Items of this media type are derived from a variety of OCF print sources, magazines, and booklets, or online content over the years.

Fellowship through ‘practical action’

2018-06-26T18:51:00-06:00Categories: IFP Rejected, Latest Articles|

OCF has provided transitory military Christians with two static places—Spring Canyon in Colorado and White Sulphur Springs in Pennsylvania—for abundant opportunities of Christ-centered fellowship, programs and fun. The ideal end result: being equipped to reach others for Christ throughout the military society—and form lifetime friendships.

Finding certainty in an uncertain world

2020-12-03T12:59:07-07:00Categories: IFP Rejected|

We live in a hurting world of people desperate for answers. As a Christian, you already have the answer—Christ in your heart. If you have successfully guarded your face, heart and mind, when uncertainty strikes those you lead will look to you and find comfort and confidence. And they will also be curious about the source of your peace.

God is real and active in our lives

2018-03-28T11:42:00-06:00Categories: Featured, General|

Army CWO2 Sheldon Duffy and his wife, Salena, share their story of Sheldon’s near-death experience with leukemia and how they endured the trials and uncertainties of not knowing if he would survive.

Unique stressors of the military family

2018-06-08T05:49:14-06:00Categories: Family, Transitions|

Like you, my husband, Steve, and I know what it’s like for our marriage to have to go into survival mode during extended periods of separation. We know the pressure of caring for children in the midst of huge transitions. We know the challenge of supporting each other when our own personal resources are depleted.

Making the ‘no greater love’ sacrifice

2018-06-23T11:50:01-06:00Categories: Chaplains, Supporting the Chaplaincy|

The Four Chaplains, also referred to as the "Immortal Chaplains" or the "Dorchester Chaplains," were four United States Army chaplains who gave their lives to save other civilian and military personnel as the troop ship USAT Dorchester sank on February 3, 1943, during World War II. They helped other soldiers board lifeboats and gave up their own life jackets when the supply ran out.

  • Photo by Heather Cortright

Time, Talent, Treasure: Warrior Forge

2018-05-09T14:56:19-06:00Categories: ROTC|

Before Army ROTC cadets can be commissioned as second lieutenants, they must successfully complete what is now known as the Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC), a training event developing their leadership skills while evaluating their officer potential. Once held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, LDAC —Warrior Forge—now takes place at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Part of an amazing lineage

2020-12-03T12:59:08-07:00Categories: Godly Character|

Don’t you love it when the Lord reveals something new through His Word? I have read Matthew many times. And I’ll admit that I usually skim past the genealogy to get to the “meat” proclaiming the birth, life and good news about our Savior. Recently, however, my eyes were opened to two truths that penetrated my heart, ensuring that I will never again fast forward past these verses and forever ponder my lineage and legacy.

Speak my language

2018-06-27T14:11:44-06:00Categories: The Military Spouse|

Marriage is hard enough for the everyday civilian. But add in the unique challenges of deployments, frequent moves, and high-pressure situations, and it’s no wonder military marriages are under stress.

How do you see others?

2020-12-03T12:59:09-07:00Categories: Military Leadership|Tags: |

Do you see others as the Lord sees them, as diamonds waiting to be set free to achieve their full potential? Steward leadership is taking care of the people who have been “given” to you, developing their full potential, and earning you those wonderful words from the ultimate Steward Leader, “Well done thy good and faithful servant.”

God, are you with me?

2018-10-11T08:26:35-06:00Categories: Communicating with God, Enduring Hardship|

The following short story was written by OCF member MAJ Mario Miglietta, USA. It is based on a story told during an OCF Bible study that he attends. A person in the Bible study told of a Soldier from his battalion who had fallen on hard times, but who found encouragement and hope from a letter he received from his little sister. Mario says he was inspired by that story and wrote about what the Soldier had gone through—"how I imagined the story evolved."

  • Photo by US Army

How do others see you?

2024-05-28T15:26:02-06:00Categories: Leadership, The Christian Officer|

How do others see you fulfilling your dual commissions? Do they see a leader who cares for them with the heart of Jesus, who is humble, grace-filled and selfless, and who ultimately serves the One and only Lord? As you serve your nation and serve your Lord, you will have ample opportunities to shine the Light of Christ through your love and service to others.

  • West Point Cadets hug at the completion of the 2014 graduation and commissioning ceremony at the United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y., May 28, 2014. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Mikki L. Sprenkle/Released)

Four lessons in leadership for young warriors

2018-06-25T12:16:10-06:00Categories: Military Leadership, ROTC|

When commissioned at an OCF bar-pinning ceremony twenty years ago, I was ready to take on the world, but acutely aware I knew little about leadership and military service! Through mistakes and the Lord’s patient refinement, I learned that the Bible is the greatest leadership manual ever written, but we must apply its timeless truths to the circumstances of our lives.

How does the Lord see you?

2020-12-03T12:59:09-07:00Categories: Stages of Growing as a Christian|

Not many of us give much thought to that question on a daily basis. And truthfully, some days I may not really want to know the answer. But knowing how the Lord sees us is something we must consider because the answer dramatically affects our calling. 

Communicating hope beyond suffering

2018-06-26T08:15:00-06:00Categories: General, Military Leadership|

Authentic leadership deals with life's real issues of pain, trauma and suffering while pointing beyond to a life in Christ. As Paul reminds us, our present trials are but a means to an end; particularly for the Christian leader, hope is the final reality of life.

From Mid to Married to Mom

2018-06-23T15:30:46-06:00Categories: The Military Spouse|

We’ve been through a lot in our four short years of marriage, but it’s been exciting to look back and see how God has been a part of it all, especially in the last two years. God poured out countless blessings on my husband in the pursuit of his dreams, making it through the arduous training without any major injuries or setbacks. I couldn’t be prouder of him!

The Lord—your refuge in a high optempo

2018-06-23T17:39:05-06:00Categories: Loving God|

As Christians, we have the privilege of serving the King of kings and Lord of lords. But He also invites us to come aside and just enjoy being His children. That time will stoke the brightness of His light within us and our faces will reflect that glory He gave us! Where’s your refuge?

What you do and how you lead does matter

2020-12-03T12:59:10-07:00Categories: The Christian Officer|Tags: |

Congratulations to the OCF Class of 2012! We who have gone before welcome you to the profession of arms and the start of your great race the Lord has set before you. Crossing the threshold, you now carry two commissions simultaneously: one conferred on you from our Commander in Chief and one from the King of kings. 

A Man of Faith and War

2018-06-26T08:17:41-06:00Categories: May A Christian Be A Warrior?|

One Christian of distinction, who fought in five wars, was U.S. Army Brigadier General Gustavus Loomis. In Loomis is the ideal balance of Christian faith, devotion to family, and excellence in military service.

Share My Calling

2018-11-27T10:43:51-07:00Categories: Challenges and Opportunities of Deployment|

When Rob shared his vision with me, I had been an Army wife for nearly eleven years—all of our marriage. I would have described myself as supportive of his career. I understood a fair amount about the military, had attended countless functions, and attempted to make the most out of each move. Wasn't that enough? What else did he need from me?

Stoking the Fire

2018-06-23T17:39:09-06:00Categories: General, Loving God|

Got fire for the Lord? Keep it burning by stoking your flame. We must tend to the fire-to the love relationship with our Lord. Anything less is abandonment. Remembering, repenting, and returning stokes that fire and results in peace and power.

  • Ruins of Masada. Photo by Flickr user LSG05

Passion for Leadership

2018-06-28T16:50:58-06:00Categories: Military Leadership, ROTC|Tags: |

The godly leader is indeed a powerful witness for Christ. When we follow Christ's example—and let Him take the reins of our leadership—we will experience a calling that is fulfilling beyond measure, and one in which the results are undeniable.

Battle Rhythm

2018-06-25T09:39:54-06:00Categories: Loving God|

How are you doing when it comes to sorting through the competing priorities in your life? What's your battle rhythm?

Being a spiritual point man

2018-06-23T17:39:13-06:00Categories: Spiritual Warfare|

There may be times when you're discouraged, when your spiritual strength and confidence may be shaken, or when you grow tired from the high spiritual operational tempo. Do not lose hope!

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