· “Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty?” (Job 40:2)
Why is this story so important to this old soldier? I’ll let A.W. Tozer, a Christian pastor and theologian answer that question. In his book, The Knowledge of the Holy, Tozer wrote:
"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us."
Tozer believed that a person’s concept of God shapes their entire life, including their faith, character, and decisions. He emphasized that a low view of God leads to weak faith, while a high and reverent view of God leads to true worship and transformation.
So What?
You might be wondering how it might apply a specific area of your life. I’m sure that many hours could be spent thinking about different areas of our lives and asking ourselves if they truly reflect a high view of God. I’d like to share just one example – personal evangelism.
If sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the lost world around us the main reason that God saved us (Matthew 28:16-20), it’s a good place to start. What does it mean to share the gospel with others with a ‘high’ view of God?
The short answer to that question is, in my view, “Get it right!” What does that mean?
I think it means that sharing the message of the gospel might not really begin with “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life!”
You could hear, “Well, I love me too and I also have a wonderful plan for my life!” You have just told your listener that God’s highest priority in loving us is the “wonderful plan” He has for us. Is it?
When the angel of the Lord told a nervous Joseph that the child Mary was carrying in her womb was God’s child and not another man’s, he also told Joseph “You shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” You can read all about in Matthew, chapter 1.
It looks like the greatest demonstration of God’s love for us is God’s sending His Son to die for OUR sin! That probably should be the starting point of our sharing the gospel message with other. God’s wonderful plan for our lives is certainly ‘good’ news, but sending His Son to bear the punishment for OUR sin is the ‘greatest’ news of all!
I know it can be a bit scary to start sharing the gospel message with the bad news of sin instead of the good news of God’s wonderful plans for us, but shouldn't we start our sharing of the gospel message where God started the gospel story?
So I’ll just leave you with the original question:
Our Ministry is Growing!
We have asked and we have received: more opportunities for service, more souls to reach for Jesus, and even the addition of more laborers for the harvest!
We praise the Lord of the Harvest for His generosity and entrustment of His resources and His precious sons and daughters.
We ask that you please continue to pray for us and prayerfully support us in our role in fulfilling the Great Commission.
New Ministry Seeks to Comfort Gold Star Families
Introducing Carry A Heart – A New Ministry of Comfort and Prayer
We are honored to announce the launch of Carry A Heart, a ministry dedicated to supporting families who have lost a military member or veteran. This God-breathed ministry, led by Anthony Jarrett of CMF’s virtual ministry team, seeks to bring comfort, prayer, and hope to those carrying the deep wounds of such profound loss.
Carry A Heart was born out of a reverence for the high cost of freedom and a deep compassion for the grief left in its wake. While we cannot fully grasp or heal the pain that survivor families endure, we hold fast to our guiding motto: God Can and God Will. We believe in God’s power to comfort, restore, and carry these suffering souls through their darkest valleys.
At the center of the ministry is the Carry A Heart Prayer Circle — a committed network of prayer warriors providing faithful, ongoing spiritual support to enrolled survivor families. This circle symbolizes unity, the enduring strength of prayer, and the continuous spiritual connection that binds us together in Christ.
This ministry also cherishes the power of presence and listening. Every survivor’s story is sacred — shaped by love, loss, and resilience. When we listen with empathy, we are better equipped to pray with insight, compassion, and purpose — meeting each family where they are with the love of Christ.
In a spirit of unity, Carry A Heart is actively partnering with local churches, ministries, and individual believers to broaden its reach and ensure no grieving family walks alone. Through these partnerships, we aim to foster meaningful spiritual connections that can help transform sorrow into strength.
We trust fully in the truth that God Can and God Will bring beauty from ashes, hope from despair, and healing from heartache. Through prayer, partnership, and compassion, Carry A Heart stands ready to walk alongside the brokenhearted —offering the assurance that they are deeply loved, faithfully remembered, and never alone.
How Can You Be Involved?
There is a deep and urgent need for prayer warriors to step forward and “adopt” a Gold Star wife, mother, or family — committing to lift them up in daily, consistent, intentional prayer. These families often walk through their grief quietly, carrying burdens only God can truly see.
By covering them in prayer, you become a vital source of spiritual strength and hope. Your faithfulness in intercession reminds them that they are not forgotten — that the Body of Christ surrounds them, and that God Can and God Will meet them in their need.
This is more than a ministry — it’s a sacred calling. Will you answer?
Please email us at CAH@CMFHQ.org or call us at (800) 798-7875 if you are interested in supporting this ministry or if you know of someone who lost a family member in service who would be interested in receiving support.
Military Trauma Healing
CMF’s trauma healing program continues to offer hope and restoration to active-duty military, veterans, and their families. Through a Christ-centered approach, participants engage in a 12-week course designed to help them process and heal from trauma.
With the rising concern of military-related suicides, our program is committed to addressing this crisis head-on. Many veterans and service members struggling with trauma feel isolated and hopeless, leading them to consider destructive behavior or worse as a solution. Our mission is to intervene before it reaches that point. By providing practical coping strategies and a supportive, faith-based community, we empower participants to rediscover purpose and hope through Christ.
This program provides a safe space for individuals to explore spiritual, emotional, and psychological wounds. By addressing trauma holistically, we see remarkable transformations as participants learn practical coping strategies, experience community support, and find renewed purpose through faith in Christ. We are blessed to witness the profound impact it is having on the lives of those we serve.
Please let us know f we can start a trauma recovery group in your area.
Upcoming Trauma Healing Sessions:
National (Zoom) — Tuesday June 10, 2025 Call the office at (800) 798-7875 if you are interested in participating in this upcoming session.
Are You Interested in Becoming a Local Leader?
Christian Military Fellowship exists to help you fulfill your calling in Christ to share the hope that is in you with those with whom you interact as part of your daily life.
Briefly, CMF Local Leaders will start, and sustain a CMF fellowship made up of members of the military community in their area. While CMF is an “all ranks” ministry, our area of focus is on enlisted personnel. Local leaders institute and lead the military community in Bible study, prayer, and fellowship, keeping in communication with participants. They should also seek to build relationships with the chaplains and the chaplain team.
Toward that end we encourage you to study and complete the CMF briefing material:
Orientation (Brief #1) that shares an overview of the CMF ministry.
Developing a Local Ministry (Brief #2) that shares the Biblical foundation for and delineates the logical steps in beginning your local ministry.
Pray and Plan (Brief #3) that shares the most important activity of all! Asking Jesus what He would have you to do and then being obedient to follow His leading in your local ministry. If you choose to begin this process, please reach out to us at: leader@cmfhq.org.
We’re praying for you!
CHRISTIAN MILITARY FELLOWSHIP
An Indigenous Ministry • Discipleship • Prayer • Community • Support
Encouraging Men and Women in the United States Armed Forces, and their families, to love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
Christian Military Fellowship is a long-time recipient of Ministry Watch’s “Shining Light” Ministries. To become a MinistryWatch “Shining Light,” a ministry must have earned a 5-star rating on MinistryWatch’s 5-star financial efficiency scale. Further, those ministries on this list have a Transparency Grade of “A.” That’s MinistryWatch’s highest transparency grade. Few ministries meet these strict criteria.
Mailing Address: PO Box 449
Veradale, WA 99037-0449
(800)798-7875
(303)761-1959
https://www.CMFHQ.ORG
office@CMFHQ.org