Picture Coming Soon
I’ve been in Japan for almost a year now. It has been a long and trying year which has caused a lot of reflection and growth in my life. One of the greatest stimulants for my growth over the year has been my Div-O, Chaplain Kimball.
Chaps is a Southern Baptist preacher from the South East, and when I first arrived I was certain that he and I would have some rough times…and we did. He and I are very different people and it was a rough transition into the new chain of command -especially with the apprehension I held over Southern Baptists. Over time I made the transition into my new environment and Chaps and I got along very well.
While he always remained my Div-O, my supervisor, my chaplain, and my superior, on Sundays and Wednesday evenings he became my pastor. Chaps picked up on some issues in my life and struck the heart of the matter. He laid down some heavy challenges that I didn’t always appreciate, but it was because of those challenges that I was able to make leaps and bounds in my own personal and spiritual growth. I was also able to do away with my Southern Baptist stereotypes…especially when I learned that a majority of the preachers I study from are Southern Baptists.
This man changed my life for the better and taught me a new way to look at life. He challenged me to find out what I really believe and why, and reminded me that Jesus was the Shepherd who would watch over me through my journey. God used him in such an amazing way!
He’s leaving soon for greener pastures, and I hope that I have the opportunity to serve with him again.
22 April 2008 at 9:07 pm
Shalom Michael,
Military chaplains are a special breed.
I was always taken by the image of Father Francis Mulcahy on M*A*S*H. A good Catholic priest with his share of doubts, Mulcahy was always ready, as are all chaplains, to give comfort to all the soldiers who came to him, regardless of their faith or lack thereof.
In the modern military, a chaplain has to be ready to care for Christians, Jews, Muslims and even Pagans.
It can’t be an easy job.
B’shalom,
Jeff
22 April 2008 at 9:50 pm
Amen with the last comment!
btw, if you wait out long enough you’ll convert too!
We’ll be like the Caner brothers… but you know… white… american… and well not as entertaining as they are… or as smart…. or spiritual…. or… pretty…
BUT WE’LL DARN WELL STRUGGLE 50% MORE!!!
22 April 2008 at 9:50 pm
convert to Southern Baptist I meant
22 April 2008 at 10:13 pm
[...] 0807 Positive Post Tuesday: Chaplain Kimball [...]
23 April 2008 at 1:42 pm
Jon,
Yeah…I’m converting. The only CC I’ll probably ever go to is the one back in Poulsbo.
Blessings,
Michael
23 April 2008 at 3:40 pm
Jeff,
Amen and amen. They absolutely are a special breed that cross all manners of lines in order to help those in need anytime and anywhere. I am proud to be able to be a part of the Religious Ministries Team and have a part in reaching out to those who need it most.
Blessings,
Michael