Christian Officers Group Reaches Out to Base

Tech Sgt Jim Brabene

Shortly after the September 11 terrorist attacks struck the East Coast many Beale personnel deployed to support military operations worldwide. Many left on short notice, leaving family members little time to prepare for the transition. Friends, co-workers, various support services and groups on base stood in the gap to help these families transition to life, for a time, without their family members.

One group, the Beale Officers’ Christian Fellowship, stepped into the gap. Capt Ray Powell, 9th Communications Squadron, and OCF area coordinator, arrived at Beale in June wondering how and where he would serve beyond his military duties.

Powell said what began as a quiet group quickly grew, as many Christian officers, most of them new to base, joined the ministry group. "I’m awed by this group; I do not feel responsible for its dramatic growth. What it says to me is it’s wonderful to see how God purposes things and to see what He can do."

Through various projects, the OCF seeks to serve the entire base community. OCF members served food at the dorm dwellers’ dinners and delivered food to shift workers. Powell’s wife, Richelyn, coordinates the group’s meals outreach to families of deployed personnel. "I see this as the least I can do for families that have deployed spouses," she said. "For me, it’s a joy to share and help them if only for a day or two, and preparing a meal is a simple way to show there are people thinking and praying for them."

OCF is also working with the officers’ spouses’ club on the "Spirit of America" quilt which will be sent to the Pentagon to express support for military personnel following the terrorist attack.

"The chapel and the Officers’ Christian Fellowship have a similar heart for ministry to Team Beale—to meet the spiritual needs and offer meaningful community service," said Chap (LtCol) Bruce Arnold, 9th Reconnaissance Wing head chaplain. "We are partners in boosting morale and keeping our base mission ready."

Reprinted with permission from the High Flyer, Beale AFB