I never was a pastor and as far as I am concerned I never will be. I don't feel like its my calling. But I can explain.
A few years ago if you would've told me I was going to be in the military I would've peed my pants and said no way Jose. 2 years ago I thought I had it all planned out for me. Here's what I had going on
Two years ago I dreamed of being a youth pastor...hence the title, "Pastor to Private" I loved it!! I loved following my old youth pastor around, doing youth ministry things. I dreamed youth ministry. Well of course God threw me an unexpected curve ball and my emotions eventually changed.
Last year I went on an incredible missions trip with an incredible group of people. We stayed in Juarez, Mexico. While we were staying in El Paso, TX we were living right next to a military base. FT Bliss. It was cool driving by and seeing tanks, cannons, soldiers, barracks, Humvees and all other crazy military things. While down there in Mexico I was seeing how cool it was to serve. I was out of my comfort zone, even though most of you seem to think Mexico is my home (You know who you all are, and I hate you :-)
While in Mexico I experienced serving in a totally different environment. Now I am a mind-reader and I know what you are thinking, "If you loooove God, and you love serving, and you wanted to be a pastor than why don't you just work in the field of doing missions trips?" That's a great question! I loved helping the people in Mexico but....
I love danger
I love protecting others
I love blowing stuff up
I love guns
I want the challenge
I want the experience
I want the uniform
I want to be a part of the United States Armed Forces
As I was sitting on the plane home, on a plane with more soldiers than civilians I was thinking about life and what I wanted to do...
Im going to serve my King, and my country.
Hooah,
Evan
Showing posts with label military. Show all posts
Showing posts with label military. Show all posts
Everyone fears it, but not everyone has to go through it. So I leave July 13th for Ft Benning Georgia. My emotions are running all over the place
I am not happy because: I have a little summer, leave my best friends I have, I'll be pushed harder than I ever had, July in the south is not fun at all, I will miss my church community, I will miss the summer nights, the bonfires...
I am happy because: Im on a new chapter of life, Im testing my faith, Im pushing my body physically and emotionally to make me a better person, I get to play with Guns, I get to travel, I get to experience things not many people will, I'll get an amazing oppertunity to serve, I'll make amazing new friends, I get to put on the uniform I've always admired.
Either way I am leaving In July and I am enjoying every last moment I get to spend with my friends. Until then I'm going to have a blast! The summer has been great so far! Stick around for more posts until July 13, 2009.
One Love,
PVT Flora
I am not happy because: I have a little summer, leave my best friends I have, I'll be pushed harder than I ever had, July in the south is not fun at all, I will miss my church community, I will miss the summer nights, the bonfires...
I am happy because: Im on a new chapter of life, Im testing my faith, Im pushing my body physically and emotionally to make me a better person, I get to play with Guns, I get to travel, I get to experience things not many people will, I'll get an amazing oppertunity to serve, I'll make amazing new friends, I get to put on the uniform I've always admired.
Either way I am leaving In July and I am enjoying every last moment I get to spend with my friends. Until then I'm going to have a blast! The summer has been great so far! Stick around for more posts until July 13, 2009.
One Love,
PVT Flora
May 13, 2009
I was nervous yesterday. I was nervous this afternoon. But I finally feel relieved and I feel as if I hit the point of being comfortable.
Today after school today the Army recruiter took me to the 0ffice to get some stuff done. I was asked a ton of questions; criminal history, health history etc. My height and weight was taken. 18% body fat, not bad. I was given a nice big packet that I filled out. I asked a ton of questions about dates, departure, basic combat training, MEPS, blah blah blah... It was exciting.
When I was on my way home, the recruiter said, "Congrats your 50% closer to being in the Army. It was exciting! I take the ASVAB finally on Tuesday @ Willow Grove.
All thats left is the physical, signing my name, and taking oath. That all has to be competed when I am 18 (two weeks!) Today though was definitely a great day and got me feeling more comfortable with this intense decision!
Today after school today the Army recruiter took me to the 0ffice to get some stuff done. I was asked a ton of questions; criminal history, health history etc. My height and weight was taken. 18% body fat, not bad. I was given a nice big packet that I filled out. I asked a ton of questions about dates, departure, basic combat training, MEPS, blah blah blah... It was exciting.
When I was on my way home, the recruiter said, "Congrats your 50% closer to being in the Army. It was exciting! I take the ASVAB finally on Tuesday @ Willow Grove.
All thats left is the physical, signing my name, and taking oath. That all has to be competed when I am 18 (two weeks!) Today though was definitely a great day and got me feeling more comfortable with this intense decision!
Apr 7, 2009
So I am searching through the news websites like CNN, Yahoo News..etc and I am noticing something. The world is slowly getting uglier...
Lately North Korea has dominated the world news.
North Korea currently is planning on launching a high ballistic missile that will launch a satellite into orbit. The missile they plan to launch they think is a ballistic test that is capable of reaching Alaska, Hawaii or the US Pacific Coast. Us, China, Japan, and South Korea all are stressing how horrible of an idea this really is. The action is illegal especially when it was established at the six-party convention a few years ago. Despite all of that NK claimed they were "dismanteling" their missles. But now they are testing them?
The being in trillions of dollars in debt: Never a good thing, especially because it makes you vulnerable. Don't know when things are going to improve but most predictions are claiming that the Us has not even hit the lowest point of this recession yet. The unemmployment rate is flirting with 9%. Last time that happened was '83.
Iran is trying harder than ever to obtain nuclear weapons, their goal is to blow Israel off of the map. What the heck is going to happen there? Their working hard with Russia, which is never a good thing. And why is Russia having a peacetime draft? Shady much?
Iraq is finally dwindeling down, but I am worried about what will happen when most troops are gone by 2010.
Afghanistan is becomming more important now that most of our government realized that we are still actually deployed there, since we are slowly forgetting about Iraq now. In Government we were learning how its going to be the next Vietnam. Awesome, considering how Nam was an epic FAILURE! Looks like cave hunting for me by next winter.
Considering that most of Al-Quida is hiding in Pakistan, it seems as if we'll be there soon enough, even though we are there anyway.
And on top of it a portion of the world thinks the world is going to end in 2012 anyway. I dont personally believe that, but a climax of all these events would result in something horrible anyway.
Holding onto my faith harder than ever,
Evan :)
Lately North Korea has dominated the world news.
North Korea currently is planning on launching a high ballistic missile that will launch a satellite into orbit. The missile they plan to launch they think is a ballistic test that is capable of reaching Alaska, Hawaii or the US Pacific Coast. Us, China, Japan, and South Korea all are stressing how horrible of an idea this really is. The action is illegal especially when it was established at the six-party convention a few years ago. Despite all of that NK claimed they were "dismanteling" their missles. But now they are testing them?
The being in trillions of dollars in debt: Never a good thing, especially because it makes you vulnerable. Don't know when things are going to improve but most predictions are claiming that the Us has not even hit the lowest point of this recession yet. The unemmployment rate is flirting with 9%. Last time that happened was '83.
Iran is trying harder than ever to obtain nuclear weapons, their goal is to blow Israel off of the map. What the heck is going to happen there? Their working hard with Russia, which is never a good thing. And why is Russia having a peacetime draft? Shady much?
Iraq is finally dwindeling down, but I am worried about what will happen when most troops are gone by 2010.
Afghanistan is becomming more important now that most of our government realized that we are still actually deployed there, since we are slowly forgetting about Iraq now. In Government we were learning how its going to be the next Vietnam. Awesome, considering how Nam was an epic FAILURE! Looks like cave hunting for me by next winter.
Considering that most of Al-Quida is hiding in Pakistan, it seems as if we'll be there soon enough, even though we are there anyway.
And on top of it a portion of the world thinks the world is going to end in 2012 anyway. I dont personally believe that, but a climax of all these events would result in something horrible anyway.
Holding onto my faith harder than ever,
Evan :)
Mar 30, 2009
This has been something that I have struggled with for months. After carefully praying, seeking guidance, and examining the condition of my heart I am confidant in how I stand.
Lets get a few things understood first:
1. The bible does not call us to be pacifists! The definition is "a person who believes in pacifism or is opposed to war or to violence of any kind."
2. Murder is NOT the same thing as Killing
Murder - In the U.S., special statutory definitions include murder committed with malice aforethought, characterized by deliberation or premeditation or occurring during the commission of another serious crime, as robbery or arson (first-degree murder), and murder by intent but without deliberation or premeditation (second-degree murder).
Kill - to deprive of life in any manner; cause the death of
Look at the definitions! Enough said. You can not use the cliche, "Do not murder" as a legitimate argument. Now that we have that established check this out....
Romans 13:14 says (A New Testament book for you bible Noobs) Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.
If you are in the United States Military aka AUTHORITY they are "Gods Servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do wrong." (Romans 13: 4)
So here it is...
When war is Godly : IF its a just-war aka a pre-emptive war Meaning if a military action that is justified as being permissible for legal or moral reasons. A war can also be justifiable in order to defense against the weak or oppressed. Do I think the war in Afghanistan is a just-war? Yup. A bunch of terrorists fly some planes into US buildings murdering 3000 innocent people. Seems like we are defending the United States from this happening. Iraq, I am not so sure of at this point. Although no one can really pinpoint the reasons for the war in Iraq, the ending of the Reign of Saddam was pretty huge.
When war is morally wrong: An Un-just war, example If the US invaded Pakistan just because we wanted their oil I would refuse to fight for that war. That war can no possibly be justified.
I've heard the argument when Jesus tells his disciples... "Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. (Matt 26:52)
This verse doesn't sit with me very well. I think Jesus said this because it was simply if the disciples decided to use thier swords right there are attempted to kill the guards, it was obvious all the Disciples would DIE BY THE SWORD. I could be horribly wrong, makes sense to me.
You can not compare the sword to a military issued M16. I've had intelligent people argue with this verse. There are TONS of soldiers who have killed with it, and who haven't been killed by it. There is no intelligent argument against that.
The last thing I have to say... We should seek peace. We should pray for peace. We should not create conflicts. We should not launch unjust wars. I would choose peace before conflict, If peace creates no solution...Then the problem arises. Its a God given right to defend ourselves, our neighbors, our loved ones, the opressed, the needy.
Lets get a few things understood first:
1. The bible does not call us to be pacifists! The definition is "a person who believes in pacifism or is opposed to war or to violence of any kind."
2. Murder is NOT the same thing as Killing
Murder - In the U.S., special statutory definitions include murder committed with malice aforethought, characterized by deliberation or premeditation or occurring during the commission of another serious crime, as robbery or arson (first-degree murder), and murder by intent but without deliberation or premeditation (second-degree murder).
Kill - to deprive of life in any manner; cause the death of
Look at the definitions! Enough said. You can not use the cliche, "Do not murder" as a legitimate argument. Now that we have that established check this out....
Romans 13:14 says (A New Testament book for you bible Noobs) Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.
If you are in the United States Military aka AUTHORITY they are "Gods Servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do wrong." (Romans 13: 4)
So here it is...
When war is Godly : IF its a just-war aka a pre-emptive war Meaning if a military action that is justified as being permissible for legal or moral reasons. A war can also be justifiable in order to defense against the weak or oppressed. Do I think the war in Afghanistan is a just-war? Yup. A bunch of terrorists fly some planes into US buildings murdering 3000 innocent people. Seems like we are defending the United States from this happening. Iraq, I am not so sure of at this point. Although no one can really pinpoint the reasons for the war in Iraq, the ending of the Reign of Saddam was pretty huge.
When war is morally wrong: An Un-just war, example If the US invaded Pakistan just because we wanted their oil I would refuse to fight for that war. That war can no possibly be justified.
I've heard the argument when Jesus tells his disciples... "Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. (Matt 26:52)
This verse doesn't sit with me very well. I think Jesus said this because it was simply if the disciples decided to use thier swords right there are attempted to kill the guards, it was obvious all the Disciples would DIE BY THE SWORD. I could be horribly wrong, makes sense to me.
You can not compare the sword to a military issued M16. I've had intelligent people argue with this verse. There are TONS of soldiers who have killed with it, and who haven't been killed by it. There is no intelligent argument against that.
The last thing I have to say... We should seek peace. We should pray for peace. We should not create conflicts. We should not launch unjust wars. I would choose peace before conflict, If peace creates no solution...Then the problem arises. Its a God given right to defend ourselves, our neighbors, our loved ones, the opressed, the needy.
Feb 2, 2009
Obviously I seem to be passionate about the military. But anyway here we go... Here are a few things I do not understand...
But here are a few things I do understand:
One of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, "What commandment is the foremost of all?"
I've had a few people tell me that killing is killing and there is no way to get around it, its clearly a sin? Its pretty hard to argue against that one. Jesus got hung on the cross and didn't attempt to fight back at all but here is a different way to look at it.
What if someone was to break in your house, and you absolutely knew they wanted to kill you and your family (and you conveniently had an automatic assault rifle) wouldn't you return fire? How is that any different from being in Iraq or Afghanistan? Wouldn't you protect yourself? Wouldn't you protect your family, or the ones you really care about? I understand God called people to love your enemies, but I don't believe its right to just accept death from anyone who wants to kill us for any reason. I DO BELIEVE IN DYING FOR YOUR FAITH, Jesus did it. This is different.
Here is the problem: How do you LOVE a terrorist? Christians are called to LOVE your enemies. I don't think shooting them is loving them. Imagine if we didn't do anything about the terrorists and tried to love them? Then what? I think things like 9/11 would be common on US land. There are people who will do what it takes to bring down the world with terror. So are we suppose to just not fire at all to love them? Or defend ourselves and the world?
This is one of those moments where I wish I could have a sit-down with Jesus.
One Love,
Evan
- Girls (who can?)
- How water is clear
- Girls
- How a chicken can walk with its head off for a few minutes
- Females
- Why my moms cooking is so ridiculously good
But here are a few things I do understand:
- The bible is from God (2 Timothy 3:16) open your bible, and look it up!
- Jesus would not shoot anyone!
- I want do be in the Infantry Division of the Army
One of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, "What commandment is the foremost of all?"
29Jesus answered, "The foremost is, HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD;
30AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.'
31"The second is this, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' There is no other commandment greater than these." Mark 12: 28-31
A large part of joining the military is about helping people. Its not helping like people would in the peace corps, but it is still definitely helping people. People in Iraq or Afghanistan need help. Here is where the issue is: If I join the infantry division that position ya know...Kills people. Its not a soldiers reaction to just shoot someone, they have to be shot at first typically. At this point they are now just trying to defend themselves. So what is the "good christian thing to do." I've gotten some interesting answersI've had a few people tell me that killing is killing and there is no way to get around it, its clearly a sin? Its pretty hard to argue against that one. Jesus got hung on the cross and didn't attempt to fight back at all but here is a different way to look at it.
What if someone was to break in your house, and you absolutely knew they wanted to kill you and your family (and you conveniently had an automatic assault rifle) wouldn't you return fire? How is that any different from being in Iraq or Afghanistan? Wouldn't you protect yourself? Wouldn't you protect your family, or the ones you really care about? I understand God called people to love your enemies, but I don't believe its right to just accept death from anyone who wants to kill us for any reason. I DO BELIEVE IN DYING FOR YOUR FAITH, Jesus did it. This is different.
Here is the problem: How do you LOVE a terrorist? Christians are called to LOVE your enemies. I don't think shooting them is loving them. Imagine if we didn't do anything about the terrorists and tried to love them? Then what? I think things like 9/11 would be common on US land. There are people who will do what it takes to bring down the world with terror. So are we suppose to just not fire at all to love them? Or defend ourselves and the world?
This is one of those moments where I wish I could have a sit-down with Jesus.
One Love,
Evan
Dec 8, 2008
Its official
I Am Annoyed.
For the past few weeks I've been approached by many many many people who would talk to me about many of the military branches. I've had numerous people talk to me about how the Navy is my best choice. People tell me that I need to go all out and be a Marine. I've heard a lot about the Air Force as well. I've been told the Coast Guard is what I need to do!!
I appreciate you all for caring, but what I am trying to say is I made my decision and the Army is going to be the branch for me. I truly do appreciate you caring for me, and the feedback you had but its getting old and repetitive now. I am almost 18 years old I am capable of making my own decision. I've done my homework! I have a 6in stack of papers from each branch in my room! I've personally sat down with a recruiter from each branch. I've done my pros and cons and I've thought about it and what will be best for me. The Army is my path for a few reasons. They have what I want! Infantry(crazy i know thanks)!!
The Marines certainly have infantry but they cant r A, guarantee it, and B they do not offer as much money for education. I do not want to be a marine. I was told I would sit on a boat for many months if I join the Navy. I DON'T WANT TO SIT ON A BOAT! I would much rather be in Afghanistan.
The Air Force does not have infantry. The closest thing they have is MP- Military Police. No offense, but I don't want to be a cop. I dont want to be that guy that has to pull you over for speeding, Its just not me. The Air Force can not guarantee your job! The recruiter said I could end up being a cook. NOPE! Finally, I want to do 2 years service and the AF or Navy don't allow that. Marines is just out of the question. Sorry All!
Now its a wait until April 24Th(18 bday)
One Love,
Evan
I Am Annoyed.
For the past few weeks I've been approached by many many many people who would talk to me about many of the military branches. I've had numerous people talk to me about how the Navy is my best choice. People tell me that I need to go all out and be a Marine. I've heard a lot about the Air Force as well. I've been told the Coast Guard is what I need to do!!
I appreciate you all for caring, but what I am trying to say is I made my decision and the Army is going to be the branch for me. I truly do appreciate you caring for me, and the feedback you had but its getting old and repetitive now. I am almost 18 years old I am capable of making my own decision. I've done my homework! I have a 6in stack of papers from each branch in my room! I've personally sat down with a recruiter from each branch. I've done my pros and cons and I've thought about it and what will be best for me. The Army is my path for a few reasons. They have what I want! Infantry(crazy i know thanks)!!
The Marines certainly have infantry but they cant r A, guarantee it, and B they do not offer as much money for education. I do not want to be a marine. I was told I would sit on a boat for many months if I join the Navy. I DON'T WANT TO SIT ON A BOAT! I would much rather be in Afghanistan.
The Air Force does not have infantry. The closest thing they have is MP- Military Police. No offense, but I don't want to be a cop. I dont want to be that guy that has to pull you over for speeding, Its just not me. The Air Force can not guarantee your job! The recruiter said I could end up being a cook. NOPE! Finally, I want to do 2 years service and the AF or Navy don't allow that. Marines is just out of the question. Sorry All!
Now its a wait until April 24Th(18 bday)
One Love,
Evan
Dec 2, 2008
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