This has been an extremely intense study week for all of us
Chaplains of CRM. Our annual training took place this past week at Citrus
Valley RV Park – all day sessions that really taxed our brains. It was so blessed
as we all felt the presence of the Lord with us as we studied, prayed, and
hopefully retained at least part of what we heard. There was certainly no lack
of food though – the snack table was always ready; the wonderful catered meals
were delicious as well as our Pot luck on Wednesday night and graduation dinner
on Friday. Perhaps the most grueling session was Wednesday as we participated
in Suicide Prevention taught by Chaplain Jeff Hastings. Jeff and his son kayaked the Mississippi River
from it headwaters all the way to Louisiana to raise awareness of suicide among
the veterans, most of the time the result of PSTD. Jeff is an excellent teacher
with a powerful message to us all. Hopefully I will never be in a situation of
talking to a suicidal person, but at least I can feel fairly confident that I
know how to react. We did a few one on one situations where we participated in
actual skits, either being the suicidal person or the counseling person. Friday night we had celebrated with graduation dinner of wonderful ribs, cooked by our chaplains. We ended today with a luncheon and final
farewells, as some of the folks are going on to Arizona where the training will
take place there again for those chaplains serving there, and our Texas
chaplains will be returning to their respective parks here in the Valley. We
will see them at regular monthly training meetings (yes, more training). Every
time we have a meeting we do learn a bit more about this journey the Lord has
us on.
Bill and Jeff acting out a suicide intervention
the ever present black birds perched on the lines
We do have another busy week before us, as many folks are returning
to the Valley. We will be getting busier at CHI resale store, Caring Hearts
Ministry will be preparing for our Christmas distribution, and CRM chaplain
ministry will be in full force. We do love the activity here at the park, as we
see many old friends and hope to make new ones. Many folks are coming from the
cold North – today was a huge surprise as the temp was 41!!!! What a shocker –
it has warmed up already and should be in the high 70’s or low 80’s tomorrow. I
forgot how much I do not enjoy the cold weather. Had to dig out my cold weather
clothing for the first time this year.
We attended service this morning along with friends and all
of our chaplains as Chaplain Roy Gee brought us the message of salvation. Roy
is so very focused on salvation as he does not want anyone to miss the chance
for eternity in heaven. There are only 2 options after death – heaven or hell –
which one will you choose? Are you on dangerous grounds? Have you been true to
yourself? Parents, teachers, coaches and others have helped us to be true –
helped us on the road in the right direction. Now we are grown and see many warning
signs on our road in life. If we do not
observe them we can wind up being in deep trouble. Do we listen to those
warning signs or do we just ignore them? Do we tend to ignore God’s warning
signs? He warned us that sin would separate us from Him. We ask the question –
if we are human and sin how do we get to heaven? God gave us a way thru His Son
Jesus. We can be the best person in the world and not get to heaven. God sees
us always, not just physically but He can look into our hearts He calls us to
come to Him – open your hearts and let Him in.
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