Kellie Shattock UK MOD © Crown copyright 2017
Did you know that it is estimated that only around eight percent of New Year resolutions are actually kept?
Well, after some well-deserved rest over the Christmas period, our Scripture Readers have been heading back into their respective locations and already we have been hearing of the encouraging encounters and opportunities they are having with members of the Armed Forces. ASR Paul Sommerville was even able to challenge one individual with a New Years resolution that would change their life:
‘As the New Year unfolds, soldiers are returning to the rhythm of duty. Some are preparing for deployments to warmer lands, others to places of bitter cold. It is a true privilege to spend time with them before they depart, to listen, to offer encouragement, to share a few words of hope that we have in the Lord Jesus Christ and to commend them to God’s care, trusting in the promise “The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand” (Psalm 121 v 5).
The other day, as I left a particular building, I met a soldier outside. We chatted for a few moments about the inclement weather and then I asked if he had been home on leave over the Christmas period. He had just arrived back from home and was endeavouring to settle back into routine within his unit. I asked if he had made any New Year resolutions for the year ahead, he shared that he hadn’t but said it was good to set goals. I said that the best goal to set for 2026 would be to trust the Lord Jesus and I shared with him why the Lord had come. The soldier shared that he had been brought up in a religious home, but he himself was not religious, he accepted a booklet entitled “Why the resurrection is important.”’
Let’s pray this soldier accepts Paul’s challenge and let’s pray that 2026 is a year where we see many soldiers and aviators come to know Christ as their Saviour.
