An Alternative Ministry Worth Fighting For

On September 17, 1944, we were part of the first wave of Allied parachute troops that landed in the Netherlands. We were part of the massive airborne assault codenamed, Operation Market Garden.


The plane carrying me and my comrades from the 101st, encountered heavy anti-aircraft fire as we approached the jump zone. Our pilots were able to hold formation, and for the most part, we were delivered to the correct drop zones.

We made our drop to the west of the main highway near the villages of Zon, St. Oedenrode, and Best. My company, the 506th Parachute Infantry E Company (Easy Company), cleared Zon, but it was slow going with lots of casualties. 1st Battalion, under General Taylor, moved around the village to the south to seize the bridge crossing at the Wilhelmina Canal, but heavy enemy fire completely pinned them down as they tried to approach the bridge. We moved out of Zon and met up with 1st Battalion. We were starting to beat back the German defenses when the Germans blew the bridge.

Some of us were called to form a strike force and we slowly made our way across the river. We were finally able to destroy the Germans who had blown up the bridge and we were able to get everyone across. It was the first time I had seen battle - the first time I saw the carnage of war - the first time I ever saw what lead and bombs could do to flesh. I had lost my faith because of that war…until I met Chaplain Steve 64 years later.

There are many stories like this one. This particular story is told through the eyes of John. He was there in that invasion; 18 years old and fresh out of training. This was his first jump as a member of Easy Company, the “Band of Brothers” made famous by the HBO miniseries of the same name.

Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war. (Proverbs 20:18)

I want to fast forward a few decades. In the U.S. there are many men and women who participate in military re-enactments. They bring history alive from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, from the French and Indian War to WWII. One of the Deans of our Diocese, Fr. Stephen DelSignore is a re-enactor. He participates in an alternative ministry as a WWII Army Chaplain – in Easy Company.

Steven participates at the annual “Battle of the Bulge” reenactment at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania held every January. “Chaplain Steve,” as he is known, serves as the Chaplain for the 101st Airborne - complete with the period uniforms, and an authentic chaplain’s kit issued in the 1940’s.

When Fr. Steven told me about his involvement and how serious he was about this alternative ministry I was enthralled. You see it isn’t about men and women playing soldier. It’s about living our history, and it’s a living memorial to all the heroes of WWII - the fallen as well as those who came home.

The added reality to this memorial is that Fr. Steven is a priest. He takes his ministry with him and is able to impart to men and women, some who may never set foot in a church out side the Fort Indiantown Gap chapel, the grace of God, the Gospel of Christ.

Steven has told me several stories of his time as a Chaplain re-enactor. My favorite is the story of John. Since his experience in Holland, John hadn’t been in a church nor taken communion in over 65 years. He came to the re-enactment as a guest, meeting Chaplain Steve during his visit. By the grace of God, he reconnected with his faith while experiencing this amazing alternative ministry.

Remember, freedom has a price; it can’t be bought with dollars and cents. It can’t be measured by wealth and power. The price of freedom is rows of white markers. This weekend, celebrate your freedom, and remember what it cost.

Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:2)

Be thankful for freedom,

Bishop Ian

John receives communion - his first since WWII

An Alternative Ministry

I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. (1 Corinthians 9:23,24)

As you know I have been blogging and emailing about the Tour de Cure, a 68 mile bicycle ride from Jacksonville to St. Augustine benefiting The American Diabetes Association. It was a fundraising event, nothing “church” about it. Many of you generously donated who are not from the church, but you gave because you knew I am a diabetic and that this event meant a lot to me.

“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25)

The verse from Proverbs tells us we are to be in the business of building up and blessing others. The benefit of doing this is that people are refreshed because we help to refresh them. Your generosity added value to my life as a person living with diabetes because you cared enough about the cause. I was able to raise over $1100.00 dollars and for that I want to thank everyone.
Yesterday’s event wasn’t a “race” per se, yes there were teams in colorful jerseys and assigned rider numbers; there were teams from other states, and street racing teams with $3000.00 dollar carbon fiber frames. There were recumbent bikes, tandem bikes, beach cruisers, and even a tiny little bike with training wheels with its tiny little rider wearing an “I Ride With Diabetes” jersey.

One of my friends and a member of the Church, Dan Crowley joined me for the ride. Dan and his wife Trish picked me up at 6:00 am and dropped Dan and I off at the starting point. The game plan for us was simple. Steady pace and pray we don’t fall off. By God’s grace Dan and I rolled across the finish line 6 hours later. We had ridden 67.8 miles at an average speed of 15.2 miles per hour and without the check point stop times our total ride time was 4hrs and 46 min. We had finished what we started out to do.

There are many ways to give, many worthy causes. When we give we refresh others, as a result you also will be refreshed. You will experience the joy and contentment of knowing that life matters, that you are actually making a difference in the lives of others.

As I have said before. Diabetes changed my life, riding my bike has changed it as well. This is the first time I have ever done a ride for others. It won’t be the last. As Dan and I made our way to the third checkpoint he said, “We need to start our own team.” I agreed, and Team Resurrection was born. Join us or look for us in October, a 60 mile ride to raise money to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. This is our alternative ministry and we’re becoming the hands and feet of Christ.

You won’t be able to miss us; next time we will have our own colorful team jersey.

"Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." (1 Corinthians 9:25)

Be Alternative,

Bishop Ian