“A real American hero is not a perfect man but a man who serves his country and his perfect God! I had the opportunity to visit with Patrick Opp, a (’03) graduate who is serving in the army as a chaplain. Captain Opp is doing a fantastic work. Souls are being saved, and lives are being touched for eternity. Captain Pat Opp is a Jude 22 man of compassion making a difference!”  - Corey Waters (’04)
 

I graduated in 2007 from Temple Baptist Seminary and joined the U.S. Army and went to places like Iraq and Afghanistan, both in the Reserves and in Active Duty. To say it’s been an amazing journey is an understatement. Yet, God has shown He is faithful. I’m so glad He has. I’m not sure all the lessons I learned at Trinity have come into play, but I do know that none of them have gone wasted. God used the long hours, persistence, and the commitment to learn, friendships, completion of projects, the class, family, and even work times - all to shape me into who I am today. I am a child of God and the U.S. Army Chaplaincy is what I currently do.

The Lord, true to His promise in Romans 8:28, truly works all things together for good to those who love Him and are called for His purposes. So, all glory to His wonderful name for the privilege to serve as a chaplain in the military. The U.S. Army Chaplaincy’s motto is “Pro Deo et Patria – For God and Country.” It is both challenging and rewarding to serve the Lord as a military chaplain. You’ll face losses such as separation from family, Red Cross messages, death notifications, funerals, hospital visits, and serious incidents like car accidents and heart attacks. The Lord brings you people to comfort and encourage through pastoral counseling. In my six years in the Army, He has brought several thousand my way to share Christ and His words of life! Truly, the Lord is drawing all men to Himself in these last days. Many young people are turning to Christ for salvation and for discipleship. The military is a huge mission field and there are many of God’s workers doing their best to fulfill the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20. Despite the hardships, I’m glad I chose to obey His calling!

Currently, my family and I are stationed in the 3-10 Infantry Battalion at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. It is a Basic Combat Training unit that sees annually over 5,000 of our nation’s sons and daughters enter the military. The chaplain and chaplain assistant make up the Unit Ministry Team (UMT) which exists to provide religious support by performing or providing spiritual guidance and ministry through a variety of avenues – chapel services, field worship services, counseling, providing free Bibles, leading Bible studies, seeing soldiers at key training sites, and much more. Basically, you go where the soldier goes and you either bring God to the soldier or you bring the soldier to God.

It’s true there are many demands on you and your family that are both taxing and rewarding. It’s tough! Yet, if someone were to ask me, “Is it worth it being a chaplain in the military?” I would answer, “You bet it is!” What a privilege to lead soldiers to the Savior. Only God knows how many people you impact for His glory, and it’s definitely worth being a chaplain!