Border Guard Part 2 - Family

This is the 2nd installment of how to be a border guard for your Corps Officer.  After all, those Captains have a very difficult job - there are a lot of areas in which they are attacked on a daily basis.  Today, we look at what we as soldiers can do to protect the CO's family.

First, a word on why this is important.  While we all know that no one is perfect, the pastor's family life should be an example to others.  A mentor of mine once said, "The best witness you can have to your people is to be a good husband to your wife and a good father to your children."  It's that important.  If you want your corps to thrive, your Corps Officer must be healthy.  And for that to happen, the CO's family must be healthy.

So . . . what can we as soldiers do?  Let's think about a few ideas.  Here goes.

1. Look out for the pastor's kids.  Even though the officer is at your corps for a relatively short amount of time, your corps is the only congregation those kids have right now.  This might be an opportunity to set an example for the kids, give them spiritual guidance, or just to encourage them.  In one appointment, a woman became like another grandmother to our girls.  Rest assured, the kids will never forget that.  But neither will me and Beth. 
2. Rejoice with the CO's family when they rejoice.  On one Sunday School rally day, we had DHQ guests, and our older daughter responded, asking Jesus into her heart.  It was a wonderful day, and we were glad to share it with our soldiers.  Many noticed and shared hugs and prayer for thanksgiving.  Look for the subtle times when good things happen, and let them know how happy it makes you that you could be a part.
3. Notice when the family is in need and lend support.  This might mean during a camp while one officer is away, or perhaps when one family member is in the hospital.  One time, our daughter had a brief hospital stay that caused some temporary concern.  We felt so encouraged when a soldier family came to see her for a few minutes.  It doesn't require money and won't take too much time to visit, make a phone call or make a meal they can heat up during a busy time.
4. Be a "Safe From Harm" partner.  In this day and age, many ministry opportunities present themselves which are high-risk.  Like counseling someone of the opposite sex.  Or dropping kids off after youth programs.  By offering to sit in or ride along, you are providing protection for your officer:  Protection from accusation, misunderstanding and maybe even disaster.
   
5. Help protect the Captain's family time.  Yes, I talked about time last week, but this is a double-doozie.  If Friday night is supposed to be the officers' family night, remember that Sunday night was Salvation Meeting, Monday night was Bible Study, Tuesday was youth activities, Wednesday was music programs and Thursday was Corps Council.  You get the idea.  Now, if you think of some question you want to ask the Captain, don't call on Friday.  If it can wait, hold off until Monday during regular office hours.

Wow! That's only five things, but those would go a long way toward encouraging and protecting the CO's family.

What other ideas can you think of?