Dear Team,

I’ve had a few people ask me about military chaplains and their role in ministering to families. Having grown up attending Air Force chapels, my family had the privilege to meet and be ministered to, by some great, Godly chaplains. Many chaplains and their wives do a wonderful job of pastoring the congregations God has given them.

Although many chaplains would be great youth pastors, their duties as a military chaplain often prevent them from investing a lot of time into youth ministry. Just like the average service member, chaplains participate in training exercises and will deploy for months at a time. They are often required to attend special events (like award dinners) for the squadrons they’re assigned to. Chaplains recognize their limitations when it comes to running a thriving youth program that they can be actively involved in. That’s where Malachi workers come in. Chaplains invite us to minister to the youth within their chapels. As civilians, we don’t experience the interruptions of military related exercises/separations. The consistency that Malachi workers bring to the ministry is very valuable to military teens. We’re able to invest a lot of time into prayerfully planning youth group meetings, Bible studies, outreach events, mission trips and retreats - and then seeing everything through - week after week.

Knowing that the teens in their congregations are being cared for spiritually is very reassuring to chaplains. They’re grateful for Malachi workers who are devoted to investing in students and sharing Christ with them. Though they aren’t necessarily involved on a weekly basis, many chaplains will teach an occasional lesson or help out on retreats, as they’re able to. Many are wonderful advocates for our program, often helping us with a variety of logistic issues, such as arranging for transportation to and from retreats and obtaining building space for events. They are also available for counseling students and families. Chaplains are a huge blessing to our military and are often very stretched in their roles. Join me in praying for them this week.

Let’s pray for...

> Wisdom and endurance for our chaplains as they minister to our military men and women and their families around the world. Pray that God would encourage each one in a unique way this week!

> Chaplain Jonathan Hurt, who is currently deployed to Afghanistan. Also, please lift his wife and daughter up as they are missing him. The Hurt’s were good friend’s of mine in Okinawa and were very active in our youth group there. They had a huge impact on people, including me :) They are part of the Key Club and huge supporters of Malachi!

Thanks for praying for more people to join the key club - in the past 2 weeks, a dozen people have joined! Please continue to pray that the Lord would grow the club and soften people’s hearts towards military youth ministry.

Thanks for your prayer partnership!! As I said last week, I pray for this team and the individuals involved in it throughout the week. Please e-mail me with ways I can be praying for you and your families!

Because of Christ,

Beth