Daily Devotional

As you walk into my office at the church, you are immediately faced with what is obviously a former sailor’s décor. A ship’s bell hangs by the door. Models of masted ships sit on shelves around the room. Pictures and models of my Navy ship, the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk, are everywhere. On the cabinet shelves are artifacts, military hats and police badges, many given to me over the years. Most of them have a story. Let me share a couple:
 
 • The Ukrainian Officer’s Hat.  

On one of my many trips to Ukraine I met an associate pastor who was once a MIG fighter pilot for the U.S.S.R. He shared that, at one time, he was involved with the missiles pointed at the U.S.A. and her allies at the same time I was serving on an American ship prepared to defend against such attacks. We spoke of the times the bombers from the U.S.S.R. would fly over our ship and our planes would tail them in a dangerous game of “cat and mouse.” The fact is, we were once enemies!

Now, here we were, serving the Lord as pastors. We became close friends very quickly. One day, he took me to a museum celebrating the former glory of the Soviet military. I even got to stand next to the cockpit of the type of MIG fighter he flew.

In front of the museums were two Cold War tanks—one Soviet and one American. They were facing each other in obvious combat position. However, someone had attached a long cord between both barrels. It was a touching sight. There, in front of those two tanks, we stood and prayed for peace.

Back at the church, we stood before some 1600 people at a Sunday service. He presented me with his Ukrainian Airforce Hat. We hugged as former enemies and now brothers. The place exploded with applause. His hat now sits in a prominent place in my office. It reminds me to pray for him and especially for peace in that turbulent part of the world.

• The Ukrainian Shoeshine Kit.  

On the same trip, an old man came to me at the end of the church service. He could not speak English. Through a translator he said, “May I honor you? I would like to shine your shoes right now.” I didn’t know what to say.            

As we talked further, I found out that this old man’s only income came from shining shoes. In his hand he held a small tin can that contained polish and a very small rag. He handed me his shoeshine kit and his scarf.  “May I honor you by giving you these.” I began to cry as did he. We embraced. I tried to give him his belongings back but he insisted. The pastor with me expressed that it would be an insult to not take them.              

Now, those precious items have a prominent place in my office. What a reminder to pray for the everyday folks of Ukraine who are eking out a living in the midst of the great challenges their nation is facing.            

There are many more items in my office, most with a touching story. Many prompt me to pray. All of them stir my memories of precious times of ministry around the world, especially watching the people of God follow Jesus’ example of humility and self-sacrifice. Their lives are such an example to me.

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