God's Open Doors

By Danielle McCraney

When we began this new chapter in our lives of military chaplaincy, I thought it might be difficult for me to continue partnering in ministry with my husband Mark. Little did I know what God had planned! During our first Sunday at the base chapel where Mark preaches regularly, I noticed no one played the piano. On the second Sunday, the worship leader came to me and said,

“I understand you play the piano.” The following week I was playing the piano at chapel, my first step toward participating in the ministry in Rota. This has blossomed into playing for other chapel events as well.

I also began attending Protestant Women of the Chapel, a weekly Bible study group, as a way to meet people. Initially, it was not all I had hoped it would be, but God worked on my heart, encouraging me to step up and help make the group more effective by leading women to learn God’s Word. He opened the door for me to serve as a spiritual coordinator for the group, and it has been amazing to see women become excited about growing in their walk with the Lord.

This group has also given me an opportunity to mentor younger women in their marriages and parenting. Believe it or not, I am one of the older women in the group. How did I get so old so fast? It has been a wonderful privilege and blessing to mentor these young wives. Many days are filled with lunch or café con leche (coffee with cream) meetings to encourage ladies as their husbands are deployed, to help them adjust to life in a different country, or simply to build relationships that point them to Christ.

I’m sure God just smiled when I foolishly thought my ministry opportunities would be limited in the military. He was just waiting for me to walk through His open doors.

About the Writer: Danielle McCraney and her husband Mark are currently stationed in Rota, Spain, with their two sons. To learn more about the chaplain ministry, visit www.fwbnam.com. Reprinted with permission from Treasure magazine: www.wnac.org.

What is it like to be a CK (chaplain's kid)?

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a chaplain’s kid? ONE Magazine recently asked Lucas McCraney, age 12, and his brother Ethan, age 17, that question.

Lucas and Ethan enjoy being able to do ministry with different kinds of people. They love the opportunity to meet people from all parts of the world, including other military families who moved to Spain from several different countries. The various cultures and church backgrounds have allowed them to experience worship in new ways and gain a unique perspective on the importance of worship.

“Being a chaplain’s kid has definitely expanded our worldview,” says Ethan. “It has given our family the opportunity to live overseas.”

Lucas said his favorite things about living outside the U.S. are being able to see things he only used to dream about and enjoying free USO and Armed Forces entertainment tours. Both boys agree food has been one of the most amazing parts of living abroad. Their favorites? German schnitzel and authentic Neapolitan pizza. Ethan’s favorite memories are traveling and seeing history come to life.

What would the boys tell others about being a chaplain’s kid? Moving often (about every three years) can be scary, and being away from your family is hard sometimes. However, Ethan says, “it will ultimately shape the rest of your life.”

Lucas loves his new youth group, friends, and opportunities to serve. Ethan concludes"

“This is an amazing opportunity! If your dad becomes a chaplain, you shouldn’t take it for granted. Enjoy it!”