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Old Testament: "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Psalm 116:15 (NIV)

New Testament: "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him..." Matthew 12:35a (NIV)

Gospel: "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12 (NIV)

An unexpected phone call informed me of the passing of my former employer, mentor and friend, The Reverend, Doctor E.H. Jim Ammerman. A magnificent individual, Jim served with the Navy during World War II, and later became a chaplain, ministering in the Army for 23 years until his retirment in 1977.

Chaplain Ammerman was not content to simply retire. Moved by God to further the spread of the Gospel to the military, he and his wife, Charlene eventually established an ecclesiastical endorsing agency called the Chaplaincy of Full Gospel Churches (CFGC). This agency opened the door for non-denominational Charismatic Christians to serve as chaplains in the U.S. military. (Jim and Charlene Ammerman photo as found at: http://www.jimhester.org/missions/ammerman/ammerman.htm)

I first met Chaplain Ammerman in the fall of 1985 in Springfield, MO shortly after entering seminary. I attended a dinner hosted by the Ammermans for indivduals seeking information on chaplaincy. Jim was a tall, gracious man whose words were sincere and encouraging. The things which transpired that evening convinced me I needed to come under the covering of CFGC. I did so, and approximately six years later, I became an Army Chaplain. This was only the beginning of my association with the Ammermans.

Following a difficult three years of active duty at Fort Stewart, GA, I was passed-over for further active duty assignments. The next five years became an immense spiritual, physical and finacial struggle. My marriage very nearly ended, and due to hardships, my wife and children, who left for a short vacation to visit her parents in Germany, remained overseas for over four years.

In April of 1998 I was living in Castro County, TX when God quickened Jim's memory concerning me. Shortly thereafter, Jim called and invited me to visit him in Dallas as he wanted to speak to me about a potential job offer. I arrived at his residence and in less than 24 hours, he hired me as his Administrator.

Jim covered all my moving expenses, as well as the cost of recovering my family's household items which were still in storage at Fort Stewart, GA. Thanks to Jim's guidance, by September of 1998, I was able to close on the purchase of a home, and shortly thereafter, he personally purchased the airline tickets which allowed my wife and children to return to the U.S.

I served as the CFGC Administrator for five years (1998-2003). I discovered the immense responsiblilties Chaplain Ammerman faced as the Director of CFGC. I felt privileged to become his "right hand man" during this period. CFGC acquired its largest number of "newly apponted" chaplains during this time. I was honored to know that in my small way, I helped to contribute to the expanse and outreach of CFGC. I remained as the Administrator  until I was re-called to active duty as part of the nation's military operations (Global War on Terrorism).

Those acquainted with Chaplain Ammerman knew he was a gifted orator as well as an excellent story teller. Apart from preaching and teaching, Jim Ammerman also possessed many unique maxims (a brief expression of a general truth, principle, or rule of conduct). My favorite was: "There is no alternative to doing things God's way."

That maxim defined Chaplain Ammerman's personality and his personal commitment to the Lord. No matter what he did, he tried to do it the way he believed God wanted it done. I am not saying Jim did every thing right, but I am saying that whatever he did, he did it as unto the Lord. He treated people the way he hoped to be treated. He gave from the depth of his heart and he always gave good things. (Jim Ammerman photo as found at: http://www.bibleinschools.net/Biographies/Biography-Col-Jim-Ammerman)

This week, a life time of Christian service came to an end. The Reverend Doctor E.H. Jim Ammerman departed this life to embrace eternity. In my spirit, I am convinced he heard the voice of the King declaring to him: "Well done, good and faithful servant."