My husband and I (Dan and Misty Simco) really enjoyed the opportunity to come and fellowship with other former officers at the small conference this weekend held at Ladore Conference Center in Waymart, PA. The first day was pretty emotional for several of us. Colonel Mark Tillsley represented the Army at this event and he got our conversations started by using for key words: Calling, Crisis, Care, and Conciliation. The calling, at least for Dan and I, was not much of an issue. We knew that we were called by God to serve and that the Army was only a tool. So when we left, we did not feel like we were “uncalled”. Some, however, in our group did struggle with this whole idea that when leaving the Army, you are leaving your call.
Perhaps the most emotional time for the group was the crisis conversation. In fact, this is all the further we really got to on the first day because of all the hurts being expressed. I must say, that this is where I struggled the most. My husband and I were so hurt by our former D.C. that those words and feelings said by our leader is still haunting us today. I personally still struggle today with watching the dream God gave to me be taken away by a power hungry leader who forgot to ask the Holy Spirit which way to go. In fact, I felt the need to confess this hurt to the group in hopes of bringing on a quicker healing.
On Saturday, Mark asked us about what we would like from the Army. Dan mentioned that he would like to be contacted once in awhile and that he is willing to even do pulpit supply for the Army during kettle season. I dittoed that thought and added that the friendships are what I miss the most and would love to feel that kindred spirit once again.
After all was said and done and the last good-bye was expressed, Dan and I talked all the way home (3 hour trip) about our experience. We both felt the experience was enlightening and helpful in our journey toward healing; But perhaps more importantly, we felt this experience was a great expression of the Army’s desire to lessen the disconnect with its former officers. We both appreciated Mark’s heart in this whole matter. This event actually made us miss a bit of the Army’s comradery. We are both hopeful that this event will lead to greater things in the future
6 comments:
I am so glad it was a positive and encouraging experience for you. It will be interesting to hear from others as well. Onward and upward.
What??!! You mean to tell me that there are power hungry, cruel, manipulative, selfish people in the clergy who could care less about the Holy Spirit's prodding and that they sometimes (actually many times) make it to the top levels of ecclesiastical power structures??!!
Well, I just REFUSE to believe it! (LOL!)
Daryl Lach
USA Central
"You Must Go Home by the Way of the Cross, To Stand with Jesus in the Morning!"
Yup! The list is long and not so distinguished.
* I hit publish before identifying myself
Andre L. Burton
USA East - Greater New York
Dan & Misty are session mates of mine: Messengers of Hope 93-95. She was instrumental, a key player with the composition of our session song.
"We're Messengers, Messengers of Hope and right now we take our vow to tell the world somehow we will not give in to the power of sin for God is greater, this is our message of hope'".
Misty, I find myself often whistling this tune, lo
these many years. Thank you!
Andre L. Burton
USA East - Greater New York
Dan & Misty are session mates of mine: Messengers of Hope 93-95. She was instrumental, a key player with the composition of our session song.
"We're Messengers, Messengers of Hope and right now we take our vow to tell the world somehow we will not give in to the power of sin for God is greater, this is our message of hope'".
Misty, I find myself often whistling this tune, lo
these many years. Thank you!
Andre L. Burton
USA East - Greater New York
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