Chris Ziegler has been called to serve the Massachusetts National Guard as chaplain and will help support field hospitals for homeless and other COVID-positive patients. He asks prayer for protection from the virus as they fight this hidden enemy—fear being a major factor.
Steve and wife Helen
Steve Gammon served many years as a pastor and as a U.S. Navy chaplain. For the past 18 months, he is fighting a different sort of enemy—multiple myeloma cancer. The optimal treatment for achieving durable remission and rebuilding his immune system is stem-cell transplant. This long, hard battle has involved countless hours of infusions to beat back cancer cells, and the ups and downs of discouragement—and this week, intense bone pain.
Chris will provide a reassuring pastoral presence, but how do you combat the fear aspect of this virus? The homeless are vulnerable, already at the bottom of their barrel. COVID patients likewise are sick and traumatized. Chris will ladle out the gospel of Hope for these people and serve as the face and presence of our Lord Jesus Christ—the best weapon for this sort of battle.
Steve lives daily by faith alone. Fear, but not the hopeless sort. “There are inevitable uncertainties in the times of storm,” he says. “But because I know the Lord in whom I have put my trust, I have no cause for worry or fear. Holding on to His presence and His promises, I am blessed to enjoy His peace.” Over 18 months, Steve has been the face of Jesus to countless health providers, infusion companions, and blog followers. Will he win this battle for remission, or will he win life everlasting? “I will trust the Lord. I will lean on His understanding, and not my own.”
Two chaplains. Two different jobs. One faith, one hope, one way of doing battle.
Please pray for these men.
“Death has been swallowed up in victory. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” —[from 1 Corinthians 15]
What weapons has God given you for fighting these sorts of battles? I love hearing your stories. Comment below, or email egus@me.com
It is an honor and a privilege to pray for men like Chris Ziegler and Steve Gammon, faithful warriors bravely serving on the front lines, while I sit safely ensconced in my cozy house. So why does this feel like a sacrifice?
When I start to feel sorry for myself I turn immediately to my best spiritual weapon, which is always GRATITUDE.
I start by thanking God for good health, plenty of food, a loving family, financial stability, a comfortable home with acreage to explore. When thoughts about not seeing relatives on Prince Edward Island start to creep in… I go right back to things I see around me within arms reach. Technology that works! A community of believers. So many blessings!
My other favorite weapon is to stop thinking about myself and think about what I can do for someone else.
Like taking time to respond to this wonderful, uplifting blog and praising God for wonderful friends like you and Jim! God bless you both, and thank you for reaching out and inspiring us with your loving words.
Praying for ALL!!!
Sue
Oh Ellie. Your usual articulate script is enhanced by your laser focus on the centrality of the Gospel in the life and death struggles all around us. Thank you. 🤓
This is really a great blog, Ellie. It certainly is full of meaning and purpose for so many and especially for these two men. Even as I write this note to you, I am praying for these gentlemen and for you. They, and you as well, dear heart, are great testimonies to our faith in the incredible God we love and serve. ~W
We are armed and dangerous: Strong in the Lord and in the strength of HIS might. We wear the full armor of God and the sword of the Spirit. With all prayer and petition we pray at all times in the Spirit. We walk in Peace and Love with Faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Enabling Grace is our companion. Ephesians 6.
Thank you, Ellie, for the beautiful story of our men of valor, courage and faith. Love, Jeanne
Oh dear Ellie. Once again I’m so blessed reading your posts. I was just thinking about you and Jim this morning before reading this as I meditated during praise worship music, rendered on the piano. Praise, l believe, is of our most powerful weapon! 🤗