A Life of Service

A key word that we can use in association with Veterans Day is "service." So many have answered the call to serve our country in the U.S. military, and we honor their contributions. We can evaluate our own level of service - to God first, and then to others. 2nd Timothy 2 states:
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.
21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

I am so grateful to see how those who have served in our military are using their background in order to make a difference in our society.  I have had the opportunity to serve with a number of our veterans in the worship ministry at Maxwell Air Force Base, and have seen their incredible dedication to their country and to Jesus Christ.  They are continuing to serve to strengthen those who currently serve and to derive spiritual encouragement and growth from the experience. 

It's also gratifying to see how those who have served in our military are giving back into various roles outside the Armed Forces.  One such example is a former Navy SEAL named Jared Hudson.  After his time in the military, he enlisted in a different sort of fight - to address human trafficking.

An article at the 1819 News website spotlighted Hudson and his work with Covenant Rescue Group, which he formed after being involved in another organization and observing what was occurring overseas - the article notes:

With the help of his wife, Hudson gathered experts to fight human trafficking. They work to bring hope and justice to victims.

The article goes on to say:

Under the umbrella of human trafficking, Hudson said there are various types of black-market businesses, including the child sex trade, prostitution, labor trafficking even organ harvesting.

Regarding kids, some children are sold by their parent or guardian, and some have been impacted directly by their parent or guardian. Many times, Hudson said parents who sell their kids are living in poverty.

It also says, "As impoverished children age, Hudson said it is common to see teen girls selling their bodies to make money."

And, in a strong warning to parents, "Hudson said many of the cases he deals with started with a smartphone." He said: "You want to protect your kids? Then protect your kids. God gave them to you for a reason...There is no reason a child should have a smartphone and have access to the entire world."

On its website, Covenant Rescue Group states:

The heart of CRG is to bring good news of hope and freedom to the millions of victims of human trafficking around the world - to release the captives, bind up the brokenhearted, to bring swift, sure justice to their captors.

CRG provides funding for REAL-LIFE operations that lead to REAL rescues, arrests, and prosecution. We provide essential training and equipment for law enforcement. We create teams that are dedicated to the mission. We spread awareness, advocating through news, social media, and conferences to the growing global problem of human trafficking and how to end it.

Hudson's website notes:

Beyond his military and entrepreneurial success, Jared is a man of faith, rooted in his Christian beliefs, finding strength and purpose in his relationship with God. He recently authored a book called ‘Waging War in the High Places - The Armor of God through the Eyes of a Navy Seal’. He speaks to church groups throughout the nation discussing many different topics with a main focus on the Armor of God.

About 2-1/2 months ago, Covenant partnered with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office in a sting operation that netted 11 arrests, including a state trooper, according to CBS 42 television. Hudson is quoted as saying, “They’ll steal your kids’ mind and talk your kids right out of your house. That’s the thing you need to be cognizant of.” 

The article stated:

“There were 11 felony arrests made,” Hudson said. “So if that doesn’t show you the prevalence, I guess, of child exploitation or human trafficking in particular through child exploitation, then I don’t know what does.”

When it comes to signs of trafficking, Hudson said to look out for behavioral changes in children. They can include heavy drug and alcohol use, social disconnection and irritability. Hudson did explain that unless you’re familiar with that child, changes in behavior can be hard to notice.

And law enforcement is dedicated to fighting this scourge.  CBS 42 quotes from Montgomery County Sheriff Derrick Cunningham, who said: “The message today to you should be that you should see what’s going on around the state,” adding, “We in law enforcement are sick and tired of it. We’re putting an end to it.”

This is a great example of someone who served our country in the military and is continuing to serve our country is attempting to rid it of criminal activity which preys on our children.  So, today, we honor those who have served and are reminded that their service, even continued service after the military, can be an inspiration. 

For Christians, I think we can recognize that God is never finished with us as long as He gives us the capacity to engage in service.  That's a great lesson for those serving in our Armed Forces, and for any believers.  We serve Jesus with all of our hearts, then we go home when He calls us. And, even in eternity, the Bible teaches that we will have roles even in heaven.  We can dedicate ourselves to lives of service, always learning and growing, developing the gifts and skills God has given us, so that He might receive glory.