For those who don’t know, I work as a curator at a military museum. While we have fantastic displays and precious artifacts on display, my favorite thing about working there is interacting with veterans and their families. This last week we hosted a group of Vietnam Veterans who had each been involved with one particular aircraft; the AC-47, known as Spooky or Puff the Magic Dragon.
During the ceremony, one of the pilots of this aircraft during the Vietnam conflict was the guest speaker. His speech, titled “Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow” started with what it meant to be part of the “Spooky Brotherhood.”
He discussed where they were yesterday and when each of their yesterday’s began.
Then he recapped how they came to design monuments, selected where they were placed, and how they have reunions. It was the today portion of his speech.
Finally, he spoke about their tomorrows. At that pivotal point in his speech he told them he was concerned about their salvation and if he would see them as a brotherhood in their tomorrows. He launched into sharing the Gospel and challenging them to get right with the Lord.
I could not believe my ears! You see, it’s rare at a military event for the Gospel to be presented in such an overt manner. I was so proud of him for his boldness to speak truth in a military group.
He was truly living Romans 1:16 (NIV) “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
While I’m not ashamed of the gospel, there are plenty of situations I find myself in where I lose the opportunity to share. Maybe it’s the timing, or maybe it’s my own fear of rejection, or maybe it’s the atmosphere. Regardless of why I don’t share, it’s a lost chance to win souls for heaven.
I love that this Vietnam Vet took the step to care for the eternal souls of those in the audience. He was not ashamed…not at all.
~Emily
Iron Porch 