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