Why I decided to become a Salvationist when serving in the Armed Forces.

Well I am back at sea now, I plan to update this blog every Friday/Saturday, so please come and have a look every week.

I was going to make my first blog from the ship about routines and life onboard, however I feel I should comment on how I came to the decision that life as a Salvationist could be compatable with life in the Armed Forces.

I have been in the Navy for nearly 14 years now, right from the age of 16. Where as I have only been a Christian for about 3 of those years. I was raised in the Salvation Army but left when I was about 14. Although I was never a Christian or went to Church in that time, I feel I never completely lost the firm grounding I had been given by my up bringing.

I became a Christian because of a group of people called the Naval Christian Fellowship. www.navalcf.org I ended up in contact with them when I was in Portsmouth on a course and soon afterwards felt I was being called to return to the Salvation Army. I really do feel that if it was not for the NCF, a group of Christians in the Navy then my life would probably have never changed. Which is one of the main reasons I decided being a Christian in the Forces was a good idea.

Once I returned to the Salvation Army I soon became an Adherent member, I wanted to become a Soldier, but I felt that it was not compatible with my job, I was also stuck in so many bad habits that I didn’t feel it would be possible. Looking back now I realise that it was just an excuse, they are compatible and it’s possible to do your best in both. But the thing is it’s not possible without God! No one is strong enough to do it by themselves.

But the calling I felt to become a Soldier would not go away, I kept on praying about it and finally I knew that I could not ignore it any more, even though it would mean lots of hard changes to my lifestyle would have to be made. I can honestly say although it has been hard, God has made it possible, and I have never regretted the decision I made.

People often ask though how would I feel if I had to go to war? I feel lucky that since I have been a Christian it is a situation I have not had to be in, although it was a major question I had to ask myself before I became a Soldier in the SA. I feel that if the situation arose it would be something I would have to pray long and hard about, dependent on the situation and what I was asked to go and do. But at the end of the day I would also have to trust that those senior to me and those in power knew what they were doing and made the decision to go to war for the right reason.

I have previously been to Iraq and Afghanistan, serving not just at sea, but also working for the Army and Royal Marines on the land. So I have a large amount of experience of serving in conflict zones. The thing you notice most is that when something bad is happening and things get scary is that often peoples default reaction is to pray. Also serving in these places is very stressful and puts massive strain on relationships between friends and family.

I feel that Christians should not shy away from being in such positions, as really that’s where they are really needed. If there are no Christians in the Armed Forces then who would God use to show and talk about the Christian perspective in situations, and to show how you can still be in the Forces when trying to be a follower of Jesus.

There are also some amazing Chaplains from all denominations who serve in the Armed Forces and there are some very brave ones who are out on the ground in Afghanistan right now, risking their lives daily to spread the word of God. I’m also really pleased that recently Salvation Officers have been allowed to serve as Chaplains, as I feel the Salvation Army structure and military terminology (although not used as much these days) fits into the lives of Service personnel more easily that the ways and traditions of some other denominations. (I’m not trying to knock anyone there, just telling you how I see it). I really look forward to meeting a Salvation Army Chaplain one day.

The Salvation Army has a history of supporting the Forces, both spiritually and through services such as the Red Shield Defence Services. I think this is great as when you are far from home, often risking your life, seeing a friendly face and just sitting down and having a brew and a chat is great. It can really help relieve the stress and pressure put upon members of the forces serving in areas of conflict. I feel does more to show people Jesus than just about anything else that could be done. So I hope The Salvation Armies work in this field never stops.

On a final note I would just like to ask people to pray for the family and service friends of Drummer Lee Rigby, who was killed this week. As after such a shocking attack they need as much prayer support as they can get.

See you next week.

The Sailing Salvationist