Deploying as a military chaplain always comes with challenges, but my recent assignment in Northeast Africa carried a unique weight. As president of International Baptist College and Seminary, I left at a pivotal moment—amid the rigorous 10-year accreditation reaffirmation process. Deploying at such a critical season required deep trust in God and confidence in the incredible team that remained behind to keep the institution thriving. And yet, stepping into this mission reaffirmed an eternal truth: God’s work does not pause because of human obstacles; He moves powerfully in every season.
Though challenges loomed, the joy I witnessed during this deployment overshadowed every difficulty. One of the greatest triumphs was seeing 13 people place their trust in Christ, each a reminder that salvation is not bound by geography or circumstances. Watching these individuals embrace the gospel was humbling. Some arrived at faith after years of wrestling with questions; others had only recently begun seeking truth. Regardless of their background, each decision was marked by the power of the Gospel to conquer sin and set the soul free.
Alongside this, I was encouraged by the evident hunger for God’s Word. Time and again, I 
met men and women eager to study Scripture with sincerity and depth. The discussions were rich, the questions meaningful, and the desire to understand undeniable. In a world filled with fleeting distractions, witnessing this thirst for Biblical truth was invigorating. There were times when the Bible studies and preaching services were full beyond capacity, and in all I was able to preach to about 1100 service members. It reminded me that no matter how dark things may seem, God’s Word has the answers to everyone’s deepest needs.
This experience reinforced a critical lesson: God is always working, even in the most difficult seasons. The world may be filled with obstacles—political tensions, spiritual opposition, and personal burdens—but none of these hinder His sovereign plan. I saw evidence of this firsthand, and I believe we are seeing it unfold in our own nation. Revival is not a distant dream; it is happening now, and we must walk forward in faith, expecting great things from God.
Leaving the college and seminary during the accreditation reaffirmation was one of the hardest aspects of this deployment, yet I was continually reassured by the knowledge that a dedicated team of Godly men and women were faithfully leading in my absence. Their unwavering commitment ensured that International Baptist College and Seminary not only remained steady but thrived, and in April IBCS received its accreditation reaffirmation! Their leadership was a testimony to the power of faithfulness, excellence, and a shared dedication to training servant-leaders for Christ’s work. For that, I am profoundly grateful.
May we all move forward with the optimism that comes from knowing that God is at work and that His plans always succeed. To God be the glory!