Greetings one and all and welcome to my new blog!
It is my desire to journal my new adventure each step of the journey. If you want to come along feel free, if you want to comment feel free....it is simply a tool for me to express my thoughts as I experience all the new things that the Lord has for me on this journey. The views expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect the US ARMY (LOL)
The beginning of this journey started 18 months ago when Rita and I were on Sabbatical in Denver, Colorado. While visiting Denver Seminary there was a letter from a retired Col, who had been a chaplain stating the immediate need for more chaplains in the USARMY. I remember signing a sheet for more information, and as soon as I returned home I received a call from him explaining all about the program. As Rita and I prayed about it, we decided to see if it would be an open door to become a reservist and continue to pastor Elk Creek. Little did I know that God had other plans than just part time.
It has been quite a journey the last 18 months to say the least and I owe a lot of my dear friends a great thanks as well as great apologies. As I wrestled with this life changing decision, at times I retreated inward seeking solace from the Lord. Which causes great distress among my close personal friends as they had to watch my turmoil without really knowing what to do! A big shout out to you all and you know who you are! I have known for a couple of years that Rita was ready to begin a new and separate journey, but I was certainly reluctant at first trying to stop the inevitable, alas I am afraid I could not. Now 18 months later, I have resigned as senior pastor of Elk Creek, am divorced and have accepted a commission as a 2LT in the US Army Reserves.
I will be drilling this Friday night and Saturday with the 321st Engineer Battalion out of Gowen, which should be very interesting for me. I am told we will be out in the field and seeing as how it is still winter in my world I am looking forward to the chance to hang out in the desert out of the snow for a couple of day. 38 degrees never looked so inviting!
It is my desire to post thoughts, and experiences in hopes that friends and family can follow, not to mention any other senior pastors who decide to do this in their 40's (can you say insane?) who might be able to benefit from my mistakes...err experience I mean.
This month represents so many changes for our family I appreciate all of your prayers. Benjamin leaves Tuesday for the Air Force and Ty and Ralene are going back to Chicago for the next 4 years. I am staying in McCall pastoring until Feb 28th which is my last Sunday, then I am off to Grand Junction Colorado and wherever the Lord leads perhaps I will just head down to the keys and get lost for a while, who knows, after that I attend CHBOLC in Jan next year.
May our Great God grant us peace..
2LT Bates
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