Photo By Cpl. Ali Azimi | A volunteer with Gladiators of Christ Ministries breaks a board with a kick during a...... read more read more
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TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - The Gladiators of Christ Ministries, sponsored by the Combat Center’s Christ Chapel, held a Serving Those Who Serve event at the Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School barracks, June 5.
The GOC is a Christian group from Temecula, Calif., that conducts two yearly events for Combat Center service members and their families: Serving Those Who Serve and Project Love.
“God put it in my heart,” said Deborah Csecs, event coordinator, GOC ministries. “Coming out here in the middle of nowhere, I realize why God was bringing us out here and why he brought us out here so strongly.”
This visit gave Csecs and her volunteer crew an opportunity to pull service members away from their usual routine for an afternoon of fun, food and good company.
The event featured a DJ, raffle, a mixed martial arts demonstration and free food. However, some Marines confessed what they enjoyed most was the people.
“Considering we live in the desert, this provided a nice atmosphere,” said Lance Cpl. Garnett Jackson, student, MCCES. “I thought it was nice that everybody could get together.”
Marines, sailors and their families lined up to the buffet table, where they helped themselves to Tri-tip sandwiches, potato salad, fruit salad, chips and drinks.
During their meal, Luis Galdamez, an evangelist and speaker, spoke to the crowd about his personal experiences and how Jesus Christ helped him through turmoil.
Galdamez was born in Central America during a time when Communist forces tried to take over countries in the area. He credited the Marines to saving his and many other countries in a time of need.
He spoke about the gospel, praised the power of the lord and urged crowd members to open their hearts to Him as well.
Throughout the rest of the event, music hummed through the air only interrupted by the voice of the DJ calling out raffle winners.
“They love the military, they are patriots,” said Lt. Donald Anthony Baker, chaplain, Protestant Chapel. “They try to figure out ways to become a part of what’s going on here. This group of people really wanted to get connected with us and let the [service members] know that they are cared about.”
As people ate, members of the GOC started an MMA demonstration for the audience. The demonstrators, performed takedowns, techniques to disarm an opponent and chopped boards of wood with their bare fists.
The event provided a place for service members and families to relax and enjoy their lunch together. They were brought together by good food, music and company but left with prizes and a sense of community. GOC is scheduled to return in December during their Project Love.
| Date Taken: | 06.12.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 06.12.2014 16:26 |
| Story ID: | 132937 |
| Location: | TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 44 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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