A Moving Veterans Day Tribute at Fellowship of Faith

Members of the congregation at Fellowship of Faith experienced a renewal of appreciation for individuals who served in the military and first responders during a special service on Sunday, November 10, 2013.  The church adopted the theme, “Giving Thanks for Your Sacrifice.”

The entrance and the lobby of the worship center were festively decorated in the brilliant red, white and blue colors of the American flag.  Smiling hosts also clad in patriotic colors, identified veterans as they arrived and guided them to the section reserved for those individuals who have served their country as well as those who are actively engaged in the military at present.  Proud veterans in uniform and others in regular dress assumed their rightful place during a time of regal honor and tribute.  They were accompanied by families—spouses, parents, grandparents, siblings, grandchildren, loved ones and friends.

There were several instances, almost too moving to adequately depict over the course of the event.  One such highpoint involved the testimony of three veterans; Michael Fuller, retired Navy officer who shared how much the naval experience prepared him to become a highly successful businessman after being forced to perfect a number of challenging business-related competencies onboard the ship to which he was assigned. 

A second moment of revelation occurred when Mary Williams, retired United States Army veteran, shared from the perspective of the plight of a young mother of a toddler while on active duty.  Ms. Williams became so connected to the needs of military personnel that she embarked upon a dedicated career to serve veterans after discharge from active duty.  She did so for thirty-seven years.

The third and perhaps most graphic time of sharing occurred as Solomon Bynes, Jr. a retired Marine, methodically unraveled the layers of emotional trauma involved in going into active combat at nineteen years old during the Vietnam War.  The son of a decorated Montford Pointe Marine, Bynes’ account was at times undoubtedly painful to retell. Selflessly, for the benefit of those in the audience, he reached far into his recall and recounted an era of horror and inner conflict all coupled with his willingness to fight for his country.  He ended the poignant recapitulation, which all but transported the congregation to the war-filled climate of Vietnam, with the words. “BUT, here is the good part!” 

He then shared a sequence of events which allowed him to rebuild his inner peace which led the way to healing.  That process began and remains intact today as he professes an intense love for Jesus Christ, the Bible and all it represents.  He held up the Bible to the audience with a smile and said, “I believe every word it says!” 

Following his release from active military Bynes eventually became a counselor for other veterans of the same war.  He quoted staggering numbers of Vietnam veterans who live among us today who have faced and are yet challenged by the ill effects of active combat duty.

At the end of the testimony of veterans, Associate Pastor Nelson Dean invited them to stand as the hymns of the various branches of the military were played.  All over the sanctuary, extremely proud men and women stood to their feet amid applause as they heard the strains of melodies they will never forget.  Included among them, Senior Pastor Wayne Thompson (photo shown) who arose from his seat as the melody of The Marines Hymn filled the sanctuary.  Brave men and women, sometimes denied full rights as citizens on native soil, all agreed that our country is worth fighting for and our freedom isn’t up for negotiation!  God bless these valiant men and women!

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The community is always invited to visit Fellowship of Faith Church International.  The church is located at 2553 Connally Dr. in East Point, Georgia.  You may visit their web site at:  www.fofci.com

The worship schedule is as follows:

Sunday Worship Services

9:00 a.m.

Intercessory Prayer – (Monday thru Saturday)
                                      ( Monday thru Friday)

5:00 a.m.
6:00 p.m.

Tuesday Night Bible Study 

7:00 p.m. 

Thursday Morning Ladies Bible Study 

10:00 a.m. 

Friday Night Family Enrichment Seminar 

7:00 p.m. 

~Services are interpreted for the deaf.~