FCIM ARTICLES AND NEWS LETTERS
THE ORIGIN OF CHAPLAINCY
Chaplaincy was birthed out of the humanitarian effort of Martins of tours
Sulpicius Severus (c. 360-425) wrote the biography of St. Martin as a contemporary with Martin, and it is the-biography that has been the primary source for most all of the information we have on St. Martin.
Around 337 while in Amiens, France, he noticed a poor man at the city gates, destitute of clothing. Martin drew his sword and divided his military cloak in half and gave one half to a shivering beggar in freezing cold. In the following two paragraphs are Severus' words that have become the most celebrated action of St. Martin:
"Accordingly, at a certain period, when he had nothing except his arms and his simple military dress, in the middle of winter, a winter which had shown itself more severe than ordinary, so that the extreme cold was proving fatal to many, he happened to meet at the gate of the city of Amiens poor man destitute of clothing. He was entreating those that passed by to have compassion upon him.
But all passed the wretched man without notice, when Martin, that man full of God, recognized that a being to which other showed no pity, was in that respect, left to him. Yet, what should he do? He had nothing except the cloak in which he was clad, for he had already parted with the rest of his garments for similar purposes. Taking therefore, his sword with which he was girt, he divided his cloak into two equal parts, and gave one 'part to the poor man, while he again clothed himself with the remainder. Upon this, some of the by-standers laughed, because he was now an unsightly object, and stood out as hut partly dressed. Many, however, who were of sounder understanding, groaned deeply because they themselves had done nothing similar, they especially felt this, because being possessed of more than Martin, they could have cloth the poor man without reducing themselves to nakedness.
In the following night when Martin had resigned himself to sleep, he had a vision of Christ arrayed in that part of his cloak with which he had clothed the poor man. He contemplated the Lord with the greatest attention, and was told to own as his, the robe which he had given. Ere long. He heard Jesus saying with a clear voice to the multitude of angels standing round-Martin who is still but a catechumen clothed me with this robe.' The Lord, truly mindful of his own words (who had said when on earth-'In as much as ye have done these things to one of the least of these, ye have done then unto me'), declared that he himself had been clothed in that poor man: and to confirm the testimony he bore to so good a deed, he condescended, to show himself in that very dress which the poor man had received. After this vision the sainted man was not puffed up with human glory, but acknowledged the goodness of God in what had been done; and being now of the age of twenty years, he hastened to receive baptism. He did not, however, all at once, retire from military service, yielding to the entreaties of his Tribune, whom he admitted to be his familiar tent-companion. For the Tribune promised that after the period of his office had expired he too would retire from the world, Martin kept back by the expectation of this event continued, although but in name to act the part of a soldier for nearly two years after he had received baptism.
"When under Caesar, the barbarians were attacking in Gaul, Caesar began to give his soldiers some pay that day before battle. Martin wanted to deny pay and withdraw to serve God. Caesar accused Martin of cowardice on the day before battle. Martin said, 'If this conduct [his desire to retire] of mine is ascribed to cowardice, and not to faith I will take my stand unarmed before the line of battle tomorrow and in the name of the Lord Jesus, protected by the sign of the cross, and not by shield or helmet, I will safely penetrate the ranks of the enemy.' Instead, Martin was thrust into prison, to be placed on the battle line the following day. Yet enemies sent emissaries who negotiated surrender without a fight. Martin left the army."
The chaplain ministers not to congregation but to the public at large.
Is chaplaincy biblical?
Though the word as it reads today does not appear in the scripture but there is a significance concept drawn out from the great story line of the bible which of course without any doubt produces an unavoidable integral arm of the church body life.
The Character of God
God is chaplaincy in nature for God is Love (Please read John 3:16 and Romans 5:6-8)
The mercy of God
Gods mercy compels and propels chaplaincy ministry god essential character is that of mercy (Please read Luke 6:36 Luke 10:36-37) consider very well and thoughtfully the story of the good Samaritan and Jesus in the house of Matthew the tax collector,compare and contrast with chaplaincy ministry.
Jesus admonition of mercy found in Matthew 25:36. also provide a strong pillar for the chaplaincy ministry
When I was naked............
THE ROLE OF CHAPLAINCY IN UPHOLDING MORAL, SPIRITUAL, AND CULTURAL VALUES FOR FUTURE GENERATION.
Chaplaincy plays a significant role in upholding moral, spiritual, and cultural values for future generations. Here are some ways in which chaplains contribute to this important task:
1. Guidance and Support: Chaplains provide guidance and support to individuals, helping them navigate moral and ethical dilemmas. They offer a listening ear and offer advice based on religious and spiritual beliefs, helping individuals make decisions aligned with their values.
2. Moral Education: Chaplains play a crucial role in moral education by teaching and promoting ethical principles and values. They contribute to character development by educating individuals about compassion, integrity, justice, and other virtues essential for a well-rounded personality.
3. Spiritual Nourishment: Chaplains cater to the spiritual needs of individuals, offering solace, comfort, and a sense of purpose. They provide religious and spiritual practices, such as prayer, meditation, and religious rituals, which help individuals connect with their inner selves and find meaning in life.
4. Cultural Sensitivity: Chaplains often work within diverse communities, respecting different cultural traditions and values. They promote dialogue, understanding, and harmony among various cultural groups, fostering an environment of mutual respect and acceptance.
5. Community Building: Chaplains contribute to building strong communities by organizing religious and cultural events and facilitating interfaith dialogue. They encourage cooperation and collaboration among community members, promoting unity and shared values.
6. Crisis Support: During times of crisis, such as illness, loss, or natural disasters, chaplains provide emotional and spiritual support to affected individuals and their families. They offer comfort, hope, and a sense of resilience during difficult moments.
7. Bridging Generational Gaps: Chaplains often work with people of different age groups, including the youth and the elderly. They help bridge generational gaps by fostering understanding, respect, and communication between different age cohorts, ensuring the continuity of moral, spiritual, and cultural values.
In summary, chaplains play a vital role in upholding moral, spiritual, and cultural values for future generations. Through guidance, moral education, spiritual nourishment, cultural sensitivity, community building, crisis support, and bridging generational gaps, chaplains contribute to the holistic development and well-being of individuals and the wider society.
WELCOME ADDRESS BY THE COMMANDANT GENERAL DR. ISRAEL OLAOLUWA DARAMOLA
The Board of Trustees FCIM
The Vice President FCIM
The Executive council FCIM
The Patron & Matron FCIM
The Unit Commendant FCIM
The Commissioning officers FCIM
The cadet in training FCIM
All FCIM Officers,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Our gathering here today is a proof of God's faithfulness to His promises to our
Organization Frontier Chaplain International Mission. What a great day to come
together has a solider of Christ, I warmly welcome every one of you into this Year
2023 convention/AGM.
We indeed appreciate God for the peace and serene, uninterrupted atmosphere that
has contributed to characterize the activities in this organization. May His name be
Glorified Amen?
As an organization, we would not relent in encouraging each other both the
commissioned officers and the cadets in training for the work of the ministry so that
we can all be effective in discharging our God given gift to the world. The demand
for the workforce in the field is so high. What we are here to do today is to revive
everyone to fulfill God's heart beat than how you've been handling the matter of the
kingdom before now.
By the grace of God I believe we will continually work together to ensure better productivity and fruitfulness as our organisation continue to go beyond the shore of this nation.
My appreciation goes to all the members of the National Working/Planning Committee headed by our competent Chap. Col. Adeniyi Amos, who has indeed contributed immensely to the reality and success of this program, on behave of the board of Trustee and National Executives I say thank you all for choosing to serve the organisation at this capacity.
I sincerely thank all The Members of Board of Trustee and our National Executive Council members for a great support as well as ti everyone present here today. God bless you all greatly in Jesus name.
I believe that Together, we shall continue to Liberate the oppressed till Jesus Christ our Master comes again.
Thank you all and God bless you.
F.C.I.M...... Together we shall liberate the oppressed.