Newsline Chaplain Mickey Jett


This compilation of news is to acquaint our readers with what is happening in the church world. The does not necessarily endorse the activities reported.


COMPILED BY LANCE COLKMIRE lance_colkmire@pathwaypress.org


Christ in a land where the cross is not always welcome. “This tour of duty has been quite an experience. The com- mand was just setting up its operational headquarters when I arrived—there was no chapel, no established chaplaincy. I went to work directly for the commander as one of his staff officers and set about to organize all aspects of


religious support across the com- mand. Most Protestant denomi- nations are represented here, from Anglican to Pentecostal. Sadly, I have conducted several memorial services. Most have been for our Canadian allies —young soldiers lost in battle. These moving occasions bring a sobering reality to this ministry and how vital it is.”


Watsons Complete 31 Years in Ocala Giving Hope in Afghanistan


KABUL, Afghanistan—“In my position as the joint command chaplain for the International Security Assistance Force, I have the privilege to daily touch the lives of troops from over 42 dif- ferent countries that are a part of NATO, as well as the lives of the Afghan people,” reports Church of God Chaplain Mickey Jett. He is serving a one-year tour with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan. “Based at the North Kabul International Airport, I am the military ‘padre’ who lives and works with his soldiers, going through the same hardships and daily ups and downs of a long deployment in a hostile envi- ronment. Here, opportunities abound to be a witness for the good news of Jesus Christ, so I remain ready to give an account to the soldiers of the hope that resides within me. Many of them have never met a minister


28 EVANGEL • JULY 2010


or had any kind of upbringing in the church. Having a chaplain in their midst is a new experience; when the inevitable problems come, they seek me out. “Opportunities come with the Afghan people too. For example, the women of Afghanistan recently celebrated International Women’s Day. At the bazaar on the base where these women were holding a special event, I came across a woman selling scarves, nuts, and fig jelly. Her young daughter was sitting quietly behind her, not saying a word. I reached out and gave the mother some candy to give to her daughter. As I smiled at them, I could see the mother looking at the cross on my uniform—she knew what it symbolized. The mother smiled and placed her hand over her heart and said, ‘Thank you.’ It was a moment to witness for


OCALA, Fla.—James Randall and C. Annette Watson met when she was conducting a revival in Leesburg, Florida. They were married in January 1964. For six years the Watsons served as evangelists in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida. Their first pastorate was in Wildwood, Florida, from 1970 until 1978. In August 1978 they began their pastorate at the Ocala Church of God, which was renamed Living Waters Worship Center in 2001.


The Watsons led the Ocala congregation in purchasing over 31 acres; completing five building programs; and developing a Christian academy, a child-care facility, and a thrift store. In addition, the church has reached out to the commu- nity through prison and benevolence ministries. Pastor Watson helped the Church of God obtain what is now the Heart of Florida Youth Ranch. In February 2008, Pastor Watson opened the doors of Living Waters to allow another church, Christ


Randall


and Annette Watson


the King Anglican Church, a place to worship. After 31 years of pastoral ministry in Ocala, the Watsons retired in February 2010, yet they plan to continue preaching and teaching. On March 7, John C. Childers, Living Waters’ new lead pastor, appointed Bishop Watson as pastor emeritus.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32