Passing the Baton

LTC Jim Karr, USA (Ret.)

The founders of OCF had a glorious vision for a military transformed by the Spirit of God. Our obligation, after running the good race, is to pass the baton to the next generation.

Last summer Laurel and I served as counselors-at-large at White Sulphur Springs.

It was a blessing to interact with all the families there, who ministered to us more than we ministered to them. We were also overwhelmed by the committed staff members who were busy from morning to night in the name of our Lord.

The camp was a blur of activity with two Camp Calebs, one Allegheny Outback, adult activities, and a nightly inspirational Bible study led by Colonel Jim Meredith on the subject of Hebrews.

Early each morning some of us met by the fireplace for devotions and study of the Psalms.

One of the subjects that came around again and again concerned the number of young people who had met either at White Sulphur Springs or Spring Canyon, are now married, and were there with their young children. The generational linkage of OCF was unmistakable.

During this holiday season I have given a lot of thought to the issue of one generation and its obligation to build for the next one.

As a Christmas present for each of my children, I went to a sporting goods store and bought four batons that are used in track events. Rolled inside is a personal letter from me, that expresses how accepting and worshipping Christ is the most important exercise of our free will that we can do; nothing is more important.

Regardless of the success one has in life, it all pales in comparison to knowing your children have accepted Christ and embraced the Son of God as their own personal Savior.

In my estimation nothing is richer and more valued than that. To know that I will one day hold their hands around the throne of God brings me great of joy as I ponder the future.

God's building blocks are not brick and mortar that will crumble and turn to dust. His building blocks are the living generations that answer His call and then lead the way for the next generation.

These generational blocks measure our lives and the life of OCF. The founders of OCF had a glorious vision for a military transformed by the Spirit of God.

Our obligation, after running the good race, is to pass the baton to the next generation-both to our personal family members, and to the next generation of OCFers wherever they now may be. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3: 6-7, "… I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow."

At this blessed season it is fitting to remember where we have come, and to give thanks for the Divine providence that has brought us safely to this point.

It is equally fitting for all OCFers to make plans to see that the legacy of the past and the vision of this present generation are passed on to the next generation. May God bless you at this holy time of year.