Stripling Warriors, Chaplains, and the Title of Liberty

 We had a nice visit with one of the chaplains last week.  He is quite helpful and we work with him  often.  In our visit he said, "I'm sure you've noticed how the army officials 'tolerate' our presence.  It seems like they are always trying to figure out what our 'agenda' is."  It was a revelation to me.  I thought it was just our (LDS) presence that the chaplains and army officials were questioning.  I didn't realize that any and all religious presence on the base is a threat to so many people.  He related how they sometimes have to be a bit pushy and demand the rights of the soldiers to have religion in their lives, in spite of the officials who wish chaplains would go away.  If a soldier wishes to go to church they can't deny him that right - unless he is in trouble and being disciplined.  Some of  the less experienced soldiers don't understand this rule, and often get intimidated to not attend church activities.
     Chaplain B also mentioned what a mess the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" rule is going to be for chaplains.  Some of the trouble that will come is obvious.  But he said that because of his own personal religion, he is not allowed to work with another chaplain who claims to be "gay".  What will the army do with a chaplain who refuses to work with a gay chaplain?  That would probably be against the law.  Ahhhh! What a mess!
     It was refreshing to talk with this man who is doing the best he can for these soldiers, and see the respect that he gives us, to do the same. 
     The Lord's work goes forth.  May we continue to appreciate our soldiers who fight for this right, in our free land.  Our soldier PFC M spoke of Moroni and the Title of Liberty in his talk on Sunday.  It is so cool to hear our soldiers talk of the soldiers in the scriptures and relate how the Lord's work can go forth only when there are people willing to fight for that religious freedom.
     It might be interesting to note that the two soldiers we were taking pictures of here never did attend any of our meetings.  We show up at their graduations whether they were active or not, and take pictures of this special occasion, then send the pictures to them.  When this is the case, they are surprised to see us, but always seem pleased to have someone there to represent their "family".  You can see by the smiles that this is a positive thing.  (Click on the picture to see more clearly) Top picture: the soldier farthest right in back.  Bottom picture: second from left.  We ask if it is OK to take these pictures for them, and also if there are any buddies they want pictures with.  We always feel good when we have made them happy, and represented The Church in doing so.  We feel that this is part of our special calling, to help them have a positive experience with the church.