We all long for security. The security that people without faith typically long for is temporal through cars, homes, careers, and just things in general. For a long time I searched for security through these things just like a lost pup looking for a home. Thankfully in my journey of seeking I was able to find the permanent security found through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The relevance of this for Uniform in Christ comes from the fact that we have a lot of military families in Montana, and families coming to Montana every day, with the same seeking that I experienced ten years ago. And almost every day there is a call that comes in for people seeking something. It is ALWAYS an opportunity to help them find what it is they are looking for, but more importantly it is also ALWAYS an opportunity to build a relationship with them and to be a vehicle for the Holy Spirit to work and to help lead someone to Christ.
It is our ministry's mission to manage crisis and to continue being available as a network across the state to handle these phone calls from military families looking to navigate support services. Currently the network is informal and based on acquaintances in the Christian community. Montana is not an easy state to navigate services, especially outside of the Church, which is where the majority of the calls originate from. While the relationships built and the assistance being provided through activities like Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University course is quintessential, there are bigger things in store for Uniform in Christ. We are encouraged by the call to build this statewide network of Christian-based support and know that it is not one individual or organization that can own responsibility for mitigating a suicide epidemic among Veterans and military in Montana. But building a Christian network can unquestionably work together to address the suicide problem that Montana is infamous for. This is what Uniform in Christ is called to do: help build and educate a Christian network (pastoral and laymen), and most importantly mobilize this network to be THE resource that provides the security that Jesus promised to his apostles prior to being our sacrifice. By Uniform in Christ fulfilling its mission and bringing light to all things military culture related, we have the ability to help families who are searching for support find much more than just support--by helping them find the security that we share as Christians.
In upcoming blogs we are going to be sharing with you some ways that you can get involved in this mission in 2016. We hope and anticipate that it will give you enough time to make the necessary plans to join us. Thank you for your time and continued prayers for this ministry.
Blessed with Reason,
Uniform in Christ
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Navigating through the Storm-Part Two
In order for us to be resilient as Christians it is important for us to pray for God to reveal to us where it is he wants us. If we are unsure about where we are wanted and optimally able to serve, when we run into a storm our propensity to bounce back is weakened. Once He has revealed his will there is a validation that should take place. So whether someone has lost touch with their purpose (call), has been separated from their call (like those in the military often experience), or simply does not have the maturity or experience to recognize their personal call it is important to determine how to either connect or reconnect with it.
As the last several months have really tested me professionally, purpose itself has never been lost, but instead impatience has riddled me like an immature school-aged child. In this there is something that I recall from several years ago that has specifically confirmed the path that my spiritual life has taken. I remember a distinct conversation with my father-in-law prior to being married that challenged what it was I wanted to do with my life. Granted, it was prior to being married to his daughter, and just shortly after I had returned home from my deployment to Iraq, so it was not really a point in my life that I was concerned about my future, I was just glad to be home and actually have a future. Now looking back, it was probably one of the most influential questions someone had ever asked me, and it is genuinely appreciated still to this day because it validates the direction my life has taken. The question makes me regularly consider the breadth of the charted path I am on, which is very humbling.
Another important piece of performing for God is maximizing our efficiency by being in a position to be used based on our spiritual gifts. This is also a part of our validation in being in the right place when it comes to service. Not all who are called are destined to be in the pulpit or in the overseas mission field. Having taken a spiritual gifts assessment multiple times and receiving the same results that align with my professional work, it leaves little doubt where the biggest spiritual impact can be made. This is perhaps the biggest reason there is incredible personal fulfillment when someone calls for guidance with resources or support for Service members or Veterans and are satisfied with the assistance received. It is even more rewarding when Christ is represented through Uniform in Christ and we are able to influence others positively with service, spiritual assessment and Christian mentoring. A part of my call that has distinctly been identified through this spiritual gifts inventory is Christian life coaching (a Uniform in Christ focal point) with Exhortation, Mercy and Leadership.
To be confident that you are maximizing the distribution of your service and spiritual gifts, it is recommended that a spiritual gifts inventory is taken. We recommend one that aligns with Romans 12:6-8, as Paul discusses the gift given to us by the Spirit but also discover what each spiritual gift represents to help recognize them in others. On this journey of discovering where you best fit in to service in the church, we want to make sure you are aware that Uniform in Christ would benefit tremendously with your presence and spiritual gifts in our ministry as we seek to shape hearts towards Christ in Montana. In short, it is important that we do some reflection on placement to fulfill our obligation for Christ. We should literally feel like our day-to-day contribution reflects God's call for our lives, and that where we serve in the church/community reflects our spiritual Holy Spirit given gifts.
In advance of showing our thanks during this week of Thanksgiving, Uniform in Christ would like to make mention of the church that has given at great lengths to see this ministry grow. We are very appreciative of Hannaford Street Bible Church in Helena for its continued generosity and its distinct focus on missions both here and abroad. Advancing the gospel among Montana military families and Veterans remains our mission and could benefit with your prayer and financial support. Please send us your comments, questions, or encouragement to uniforminchrist@gmail.com. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
God Bless,
Ryan Luchau
Co-Founder, UIC
As the last several months have really tested me professionally, purpose itself has never been lost, but instead impatience has riddled me like an immature school-aged child. In this there is something that I recall from several years ago that has specifically confirmed the path that my spiritual life has taken. I remember a distinct conversation with my father-in-law prior to being married that challenged what it was I wanted to do with my life. Granted, it was prior to being married to his daughter, and just shortly after I had returned home from my deployment to Iraq, so it was not really a point in my life that I was concerned about my future, I was just glad to be home and actually have a future. Now looking back, it was probably one of the most influential questions someone had ever asked me, and it is genuinely appreciated still to this day because it validates the direction my life has taken. The question makes me regularly consider the breadth of the charted path I am on, which is very humbling.
Another important piece of performing for God is maximizing our efficiency by being in a position to be used based on our spiritual gifts. This is also a part of our validation in being in the right place when it comes to service. Not all who are called are destined to be in the pulpit or in the overseas mission field. Having taken a spiritual gifts assessment multiple times and receiving the same results that align with my professional work, it leaves little doubt where the biggest spiritual impact can be made. This is perhaps the biggest reason there is incredible personal fulfillment when someone calls for guidance with resources or support for Service members or Veterans and are satisfied with the assistance received. It is even more rewarding when Christ is represented through Uniform in Christ and we are able to influence others positively with service, spiritual assessment and Christian mentoring. A part of my call that has distinctly been identified through this spiritual gifts inventory is Christian life coaching (a Uniform in Christ focal point) with Exhortation, Mercy and Leadership.
To be confident that you are maximizing the distribution of your service and spiritual gifts, it is recommended that a spiritual gifts inventory is taken. We recommend one that aligns with Romans 12:6-8, as Paul discusses the gift given to us by the Spirit but also discover what each spiritual gift represents to help recognize them in others. On this journey of discovering where you best fit in to service in the church, we want to make sure you are aware that Uniform in Christ would benefit tremendously with your presence and spiritual gifts in our ministry as we seek to shape hearts towards Christ in Montana. In short, it is important that we do some reflection on placement to fulfill our obligation for Christ. We should literally feel like our day-to-day contribution reflects God's call for our lives, and that where we serve in the church/community reflects our spiritual Holy Spirit given gifts.
In advance of showing our thanks during this week of Thanksgiving, Uniform in Christ would like to make mention of the church that has given at great lengths to see this ministry grow. We are very appreciative of Hannaford Street Bible Church in Helena for its continued generosity and its distinct focus on missions both here and abroad. Advancing the gospel among Montana military families and Veterans remains our mission and could benefit with your prayer and financial support. Please send us your comments, questions, or encouragement to uniforminchrist@gmail.com. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
God Bless,
Ryan Luchau
Co-Founder, UIC
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Navigating Through the Storm-Part One
It has been a while since Uniform in Christ has shared any news on our ministry. In fact, it is a good opportunity to thank you all for reading this blog and hanging with us on a random basis, and for reading the other emails and request for support as we continue to offer our support to Montana Service members, Veterans, and their Families through Christian service. Despite being silent through email for many months, we are still ministering in different ways, and as much as opportunities are presented, sometimes in moments that are not encouraged by the masses.
There have been some adjustments for reasons we won't go into here with Uniform in Christ since we launched our ministry in January of 2014. This time truly has been a period of waters testing. As you know, the enemy will stake his claim any time the light of Jesus shines. It does not go without saying that we have gone through some character testing. For me personally, the last several months have been trying. The challenges have not come from straying from our Lord. Honestly, the answer as to why I have been going through a rough spot has not been clear until recently, which ended up being the motivation for this blog. I have battled some uncertainty in my head as what I thought was destined to be the path I would be on for many years to come got delayed suddenly when a career change had to be made for financial purposes. I have struggled trying to figure out why the path would be diverted when it was so abundantly clear the path that was being taken was the right path. Isn't God just supposed to bring us through difficult times by placing us in greener pastures during them? We all know that is a silly question because that is not how God works. God will test us to the brink, develop us as we are needing to be developed, and release us to see our capacity and growth, not to mention to see how much we praise and trust in him as we navigate through the storm. After a significant period of bumps, and perhaps bruises, things are now becoming clearer, and after hearing a message from my pastor this morning I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit, with encouragement, as I realized why I have been "off" for quite some time.
Life is so full of ups and downs and how we respond to support our needs and our families' needs defines us. How we respond to trials and in good times is also indicative of where we are as Christians in our walk. Too many Christians forget about Christ when times are good, then wonder where he is as life gets difficult. This is something that I have considered myself relatively mature at since committing to living as a Christian several years ago. But just as we think we have things figured out, a wrench is tossed into the mix and we suddenly realize we are not as mature as we believe.
What occurred to me today was that I have had sort of a perfect storm going on in my life. I have had increased stress with several significant changes, leading to a personal rut that has been difficult getting out of; but also a void in my heart because for a good part of the last year Uniform in Christ has not been as active in service as what it was in 2014. Literally, as I have contemplated a new year and new service opportunities with Uniform in Christ, I could feel my soul get filled with energy. The Uniform in Christ ministry was a call that I received in 2009 as a Chaplain Candidate, with Christ-filled energy bringing more joy to my heart than quite possibly I have ever had up until the beginning of this year. Service and ministry has the power to do this more than anything in life. The emptiness starting this year has been debilitating due to the fact that I have not been able to truly live in this call. It is one thing to have additional stress in life due to career change, finances, kids, etc; but when you have added stress and the inability to engage in a calling from God, it truly feels like your world has been turned upside down. When you have something so incredibly close but lack the ability to engage with it there is an insecurity present that can only be replaced through action--action through service and mobilization. I take great comfort in knowing that Uniform in Christ will once again be active in the community in 2016, and that out of this storm the ministry will be that much stronger--just as God intends. In the coming weeks we will share with you the ministry opportunities in UIC and sincerely hope and pray that you join us as we re-embark on this rewarding journey. Rest in Psalm 127:25, 28.
Blessings,
Ryan Luchau
Founder, UIC
Uniform in Christ always invites our peers to pray, volunteer, and financially support our mission of taking care of the spiritual needs of Montana Service members, Veterans, and Families in Christ's name. Please send us your comments, questions, or encouragement to uniforminchrist@gmail.com .
There have been some adjustments for reasons we won't go into here with Uniform in Christ since we launched our ministry in January of 2014. This time truly has been a period of waters testing. As you know, the enemy will stake his claim any time the light of Jesus shines. It does not go without saying that we have gone through some character testing. For me personally, the last several months have been trying. The challenges have not come from straying from our Lord. Honestly, the answer as to why I have been going through a rough spot has not been clear until recently, which ended up being the motivation for this blog. I have battled some uncertainty in my head as what I thought was destined to be the path I would be on for many years to come got delayed suddenly when a career change had to be made for financial purposes. I have struggled trying to figure out why the path would be diverted when it was so abundantly clear the path that was being taken was the right path. Isn't God just supposed to bring us through difficult times by placing us in greener pastures during them? We all know that is a silly question because that is not how God works. God will test us to the brink, develop us as we are needing to be developed, and release us to see our capacity and growth, not to mention to see how much we praise and trust in him as we navigate through the storm. After a significant period of bumps, and perhaps bruises, things are now becoming clearer, and after hearing a message from my pastor this morning I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit, with encouragement, as I realized why I have been "off" for quite some time.
Life is so full of ups and downs and how we respond to support our needs and our families' needs defines us. How we respond to trials and in good times is also indicative of where we are as Christians in our walk. Too many Christians forget about Christ when times are good, then wonder where he is as life gets difficult. This is something that I have considered myself relatively mature at since committing to living as a Christian several years ago. But just as we think we have things figured out, a wrench is tossed into the mix and we suddenly realize we are not as mature as we believe.
What occurred to me today was that I have had sort of a perfect storm going on in my life. I have had increased stress with several significant changes, leading to a personal rut that has been difficult getting out of; but also a void in my heart because for a good part of the last year Uniform in Christ has not been as active in service as what it was in 2014. Literally, as I have contemplated a new year and new service opportunities with Uniform in Christ, I could feel my soul get filled with energy. The Uniform in Christ ministry was a call that I received in 2009 as a Chaplain Candidate, with Christ-filled energy bringing more joy to my heart than quite possibly I have ever had up until the beginning of this year. Service and ministry has the power to do this more than anything in life. The emptiness starting this year has been debilitating due to the fact that I have not been able to truly live in this call. It is one thing to have additional stress in life due to career change, finances, kids, etc; but when you have added stress and the inability to engage in a calling from God, it truly feels like your world has been turned upside down. When you have something so incredibly close but lack the ability to engage with it there is an insecurity present that can only be replaced through action--action through service and mobilization. I take great comfort in knowing that Uniform in Christ will once again be active in the community in 2016, and that out of this storm the ministry will be that much stronger--just as God intends. In the coming weeks we will share with you the ministry opportunities in UIC and sincerely hope and pray that you join us as we re-embark on this rewarding journey. Rest in Psalm 127:25, 28.
Blessings,
Ryan Luchau
Founder, UIC
Uniform in Christ always invites our peers to pray, volunteer, and financially support our mission of taking care of the spiritual needs of Montana Service members, Veterans, and Families in Christ's name. Please send us your comments, questions, or encouragement to uniforminchrist@gmail.com .
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