Prepper Church: November 12, 2023
Opening Session
- Welcome and introduction
- Opening prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, today we learn about bravery from the life of a US Army Chaplain--your child, John H. Eastwood. Let us learn goodness and bravery, let us learn to be bold and be loving toward one another in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
- Scripture reading: Ephesians 6:11-13 (NIV) - "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."
Worship and Praise
- Video Link: When They Come Home The United States Air Force Band
- Reflection: Here are five points of reflection or questions to accompany the service using the lyrics of "When They Come Home":
- Gratitude and Sacrifice: Consider the sacrifices made by military families. Reflect on the emotions expressed in the song and think about the gratitude you feel for the courage of those serving and the families who support them. How can we express our gratitude and support to military families in our community?
- Strength in Unity: Reflect on the sense of unity and support within military families. How does their bond and strength in the face of challenges inspire you? How can we cultivate a similar sense of unity and support within our own communities, especially during difficult times?
- Counting Blessings: The song emphasizes the importance of counting the things that matter most. Reflect on what truly matters in life. What are the things you hold dear and consider most precious? How can you express appreciation for these blessings in your everyday life?
- Recognition: The lyrics mention showing pride for the servicemen and women when they come home. Reflect on the importance of recognizing and honoring the contributions of those who serve in the military. How can we ensure that veterans and active-duty personnel receive the recognition and support they deserve in our communities?
- Empathy and Compassion: Put yourself in the shoes of military families described in the song. Consider the emotions, challenges, and strength they demonstrate. How can we practice empathy and compassion towards those facing challenging circumstances, both within and outside the military community?
- Creating a Supportive Environment: Reflect on the ways we can create a supportive environment for individuals and families facing the challenges of military life. What practical steps can our community take to offer emotional, practical, and spiritual support to military families, especially during deployments and homecomings?
Communion
Communion symbolizes Jesus' sacrifice, offering forgiveness and eternal life to those who believe. It's for those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior. We invite you to take communion at home, guiding you through preparation, prayer, and reflection. It's an opportunity to introduce the practice to your family, fostering meaningful conversations about its significance.
During the time of the scripture reading, please share the cup and break the bread as is suitable for your gathering,
Message: Courage Amidst Chaos--A Chaplain's Valor
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| Chaplain John H. Eastwood 464th Bombardment Group US Army Air Corps |
The air crackled with tension as the men of the 464th
Bombardment Group prepared for yet another perilous mission. The young airmen,
their faces etched with a mixture of determination and trepidation, looked to
Chaplain Eastwood for reassurance. He met their gazes with a calm resolve, his
unwavering faith a beacon of strength in the midst of uncertainty.
As the bombers soared into the sky, Eastwood's prayers rose
with them. He stood on the ground, his eyes following the planes until they
disappeared into the vastness above. But his duty didn't end there. With each
mission, there were planes that returned battered and broken, their crews
facing the aftermath of war's brutal dance.
"He was always the first guy to jump right into a plane that had crash-landed on the runway," remembered one of the airmen, his voice filled with admiration. "The ship could be on fire or ready to explode, but nothing ever kept him from helping everybody to get out."
Without a moment's hesitation, Chaplain Eastwood rushed
towards the wreckage, his footsteps unshaken even in the face of blazing fires.
He disregarded his own safety, focusing solely on the lives he could save. The
airmen, dazed and disoriented, found solace in his presence. His voice, calm
amidst the chaos, guided them to safety, his hands steady even as the world
around him trembled.
1 John 3:16 (NIV): "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters."
In the face of danger, Chaplain Eastwood's actions spoke
louder than any sermon he could deliver. He embodied the courage he preached,
his bravery a testament to the depth of his faith. For those he rescued, his
presence was a lifeline—a reminder that even amidst the horrors of war, there
was a beacon of hope, a man of unwavering courage, and a chaplain whose bravery
knew no bounds.
In the pre-dawn light, as the sun struggled to break through
the clouds, the airmen of the 464th Bombardment Group gathered on the cold,
windswept airstrip. Anxiety hung heavy in the air, a palpable force that
gripped the hearts of even the bravest men. Each mission brought the specter of
danger, the unknown waiting beyond the clouds.
Chaplain Eastwood, a steady presence amidst the
turmoil, stepped forward. His eyes, kind and reassuring, met the gazes of the
young airmen. In that moment, his words became a lifeline, a beacon of hope
cutting through the darkness of fear.
"Men," his voice, calm and unwavering, resonated
across the airstrip. "We face the unknown today, but we do not face it
alone. Whatever may come, remember this: do not be afraid or too proud to call
on God. He will help you through this. And wherever, however it works out, when
you get back, I'll be right here to carry you the rest of the way."
His words were not just a string of sentences; they were a
testament to faith, a reassurance wrapped in the certainty of divine presence.
As the airmen boarded their planes, those words echoed in their minds, becoming
a source of strength in the face of impending danger.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV): "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
The engines roared to life, drowning out the sounds of the
men's prayers. The planes taxied down the runway, one by one disappearing into
the vast expanse of the sky. In those moments, Chaplain Eastwood's prayers
soared alongside the bombers, his unwavering faith intertwined with the wings
of the aircraft.
Not everyone would return.
For those who returned, weary and battle-worn, his presence
was a grounding force. He was there on the airstrip, his eyes filled with
understanding, his hands ready to offer support. He welcomed them back not just
as a chaplain but as a friend who had shared their fears and hopes.
"Chaplain Eastwood's words gave us strength,"
recalled one airman, his voice filled with gratitude. "In the midst of the
chaos, he reminded us of our faith and the power of prayer. It was as if he
infused our hearts with courage, making us believe that we could face
anything."
Chaplain Eastwood's calming presence and inspirational words
became a legend among the airmen. His faith was contagious, his courage a
guiding light in the darkest of times. In the face of uncertainty, his
steadfast belief in God and his unshakable confidence in the human spirit
transformed fear into resolve, doubt into faith, and chaos into calm.
As we reflect on Chaplain Eastwood's valor, let us internalize the lessons of his unwavering faith and bravery. His story challenges us to be courageous in our convictions, steadfast in our faith, and selfless in our service to others. Just as he stood firm amidst the chaos of war, may we find the strength to confront the challenges of our lives with faith, fortitude, and the assurance that God's presence is our greatest source of courage.
Chaplain Eastwood returned home safely from World War II. His life was filled with mission work in Egypt and then Indiana. He lived a full, loving, and blessed life as the founding pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Hammond, Indiana. He continued his life of full selfless service and love for others well into his retirement. May we learn from his dedication and service and be more like him with our lives granted to us by our Heavenly Father.
You can learn more about John H. Eastwood's life at the following sources:
- John H. Eastwood - Wikipedia
- The 464th BG in WWII - Chaplain Eastwood's Last Sortie (archive.org)
- My Father's Story: Staff Sgt. John T. Dempsey (ancientlights.org)
Offering
Closing
- Closing remarks
- Closing prayer: "Heavenly Father, we are inspired by the courage of Chaplain Eastwood, who stood unwavering amidst chaos. Grant us the strength to face our own fears with faith, knowing that Your presence empowers us. May we live with the same selfless devotion and unyielding faith, honoring Your command to love one another. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."
Local group discussion and fellowship
- Courage Amidst Chaos: Reflect on the story of Chaplain Eastwood and his courage in the midst of war. Discuss how his bravery inspires you and how his actions resonate with the challenges people face today. Share personal stories or examples of courage you've witnessed or experienced.
- Trusting God in Difficult Times: Explore the theme of trusting God during difficult circumstances. Discuss how faith can provide strength and resilience in times of chaos. Share insights on how to cultivate trust in God's plan even when facing uncertainties.
- Supporting One Another: Discuss the importance of supporting one another in times of crisis. Talk about ways the community can come together to offer emotional, spiritual, and practical support to those facing challenges. Share ideas on how the church can be a source of comfort and encouragement for its members.
- Applying Courage to Daily Life: Consider how the message of courage can be applied to everyday challenges and struggles. Discuss practical ways to exhibit courage in daily life, whether in relationships, work, or personal growth. Share strategies for overcoming fear and stepping out in faith.
- Finding Hope Amidst Chaos: Reflect on the role of hope in difficult situations. Discuss how hope can act as an anchor, providing stability and optimism even in chaotic times. Share personal experiences of finding hope in challenging circumstances and encourage one another with stories of resilience.
- Prayer and Faith: Explore the power of prayer and faith in navigating chaos. Discuss the significance of prayer as a means to find strength, guidance, and peace. Share personal prayer practices and how faith has sustained you in turbulent times.
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