Running Together

The March 2007 issue of Connected is written against the backdrop of the five-year-old Global War on Terror (GWOT) and the President's recent decision to expand U.S. force structure in Iraq and to ratchet up the security of Baghdad. This armed conflict is a difficult part of our race in life.

This GWOT, an extended conflict involving irregular forces that are often indistinguishable from the civilian population, exacts a physical, emotional, and spiritual toll on service members and families alike. Having paid the price repeatedly, many of us may want to retreat from our call to military service and our call to minister to the military. I use the term "call" in the broad sense, not necessarily a call to the pulpit or even a call to ministry but a call that gives our lives purpose and meaning and that completes God's plan for our lives.

Historically, leaders stay true to the call because of community. I am reminded of the men of Issachar, whom the Bible says corporately "understood the times and knew what Israel should do" (1 Chronicles 12:32).

This issue of Connected highlights the power of friendships, the comfort of companionships, the strength of vulnerability, and the infusion of energy that comes with community. Specifically the issue highlights how community breeds accountability and how both are supported by some new technologies.

Before the Battle of Agincourt on October 25, 1415, Henry V, through the pen of Shakespeare, coined the phrase "band of brothers" that Stephen Ambrose contemporized in his history of Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, U.S. 101st Airborne Division and one of its early platoon leaders, Richard Winters.

The Lord of the Rings trilogy held us spellbound in a battle between good and evil involving the "One Ring" that transferred incredible powers to its wearer. Part of the nature of the Ring was that it inevitably corrupted its wearer. Due to its vast power, the Ring could only be destroyed by throwing it into the pit of Mount Doom where it had been forged. But, who can carry the ring on this dangerous journey?

It appears that hobbits, known for their purity and humility, resist its seductive power much longer than other beings. Frodo must make the epic journey, but not alone. He is joined by a ragtag band of heroes. Does the fellowship have what it takes to succeed, or will evil overcome good?

We are in a war, and we must be victorious! We are not alone; we are in this together. Where do you meet with other men and women to "suit up," put on the full armor of God (that is, put on God)? With whom can you "pray without ceasing?" Who is in your "alert circle," watching your back to ensure that after each contact with the Enemy you can be found standing firm? (Ephesians 6:10-18) "Found standing," taking up again our place in the circle of common defense, is what the Bible calls perseverance, which steels us and gives us hope for ultimate victory (Romans 5:3-4).

Small group fellowship is our core activity and ministry hallmark. We consider authentic biblical fellowship to be essential for individual growth, effective outreach, and the advancement of God's kingdom within the military. The bonds developed in local fellowship sustain deployed members and their families.

• In fellowship we are encouraged, opening our hearts to the love of God.
• In fellowship we are exhorted, our consciences being captivated by the holiness of God.
• In fellowship we are sustained and supported, cleansing our imaginations with the power of God.
• In fellowship we are equipped, feeding our souls with the truth of God.
• From our fellowships we are sent out, devoting ourselves to the purpose of God. Whatever else you do, stay in fellowship!

We are in a race and this GWOT is a long uphill stretch. Remember your calling and keep your eyes on the author and perfecter of our faith, Jesus Christ. I've been in this part of the race myself; I know how difficult it is. But let us confidently claim Hebrews 12.

I wish that I were running your race right alongside you. But those days are gone from this old warrior; the baton has been passed to you young Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coastguardsmen, and your families. But I run anyway, praying for you and providing the foundations through OCF that might sustain you in the race and bring glory to the Lord and our nation.

Let us finish the race with perseverance that we might receive the crown of righteousness that the Lord has in store for us. Let us run as that band of brothers and sisters in Christ.

Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember with advantages
What feats he did that day: then shall our names,
Familiar in their mouths as household words . . .
Be in their flowing cups freshly remember'd.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be remembered.
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.
Shakespeare, Henry V, Act 4, Scene 3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us Hebrews 12:1

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