STORIES
FROM THE PRESIDENT
As the Deer Pants
Have you ever been so thirsty that nothing mattered more than finding something to quench your thirst?
Earlier this year, I found myself in a situation where I was thirstier than I had ever been. I was in the hospital due to lung-related issues and needed a procedure performed under anesthesia. They gave me the typical “no food or drink after midnight” instructions ahead of time—no big deal. However, after the procedure, when I awoke and needed the help of a BiPAP machine to keep my oxygen levels up, I started to experience extreme thirst. Each minute the BiPAP mask was on my face, forcing pressurized air into my nose and mouth, I became more and more desperate for even just an ice cube. It would end up being five hours before I was allowed to drink some water.
From the Field
Stories of God’s work in and through the military.
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
Grandma’s Jell-O Surprise
“Could you make my Grandma’s Green Jell-O Surprise?”
That’s not a question any of us expect to be asked. But it does make more sense when you consider the setting in which this U.S. Army Sergeant was asking it. My wife, Aimee, and I were talking with him at the hospitality house we led near the U.S. Army base of Grafenwoehr, Germany. Thanksgiving was a month away and, as always, Aimee had offered to try and make any Thanksgiving dish for the Soldiers that would make it feel more like home for them. Green Jell-O Surprise was what he wanted!
Proclaim the Kingdom of God
At the end of Acts, Luke gives us a glimpse into the last few years of Paul’s life, telling us that he welcomed all who came to him, “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ.” That phrase, “kingdom of God,” is used around 75 times in the New Testament, and the “kingdom of heaven” is mentioned 34 times.
Celebrating 50 Years of the Travis Hospitality House
Joyce and I recently participated in the 50th celebration of the Travis Hospitality House ministry near Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California. Fifty years! Not only has this hospitality house been a beacon of hope for this military community for 50 years, but the ministry has been located on the same five-acre property and facility the entire time. This property was purchased by Cadence in 1973 under the direction of one of the mission’s founding couples, Tom and Dotty Hash.
Around 80 people attended this celebration, and we heard stirring stories from our Travis Hospitality House alumni of how God transformed their lives during their time in that place.
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
Grandma’s Jell-O Surprise
“Could you make my Grandma’s Green Jell-O Surprise?”
That’s not a question any of us expect to be asked. But it does make more sense when you consider the setting in which this U.S. Army Sergeant was asking it. My wife, Aimee, and I were talking with him at the hospitality house we led near the U.S. Army base of Grafenwoehr, Germany. Thanksgiving was a month away and, as always, Aimee had offered to try and make any Thanksgiving dish for the Soldiers that would make it feel more like home for them. Green Jell-O Surprise was what he wanted!
Proclaim the Kingdom of God
At the end of Acts, Luke gives us a glimpse into the last few years of Paul’s life, telling us that he welcomed all who came to him, “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ.” That phrase, “kingdom of God,” is used around 75 times in the New Testament, and the “kingdom of heaven” is mentioned 34 times.
Celebrating 50 Years of the Travis Hospitality House
Joyce and I recently participated in the 50th celebration of the Travis Hospitality House ministry near Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California. Fifty years! Not only has this hospitality house been a beacon of hope for this military community for 50 years, but the ministry has been located on the same five-acre property and facility the entire time. This property was purchased by Cadence in 1973 under the direction of one of the mission’s founding couples, Tom and Dotty Hash.
Around 80 people attended this celebration, and we heard stirring stories from our Travis Hospitality House alumni of how God transformed their lives during their time in that place.
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.
The Glory of God
In contrast to Moses who wore a veil to cover the fading glory of God from the disbelieving Israelites, we now “with unveiled faces all reflect” or as the ESV puts it, “behold the glory of the Lord.”
Teamwork
The Apostle Paul knew well that the Gospel of God would not move forward without a team of people all pulling the same direction for the cause of Christ.
Selah
Cadence just finished a four-day mission-wide pause from ministry to “Selah” together.