By Chris White

Barely eighteen years old, I graduated high school and was headed to basic training. Although military service had a long history in our family, I was unsure of what to expect as I headed for my first duty station. It didn’t take to long before I understood this life would be much different than living at home and going to high school.

Each and every day I faced a barrage of new challenges. The drill instructors are skilled at preparing young men and women for duty. Part of this preparation is ensuring each enlisted person has been challenged in every area of life (mental, physical, emotional, and even spiritual). As I reflect on life, my military service played a pivotal role in my faith development.

Determined to live a life of faith proved to be one of my first big challenges. My drill instructor had our platoon, some 60 guys, in a training room talking with us. One of the first questions out of his mouth was, “Which of you in this room is religious and believes in God?” It was decision time: Not raise my hand and try to fly under the radar or raise it to acknowledge my faith and bear witness for God? Out of all those guys in that room, I was the only one to raise my hand. Everyone laughed. My drill instructor said, “Go ahead and laugh privates; when things get tough, this is the guy you are going to come to.” Throughout my time in basic training and advanced individual training (AIT), there were three guys who came to know Christ as a result of my being there and being willing to take a stand.

As a youth minister, you have a great opportunity to encourage students who have enlisted in the military. If I were to talk to your students, here’s what I would tell them: Allow God to use you in the midst of any circumstance. God can and will use you if you are willing to be available to Him. As you prepare for military service, remember God’s promise to Joshua and to each of us found in Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you where ever you go.” Seize this time in life as a key opportunity to live out the vibrant faith that God has given to you.

Chris White is a veteran youth minister who lives in Edwardsville, IL. He has served churches in Arkansas, Virginia, and Illinois.