Scripture Reader Josh Fortune was invited to participate in a Health Fair at Hyde Park Barracks on Tuesday.
By Laura Reuter, Prayer Coordinator
The military run Health Fairs to promote ways that Armed Forces personnel can protect and help their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. SASRA Scripture Reader Josh Fortune had the opportunity to represent spiritual welfare at the Hyde Park Barracks Health Fair on Tuesday, where he was asked to speak to the regiment on ‘Seeing the Bigger Picture’.
Hyde Park Barracks is home to the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. © SASRA
As music blared, exhibitors squeezed in like sardines awaited hordes of soldiers who would soon be entering the gymnasium. A low rumble grew louder as trudging boots made their way inside.
Unlike previous years, Josh didn’t have a stand but was able to wander from table to table, catching up with soldiers and sparking conversations with civilians manning stalls. A chat with one lady about dental hygiene was profitable; not only did it result in a handful of free toothpaste tubes, but Josh was able to offer a copy of John’s Gospel in return, which was warmly received.
The Health Fair was full of soldiers learning about how they could help their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. © SASRA
After a little while, Josh was directed upstairs to the NCOs’ mess, where he was told he’d be sharing his fifteen-minute talk with the regiment. ‘Maybe make it eight minutes’, he was advised seconds before leaving the gym.
Josh’s talk had been carefully crafted to challenge what soldiers look at with their eyes, what they feed their minds and what they long for in their hearts. It was peppered with quotes from Scripture, and so a prayer was fired up that God would soften hearts as His Word was read.
The need to be flexible and the uncertainty about what he was walking into left Josh feeling apprehensive to say the least.
Expecting to speak before a crowd of soldiers who were listening to a man share about resilience and a need for purpose, Josh waited…and waited…and waited.
'Josh didn’t have a stand but was able to wander from table to table, catching up with soldiers and sparking conversations with civilians manning stalls.'
Much time passed, the welfare officer entered the mess and asked whether Josh had spoken yet. Upon explaining the situation, the welfare officer informed that a group of soldiers were waiting outside and requested that Josh speak to them.
And so, against all expectations, Josh found himself tucked in a corner around a table with just four soldiers. Perhaps a small discussion group would be better received than a talk up front before hundreds?
Josh was able to share truths from God’s Word with soldiers as he spoke about ‘Seeing the Bigger Picture’. © SASRA
Where the surprises could have brought discouragement and frustration, there came one final surprise. As the discussion group came to an end, three of the soldiers left but one stayed behind. The young trooper asked if Josh had a moment before sharing that he’s been thinking about reading the Bible. They proceeded to have a conversation about who Jesus is and what He came to do, before Josh handed him a copy of John’s Gospel and Inner Struggles and arranged to start meeting the soldier to read God’s Word together.
Perhaps this last surprise shouldn’t come as such a surprise in light of God’s sovereignty over every situation and outcome. So often we go through our lives making our plans and expecting things to go the way we want but so often, they don’t. Yet through the fog of disappointment, uncertainty and even fear, the Lord gently reminds us that there is a bigger picture, a better plan, which He will bring to fruition in His perfect way.
‘The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.’ – Proverbs 16:9
- Praise God for how He brings about His perfect plan in His perfect way. Pray that SASRA staff would always trust this.
- Pray that the Holy Spirit would move in the hearts of those who heard about Jesus at the Health Fair and pray for Josh's meetings with the young trooper who wants to read the Bible.
- Give thanks for the welfare team at Hyde Park Barracks, who made it possible for Josh to participate in the Health Fair.
