Read: 2 Timothy 2:1-5
Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 2:5
And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
I personally know two Medal of Honor recipients: Gary Beikerch, a combat medic, was awarded the medal for exposing himself to intense fire in order to rescue and treat the wounded, and for continuing to provide medical care despite his own serious wounds, during a battle at Dak Seang Camp in the Vietnam war. You can read Gary’s story in the book; Blaze of Light. Gary spoke at Ohana on 5/15/2019 & 5/19/2019. Gary passed away on December 26, 2021.
The other, Hershel “Woody” Williams, received the United States military’s highest decoration for valor—the Medal of Honor—for heroism above and beyond the call of duty during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II when he took out 6 pillboxes with a flame thrower. Woody first came to Ohana and spoke in December of 2016. He is 98 years old and still going strong!
Both of these men were recognized for valor above and beyond the call of duty. They will tell you that they did what they were trained to do and the real heroes are the men & women who never came back. They were both very humble men grateful for the opportunity to share their stories to help others.
Both men got saved years later after their time of service to our country. That is when their real service began. Each of them felt God had called them to use the platform of being a Medal of Honor recipient to serve Him and share the Gospel with others. Gary helped many who suffered from PTSD and Woody brought recognition to the families of the fallen soldiers.
You may not have received the Medal of Honor, but God has called you to serve him as a “good soldier of Jesus Christ.” Live your life in such a way that one day you will stand before Him to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23)
Meditation for the Day: Consider your life story and what God has called you to do.
Assignment: Consider what it means to go “above and beyond the call of duty”. How can this apply to your Christian life?
For Fun: Look up the videos of both of these men telling their stories. Consider how their testimony challenges you.