Atheist chaplains?

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Why is it that atheists often are seen as rational and logical while Christians are seen as desperately clinging to their beliefs when all the evidence is against them?

It seems to me that some of the reasoning exhibited by atheists is anything but logical. For example, some of them are pressuring Congress to provide non-believing chaplains to serve members of the U.S. military who do not believe in God.

I am not making this up! Jason Torpy, president of the Military Association of Atheists and Free Thinkers (MAAF), noting that 23 percent of those in the military say they have no religious preference, claims that existing chaplains are unable to provide the “positive outreach and support” unbelievers need. Therefore, he concludes, non-believing members of the military should have chaplains who share their lack of belief.

A chaplain who does not believe in God? To me, that sounds like the ultimate oxymoron.

athiest chaplain cartoon — Reproduced with permission from Monte Wolverton

Though I’m sure you’ll get a chuckle out of the cartoon at right (by GCI elder Monte Wolverton), this situation is no laughing matter. How would an atheist chaplain counsel, console and encourage an atheist colleague? Would the chaplain remind them that they are a cosmic accident, with no purpose other than what they decide to pursue? Would they find consolation and comfort in being reminded that they are only a product of their genes and that their brain doesn’t really have original thoughts, so there is no reason for them to have anxiety before going into battle?

Some of today’s atheists would have felt right at home in ancient Corinth. At the time Paul wrote his letters to the church there, Corinth prided itself on its liberal, freewheeling lifestyle. The city’s “anything goes” approach was adversely affecting the church, and Paul’s letters were wake-up calls to the members, reminding them of their responsibility to come out of that world and embrace Christian values.

Paul wrote, “Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become ‘fools’ so that you may become wise” (1 Corinthians 3:18). He then admitted that he was one of those “fools for Christ” (4:10). I suppose that atheists today would say a hearty “Amen” to that! They consider Christians to be fools for believing in God’s existence and that Jesus Christ died for our sins.

But we are not the only fools. As Psalm 14:1 states, “The fool says in his heart that there is no God.” So both sides are fools. The question is—Who is the bigger fool?

Some atheists and other nonbelievers, seeing that they lack political influence, seek to bring unbelievers together under the common heading of “brights“—those with “a naturalistic worldview, free from supernatural and mystical forces.” Think about that—would atheist military chaplains encourage non-believing soldiers with affirmations that they are smarter than soldiers who seek comfort from God in whom these “brights” do not believe? It’s no wonder that many people see through the “logic” behind atheists’ arguments. Remember, that to be successful, atheists must prove that God does not exist. They cannot claim victory just because we believers cannot prove to their satisfaction that God does exist. However, we must also remember that exposing the weakness in the atheists’ argument does not, in itself, prove God’s existence.

We must be careful how we go about trying to prove that God exists. A common mistake is to claim that creation proves God’s existence by quoting Romans 1:20: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” But this verse does not say that creation proves God’s existence. Rather, it says that if we already believe that God is Creator, then we are able to see in the creation something of God’s own nature.

A stronger proof of God’s existence is the life of a believer who is being transformed—a person who, in relationship with God, through the Holy Spirit, is sharing in the perfect humanity of Jesus Christ.

bors_atheistmilitarychaplain — Reproduced with permission from Matt Bors

It is often said that there are no atheists in foxholes. Like all people, when unbelievers find themselves in fear or torment, they need a reason for hope. They certainly don’t need an atheist chaplain who would reinforce their unbelief (as in the cartoon above). What they need is a caring believer who will offer the comfort and unconditional love that come from the one Source of eternal hope. More than anything else, such comfort, hope and love may get them wondering if perhaps God really does exist.

Your brother in Christ,

Joseph Tkach

Dewey Peterson

Dewey Peterson, pastor of GCI’s church in Crossville, Tennessee, tells his story:

I was born in Jamestown, New York in 1937, the second of six children. Both my mother and father enjoyed the rural life and when I was seven years old the family moved to a small farm just outside the small town of Busti, New York. As a youth, I helped with the farm work and each day milked (by hand) some of our dairy cows before going to school. I hunted, trapped and harvested crops for neighbors to make a bit of extra change. I graduated from Southwester Central High School in 1955.

My wife Georgia and I were married in Ithaca New York in 1958. We have four children: three sons, Scott, Michael and Joel; and one daughter, Jennifer; and seven grandchildren. Three of our children attended Ambassador College. Two sons have PhDs and our daughter and youngest son, both AC graduates, went on to earn MBAs.

My post-secondary school education was accomplished primarily at Cornell University in Ithaca: BS 1959, MS 1963, and PhD 1963. My focus was on the engineering aspects of food manufacturing with Dairy Science as my primary area of study with minor studies in Chemical and Mechanical Engineering. Upon receiving my PhD I accepted a position with the Kellogg Company in Battle Creek, Michigan in the Research Department. I advanced through a number of positions in both the US and Canada and finished my career in 1997 as Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Kellogg Canada Inc.

While living in Michigan we attended the Grand Rapids WCG church and later the Kalamazoo church where I was ordained a deacon before moving to Canada in 1973. My wife was first drawn to the church after listening to The World Tomorrow broadcast. As is often the case, I was not convinced. However, when Georgia demonstrated such solid faith, conviction and determination, I was reluctantly dragged along and after a period of study was baptized in 1968. Her example was a major milestone in our married life.

After working at Kellogg’s for ten enjoyable years in Battle Creek, I was transferred to Kellogg Canada to head up the Research and Development function. This was especially rewarding since that company had recently purchased Salada Foods. Resettling in Canada was a challenge, especially dealing with the Canadian immigration folks. Because of the high price of housing in metro Toronto we built a home in King City, Ontario, a small village about 20 miles north of Toronto. All our children graduated from King City High School. We lived in Canada for 23 years and attended the Toronto West church the entire time. While there I served as deacon, YOU advisor, director of one of two Spokesman Clubs. In 1987 I was ordained an elder by Neil Earle.

After my retirement in 1997, Georgia and I moved to Fairfield Glade, Tennessee where, at first, we attended the Cookeville, Tennessee church. Prior to our move to Tennessee we received a postcard from the matriarch of a long-standing Church family. Such a warm greeting made Georgia and me believe God inspired our move. While attending the Cookeville Church an opportunity presented itself to start a church in Crossville. After attending a ministerial orientation conference, I became the Crossville church pastor in January 2002. I am still serving as the volunteer pastor of that congregation, New Beginning Fellowship Church. It is interesting how one arrives at a given place in life.

We are a small church but I am ever impressed with the faithfulness and loyalty of our members. Both Georgia and I have learned to love and respect our Tennessee native church friends. Our congregation is much like many GCI churches, we are getting older and some are in failing health. Because of the distance some of our members travel to services we have organized to combine our Sunday worship service with a Bible study at our rented facility, which has turned out to be a blessing.

The strain of leadership in a small church is exemplified in our congregation. Some of our early leaders have had to stop participating. As a consequence, my wife and I have had to pick up the slack. Georgia and I conduct worship services, she on the piano and I lead songs. She also serves as our treasurer.

Aside from my church responsibilities, I am secretary/treasurer of the Cumberland County Ministerial Association. Georgia and I help Habitat for Humanity. I served the local chapter as its second president. In 2011, the Crossville mayor appointed me to the Board of Directors of the Crossville Housing Authority. Both Georgia and I enjoy gardening. Georgia cares for the flowers and I take care of the vegetables. We thoroughly enjoy Tennessee and do not miss the fast-paced life of Toronto.

New Heights Camp

This update from camp director Dishon Mills reports on New Heights Camp.

This summer, God brought 73 campers and 66 staff together to reach new heights in Christ and in life at New Heights—a Generations Ministries sponsored summer Camp in Connecticut.

new heights Anthony — Pastor Anthony Rice with campers

Our camp theme this year was, “It’s Time!.” We wanted each camper to leave understanding that it’s time to live for Jesus. This theme was conveyed in chapel messages, skits, videos and stories. God blessed the teaching to have a powerful impact on campers and staff.

In addition to regular recreational activities, we provided two new camp elements: Tracks and Showtime. Tracks provided training in various practical ministry skills that can be used in local churches back home. In Showtime, each dorm prepared a skit, song, or dance that was performed for the whole camp.

This year, during our traditional last-night ceremony, we served Communion using multiple stations. Earlier, the campers had written on a piece of paper things they wanted to leave behind. At the first communion station they laid down that paper, then had their hands washed to signify God’s cleansing grace. They then moved to the next station where they received the bread and cup. Then they walked between two bonfires to the “great cloud of witnesses” (the staff) who then prayed for each camper. Through this powerful ceremony, the campers acknowledged the Lordship of Jesus Christ and committed to live for him with new determination. Though it was explained that participation was voluntary, nearly every camper took part.

Sybill and Dale Martin — Sybil and Dale Martin

On Saturday, just before camp ended, we made a special presentation to Dale and Sybil Martin, thanking them for over 30 years of faithful service to GCI camps. They are retiring from serving in camp ministry–this was their last time to lead New Heights’ beloved kitchen staff. Dale and Sybil will be greatly missed—they have taught us so much. We praise God for them.

Here is a video showing New Heights this past summer:

On YouTube at http://youtu.be/SnhcN8kYvFY.

Retreat in Spain

Pedro Rufian submitted the following report about a recent GCI retreat in Majorca, Spain.

GCI members, family and friends assembled for a fall retreat in Majorca, Spain. They came from Canada, France, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, the UK and the the United States. Our fellowship each night on the resort hotel terrace was great.We also enjoyed a talent show and family dance to which we invited other guests at the resort.

Ross Jutsum leads children's choir — Ross Jutsum and children’s choir

Our worship services featured wonderful music from adult and children’s choirs. Gospel-centered messages were given by Sheila Graham, Francis Bergin, Paul Jendrek, Ross Jutsum, Harry Sullivan and myself. Though Sheila had fallen when arriving at the airport, cutting her lip and breaking a tooth, by God’s grace and her courage, she was able to give her message. I heard recently that she is now fine.

Children's Bible lessons — Children’s Bible lessons

During the retreat, the 20 children attending enjoyed Bible lessons prepared by Maxwell Victor and his team. Another highlight was the baptism of two people early one morning in the waters of the Mediterranean. Also, Ross Jutsum and Adrian Sanso presented an evangelistic music concert for resort guests (pictured below). The 400 people who attended clearly enjoyed themselves. Some then attended our services on the days that followed.

Seminar in Peru

Hector Barrero, GCI mission developer in South America reports that GCI’s churches in Peru held their annual seminar in late September in Piura. Fifty members attended from Lima, La Huaca, Huanuco and Piura. Here is a photo of the group:

Congregations represented at the seminar gave positive reports. Juan Carlos Florian noted that the La Huaca congregation grew last year from 25 to 50 people.

Seminar presentations included, Called to Listen, Called to Serve, Called to Advance, Called to Make Disciples, Practical Evangelism and A Fruitful Spiritual Life. Pastor Sonia Orozco from Barranquilla, Colombia gave a presentation on leading a congregation as a female pastor.

During the event, Diego, Leyla and Sofia Nieves were baptized (see picture below).

A church planting story

This update is from GCI-USA regional pastor Ted Johnston.

It was my pleasure and privilege to participate in a worship service on October 5 in which Rannie Childress was installed as the senior pastor of the newly-chartered GCI church in Attalla, Alabama (congratulations, Rannie!). Also participating were district pastor Dennis Wheatcroft, former district pastor Tom Mahan and Rannie’s former pastor Bob Miller. Our thanks to each of these pastors for their role in preparing Rannie for his new responsibility.

You may recall Rannie’s story from an earlier Update post. This post continues that story, telling now how God led GCI Birmingham pastor Bob Miller to partner with Rannie and other members in first starting a Bible study, then planting the new church in the town of Attalla, east of Birmingham. A primary focus throughout has been to minister to men in nearby residential addiction-recovery programs. The story is told by Bob and Rannie in the video embedded below. By way of background, here are excerpts from what Bob wrote recently in his Birmingham church newsletter:

The Attalla church plant became a chartered congregation of GCI on September 11, 2013. It will be called New Outlook Christian Fellowship…. When I reflect back on how all of this came about, it’s an amazing story. We were trying to meet a need and were not following any carefully thought-out plan. It’s a though we were being carried along by the Spirit to an unknown destination… Our GCI church planting motto is: All kinds of churches for all kinds of people in all kinds of places. Three years ago Grace Covenant Fellowship (and a year later, Good Hope Community Church) began providing financial support for a worship service in a community called Hokes Bluff. We had no idea what might develop from this mission outreach… [though we] wanted to reach out and serve men who were in drug and alcohol recovery programs. God blessed those efforts, and in April the church moved to Attalla—a much closer location for those in recovery to attend…. Little did Rannie and I know 24 years ago when we first met—in prison—that we would one day serve in ministry together—let alone raise up a new church. We feel humbled and honored to be a part of this process.

Posted on YouTube at http://youtu.be/VeJtebW5Xag

Our thanks to Bob, Rannie and the other members of the congregations who sacrificially parented this new church. You have faithfully followed where the Spirit led. We are excited to think about what God will yet do in and through the Attalla church.

Philippine earthquake

This prayer request is from GCI Philippines director Eugene Guzon.

On October 15, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit Bohol Island in the Visayas Region of the Philippines. The quake, which caused the death of over 100 people as of the date of this update also destroyed homes, major landmarks, bridges and highways. The quake affected other provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao—some that had been devastated by a cyclone not long ago.

According to GCI pastor Romy Pusta, it appears that none of our members experienced loss of life. However, Romy’s own home was damaged and his family has had to relocate.

Due to the extensive damage in Bohol, the festival we had planned there probably will be canceled. It doesn’t seem right that we would be rejoicing while others are suffering. We hope to be able to assist people in need. Please keep us in your prayers.

Arnold Clauson surgery

We asked last week for prayer for GCI district and church pastor Arnold Clauson (click here to see the previous request). Arnold had surgery today (October 16), necessitated by kidney failure. Trish Clauson tells us that the surgery was successful. Your prayers concerning his recovery are needed and appreciated.

International conference videos

Video and audio recordings of some of the presentations at the 2013 International Denominational Conference held in Orlando, Florida are now posted at http://www.gci.org/media/conference2013.