One of the roles that I have that I really enjoy is that of being a chaplain (padre) in the army reserves. It is such a fulfilling part of my ministry and I’m thankful for this opportunity.
My only regret is that I did not join up earlier than I did. I really had no idea of what an army chaplain did. I probably thought that they prayed for the food in peacetime and prayed for the bullets in wartime.
It is much different from that. Most of my time is being a listening ear to soldiers. I’m not a mental health councillor but I am someone people can speak to confidentiality.
Another part of it that I enjoy is the chance to train other soldiers to help in peer support. There are so many gifted people in the military and they sincerely want to support one another.
I’m thankful that I can do this and I look forward to years more of military chaplaincy.
