Interesting title, huh?That's him over on the left...LT Mark E. Conard USN,CHC... Chaplain to about 700 troops. Someone told me a Battalion Chaplain is like a fast moving train, moving in a whirlwind of activity and urgency most of the time. Can't believe I got him to stand still long enough to take this picture!
He's a busy guy, alright. But he is so GREAT at what he does.
Recently I counseled with one of the female troops and got a little taste of what he does every single day. And I honestly don't know how he does it - by the grace of God, he would say.
He patiently and thoughtfully listens to everyone who comes in his office (or meets him in the hall, or on the grinder, or outside on the way to lunch, or well, you get the picture). He is on call 24-7. It isn't his duty to berate them or moralize or judge. But to listen and, God willing, recognize the opportunities to speak truth into their lives in a loving and winsome way. Sometimes he has to be kind but firm. And the decisions he sees some of these young kids make are heart-breaking. But his door stays open and it allows them to come back later and cry on his shoulder. And sometimes the light breaks thru and someone embraces the Good News he shares. I always know what happened when he comes home with a big grin on his face!
And then he tries to mentor them and disciple them with bible studies, prayer and accountability.
But those particular things are often done amidst the whirlwind...
a whirlwind of hospital visits, threatened suicides, Red Cross messages, and the dreaded KEKO duty -telling the family when a troop has died, and any number of daily urgent needs.
And on top of all that, he manages to keep us, his family, feeling loved and special.
Yes, there are times I have to jump on board and hang on for dear life and then tuck and roll when its time to get off! But for the most part, I am really enjoying sharing this ride.
And just in case I don't express it enough: "Mark Conard, I believe in you. You are a terrific officer, an incredible Chaplain, a super Dad, and my Beloved...I know why we are here. Thank you for modeling faithfulness, integrity, honor and sincerity to me and our children. We love you!"
