COLUMBIA, S.C.—Congratulations to Ch (CPT) Jeremiah Cates, who graduated from the Chaplain Basic Officer Leadership Course at the United States Army Chaplain Center and School at Fort Jackson. Chaplain Cates, his wife, Jennifer, and their sons, Ethan and Evan, live in Wyoming, where he serves with the Wyoming Army National Guard as a Rear Detachment chaplain.

Ch John Murdoch was present to pin Jeremiah with the Army Chaplain Corps Crest. While at the ceremony, Ch Murdoch was introduced to Brigadier General (Retired) James H. Schwitters, who spoke at the graduation banquet. Brig. Gen. Schwitters recently retired from the position of Commanding General at Fort Jackson. When he learned that Ch Murdoch was the endorser for the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches, he responded, “The GARBC!” Ch Murdoch asked how he knew about the fellowship, and Brig. Gen. Schwitters shared that he grew up in a GARBC church. “The GARBC is known for its teaching of the Bible; and though we moved frequently, Dad always made sure we were in a Bible-teaching church.”

It was a thrill, Ch Murdoch says, to hear the testimony that our fellowship of churches ministered to this family and that we are known as a fellowship that teaches the Word!

• Learn how to apply for vocational or volunteer chaplaincy ministry.

One hundred fifty messengers representing 22 partnering associations from 10 countries recently converged in Bangkok, Thailand, for the first biennial conference of the International Partnership of Fundamental Baptist Ministries. Building on the Biblical concept that “two are better than one” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12), each speaker and workshop leader endeavored to transform the passive theory of partnering into an active strategy. 

Workshop sessions produced interaction as the groups wrestled with ministry issues that have common denominators across cultural lines. One of those workshops presented the ministry of chaplaincy as a means of outreach. Eyes were opened as attendees realized the overlap of challenges regardless of the geographical setting.

Ch John Murdoch, director of Regular Baptist Chaplaincy Ministries, discussed military and community service chaplaincy. Pastor Jim Garcines presented his work as a Regular Baptist hospital chaplain in California and the opportunities it has afforded him. Rev. Ephraim Segovia shared his ministry with the Philippine National Police. Discussion focused on creative ways to implement chaplaincy within the various government structures represented by the IPFBM family.

Please pray for our international brothers as they explore the possibilities of touching lives through the ministry of chaplaincy.

• Read reports from the IPFBM conference.
• View a photo gallery of the conference.
• Listen to audio files of conference sessions.
• Learn more about military, institutional, and community service chaplaincy.

ANTARCTICA—Chaplain Rick Steen has been leading Christmas Eve and Christmas services for military personnel in Antarctica, where the current “summer” temperature hovers around 16 below zero.

Chaplain Steen, deployed with the Tennessee Air National Guard, describes Antarctica as a place where everyone is preoccupied with nature—but often distracted from the truth of God’s Word.

“Please continue to pray that God would open hearts to His truth in order that His glory would truly be seen when one gazes upon the wonders of this vast continent,” Chaplain Steen said in a recent e-mail, explaining that he has three more Sundays to preach before his Antarctica assignment ends.

“Although I have enjoyed my adventure to Antarctica, my heart’s desire is to see people forever changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ,” Chaplain Steen says.

§  See a full list of active duty GARBC chaplains serving around the world.

On Monday 31 August 09 Chaplain Murdoch and Pastor Tim Heinrich met with Chief Chris Bosch and discussed the development of a chaplaincy program for the City of Tracy Fire Department. This was a very successful meeting. Pastor Heinrich has been asked to participate as their first chaplain. He has been endorsed by the Chaplaincy Commission of the GARBC for this ministry, and we anticipate an exciting ministry upon the inception of this program. Chaplain Murdoch is available to help other departments establish chaplaincy programs should any of our pastors requests his assistance.

Photo: Pastor Tim Heinrich, Chief Chris Bosch, and Chaplain John Murdoch in front of the Tracy Fire Department Administration Building.

On behalf of the GARBC, we want to thank all of our Veterans and current Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard members of every Branch of our military, for your service to our great country. Today in ceremonies all over America, people are taking time to stop and reflect on what you have purchased for us: Freedom. You have stood in the gap and have sacrificed time, energy, blood, and some have given their lives so we could be free. Your fulfillment of assignments, whether OCONUS or CONUS, is deeply appreciated, and we honor you today. May God bless you and may you enjoy these days with your family as you remember the days of deployment that took you to distant shores. You are a vital part of our Nation and its history, our Fellowship of churches, and our communities. Live your lives for God’s glory so that others will be in awe of Him and not only honor your service but want to know your God (2 Cor. 5:9, 1 Peter 2:12). THANK YOU, VETERANS!!

Chaplain, Colonel & Mrs. John B. Murdoch, CAP

Director of Chaplaincy Ministries

General Association of Regular Baptist Churches.

Photo is of Ch, Maj Kevin G. Browne, USAF speaking in Chapel at Baptist Bible College Chaplaincy Emphasis Days.

Photo: Chaplain, Colonel John B. Murdoch, CAP and Ch, Maj Gen Cecil Richardson, USAF

The 4^th Brigade, 1^st Armored Division, to which Ch Mark Worrell is assigned, deployed this spring from Ft Bliss, making their way to Iraq. As a means of support and camaraderie, and a focus on a healthy way to deal with the stress of deployment, 4-1AD families are taking part in WISH – Walking Iron Strong for Heroes – a program that is being implemented on posts around the world. 4-1AD officially launched their WISH campaign on 13 March, when brigade soldiers, spouses, and kids lined up and walked the first mile together. Family members who signed up to be part of a WISH team were given pedometers to keep track of how far they walk throughout the deployment time. (Swimming and aerobics also count towards the total.) At Dallas (565 miles) they will be awarded a WISH T-shirt; at Atlanta (785 miles) a water bottle; at Bermuda (1000 miles) a shoe bag; at Casablanca (2275 miles) a cap/visor; at Crete (6858 miles) a sports towel; and at Baghdad (7569 miles) a Finisher’s Medal. The goal is for the teams to “walk to Iraq” by the time the soldiers return next year. Way to go 4-1AD!

On 3 April, four Regular Baptist chaplain candidates graduated from Chaplain Basic Officer Leadership Course in Ft Jackson, SC. Pictured from l-r are Brian Jumche, Randal Croel, (Ch John Murdoch in center), Stanley (Skip) Manus, and Jonathan Court . We congratulate them on this significant step toward achieving their goal of service as a military chaplain! Other requirements include completion of a 72-hr master’s degree, ordination, and two years of vocational ministry experience.