STORIES
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Thankful Then, Thankful Now
1ST BATTALION, 35TH ARMOR REGIMENT, 1ST ARMORED DIVISION, BAUMHOLDER, GERMANY (“THE ROCK!”)
This was my first duty assignment in the Army for my wife Aimee and me as we arrived in Germany in September 1999. We had been married eight months; I had been in the Army nine months; and now we were about to figure out married life, Army life, and overseas life all at once. As I think back to that first Thanksgiving in Germany, I had no idea how grateful we would be for the community we were beginning to encounter at the Cadence hospitality house.
From the Field
Stories of God’s work in and through the military.
Smiles and Blessings
I recently shared a story about one of our grandchildren with you. Please bear with this joy-filled grandpa again!
Not too long ago as Joyce and I returned home from an event, we walked in the door to a room full of many of our family gathered for an evening together.
Our daughter Kyrie was holding their seven-month old son Lewis (grandchild number five). He was snuggled up on her shoulder, but as he heard our voices he turned his head and smiled. Oh, our hearts! He then twisted his body to face us and started twitching his legs and arms in excitement at seeing us.
Light Matters
I have been house-hunting here in Colorado with our daughter, Kyrie, and son-in-law, Jake. Well, our six-month-old grandson Lewis also tags along! Having moved from Oregon over Thanksgiving week, they have begun the challenging task of finding a home that is a good fit for their family at an affordable price.
One of the important criteria for the home they will choose (among many things) is the element of light—both natural and spiritual. Some houses are darker than others, in both senses. We’ve walked into some and known immediately the lack of light would not be conducive to the atmosphere they desire in their home.
Love Moves Toward
“Grandma, I’m coming to you.”
Our four-year-old grandson, Davey, scurried along the church row to nestle in Joyce’s lap during the service this past Sunday. We love being grandparents to five dear ones, and these many small moments of affection and connection warm our hearts!
It strikes me just how often love takes the initiative to move toward another.
Let Me Tell You About Jesus
In Anne Wilson’s song My Jesus, she sings: “Let me tell you ‘bout my Jesus. His love is strong and His grace is free. And the good news is I know that He can do for you what He’s done for me. Let me tell you ‘bout my Jesus, and let my Jesus change your life.”
The gospel of Jesus Christ is mentioned 93 times in the New Testament. Seven of those references are in the first chapter of the book of Philippians. Here are two of them:
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.” Philippians 1:27–28
Smiles and Blessings
I recently shared a story about one of our grandchildren with you. Please bear with this joy-filled grandpa again!
Not too long ago as Joyce and I returned home from an event, we walked in the door to a room full of many of our family gathered for an evening together.
Our daughter Kyrie was holding their seven-month old son Lewis (grandchild number five). He was snuggled up on her shoulder, but as he heard our voices he turned his head and smiled. Oh, our hearts! He then twisted his body to face us and started twitching his legs and arms in excitement at seeing us.
Light Matters
I have been house-hunting here in Colorado with our daughter, Kyrie, and son-in-law, Jake. Well, our six-month-old grandson Lewis also tags along! Having moved from Oregon over Thanksgiving week, they have begun the challenging task of finding a home that is a good fit for their family at an affordable price.
One of the important criteria for the home they will choose (among many things) is the element of light—both natural and spiritual. Some houses are darker than others, in both senses. We’ve walked into some and known immediately the lack of light would not be conducive to the atmosphere they desire in their home.
Love Moves Toward
“Grandma, I’m coming to you.”
Our four-year-old grandson, Davey, scurried along the church row to nestle in Joyce’s lap during the service this past Sunday. We love being grandparents to five dear ones, and these many small moments of affection and connection warm our hearts!
It strikes me just how often love takes the initiative to move toward another.
Let Me Tell You About Jesus
In Anne Wilson’s song My Jesus, she sings: “Let me tell you ‘bout my Jesus. His love is strong and His grace is free. And the good news is I know that He can do for you what He’s done for me. Let me tell you ‘bout my Jesus, and let my Jesus change your life.”
The gospel of Jesus Christ is mentioned 93 times in the New Testament. Seven of those references are in the first chapter of the book of Philippians. Here are two of them:
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.” Philippians 1:27–28
Partnership in Ministry
Every year in March, the leaders of various military ministries gather at the FCMM (Fellowship of Military Ministries) conference. Cadence recently brought a team of leaders (photo above) to San Antonio, Texas to connect, collaborate, and coordinate with other ministry leaders.
Support in the Midst of Uncertainty
“There is so much uncertainty for military families right now. This is a very turbulent and strange place. The families feel this and are looking for connection and support. The Cadence model provides this really well.”
Executive Leaders
I want to take this month’s letter to introduce our four VPs who serve with me on the Executive Leadership Team for Cadence.
Hospitality
“I’ve become a better leader and teacher because Ben trusted me with opportunities for both.”
A young soldier said this to me recently as we were visiting the Fort Hood Soldiers Hospitality House. Ben and Melody Bloker have directed this ministry for over six years and have seen countless lives, including this soldier, transformed by Christ.
Filling Our Rooms
“She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.” Luke 2:7 NLT
The very entry of the Son of God into this world was a moment of unwelcomed displacement because there was “no lodging available for them.” In fact, this little family was on the road in flight to Egypt when Jesus was still very young.
Transformed Lives
Joyce and I really enjoyed our recent trip to visit our Cadence staff in Europe. We participated in their field-wide retreat as well as visited all our ministries and staff in Germany. What joy we experienced as we engaged in their gatherings, heard their stories and challenges, and had wonderful conversations with military people.
Leadership and Influence
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on my favorite leadership passage in Scripture.
Speaking of King David, the psalmist Asaph says, “He chose his servant David, and took him from the sheepfold; from tending the nursing ewes he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel, his inheritance. With upright heart he tended them, and guided them with skillful hand.” Psalm 78:71–72 NRSV
40 Years of Student Ministry
Cadence Student Ministries is celebrating 40 years of ministry to the military!
In the summer of 1981, four students from Multnomah School of the Bible (now Multnomah University) formed a quartet called Malachi Singers.
The Gardener’s Legacy
Dick was a pioneer and started many new ministries, conferences, retreats, and other events and resources for the military. He and Margaret excelled in hospitality, eternally impacting many hundreds of people a few at a time in the warmth and love of their home.