CityView Magazine

14 | May/June 2015 BY CHAPLAIN FARID AWAD Ever since the Continental Congress established chaplains as an integral part of the Continental Army on July 29, 1775, more than 25,000 chaplains have served in the U.S. Army as religious leaders for soldiers and family members. C haplains serve both in garri- son and in combat environ- ments in order to bring hope and peace in the midst of desperation and turmoil. Chaplains are oen called upon when others are faced with difficult situations and various circumstances that have set their world into a whirlwind. Chaplains oen speak of this ineffable concept as "ministry of presence." e idea is that chaplains, by their very essence, bring a reminder of God's presence and hope in midst of difficult situations. The overarching ministry of the Army Chaplain down range and at home pairing a broken marriage during mari- tal counseling, it is an honor to come alongside those who are overwhelmed with life's burdens and assist in carry- ing their load. ere is no greater call- ing than to weep with those who weep and to speak life to those who are expe- riencing death. Many times, the great- est ministry provided is not spoken, but rather the presence of a chaplain. It was Francis of Assisi who once said, "Preach the gospel at all times and when neces- sary use words." Caring for the wounded is a major component of a chaplain's ministry. While physical wounds are obvious, emotional and spiritual wounds are in- tangible and obscure; nevertheless, they too greatly impact the soldier, spouse, children and community. Chaplains are spiritual physicians who tend to the souls of their people. Chaplains serve as spiritual life coaches in order to develop soldier's moral compasses. Many of our soldiers and their family members are young in age and experience. Military life can be difficult and combat can be extremely taxing to the soul. Following combat, soldiers wrestle with questions they would not otherwise deal with. Chap- lains serve as a focal point to discuss their concerns. Soldiers will approach a chaplain looking for guidance or direc- tion. Many are in need of wise counsel or a safe place to address their issues, al- lowing the chaplain to help them avoid pitfalls and mistakes. He or she helps others to make better decisions and live with fewer regrets. e saying is absolutely true, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" thus making the chaplain a force multiplier. Having the unique privilege of maintaining complete confidenti- ality, chaplains serve as a safe haven where a soldier can discuss his or her struggles without the fear of retribu- tion. I cannot overemphasize the ben- efit of having such a place where one's soul becomes transparent while care and resources can be provided to the individual. While chaplains do not hold all the answers, a wise chaplain will nurse the spiritual wounds he or she is capable of addressing while seeking a When most soldiers and their family members face death, turmoil or despair, they want to know that someone cares and that something greater than them- selves holds the universe and gives it meaning. ey want to know that their suffering is not in vain; that healing and restoration are possible. Chaplains are summoned to bring a word of hope and an assurance of God's presence. On numerous occasions I had the privilege of caring for those who are suffering. Whether it's praying with a person at the hospital bedside or re- faith

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