tfcglobal

By: Craig Maart

There is something about the sound of certain voices. Voices can stir excitement, anticipation, fear, or nervousness just like the soundtrack of an inspirational or scary movie. I know every time I hear the Jaws “baa-dump, baa-dump”, I am glad I am not in the water, and every time I hear the start of “Danger Zone” from Top Gun, I want to ride a motorcycle down a runway at 120 mph. Music has the power to move your emotions. A voice has the same effect. 

As believers, we cannot audibly hear the voice of the Lord, but we know the concept of listening to His voice. We can “listen” to what He has said in His Word, by doing what He says. We can “listen” to how the Holy Spirit guides by following that guidance. In Isaiah 28:23 it says, “Listen and hear my voice; pay attention and hear what I say.” This requires us to be connected to the source of the voice. 

What does this have to do with chaplaincy? I was covering for a chaplain in a local trucking company last week and really enjoyed benefitting from the fruit of the labor of their regular chaplain. On Thursday mornings our chaplain stops at 4 of this company’s locations. At one location I was able to follow up with an employee who had started sharing with the regular chaplain about issues in her personal and family life. At the last location of the day, I was asked to stop and talk with someone in the finance office. This man said, “I was so glad to hear your voice coming down the hallway. I knew the chaplain comes on Thursday, and I really needed to see the chaplain today. So when I heard your voice, it gave me reassurance I had someone to talk to.” In this case, I had a previous relationship with this man, so it wasn’t the first time we met. His words about the comfort in a familiar voice when you need it really stuck out to me. 

The voice of God and His children hearing His voice requires a close connection. In John 10:27 it says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Now I am in no way implying the voice of a TFC Global chaplain is the same as the voice of God, but the concept of a chaplain being the voice of God needed in a time of crisis, or just to talk to someone in need is a big deal. TFC Global chaplains serve with a ministry of presence and availability. The faithfulness and consistency of their voice being heard around a trucking company or truck stop is powerful. People look forward to it. It provides a sense of comfort and help to those who need that voice. 

It always fills me with gratification to hear the stories from our chaplains about interactions with the people they meet. It is especially gratifying to hear of the benefits of a constant presence in a company to the point where people anticipate being able to talk face-to-face with their chaplain. 

In 2 Peter 1:18 it says, “We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.” This verse is referring to the apostles who were with Jesus when the voice of God came from Heaven and said, “This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased (vs 17).” They were able to celebrate God’s voice together. 

Our chaplains have the challenge, privilege, and thrill of being with people when they repent of their sin, believe Jesus died for them, and ask God to save them. Chaplains have the honor of helping people lay aside every weight and sin that weighs them down as they turn to Jesus. Our chaplains get to be alongside people when they make spiritual progress and be on that “sacred mountain” space with them. 

I don’t know about you but this makes me excited to know first hand this is happening through the service of TFC Global chaplains. It’s time to turn up some “Danger Zone” and get after it for the sake of the Kingdom of God. Let’s go!