November 9, 2004

Dear Cornerstone Family,

Let me begin by expressing how much I miss my church family! You are truly a special church that can not easily be replaced. I miss your smiles, your love, and your presence. Being away from you for this long has really reminded me of how great a situation I enjoy at Cornerstone. As I check off the days on the calendar I look forward to getting back home. Let me also thank you for the great way that you are providing for my family in my absence. I am able to do my work and my studies with confidence that my family will not suffer too much hardship while I am gone. I am greatly looking forward to my reunion with my family and with all of you in just 24 days! Praise God!

My studies here center around military protocol, ethics, counseling, and the morality of war. I don't think that I was quite prepared for the intellectual challenge that I have faced. The physical has been much easier to adapt to. I take great pride in the role that chaplains play in the Navy. The chaplain is the ethical and moral advisor to the commanding officer. Know that as tough decisions are being made--Godly men and women are influencing those decisions. The greatest role of the chaplain is to be the guarantor of religious liberty for the sailors and marines of the armed forces. I have been encouraged by the fact that the Navy expects me to be "me". I am always to act and advise as a Christian and specifically, as a Southern Baptist. I have also learned that the greatest number of chaplains now serving in the armed forces are Southern Baptist.

I have had opportunity to see some significant Baptist history sites. I have visited the church that Roger Williams planted . . . The First Baptist Church in America. I have also been to several others and have grown in my appreciation for what our early Baptists accomplished in shaping this country. I have found a temporary church home for my remaining weeks in Rhode Island. I am attending the Middletown Baptist Church. It is a small church of about a hundred. They are wonderful people with big hearts for God. The worship is not quite what I'm used to at Cornerstone . . . nor is the preaching! :)

I received a letter from Silvie (the lady from Vermont that I was able to share Christ with). Continue to pray for her as God appears to be taking giant steps in her life. She writes, "Your knowledge and wisdom on Christianity started a thinking process that I believed had died with the departure of my ex-husband and the abandonment of his family. You are very convincing and maybe I should look into generalizing my beliefs to Christianity in general. I am reading your book almost every day." I had given her my copy of, The Purpose Driven Life. Keep praying that Silvie might find true fulfillment in Christ!

I continue to hear good things concerning Cornerstone. Persevere and continue to care for each other as you would Christ. I'll be with you in the December 4-5th services sharing some spiritual truths that I have learned while away. I can't wait to see you!

Be blessed!

Pastor Dave