Where we are headed

Hello Brothers, Sisters, and dearest friends,

I am writing this e-mail for a few purposes. One, to inform you all of what we believe God is calling us to do with our lives in the near and possibly far reaching future. Two, to request prayer that it be God's will to give us clarity and affirmation in this call. Three, to let all of you know that we are open to constructive words of wisdom. We have known you all for long enough and respect each and everyone of you. If you feel God tugging on your heart to tell us something, then please do not hesitate. We welcome your thoughts whether encouraging or cautious.

Jade and I have been praying about and focusing on what we feel God's path for us may be for a while now. The end of our current enlistment contract is this July. We both feel that our time in the Army at this level is finished. I began feeling a call to the ministry a very long time ago when I first went to college out of high school. I did not know which exact path into ministry I was to take nor was I sure of God's timing. We thought long and hard about me going to seminary and becoming a Chaplain in the next few years. I now feel God wants me to get back on the direct path into ministry making it the focus of what we do. The chaplaincy seemed a logical choice. With my experience in the Military I would be able to relate to and support soldiers in a special way as a Chaplain. But there is something missing in that path. I could not and still can not explain what. Am I fearful of what the next few years in seminary would be like for our family? Yes. Do I second guess myself at times and think that I do not have what it takes to lead soldiers spiritually? Yes. But those fears and doubts are my flesh speaking, not my heart which knows that God provides and that He will give me all the talent and skills I need to follow whichever path He has for me. He does all of that on a daily basis. And if I ever feel doubts in those areas all I have to do is think about the mountains and valleys in the Lees' lives which are a living hope and testimony to all those around them that God ALWAYS goes before us making what may seem impossible possible. I do not believe those fears were causing me to feel a void in that path.

About a week ago I received an e-mail from Jeff Stark, one of my closest brothers in Christ. He is answering a call from God to plant a new church in Nashville, TN. He sent this out to a select few only to ask for prayer that God keep him focused and guide he and his family through this. God tugged at my heart. When we were stationed at Ft. Campbell, Jeff and I had numerous conversations about starting a church someday. God has called him to begin this process in the next few months. Jade and I had already decided that she was getting out of the Army to be a full time mom this July at the end of her current enlistment contract. My contract ends this July as well which gives me the opportunity to be released from my service also. The timing is perfect. Jeff and I have always felt that God would bring us back together in His service at some point. Jade and I feel God is revealing to us His path for us.

I know some will say...What about the chaplaincy? There is much security in that position with the Army. I say that my security does not come from man or his organizations. God will provide our security as He defines it as we live out His purpose for our lives, no matter what that may be. He promises us that. I trust Him. Some will say...what about a job, how are you going to survive? I say that if God is calling us to Nashville, then He is going before me paving the way. He already has a means to put food on the table lined up for me. I just have to step out of the boat faithfully. He will allow me to walk on the water. There are many other doubts and fears which I could mention. I say I must not lean on MY own understanding, but instead look to and trust in the Lord and He will indeed make my paths straight.

I know myself and I know my wife. God has given us gifts that could be used in Nashville, such as loyalty, discernment, faithfulness, devotion, generosity, good work ethics, mad organizational skills, leadership, and Love. The greatest of these is indeed Love for that indeed is what a community of Hope and Faith is built upon.

Thanks in advance for your prayers and your welcome words of wisdom. I have comfort in one thing for sure...I know that whatever our decision, all of you will support us through it no matter what your individual opinions may be. Thank you all for being so special in our lives.

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Through the Grace of God,
Emman and Jade Chapman