Most people have an image in their mind of what a warrior is. We read about them in history books, see them in movies, and in the news. I met one 35 years ago. He didn’t wield a sword or carry a gun, but was part of the battle, nonetheless. He loaded weapons on fighter aircraft, so they could fight the enemy. Most of his time was spent supporting training, so the fighters could hone their skills and be ready for the real battles. Missions often took him away from his family. When time came to fight the enemy, he spent months living in a tent, way too close to the action.
This warrior also fought other battles. Those battles were for the souls of men. In that role he carried a sword, which he swung with authority while attacking the strongholds of the enemy. The sword is the WORD, and his authority came from the LORD. Making these battles a priority, he held Bible studies in his home and started a Church in the Philippines. This warrior took a break from military service to attended Bible College to improve his fighting skills so he could prepare other warriors for battle. He eventually returned to the military and continued that fight. Wherever the military sent him he fought the other battles in his home, in the community, and in local Churches.
Now as a full-time warrior for the LORD, most of his work is spent supporting training, where fighters hone their skills and prepare for their own battles. He is helped by his family, seasoned warriors, who stand with him in the middle of the action. He still deploys overseas to support battles against the enemy. Returning to the Philippines, he provides training and helps load fighters with weapons to take the fight to the enemy.
Why does he do it? It’s because “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). He believed and is following the command of JESUS to “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15 KJV).
If you meet Pastor Lloyd on the street, you might not recognize him as a mighty warrior, but you can be sure the enemy does. You should thank him for his service and thank GOD for sending him.
Wayne Lance (2015) – That’s Good News to Share!