A couple of months ago, I was Tom McElhaney, pastor of High Point Baptist Church in Covington, Georgia. I spent my time attending to the daily tasks of a full-time pastor such as visiting the sick and newcomers to the community, preparing sermons, running errands, holding services, planning upcoming events.

I am now Chaplain (Major) Thomas McElhaney of the United States Army Special Forces. On October 7, I said good-bye to my wife, children, son-in-law and granddaughter to assume my duties at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. Americas war on terrorism changes daily. As I write this, I dont know if my unit will be assigned overseas duty or not.

I became pastor in Covington six years ago after leaving the army. The Pastor Search Committee knew my intentions to continue military service in the reserves. Immersing myself in pastoral duties, the reserves wound up on the back burner. I received the occasional mailing from the army and was surprised at a phone call in mid-July from Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Willoughby, informing me that my status had changed.

I had been placed on a roster for the 5th Special Forces Group in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. The militarys Special Forces run special reconnaissance missions, rescue operations and other high-risk operations. Special Forces include the Green Berets, Navy Seals, Combat Controller Teams, Para-rescuemen and other highly classified groups. (For more information on Special Forces, please see www.specialforces.net.) Chaplain Willoughby and I began to plan my annual training.

Then September 11, 2001, changed all our lives.

Shortly after the attack, I was notified that I should expect to be activated. My orders arrived. My date to report was October 8, not mid-October as expected. I had one week to pack up and report for duty.

Was it hard? Did I find it difficult to leave? Yes, I wont deny that I dreaded leaving my family and my home. I miss them as well as my church family, but Im comforted by the knowledge that Ill be in their prayers and their thoughts, as they are in mine.

As I stood in my office surrounded by bits and pieces of the past six years, I was reminded of all the steps wed taken together as a church. The new sanctuary, two church vans, the new media center, remodeling the old sanctuary into a youth building . . . we had been blessed with talented people seeing new ministerial needs and ways to accomplish them.

Yes, its been a test of faith to step out of my comfort zone into an unknown, but Im happy to have the chance to serve my country and my Lord. God has a plan, and I know that He has a purpose in moving me to this place at this time. While its not been easy, Im looking forward to sharing Christ in this new place of ministry through my words, attitudes and actions. I know that I have been given the opportunity to share Christ with many men and women who will probably be in harms way. In a time when words like Holy War are common on the evening news, I am confident knowing that I go into battle with the whole armor of Christ.

Its another exercise in faith for my church as well, which will make us stronger and more able to be effective in our outreach to people who dont know Christ. As a pastor, Im thankful for my congregation and proud to see how they are dealing with what God has for us at this time. Theyve been strong and supportive, and I know their strength and prayers will continue to sustain me while I am on this difficult mission.

There are many more like me from all walks of life being thrust into new environments to see to our nations needs. Please take a moment as you read this to remember the military men and women from your church, family, neighborhood and workplace, and support them with your prayers. While its difficult to leave our homes and loved ones, we serve with pride and love for our country. For me, its a special privilege to serve the Lord as well. Chaplains see many unique needs, especially during a time of crisis, and the Lord already knows the particular needs of each person Ill encounter. I pray for His guidance in attending to those needs and for the wisdom to recognize each opportunity to show Gods love and share Christ.

For more information about military chaplaincy visit www.namb.net/chaplaincy.