Religious education builds strong foundations

Published Oct. 20, 2010
By Steve Hoffmann
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Where do you go after you 'go in peace'? When the celebration has ended and you're sitting behind your monitor on Monday morning, how do you practice what the preachers preach? The answer might be found in one of the numerous chapel religious education programs for children and adults.

Keesler offers men's and women's Bible studies, prayer breakfasts, prayer rooms, fellowship ministries, children's church, Sunday school, outreach ministries and even a class on how to speak Hebrew.

"These programs are designed to take what we've learned on Sunday and activate it throughout the week," explained Chaplain (Capt.) Ralph Elliott.

For children, there is the traditional Sunday school during and after church on Sunday and then some not-so-traditional programs. The Protestant Youth of the Chapel meets 5-7 p.m. Sundays following training on Fridays where they do activities, games and have a meal. One recent activity was a role playing scenario where they practiced maintaining calm, cool, Christian character on the school bus when confronted with bullying.

If you're Catholic and want your children to have a more hands-on worship experience, there is the new Children's Church for ages 3-6 that occurs shortly after the adult Mass begins. This vibrant program is designed to translate the theme of the adult Mass into singing, dancing and activities that small children can understand and grasp.

"It's more hand-on," said Nicole Wakeley, parish religious coordinator. "Little activities like gluing letters onto foam crosses helps them stay engaged."

The Protestants also have church for children during their worship service. Children from ages 3-5 can attend this program. Off to the side of the Triangle Chapel is the preschool room where a lively experience is prepared for the toddlers.

"Everything is prepared. The crafts that need to be cut are cut, the drinks are poured and the snacks are ready," said Sheila Shepard, Protestant religious education coordinator. The program uses a curriculum developed by Cokesbury called Live B.I.G. designed to help children 'hear, see and live their belief in God.'

"They really get up on their feet. They love to sing and dance. It's wonderful to see," Ms. Shepherd said.

"Every step of the way, the children's programs and Sunday school classes are designed to help the children matriculate to the next level," said Chaplain Elliott. "It's where the fundamentals are being taught and the foundation is being laid."

If the children's programs are providing a good foundation, interior decoration and housekeeping happens in the adult bible studies. For Protestant men, women and teens, there are Bible studies that happen throughout the week. They usually follow a Christian-themed book and have discussions based on the week's reading. These Bible studies give people a chance to ask questions, to go deeper into their faith and talk and pray with others in a more intimate setting.

"I'm a big question asker," said Chaplain Elliott. "When I was in Bible study, I loved to ask questions and now that I'm leading them, I love to receive questions. I might not have the answers, but we'll pray and find the answer.

"When we share our testimony, we encourage others. I'm always amazed at what God does," exclaimed Chaplain Elliott.

And sometimes, there are opportunities to visit the homes of those in need. Chaplain Elliott also leads a men's prayer breakfast ministry that meets on the second Saturday of every month. Often the men visit local nursing homes and spend time with the residents. The nursing home residents get very excited when Chaplain Elliott and his team arrive on the scene.

"They don't want us to leave," said Chaplain Elliott. They start off play bingo for an hour. The choir will sing and a short sermon will be delivered. Then gifts will be given followed by many hugs and much love.

"They are smiling and laughing. It really brightens their day," said Chaplain Elliott. This ministry provides a much needed dose of love and attention to the residents. Most are in their 90s and 100s and rarely get visits from family members or friends.

"It's tough when we have to leave. Our visits to area nursing homes are rotated and we might not be back to the same one in five or six months," Chaplain Elliott lamented. "But they really embrace us when we're there. There are no other ministries in the area that do what we do."

But there are other ministries and churches in the area that partner with the chaplaincy at Keesler. This provides Airmen with opportunities to practice their faith and get involved with the local community at the same time.

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Biloxi partners and prays with the Catholic community on base and regularly invites them to participate in functions such as Bible studies and retreats.

Kevar hodesh ani lomed ivrit -- If you're of the Jewish faith and would like to learn the meaning of this phrase, there's a new six-week course on how to read Hebrew at Beth Israel Synagogue in Gulfport. Keesler members are also welcome at the synagogue's monthly Torah study and weekly children's Sunday school for kindergarten through eighth grade.

For more information on these and other religious education programs available on base and at local churches, call 377-4859.