There are 14 Grace Brethren chaplains who serve the U.S. military. Recently, Chaplain Richard Hurst (Capt., U.S. Army) sent GraceConnect this story — one of many that is an example of how the chaplains are used by God with the men and women who often put their lives in harm’s way to protect the freedoms that Americans enjoy. As you read this story, take a moment to pray for the chaplains. You’ll find a current list of them at eaglecommission.org.
My name is Chris N., and I am a US Navy Reservist. I have been deployed overseas four times since September 11th, 2001, and just recently finished an active duty tour which sent me to Al Minhad AB, UAE for a one year deployment. I was on Al Minhad from April 2013 to April 2014. I was the Operations Chief of Kilo Ramp and responsible for the safe and efficient movement of personnel and cargo throughout the CENTCOM/FIFTH FLEET AOR. During my time there, I fell into a deep depression with significant anger issues. This had a serious effect on my job performance and my interaction with my Team and end customers. My teammates did not want to be around me, and I isolated myself from the world. My conversations with everyone, including my wife, became just rants and outbursts. I had no hope left.
There was a Soldier at Camp Red Leg who worked with the US Navy at Kilo ramp. His name was SSG Dickson. He noticed my behavior change and asked the Army chaplain to come and speak with me. Chaplain Richard Hurst came out and provided me with a Catholic prayer book and the Holy Bible on MP3. We sat down privately and he ministered to me. He listened to my pain and we prayed like I have never prayed for myself before. He didn’t just leave me either, he would return to see me at Kilo ramp for more talk and prayer and we would also keep in touch through email.
The change in my life was remarkable. My heart was at peace for the first time in years and my anger issues were gone. My Navy Team embraced me again, and I was able to provide them the leadership and mentorship they deserved. My wife Margaret and I are now enjoying a level happiness and love in our relationship that we never before achieved in our twenty years together.
All this was possible with the ministering and prayers Chaplain Hurst provided me. I had lost my faith and my way and the Way was revealed to me again through Chaplain Hurst. I was in danger of irreparably hurting my Navy Team or myself and I was saved. There are no words I can use that would adequately show my gratitude to the Chaplain.