E D U C A T I O N A L
P H I L A N T H R O P I C
Chadwick Potts, a recipient of a 2007 IOKDS Student Ministry Scholarship, in his current ministry to soldier's in Iraq.
From the Wausau Daily Herald, (August 17, 2007) by Keith Uhlig
FROM AIR WAVES TO THE BATTLEFIELD
Tending to soldiers' spiritual needs in a war zone takes a toll.
Especially if you're a soldier yourself, miles apart from friends, family and comforts of home.
"I will be honest, compassion fatigue sets in regularly in my day, yet my refreshment comes from spending time with my Lord, spending time in the fellowship with other believers, and as much as possible confiding and growing spiritually with the love of my life, my wife, Michelle," writes Sgt. Chadwick Potts, formerly of Weston. (The interview for this column was conducted through several e-mails.)
Potts, 29, is a chaplain's assistant for the Third Brigade Special Troops Battalion of the Third Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 25th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. He's stationed at the Forward Operating Base Warrior, adjacent to the city of Kirkuk, Iraq.
If you are a listener of the local Christian radio station, WCLQ-FM (89.5), it's likely you heard Potts. He started volunteering at the station in 1999, and was hired in the fall of 2000. He began the "Way Home Show" in December of 2000.
While he worked at the radio station, his wife, Michelle, worked as director of Christian education at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Weston.
In August of 2001, the two left the area to pursue ministry opportunities in St. Louis. When that didn't work out, in mid-2002, the two decided that Potts would join the Army.
A lot of prayer and deep thought went into the decision, but Potts entered the Army for two major reasons.
First, "my older brother entered the military when I was young. As I have always looked to my brother as a model, I always wanted to serve in the military," Potts writes. (His brother, Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Sherman Potts, is still in the military and based at Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado.)
The other reason is more practical. Potts and Michelle were just starting a family. (They now have four boys, Ezekiel, 5; Joshua, 4; Noah, 3; and Seth, 2.)
"We felt the need to establish financial stability in order to raise a family, and though ministry in the civilian sector could not always provide, ministry in the military could," Potts said.
Potts was deployed 13 months ago, and his stint in Iraq and in the military is scheduled to end in November. Right after Potts gets out of the Army, he has plans to enter Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind., where Michelle and the boys are now living.
His most important objective is personal.
"My main mission is to walk side-by-side with the soldiers as much as possible in order to be there when they experience a time of need," Potts said. "I believe fellowship, and being a battle buddy, is the best way to handle spiritual challenges, because pity the one who has nobody to help him up when he falls, but blessed is the one who has someone to help in their time of need."
Keith Uhlig is a features reporter for the Wausau Daily Herald. He can be reached at 845-0651 or e-mailed at kuhlig@wdhprint.com.
LETTER FROM ROSANNY
The following letter was sent to President Frances Sellew from scholarship recipient Rosanny (last name withheld for privacy).
Esteemed President Frances Sellew and the International Order of The King's Daughters and Sons:
Thank you for helping people like me, giving support to bring the will of God in my life and further His Kingdom. I am happy that I was chosen for the scholarship and am blessed through it. I began my studies in September and am encouraged to continue in my medical studies. I know that it is the will of God to bless children that do not have access to medical care. It will be my joy to be able to give back some of what I have received from the Kids Alive program of Anija.
Two weeks ago I received very important results of an exam that the University requires to measure my ability to study medicine. Thanks to God I passed it with excellent marks. Please pray for success in my studies in this trimester that ends in December.
Thanks again and I hope that you enjoy the pictures. The Lord bless you.
Rosanny
Chautauqua
Scholarship
Program
Information
on the Program and how to apply.
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