By: Wayne Hughes, Pastor of Abundant Life Church of God
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s a “military brat”, as well as an Army veteran, I know what it is to move from one duty station to another. It is always a challenge learning one’s way around a new base, getting acquainted with the new work environment and new personnel, as well as getting acclimated to the city and area. We leave old friends, acquaintances, and familiar surroundings, and we have to develop new relationships.
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It is important to get out of the “comfort zone” of the base and get involved in a local church and in the community. We can easily
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don’t want to go through the process over and over again
of learning a new place, going to a new church, and making new friends just to leave again in a few years. I have been there personally. But we can bring much more meaning and purpose into our lives by
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think that we
being involved in the local community.
Then the question becomes, what do we really want to become a part of? Church can be such a vital part of a single man or woman or a family. As a pastor, I believe that a local church brings us into a context where we can worship, learn, and develop new friendships. We can
enjoy an atmosphere of acceptance and belonging. We can find comfort, solace, and encouragement, as we are often far from family and familiarity. Getting involved in a church connects us with an extended spiritual family where we experience the love of God. There are also many community groups in which a person can get involved. Whatever a person’s interests may be, there are a number of meaningful groups that would welcome our military men and women. The Chamber of Commerce is one of the important sources to find what community groups are in the area. The bottom line is this: step out, be a part, make a difference. Your service to our country is so valuable and means so much to us all. Your sacrifice is appreciated more than you may know. But, you can be a part of the community where you are stationed and make a difference there, too.
2016 / MOODY LINK 13