How many other servicemembers became Christians after they joined the military?

LTC Stephen F. — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 17:05:26 -0400

I was raised as an agnostic and generally thought I was an atheist. I resisted Christianity, its teachings and its teachers as I searched for the truth. I enlisted in November 1974. Over the years, I served with some believers but mostly unbelievers. I recognized my need for Christ in September 1987 as a Captain at Fort Benning. I did not experience a "foxhole" salvation; but, did come to the end of myself as I realized my desperate need for salvation. I expect I am not alone and others accepted the atoning sacrifice of Christ for their own later in their military service.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Apr 14 at 2015 5:07 PM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 17:07:35 -0400

I was blessed to be raised in a Christian home, and to be saved at about the age of five.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 1:54 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 01:54:17 -0400

Born again at 20. Joined the Navy a couple of years later. The amount of grief that I saved by staying faithful and being part of the local chapel team throughout the years now is second to none. God bless America!

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Apr 15 at 2015 3:19 PM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 15:19:12 -0400

Sir -
If the definition of Christian is just that I believe in Christ, then I've been a Christian all my life. I was raised a catholic, but could never understand who Christ really was.

I joined the military in 1982 - and I was baptized in 2005.

I say that because being a "Christian" was simply not enough for me - I started a separate topic about what really is a "Christian" since 76% (or more) of the country claims to be "Christian" - and I assure you, if the entire 76% who claim to be "Christian" would follow Christ and the teachings He clearly taught his disciples, we wouldn't have NEAR the amount of troubles we have today in this country (and culture)! :-)

Anyway - I wanted (perhaps needed) more and chose to become a disciple. That's when my life "really" changed.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Apr 15 at 2015 3:47 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 15:47:25 -0400

Grew up going to church. Methodist. Adult life, while it is important, it isn't as important to me as it is to wife and daughter....I just have a....different.....view of things.

Response by SPC Danny Cannon made Apr 16 at 2015 5:34 PM

SPC Danny Cannon — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 17:34:38 -0400

I was raised with a Christian family but by the time I joined the military, I was actively trying to act like I had no idea of who or what God was.
After I left the Army, I self-medicated for over 10 years. One day, I had something close to a revelation. I hated my life. I hated my job even though I was good at it. I hated where I was headed in my life. That day I quit drinking. I realized that I was not in charge of how I acted, alcohol (Jager and Bud Light... I managed a bar and had free access to what I wanted to drink as a perk.) was in charge of how I lived. I was addicted to pills. I smoked pot. I smoked cigs, pipes (tobacco and meth), and regularly did everything except needles. I am still petrified of needles.
I worked in the bar for a year after I quit. I quit two weeks before my 35th birthday. I got a lot of static about it from my drinking buddies who blamed my wife for ruining my life. When I quit the bar I moved out of state (Texas to NW Arkansas). I started attending worship service the second Sunday that we were in town.
I attend regularly now. I quit smoking cigarettes in 2012 on my first ever mission trip for the church. I quit because I realized, again, that cigarettes controlled where I ate and went more than God did.
When I started attending service, I became more self-confident. I started helping in the community instead of hiding in a bar. I changed my own life with the help of God. Before I started acting like the Christian I couldn't figure out why I hated my life. I couldn't figure out why my marriage was on the rocks.
Now that I am trying my best to live like a Christian should, my marriage has improved. My children are not scared to be around me. I found a way to get back in college and go to work in a career that does not require me to break down my body even further.
I recommend every veteran to contact a Vet Success Rep on any college campus around the nation. They are all vets also and not like the county VA Reps or the folks at VA hospitals. They won't just try to get you in college. They will try to help you get started on a path that can help you.

It was not until years after I left the Army that I was able to come back to God. My life has drastically improved now.

Response by CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2015 6:25 PM

CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 18:25:16 -0400

Thanks for sharing your story. I am a chaplain in the U.S. Army currently. But my wife started off very differently. I grew up in a home that was not ungodly in anyway, but there was no knowledge of God either. It wasn't until I was 13 that I heard the good news of God's love for me for the first time. I gave my life to Christ then. I'm thankful to be able to share God's desire for relationship with soldiers today. What a great opportunity it is to represent a God who so passionately loves us. – Chaplain Olson