We’ve come to the end of 2016, and we are grateful for you support.
In the past 365 days OR…
- Served over 1,000 active servicemen and their family members.
- Sponsored hundreds of Special Ops warriors and their wives and children on two different days at the North Carolina Zoo.
- Provided a father/daughter dance in Southern Pines.
- Offered a one-day biblical marriage enrichment event.
- Hosted 18 different outdoor events.
OR is blessed to partner with several solid chaplains who are embedded in various Special Operations groups. Here are some quotes from these men with regards to their engagement with us.
Once again I am very thankful for the opportunity. The saltwater fishing trip gave me the avenue for having some really good discussions with my Soldiers. On the way to Atlantic Beach, I had a lengthy conversation with three Soldiers about spiritual matters. We talked about the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the state of our souls when we die. So very profitable. I’m not sure this discussion would have happened otherwise.
Thank you again for your partnership in the kingdom. This past weekend was, by my count the fifth hunting trip in which my unit has had participation. Ministry can be hard to quantify – even the military chaplain’s reports really don’t tell the stories…These trips put flesh onto words and demonstrate sermons acted out. Men who come see other men who are “real men” who hunt, like to eat, like to be outdoors, etc… Yet, these same men are not trashing their wives (instead being self-deprecating about their own sins), not drinking, not swearing, thanking God for their food and more. One of the attendees from this past weekend summed it up quite nicely: “I would much rather go on a hunt with Christian guys who are uplifting and encouraging, and not getting drunk, etc…” We are all sinners saved by grace – these trips allow my guys to see how that is lived out.
Here is my final word for 2016 – today I had a two hour meeting with a commander within Special Forces. He said multiple times that the opportunities OR provides are essential in keeping his men healthy emotionally and spiritually. It is humbling to hear a seasoned, battle-hardened warrior express sincere gratitude for the things we’ve been able to do because of partners like you.
The doors for greater ministry are wide open. Thank you for helping OR stand in the gap and serve those who sacrifice.
May God do more in 2017 than we can ask or even imagine.
I hope your Christmas and New Year’s celebrations are blessed with God’s grace.
Joel
Merry Christmas from the McDaniels
