My Ministry so Far

I have to admit that I was somewhat disappointed by the potential for ministry here. When I got orders to Great Lakes, I thought that God was going to use me to reach scores of young Sailors as they got started on their Navy careers. That hasn't panned out. The fact is that I face a great obstacle in the Navy fraternization policy when it comes to fellowshipping with students. I have been told that it's not so much the fact that I'd be in a Bible study with the students as much as it's the feeling others would get from seeing me do it. To be honest, I don't understand it. Nevertheless, I'm not willing to break Navy regulations to fulfill my desires for ministry. I have to believe that God is smart enough and forward-thinking enough to have something here for me despite the local Navy rules.

Nevertheless, I have managed to express myself as a believer here in Great Lakes. When I met my military adviser class, wherein I'm responsible for helping a class of students that I don't actually teach, I did start with the announcement that I was a Christian, and that if anyone else was a Christian and wanted advice of being a Christian in the Navy, they could talk to me about it. I have also met a few students at the base Bible study. I haven't developed any relationships because I'm not interested in ended my career at 14.5 years. I have, however, developed some relationships with the staff I work with in the hopes that I will be able to share Jesus with them in the future.

Is it wrong for me to obey these local Navy regulations? Should I throw caution to the wind and witness to students anyway? What do you think?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

You didn't mention what capacity you serve in the Navy, but if you are obligated then you must follow the rules. However, it seems that you have set your expectations too high in that you are going to be able to great things which are beyond your control. Sailors at this age have either accepted life with or without Christ based on their family background and environment in my opinion. However, that is not to say that there are a few that have never heard the Gospel and these people in my opinion are the ones that you need to focus on.

JD said...

The situation may not be as dire as you think it is. I have a bit of experience on that topic. Contact me through my website if you'd like to chat.

The Navy Christian said...

Anon, you seem to accept a Nation that has made up it's mind at the age of 18. I don't think I agree with that assessment. Way too much happens after the age 18 that could lead a person to Christ. I know because I've led several sailors to Christ, most of them well past 18. Just because they didn't have a Christian family doesn't mean they don't have a chance.

JD, of course I should have contacted you...I didn't even think of it of course. I will get today in the books, as it were, and look into your website. Thanks!