The Ultimate Question

By Kenneth Koon
July was a tough month for our nation and for our troops with one of the highest casualty rates this year.  Add to that the Aurora Batman tragedy and we find lots of folks searching for answers to some very difficult questions.  In fact for many, it seems that now days the questions are overwhelming.  For some it is more personal questions related to issues of family, job, finances, or health, but occasionally I find myself in conversations with others on questions and issues that are really outside ourselves - for example the problem of evil.   
 
Space and time do not allow me to delve into a theology of evil, where it came from, or its purpose. Suffice it to say, I struggle with my own answers to such difficult questions.  So rather than try to answer every question that life throws our way; I think the more important thing is to find a basis for hope when the answers are beyond our ability to comprehend. 
 

When my third son was life flighted to the Grady burn unit there was the question of “why?”  My questions were not the same “why” questions as the EMT who aided my son, or the policeman who filled out an incident report.  My question was, “God, why would you let this happen?” But knowing that there was hope trumped all the questions and every possible answer. 

In the midst of your struggles, the pains, the questions to the problem of evil, I refuse to offer a trite 10 second answer.  The answers will come soon enough if they come at all.  But I choose rather to offer you hope.  And not some pie in the sky, everything will be hunky dory foolishness. But rather a hope grounded in the truth that you are not alone.  There is a loving God who is with you even as “you walk through the valley of the shadow of death”.  Therefore the Psalmist said, “Fear no evil.”  We may not be able to answer all the questions that evil raises, but we should be able to move through the issues of life without being frozen in fear because of the hope that we maintain.       

The writer of Hebrews described it as a “hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil.”  There are things beyond our ability to see and understand.  There are “why” questions that we may never get answers to.  When we are able to grow better rather than bitter in response to the unanswered questions then we are moving into this realm called faith.  Again the writer of Hebrews writes, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” 

We may not like the situations we often times find ourselves in.  You may feel at times that life has dealt you a bad hand, but if the substance of your hope is faith in God as the anchor of your soul, you too will be both sure and steadfast even in the midst of the storm. 

I gather from this and I hope you see it too, that the problem of evil then is not the ultimate question.  Rather the ultimate question for all of us:  What is the substance of YOUR hope?

Anticipation:

Summer is the time for relaxing.  But for many of our military families in Georgia, summer is a time of anticipation : whether anticipating an upcoming deployment, anticipating the next mission or  convoy, or anticipating the challenges of returning home. The result: dads, moms, sons and daughters… all counting the days. Some have predicted that it will take years if not decades for this heightened state of anxiety to subside.

Help us help those who serve.  Write to us and we will tell you how.

Summer Blessings

We praise the Lord for believers who have caught hold of the vision for reaching America’s Armed Forces with the Gospel.  The first Sunday in July was an incredible day starting with Fayetteville First Baptist Church taking a special mission offering to bless Military Ministry.  We look forward to FFBC friends coming to Ft Benning in outreach to the troops going through Basic Training and welcome all who would love to be involved in serving the troops. 

That afternoon in 106 degree heat we spent the day visiting with folks in Griffin at the Southside's largest Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks hosted by Griffin First Assembly.  I had the honor of meeting retired Command Sergeant Major Thomas Davis.  At the age of 20 he was captured by the Viet Cong and spent five years as a POW. We also had the privilege of visiting with Kerry and Tracey Davis, and honoring them with the unveiling of MemorialHonor.com in memory of their son Johnathon who served with the 82nd Airborne and lost his life to enemy fire on March 29, 2012.  This new website allows individuals to honor the memory of their loved ones and friends who have served, as well as honor those who are currently serving.  All proceeds help support the work of Military Ministry. 

Finally, the last Sunday of June we spent the day with 700+ soldiers teaching them about the power of God that is available to believers when Christ is the center of your life.  Remember if Jesus is the hub, the center the power source, He will lead you on an incredible journey and your life will be filled with meaning and purpose.  We pray not only for the troops we serve, but for each reader of our blog.  May we all be alert to the activity of God in our lives and remember to praise Him for every blessing that comes our way.  

Beyond the Wasteland

By Kenneth Koon
For Father's Day Sherry gave me Bruce Wilkinson's THE DREAM GIVER.  I have always been a fan of his and was actually an Old Testament instructor for him when he was leading Walk Thru the Bible. 

The Dream Giver is written in much the same way as Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress.  An individual by the name of Ordinary seeks to break free from the town of Familiar to pursue his dream.  Along the way he encounters many difficulties and wants to turn back to Familiar.  But he meets Faith and with Faith as his guide he moves forward through the wasteland to the land of Promise. 

This was the perfect gift for me on Father's Day as we continue to move forward with the vision of serving soldiers full time through Military Ministry.  And my encouragement to you today is if you feel like you are living in the wasteland and all hope is gone.  Reach out...take that step and you will find Faith waiting there for you that will guide you through this time of difficulty. 

NOW I UNDERSTAND

by Kenneth Koon

According to recent Pentagon reports suicides are surging among America's troops, averaging nearly one a day this year -- the fastest pace in the nation's decade of war.  The numbers reflect a military burdened with wartime demands from Iraq and Afghanistan that have taken a greater toll than foreseen a decade ago.  According to the report the reasons for the increase are not fully understood.

Two years ago I came back in to the Army Reserve after being out for almost ten years.  I wanted to go active duty, but I was given a Reserve commission as a Brigade Chaplain.  At first, I questioned God and did not understand why I was given only a Reserve position as a weekend warrior.  Little did I realize how the path God had me on would so galvanize my spirit and set in motion my personal involvement in a military mission bigger than anything I had ever imagined, but it would not be as an Army officer.  

As a Military Chaplain I have been responsible for suicide intervention and awareness training of Army leadership all across the country.  Each week I get Army wide updates on killed in action casualties as well as self inflicted casualties.  Every morning I wake up knowing that somewhere someone’s son will either lay down his life for our country or take his life because he has lost all hope. 

Now I understand why God had me on the path He did and why it was not as a full time Army Officer.  In our new position as missionaries with Military Ministry Sherry and I have the opportunity to work with young recruits before they enter the field of battle.  Our mission is to give thousands of soldiers a foundation of hope in Jesus Christ when the battle rages on the field or in their own mind and spirit. 

Now I understand how it is possible to despair even of life as many soldiers do in the face of battle, just as the Apostle Paul did in 2 Corinthians when he felt the sentence of death was in his body.  But we have also come to understand more fully the power of the Word, that God is our hope and strength in time of trouble. 

Now I understand the urgency of the mission.  There will be wars and rumors of wars until Christ returns, but it is not necessary that soldiers should fall by their own hand because of the battle within the spirit of their mind.  Will you join us in the mission to prepare soldiers spiritually to fight and win whatever battle life brings their way? 

Join the mission  ~ Learn More at SoldierMinistry.com

Give it a Rest to be at your Best

Thirty days with no off days takes its toll.  I realize today that I am rather tired physically.  Even though the ride has been great I realize that there is a need to take some time to rejuvenate.

"But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark." Genesis 8:9

Sometimes you feel like you are going under...as if the next wave could take you out.   It is in those times that we should return unto Him into the ark.  That is the place where we find rest - in Him.  And in those times when I am too tired I am thankful that his faithful hand has a way of pulling me unto Him into that ark of rest.    

Weeping As An Act of Faith

Memorial Day Message

CH (MAJ) Kenneth Koon

Military Ministry
FT Benning GA

This week we honor the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in laying down their lives to defend this country. I know that perhaps there are some reading these words who have lost loved ones to war. I salute you today for the sacrifice that you too have made. In the past 30 or so days I have attended two funerals on behalf of the Army. One in Texas and the other, SPC Johnathan Davis, in Griffin GA. John was 21 Years old. His wife was eight months pregnant. She gave birth just last week to little John who will grow up without his daddy.

I want to suggest to you that the best way to honor the memory of our fallen warriors is by holding on to our faith in Almighty God who has made this nation great. I do not suggest that in the coming days it will be easy to do so. Even now we see much distress among Christians. We are viewed with reproach by many. Even in our own country the name of Jesus is spoken with contempt.

So is there a place in scripture where we can see examples of how we are to respond and what we are to do when it seems that the sacrifices of so many have been for naught and all the land is laid waste?

Nehemiah, a cup bearer for the king answers that question, showing us how to respond and what we are to do when it seems that our world is crumbling all around us. In chapter one the second verse we read, “my brethren came with men from Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews who had escaped, who had survived the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. ³ And they said to me, “The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.” ⁴ So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” NKJV

The first thing we see is that Nehemiah wept. The Babylonians had conquered and destroyed Jerusalem and some 40 years later the city is still in ruins. It appears that the sacrifices of many was for naught.

Most of us have been in situations where the only thing we could do was weep. When Sherry and I were rushing to the hospital to be with Chad who had been life flighted we wept the whole way. When I stood beside the bed of my dad and a few years later my stepdad and many others passing to eternity we wept. But I can honestly say that in all those times of sorrow we did not weep as those who have no hope as Paul would say. But just like Nehemiah we wept before the Lord. And that weeping was the beginning groanings of prayer. The actual words would come later.

Yes there have been times when we have cried out to God, “WHY? What is the point of all this pain? God how can you be in control? Do you really love me? GOD DO you really care?”

Many a soldier has often wondered the same. As we continue to bring home our fallen warriors week after week I can’t help but struggle with my own thoughts in this matter. Many of us may be asking the same. No doubt in his mourning Nehemiah had similar thoughts. “God, why all the pain… how can your people be put to such shame?”

But notice as he was mourning he was also fasting and praying. Listen, I don’t know as much as I should know of the act of fasting, but I do know this. Nowhere in God’s Word do we find his people fasting unless they were looking for an answer. They weep and the fast. Weeping then is not a sign of weakness but it is an act of faith. The Psalmist wrote He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him.” Tears wet the fertile ground of faith upon which the glory of God springs forth.

In the book of Esther God’s people fasted and He raised up Esther to save his people. In the book of Joel God said “turn to me with all your heart and with fasting.” Joel fasted, Jeremiah fasted, David fasted, Daniel fasted, Jesus fasted. And here is Nehemiah fasting. He is looking for an answer. He is seeking wisdom. He is believing that God will move in response to the cry of a broken spirit.

I don’t know what is going on in your life, but I know this…in the midst of your pain…your broken spirit and all the grief you can bear…if you will call out to God he will hear and respond to your cry.

But I want you to notice that in the midst of his prayer Nehemiah is obviously coming to the realization that God is calling him to a work he had never considered before. He was calling him beyond the pain and back to the promise – I will be your God and I will reveal my glory in you.

Two months ago Sherry and I made a decision that until just recently we had never considered before. Finally Saturday a week ago we were commissioned as missionaries with Campus Crusade to serve in Military Ministry caring for the spiritual needs of over 100,000 recruits who will go through Basic Training this year. My friend I tell the truth Almighty God is revealing His glory.

Three years ago we had thrown in the towel on ministry. We were done. But when we got beyond our pain and back to the promise we saw the hand of God moving. We got involved as volunteers last year with Military Ministry at Ft Benning and our hearts have been filled with a vision and passion for God that we have never known. In the past 12 months more than 2000 recruits at Benning have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Just like Nehemiah I have had to pray for a repentant spirit. And I have thanked God for His grace. I thank God today that in those times when I have thrown in the towel He has kept it waiting for the time to throw it back at me. I thank God that He never gives up and never gives out. That his thoughts toward me are good and that He knows the plans He has for me.

Then we see the final words of Nehemiah’s prayer when he asks God to give him mercy in the sight of “THIS MAN.” Nehemiah knows that there is something God is calling him to do. He is not bound to wallow in the mire of self-pity.

In chapter 2 we see who this man is that Nehemiah prayed about. He goes before the king. He boldly asks him for favor and for leave to go and rebuild the walls. Not only that but he asks this pagan king to give him everything he needed to rebuild the walls. He asked for the king’s letter that would give him safe passage and favor with the governors of the region.

We are living in one of the most economically and spiritually challenging times that I have ever seen in my life time. Some folks may remember the Great Depression. But the big difference between now and then is the reproach that is being put upon God’s people. Sixty years ago we were a praying nation. Today we mock prayer. We have thrown out the commandments and wonder why the promises of God are not fulfilled.

I am deeply concerned for the future of this nation. But I know that God’s concern is far greater. If you have not realized it yet I tell you now God is calling the United States of America to repentance. He is calling families to repentance. He is calling individual heart to repentance.

You say. “How do you know this Ken?” Friend all we have to do is open our eyes and see. We are nation whose walls are crumbling. The land is laid waste. Millions of families are bankrupt financially, morally and spiritually. Many states have already filed bankruptcy. Our nation is bankrupt. Our only hope is God.

But I want you to notice that something strange and wonderful happens when you get to the point of knowing that our only hope is God. Logically, you may think that if God is our only hope then we should just sit back kick our shoes off and say OK God you’re in control. But rather than sitting back the man who has a passion for God’s glory takes action. The ground that is yours is only yours when you take the step of faith. The waters of adversity roll back and the opportunity is revealed when you move forward with a divine sense of purpose in mind. God moves in a mysterious way when He moves in and through His people.

In the midst of the struggles and even the desolation in your life God is calling you to action. I don’t know what that looks like for you. But I do know that in my life it was coming to the understanding that God wanted me to be at work full time serving the needs of soldiers. I had originally hoped that it would be as a full time officer earning my full time pay from a pagan government. Then the Lord called Sherry and I to faith based missions where we are dependent on the faithful loving support of others who send us out to do the work that God has called us to do.

And just as I know that God has already named those individuals who He has chosen to stand by us as ministry partners so I know that God will give you everything you need to fulfill His purpose in your life. He will raise up others to stand with you as sources of encouragement and wisdom. His treasure of provision is deeper than you can ever imagine.

Nehemiah goes back to his homeland he surveys the land and sees the desolation. Then he rallies the people and he says to them “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.” Then he tells them these words, “The hand of my God has been good upon me.”

That will one day be my epitaph, “The hand of my God has been good upon me.” In the midst of the pain, the heart brakes, the setbacks, the darts of despair, the hand of God has been good upon me. In those times when I could have given up, given out and rolled over, the hand of God has been good upon me.

The best way for you and I to honor the memory of our fallen heroes is to act in faith on the promises of God. He is with us. He never leaves us. He never forsakes us.

The people respond to Nehemiah and they said,“Let us rise up and build.” Then they set their hands to this good work.

In 52 days the walls were rebuilt. The city was restored and the glory of God was revealed.

And so we see from God’s Word how it is that we are to respond in the midst of difficult days. We see how we can best honor the memory of those who have fallen by being people of passion for the glory of God and acting upon those things which God has called us to do.

What has God called you to do today? Step out in faith and see the glory of God revealed.