Dear Friends,

There are many aspects of the ministry that God has here at the Military Christian Center.  During the week there are scheduled meals, Bible studies, and activities like the food donation program.  While we encourage those we meet to avail themselves of the Center building and all it provides, we understand that you sometimes have to go where the people are to reach them.

To accomplish this we have reached out to different units and have weekly Bible studies located on three of the local bases.  These noon studies are opportunities to also win and train the military for Jesus Christ that may never make it to the Center. 

Commodore Mike Jordan is a friend of ours and this ministry.  He was instrumental in getting the study started at Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) several years ago.   Having been tasked with standing up a new unit in the Navy he also made it possible to start a new Bible study with Riverine Group One.  This study has proven to be a great encouragement already as the Bible has been opened and shared in a way in which most are not familiar.  Pray for this group of sailors as they train to not only protect and defend our country, but are challenged to be trained in their faith. 

Because of one of the base studies a sailor came to the Center seeking marriage counseling.   While her husband was not committed she remained diligent in learning how to respond correctly and be the wife she needed to be.  What a joy and blessing as she came for her meeting one day, looked at both of us and said, I dont need you anymore, I know where the answers areright here in Gods Word.  We were thrilled as she had taken the verses we had her memorize and the studies we had her do in the Word and applied them not only to her marriage, but also other relationships.  Pray for this marriage and many others that are struggling.

Pray with us that those times of counseling that we have either formal or informal, the teaching opportunities, and the conversations we are afforded will be full of the truths of Gods Word so that others will be able to confidently say they know where to find the answers.  We praise God for His Sufficient Word and the ministry He has called us to in order to share it with others.

Thank you for your prayers and support.  It is because of people like you that we can be here to spread His Word.

Serving the Captain of Our Salvation,

PS - As an answer to prayer that the needs of the Center budget be met, we have been approved to receive Combined Federal Campaign and United Way funds for the new fiscal year.  Our local number is 8036 and the national number is 1328.

Dear Friends,

Summer slump.  Dog days of summer.  Summer vacation.  These are thoughts that probably come to mind when you think about summertime.  Around the Military Christian Center there are a few changes due to the summer schedule, but basically we continue throughout the year with the many activities and Bible studies we have to win and train the military for Jesus Christ.

One event that has been an annual big crowd favorite is the cookout on the 4th of July.  We had over 50 join us for food, fun and fellowship.  Many of these were new families that came because of the contact through our food donation program.  Holidays can be especially rough times for military families as they are used to doing things with their extended family and are often not able to go home.  Our Center family atmosphere helps to meet this need.   One of the ladies said that she was thrilled to be part of the day because it was just like being at home.

The adults played several games of volleyball and the many children played in our large yard.  We then gathered together to eat a traditional 4th of July cookout.  Before the food was served we took time to reflect.  We asked who knew the song "I'm Proud to Be an American" and who could say what the next line was after "...at least I know Im free..."  Many knew the words were "I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me."  We took the opportunity to then share the gospel and let them know that as a Christian we are free because Christ died for us and gave us the right to become His children. (John 1:12)  You can see pictures from this activity by clicking on photos at the top of the page.

Thank you for the part that you play in allowing us to be here for the military families and single men and women.  We are thankful for your support and encouragement.  Your prayers and support are a blessing to us and those that can call us their home-away-from-home. 

Serving the Captain of Our Salvation,

Dear Friends,

The goal of our ministry is to win and train the military for Jesus Christ.   We attempt to do this through many outreaches and activities.  Three times a week John goes on base to lead Bible studies in different military units.  Two nights a week there are studies at the Military Christian Center.  Sandy has a ladies Bible study and craft night throughout the school year, and has s few special craft nights through the summer.  We serve meals three times a week at the Center.  Counseling cases come our way through the studies, chaplain referrals, and church.  We rejoice the most when we get to spend time taking someone to the Word of God to have them find their help, hope, and direction.

One of the highlights of the week for the men is the Tuesday night Bible study.  This has been the time when the MTM Associates have the opportunity to teach.  Right now Joe Southam is going through the book How To Study Your Bible.  The guys attending range in age from 21 to 48, there are singles and husbands, young Christians and old timers in the faith. 

Despite the experience that some of the men have had in their Christian lives up to this point, this basic foundational study has been a challenge and a blessing.  Some of the comments that have been made:  Well, I guess Ive never really studied my Bible before.  So what purpose is there to have Philemon in the Bible? 

We are thankful for the ministry that the Lord has called us to be a part of for His sake.  You are a tremendous blessing as you give of your time and treasures to partner with us.  Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and support.  You are a vital reason that we can be here to win and train the military for Jesus Christ.

Serving the Captain of Our Salvation,

 John & Sandy Seaton

April showers bring May flowers is a well known saying.  There shall be showers of blessing is a well known song.  We serve a God who well knows our needs and is a great provider.  Though the Center account does not regularly receive the funds required for the budgeted needs we have been blessed with several special gifts from some dear people who see needs and rise to meet them.

We praise the Lord that we did receive approval for the next United Way/Combined Federal Campaign.  No funds are received from these specific groups, but they are a conduit for Gods people to give to promote Gods work.  This allows their gifts to be counted as part of the office team but they specify who their funds support.  Our local CFC number will once again be 8036 and our international number will again be 1328.

Other blessings have come in the form of stump grinding, mulching and tree chopping done by Bill McCarthy and his tree service team.  The parking lot has been sealed and restripped courtesy of Henry Harrell.  Steve, Mike, and Scott covered the expense of the deck being cleaned and restained.  Tim labored to put new lights up in the parking lot.  Dale replaced outside lights on the building.

The food ministry continues to be a great blessing to the Center budget and to many of the military families who come.  Just recently a new Starbucks opened nearby and we are now picking up baked goods from them.

In addition to the many physical blessings that the Lord has poured on us, we rejoice even more with the spiritual blessings.  During one of the craft nights Sandy was able to talk with a military wife who has also been attending the ladies Bible study.  She shared how her devotional life had been transformed because of a book that they were all given for Christmas.  (A Place of Quiet Rest by Nancy DeMoss)  What joy it was to hear her exclaim that her time in the Word was no longer just something she checked off her to do list, but was a time of listening, learning and applying.

Your encouragement, support and prayers are a blessing to us.  Thank you.  We trust that Jehovah-jireh will also meet all of your needs.

Serving the Captain of Our Salvation,