My Speaking to the Military Group: Why We Need to Be More Active With Military Personnel
Last night, I had the honor and privilege of speaking with my friends Paul and Stacey Cassidy’s military group. It was an encouraging evening, and I’ve been praying for opportunities like this so much. The group was made up of Navy and Air Force students and enlisted personnel, and spending time with them was a blessing.
Fellowship Over Dinner:
Before the message, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner together. Mrs. Cassidy prepared a dish with tater tots, green beans, corn, and ground beef—and let me say, it was good! As we sat around the dinner table, conversations flowed easily about our lives and experiences. It felt like family.
Breaking the Ice:
To start the evening, we had a Bible quiz. The questions were from both the Old and New Testaments, and the incentive for getting an answer right was a Kit-Kat bar. Needless to say, everyone was motivated! Afterward, we lifted our voices in worship songs—a part of any gathering that always stirs my heart.
The Message: A Hard-Fought Hallelujah:
When it was time to speak, Mr. Cassidy introduced me, and I sat in the middle of the living room to share the message God had placed on my heart: “A Hard Fought Hallelujah,” inspired by the song from Brandon Lake.
The message was rooted in Romans 5:3-5, where Paul reminds us to “rejoice in affliction, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.” I also drew from 2 Peter, showing how even in suffering, God is working for His glory and our good.
The point was simple yet powerful:
In suffering, we can rejoice because God will never leave us.
He uses our pain for His purposes.
Our testimonies become a way to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I was humbled by how receptive everyone was to the message.
Why This Night Mattered to Me:
This opportunity was more than just another speaking engagement. For me, it was an answer to prayer. Every night, I ask God to open doors for me to share His Word with groups, churches, or anyone willing to listen. Speaking to this group was a reminder that God is faithful.
It was also deeply personal. In high school, I served in the JROTC program and had planned to join the Army. God redirected my path, giving me a new mission in ministry, but I’ve always had a heart for the military community. That’s why being with these men and women was so meaningful.
Reaching the Military for Christ:
The military community is unique. Because people move often, they encounter many different environments, beliefs, and even false teachings. Some may start learning about Jesus, only to be pulled away by other influences when they relocate.
That’s why churches like Olive Baptist in Warrington play such a crucial role. It has become a strong place of encouragement and discipleship for service members, and I pray it continues to be so. As the Church, we must get in touch with the military community—loving them, supporting them, and always pointing them to the truth of the gospel.
Closing Thoughts:
Last night was a reminder of how God uses ordinary gatherings for extraordinary purposes. My prayer is that the seeds planted in hearts will grow, and that those serving in our military will come to know and follow Jesus Christ.
