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When people ask me what it was like in Vietnam, I often hesitate to answer. Usually, they are expecting horror stories of death and destruction.
I had friends who did have experiences like that, but that wasn’t my experience.
My time in Vietnam, especially in Danang, was one of the best times in my life for personal growth.
I was learning a number of medical skills that allowed me to help people. I loved helping people.
I was able to read many books which were provided free by the Army.
I was taking college level correspondence courses through USAFI, the United States Armed Forces Institute. So, I was earning college credit even while I was in Vietnam.
But most importantly, I grew in my relationship with the Lord.
I was in the Word — that’s just another way of saying I read the Bible — every day. I memorized large portions of Scripture and would go through those scriptures in my head even at night in my bed.
And I had the best times in prayer that I had ever known. When I prayed, I knew I was in God’s presence, loving Him and listening to Him.
It was an incredible time of growth.
But …
But during one of those special times of prayer … well, I felt a very clear instruction from the Lord. It was almost an audible voice.
I said almost.
The instruction was:
“Start a Bible Study”
What?
A Bible Study?
Now that was ridiculous. I was in a war zone in Vietnam. This was the Army. You don’t just start a Bible study in the Army while serving in a war in Vietnam.
It was silly. Surely it was a weird thought that just crossed my mind.
It had to be a weird thought because God would know that the Army wouldn’t allow anyone to start a Bible study in Vietnam.
It was a crazy idea.
I went to sleep and put the thought out of my mind … until the next day.
Bouncing Off the Ceiling
After my work at the clinic, I went back to my room, read the Word, and began to pray.
But something was very different.
My prayer time wasn’t like anything I had experienced up to this point.
Instead of a great time of talking to and listening to God … there was nothing.
I mean nothing.
It’s like my prayers were just words bouncing off the ceiling. It was an awful feeling.
That feeling went on for a couple of days until I couldn’t take it anymore.
I knew I was not doing what God had told me to do, so I knew I had to take care of that.
I tried to explain to God that the Army wouldn’t allow me to start a Bible study, but I told Him that I would go ask someone in authority if I could.
I wasn’t sure who I should ask. I didn’t think the Commanding Officer of the 3/82 Artillery would be a good option.
There was a good chance he might laugh or yell at me.
But I had to ask someone.
Prayers bouncing off the ceiling were not an option. I missed my time with God. I wanted those times back.
So, who should I ask?
The Chaplain
As I thought about it, I realized the chaplain might be a good option.
It didn’t matter if he told me I couldn’t do it, which he probably would, I figured at least he wouldn’t laugh or yell at me.
I mean he was a chaplain. Chaplains didn’t laugh or yell at people who asked for permission to hold a Bible Study. At least I hoped they didn’t.
I didn’t know how to contact the chaplain, but I figured he must have a service somewhere on base.
All I had to do was find out when and where such a service was being held, attend it, and when it was over ask the chaplain about the Bible Study.
Then I would be off the hook with God.
The Service
The service was held at a building not far from our headquarters on a Sunday.
So, I went to church, or chapel, or whatever the Army called it.
There were about 20 men in attendance. I recognized a couple of soldiers from the 3/82 Artillery. I don’t remember anything the chaplain said. I assume we must have sung some hymns, and the chaplain must have preached, but my mind was focused on how I would phrase the question to the chaplain.
When the service was over, everyone lined up to shake hands with the chaplain as they left.
I positioned myself at the end of the line. I would be the last one out so no one could listen to my question.
I reminded God that I was being obedient and was looking forward to restoring our daily time of fellowship.
The Sergeant
Soldiers thanked the chaplain for the service and left. Everyone seemed happy. Finally, the line was almost done.
The only one in front of me now was our mess sergeant … that’s what we called the guy who handled the food services for our unit. He was a good guy.
I was ready with my question as soon as the sergeant left.
But the sergeant didn’t just shake the chaplain’s hand and leave. Instead, he asked the chaplain a question.
“Chaplain,” he said, “are there any Bible Studies I can attend?”
I couldn’t believe what I just heard.
The chaplain started to say there weren’t any he was aware of, but I interrupted him.
I explained I was going to ask if we could have a Bible Study in our unit. The chaplain smiled and encouraged the two of us to get one going right away.
We began a Bible Study in our unit that week.
LESSONS FROM MY DAYS IN OLIVE DRAB
Lesson 1: God does know how the Army works. He knows how everything works. We need to remember that in whatever condition we find ourselves in.
Lesson 2: I found out later that it would have been fine with the Army if we held a Bible Study in Vietnam. We didn’t even have to ask permission from anyone to do so. But God was very gracious to me to have the sergeant ask the chaplain right in front of me that day.
Lesson 3: Do what God tells you to do when He tells you to do it.
A BLESSING
Before I go, I’d like to share a blessing with you from the Old Testament.
“May the Lord bless and protect you; may the Lord’s face radiate with joy because of you; may he be gracious to you, show you his favor, and give you his peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26 (The Living Bible)
Until next time … be the reason someone smiles today
