Photo By Sgt. Michael Iams | Cmdr. Randal B. Craft speaks about the Islamic and Jewish perspectives on gratitude at...... read more read more
Subscribe
CAMP KINSER, Japan - Marines and sailors gathered for the quarterly prayer breakfast hosted by the 3rd Marine Logistics Group Chaplain’s Office at the mess hall here Nov. 22.
The prayer breakfast took on a Thanksgiving theme to highlight the upcoming holiday.
“This prayer breakfast was a way to help the Marines and sailors gain awareness of the spiritual factor in their lives and have the opportunity to be spiritually nurtured,” said Lt. j.g. Kevan Lim, the chaplain for Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd MLG, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “As a chaplain, I assist Marines and sailors in strengthening their spiritual side of life.”
As part of the theme, attendees reflected on their daily lives and what they are thankful for.
“I thank God for the opportunity to be here with my brethren,” said Staff Sgt. Alton D. Walden, the 3rd Supply Battalion substance abuse control officer and intelligence chief with CLR-35. “It’s always great to spend time with the fellowship and take God’s word into our daily lives.”
Throughout the breakfast, speakers from different religious backgrounds stood up to give the audience their perspective of gratitude within their religion.
“The military brings together a variety of faiths, and helping people acknowledge the significance of their faith and the faith of others will help them grow spiritually,” said Cmdr. Randal B. Craft, the 3rd MLG chaplain. “Having a rich diversity of faith in the military helps us recognize and grow in our own walk of faith.”
Guest speakers shared their experience and testimonies on the significance of gratitude in their lives.
“I am glad I had the opportunity to be able to speak to all the young men and women about my life experiences and how I am still alive seven times over,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Jack S. Frazier, an administration chief with CLR-37. “Every day is a day to be thankful for, not just today. We should never take anything for granted.”
Marines from CLR-35 volunteered their time to sing and play hymns during the breakfast.
“Having the opportunity to attend and play for everyone makes me feel good and helps me get back into worship,” said Lance Cpl. Parker A. Toliver, a supply clerk with CLR-35. “Playing my guitar helps gets the stress of day-to-day life out and brings back good memories.”
Through music, prayer and reflection, service members who attended the breakfast gained knowledge and appreciation towards what may be overlooked in life, according to Craft.
“Having a cross section of different ranks from junior enlisted to senior enlisted and officers helps everyone gain more understanding on a diverse spectrum,” said Lim. “What I hope they take away from this breakfast is gratitude for what they have, what they can give thanks for, the things taken for granted and focus on reasons to be thankful for them.”
For information about future Prayer Breakfasts, contact the 3rd MLG Chaplains office at 637-3815.
| Date Taken: | 11.22.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 11.28.2011 23:00 |
| Story ID: | 80640 |
| Location: | CAMP KINSER, AICHI, JP |
| Web Views: | 70 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Marines, sailors gather to show gratitude, by Sgt Michael Iams, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
