Homecoming
Few have the unique privilege of watching military personnel welcomed home by their loved ones after a deployment. Recently, Ben and Melody Bloker, Cadence House Directors at Victory Villa in Rota, Spain, were honored to take part in one of these heartfelt reunions when the USS Bulkeley returned to port.
Each branch of the military has its own traditions for welcoming service members home, and the Navy is no exception. Families and friends who are fortunate enough to make it onto the special guest list gather on the pier as tugboats guide the warship into port. The process is accomplished efficiently but can’t happen soon enough for those eagerly waiting to be reunited. Sailors line the edge of the ship in their dress whites while families cheer, wave signs, and look expectantly for their loved ones.
The “First Kiss” is a Navy tradition in which a sailor is selected by raffle to be the first to disembark and greet their family and friends. Following this sailor off the ship are the fathers whose wives welcomed a baby during the deployment. Married sailors are next to leave, once their duties are complete, followed by single sailors.
Some of the sailors aboard the USS Bulkeley are part of the Bloker’s ministry, making the homecoming especially meaningful. Ben and Melody surprised some of the singles, who often receive less fanfare, with a boisterous welcome. They also joined in the celebration of several families from their ministry community who were reunited.
Even as these celebrations occurred, many of our U.S. sailors are experiencing extended deployments at sea, above and beyond their already lengthy assignments. Please pray for those sailors and their families as they navigate life apart from one another. Pray for believing sailors to remain deeply connected to the Lord while aboard ship, as the environment can be spiritually challenging. Pray that the Lord will use chaplains and believers to share the Good News of Jesus with those who do not know Him.
Thank you for your prayers and investment in those who serve our country.
Dave Hutchings
President, Cadence International
