Notes from the Nov 14 meeting

Pastor opened the meeting with a devotion and prayer. He explained that “Overwatch” is a military term used to describe a force protection tactic in which one individual or unit supports another by providing covering fire during a mission.  We as Christians employ a similar overwatch tactic called prayer. We call upon God for His blessing and protection in a dangerous world. Through prayer, the members of Operation Barnabas play a significant role in providing overwatch protection for the men and women in our nation’s armed forces.  It’s all about encouraging one another with the love of God in Jesus Christ, specifically all those who are military-connected.

Those who were present at the meeting included:   Pastor & Marty, Warren & Carolyn, Kathy, and Dawn.

An up-coming event on December 14 is the “Wreaths Across America” ceremony where live wreaths are placed on the graves of the military at Evergreen cemetery in Tucson, Fort Huachuca Military Cemetery in Sierra Vista, and the State Military Memorial Cemetery in Marana.    The ceremony begins at 10:00 A.M. and lasts for about an hour. Then wreaths are handed out to be laid on Veteran’s graves. Kathy, Marty and Dawn will be attending at Marana.

Operation Barnabas Veteran’s Day Celebration 2019

We recapped the Veteran’s Day Celebration at Claire’s Café.  There were 30 Veterans who received $10 food vouchers for breakfast or Lunch.  Pastor’s sermon on the patio was heard by Church members and patrons of the Café.  The sermon was directed to all Veterans who were encouraged to wear the armor of God.  The baked goods and pickles & jam brought in $533 for our treasury.  

Chaplain Michael A. Morehouse, AUS (Ret)
Service held on the patio at Claire’s Cafe Catalina, AZ
Veterans Day Celebration 2019

A discussion was held about our newly adopted Chaplain—Joshua Schneider who is based in Afghanistan.  We want to support him and his fellow soldiers with four boxes of Advent & Christmas items. Some of the suggestions for what to pack include trail mix, candy canes with their religious meaning, Nativity ornaments for a tree or to set out in their living quarters, and some posters on Advent and why Christ came for them—to receive His forgiveness, life and salvation.  The boxes will be packed on Tues., Nov. 26 at the Church at 10:00 A.M. and then mailed quickly, hopefully arriving before Christmas.

Monday, we will be delivering a load of clothing, household items, books, bedding and towels to Old Pueblo Community Services where the items will be available for Veterans who have been homeless and are setting up living quarters.  This is the fourth load we have delivered in 2019.

Our next official meeting will be Thurs., January 30, 2020 at the Church at 10:00.  The next Stand Down is March 19 at the Grand Luxe Hotel on W. Grant Rd.  

Pastor closed the meeting by reading the names of fallen soldiers in the past two months.  Prayers were said for their families.

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