Last Updated on October 21, 2024 by OCF Communications

Volunteer to be a Mentor

Since 2020, OCF has received several requests for Christian mentors. As part of our Mentoring Campaign initiative, we are working to build a “stable of mentors” that are able to minister to others both locally and virtually. If you’re a seasoned mentor, we would very much appreciate your volunteering. If you would like to be trained as a mentor, we have the resources to help you with that, as well. Visit ocfusa.org/mentoring or contact Bill Rue ([email protected]) to learn more.

Special retreat for those in Mid-Atlantic & Northeast

Mid-Atlantic Regional Coordinator couple Joe and Kristi Chiaravallotti are coordinating a retreat for OCFers in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Regions. The retreat will take place 15-17 Nov. at White Sulphur Springs Conference Center, located in Manns Choice, Pa.

The goal of this retreat is to both encourage attendees in their faith and focus on fun and fellowship, which will include assorted group and individual games, competitions, and activities as well as typical White Sulphur Springs activities throughout their 1000+ acres. Visit whitesulphursprings.org/events to learn more and register, or reach out to the Chiaravallottis ([email protected]) if you have any questions.

Retreat planned for women in uniform

Women in uniform are invited to attend the next In His Service Retreat, coming up 8-11 Nov. later this year at Shepherds Pasture in Texas. This will be a weekend to rest, recharge, and connect with others who serve. OCF is delighted to sponsor this event alongside Olive Branch International, Planting Roots, Women in Love with the Lord, Cru Military, Military Ministry, and Navigators Military. To learn more and register, visit bit.ly/his-service-2024 (case sensitive).

New Hires

Sherry Greenleaf joined Officers’ Christian Fellowship on May 28 as the Assistant Director of Finance. Sherry brings 30 years of in-depth corporate and nonprofit accounting experience, leadership, and a passion for the Lord to the OCF team. Sherry and her husband, John, have four college-aged children. Sherry feels very blessed and inspired to serve the Lord in her new role at OCF and looks forward to connecting with each of you.

LTC Ted and Beverly Kaiser, USA (Ret.), will serve as our Europe Regional Coordinator couple, with additional coverage of Bahrain, Qatar, and members in Africa. They have been active with OCF for over 30 years and leading local Bible studies with OCF since 1998. They have served together as a Local Leader couple multiple times and as the USMA OCF OIC couple. Ted and Beverly reside in Sembach, Germany, near Ramstein and look forward to serving OCF members.

CH(COL) Bob and Tracy Phillips, USA (Ret.), will serve as our interim Field Staff couple at the U.S. Military Academy. Longtime OCF members, Bob and Tracy ministered to soldiers and their families for 26 years in the Army. After their military retirement in 2016, they went to the Virginia Military Institute where Bob served as the Chaplain to the Corps of Cadets.

CAPT Patrick and Jill Ropp, USCG (Ret.), are longtime OCF members. Pat is a 1991 USCGA graduate and was involved in OCF throughout his Academy years. Pat and Jill served alongside Coast Guard members and their families for over 25 years across the nation from Key West, Fla., to Alaska. In 2015 they played a critical role in acquiring OCF’s hosting home, Shepherd’s Fold, for the CGA Cadet ministry.

Summary of Spring 2024 OCF Council Meeting

Our regularly scheduled spring Council meeting was held this past April at White Sulphur Springs (see photo above). On the first full day we started with a Pray-Discover-Obey as a late snow fell on the blossoming tree branches outside. This meaningful time spent together set the tone and intent for a weekend focused on carrying out God’s will for the ministry.

The PDO was followed by a full day of ministry and financial updates from Scott Fisher, Chet Arnold, and David Punt. During this time, the Council approved the FY25 budget and the creation of a new ROTC Field Staff position at The Citadel, a decision reflecting the passion of OCF for expanding our ministry to ROTC Cadets and Midshipmen. The day ended with a time devoted to small group prayer and fellowship, where the Council members learned how we could better serve each other and the ministry.

The next day, a significant decision was made as Council voted to approve the purchase of the Meaders Home to increase staff housing at Spring Canyon. This year we also incorporated a Council-based fellowship activity led by Lars Tormey. During that activity we broke into several groups and walked and hiked around White Sulphur Springs, praying for the staff members and for all of the members and guests of OCF whose lives would be touched in various ways through their time at the retreat center.

—LT Cara Edwards, USN

Council elections start in November

The OCF Council Class of 2028 elections will take place this November. All regular members are eligible to vote in the monthlong election. Those elected to the 2028 Council class by OCF members will serve a 3-year term starting 1 June, with onboarding beginning in January. Candidate information will be available at our election website on 1 Nov. when voting goes live. For more information, contact Council Member Keith Purvis ([email protected]).