Lesson 180: Down by the Riverside

Kentucky Chaplain David Chaltas

DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE

As I gazed across the pristine river that flows through Elkhorn City, Kentucky, from the confluence of the Breaks Interstate Park (Grassy Creek) and Russell Fork (North Fork of the Kentucky River), I was in awe of the setting. There, nestled between the flows of unspoiled water, is Polly Island. That would be the location of the church service. A small walking bridge connected the island to the main portion of land and as we walked the island, we (the young parson, Mr. Lincoln, a couple boys in gray and blue and I) decided the best location would be at the point where the artillery was placed. Our flags were positioned in the sand, the Cross was situated upon a modest knoll, and I asked the young parson and Mr. Lincoln to step away with me for a moment of prayer and petitioning, as I felt a burden.

I had prepared a lesson. In fact I had ten pages of ‘lessons’ to distribute. But felt that it was not my day to lead. I was only to be a shepherd. Young Zak was to be the special guest chaplain. We prayed and then continued watching the gathering of the people. My heart leaped with joy and awe as the crowd continued to cross the bridge. I greeted them with a welcome and a small rock that represented the solid foundation of Christ and asked each to keep it in his/her pocket as an reminder of His protection and presence. My friends gave out the lessons and we began with a welcome.

I asked Mr. Lincoln to offer the invocation and he spoke of Jesus in the temple at the young age of twelve. Ms. Jennifer set the mood by singing Long Road Home and then I too introduced the young parson of ten years to do his bidding. From the moment he spoke, I knew that this day was in God’s hands and all my plans were not HIS. God used the wisdom of HIS will to speak through this child. The crowd was stunned by the young parson’s words. The poem that he had written touched so many. I spoke to his father, Hoot, expressing my sheer elation and in a moment he stated that Zak wanted to be baptized in the river today. He could not wait. As I looked into this young child’s eyes, I saw a spark that caused my eyes to overflow with wonder. We waded into the cold waters and as I asked our young parson the question, he gave an outward testimony of an inward change that shook my being.

  

General Parsons assisted me, as we lowered the anointed child into the water. When he sprang forth from the living waters, I saw a new being and when I looked into the crowd, I witnessed yet another miracle. Not one eye was without tears of joy and gratitude. A young banjo picker began playing Shall We Gather by the River, as the other service held in camp dispersed to see what was unfolding in the river. One of the young men came bounding forward and ran to the water. His heart was on his sleeve, as he proclaimed Christ. Britt offered his testimony with a shout and the congregation wept openly. You could feel the power of Christ amongst the people. Then I saw little David taking off his shirt, as his mother stood proudly by weeping with joy. This small child boldly stepped forward and asked to be baptized. He stated that he loved Jesus and when I embraced him, I felt the presence of our Redeemer and was in awe that God was showing men how to proclaim Christ through our children. I wept openly and unashamedly.

The people began praising God and asking for prayers. The prayer requests included safety for sons currently serving in Iraq, health of family members, prayers for salvation of loved ones and unity among the brotherhood and unspoken prayers of the people. A young major from Ohio who was wearing the gray asked for prayers for his wife’s safety. She is currently in war torn Africa where a civil war in currently raging. A wonderful lady asked to remember her loved one, as he undergoes surgery. I asked to remember my dear friend in prayer as she fights severe thyroid problems. We asked for prayers for little Hailie and family, along with Charlie Hamblin and others that we knew. A man offered his praise and testimony for surviving open heart surgery. ALL shouted glory to God in the highest, as our young parson closed in prayer.

The aftermath found my body exhausted but my soul filled with peace and a satisfaction that I cannot explain nor do I wish to do so. For we all recognized on Polly’s Island the undeniable truth that Christ was in the camp and His bidding was done not by this old parson but by a mere lad anointed by God. That day the torch was passed to our future generation; as they embraced the truths of our Heavenly Father. They are destiny’s children and we may rest assured that through them, God’s message of love and salvation will be shared. (John 3:16; Matthew 3: 1-17; Matthew 21:16; Acts 1:5; Acts 2:38) Humbled by what transpired down by the riverside, I remain your obedient servant in Christ, The Old General