Encouragement

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The Foxhole Incident
© 2011

by

Stephen A. Peterson


United States Army Private Carolyn Ellis, a faithful, Christian person, generally found
it extremely difficult to speak up with regards to what she believed. She never tried to hide her Christianity. When situations presented themselves to explain her faith, Private Ellis experienced dry mouth, sweating as well as spasms in her legs. While in attendance to chapel services, the Chaplain spoke about how God can be and is honored in unexpected ways. He continued saying the Gospel is more often spread by the way of life we live.

During Basic Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Private Ramona Costas met Private Carolyn Ellis. For the entire day, both young women spent their time digging, camouflaging and preparing for the night training operation. While working and later defending their sector, Private Costas observed how cheerful, selfless and generous Private Ellis was even though she experienced just as much discomfort and anxiety digging and fashioning that foxhole as she did.

After the training was completed, Private Costas asked Private Ellis how she was able to dig a foxhole, work through being harassed by Drill Sergeants, stand all of the discomforts and remain phased by it all. Carolyn hesitated for a minute then responded: “My ability to deal the rigors of life comes directly from God. When things are so tough, I just put them in His Hands to handle. God can handle things much better than I can.”

When Private Costas had a moment to reflect, she had never heard Private Ellis speak of God until she approached her with a question. Once they returned to their barracks and training area, Private Costas decided to look into Christianity. She thought to herself: “I’d like to be able to live as happily as Carolyn Ellis lives.

Following Basic Training, Private Costas became a Christian. As both were transferred to different additional training stations, she recalled what her then “Battle Buddy” left her with. “What a tremendous way of witnessing for Christ!” thought Private Costas. Without any fanfare, Carolyn Ellis brought me to Christ. Rather than talk about her faith, she just lived it by her example.”

“I’m a talker,” thought Private Costas. “I wonder if Carolyn Ellis’ method will work for me? Only way I’ll know is if I give it a try. If it worked in Carolyn’s case, I bet it can work in mine witness too.”

What do you think?

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