He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” (Matthew 9:37-38)
I remember reading this scripture verse when I completed Basic Training and AIT at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri as a Combat Engineer, 21 Bravo. I didn’t really knowing what God had in store for my military career. The moment I met a chaplain, it changed everything that I thought about ministry and the military—and how chaplains are to be shepherds and pastors to the flock they’re in charge of. All the chaplains I met exhibited calmness and peace that I wanted to emulate and to serve other soldiers with.
I am with the South Carolina National Guard; after I returned home from Missouri, I remained enlisted for about a year. However, I felt an overwhelming call by God to put my packet in to become a chaplain candidate. At the time, I didn’t fully understand the overwhelming sensation I had to pursue this calling, but I knew time was ticking and that I had to act. I went through a recruiter in my state and submitted my packet. I had my doubts about the process and wasn’t sure I would be selected, but God carried me through.
In March 2011, I received a direct commission to the rank of Second Lieutenant, promoted from E-4 (Specialist) to O-1. U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC)—in whose D.C. office I had worked as an intern—called to congratulate me and wish me well on God’s calling. I worked with my church and began seminary. I can see that God had me in the right place at the right time: I was already in the military and loved God and serving others, so chaplaincy was God’s right call for me.
It was hard at first going from a Specialist to a Second Lieutenant, but God was with me and blessed me with an incredible unit, a great battalion chaplain, and a brigade chaplain who helped me along the process. After less than a year with my unit, I received orders to go to CH-BOLC. I will admit, at first I had reservations: “What if there are chaplains with more experience than me? I don’t know what to expect or what this will be like compared to Basic and AIT.” At age 25, I didn’t see how God could use me compared to everyone else who had served in the Army longer or had been in ministry longer. But God brought me to CH-BOLC where I was with his people.
At CH-BOLC, I was never alone because my classmates and I were all brothers and sisters in uniform with the same calling from God to be there. It was great to meet people from all over the country who had the same passion, some with different views, but all with the same calling. We could share our love and service of God with one other and with other soldiers.
God gave me an incredible opportunity at CH-BOLC. I learned so much about how to minister in a military setting, military bearing, background of the Chaplain Corps and the Army. It built on my previous knowledge when I had been a combat engineer. During my time at CH-BOLC, I carried 2nd Platoon’s guidon the entire time, served as a squad leader, carried the Chaplain Corps crest box (because I was the youngest), and won the “back half” award for praying in a unique manner for which I was well known.
I learned a lot at CH-BOLC! God can use anyone who lets him. I could not be prouder to represent God and wear the Army uniform. I look forward to serving soldiers and, one day, going through the accessions board to wear the chaplain’s cross.
