Submitted by Ed Nimmo
ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS
It’s not often that I think of war even though I served on active duty overseas in Vietnam during a period of unrest and hostilities, a period not unlike what we in America, and other countries of the world, are experiencing today with an unknown enemy called COVID-19.
One Sunday morning in the Air Force base chapel, following a spirited pastoral sermon, the pastor asked the congregation what song they would like to hear and/or sing. All was quiet until a young nurse stood up and politely announced her selection would be Onward Christian Soldiers, a most appropriate selection to all of us who are experiencing illnesses, separations from others, seclusions, and possibly death.
None of us were alive during the Spanish flue disaster in 1917-1919 when millions of the global population suffered this dreadful epidemic. Others of us were certainly alive when Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf coast and the 911 disasters, both killing thousands. The current pandemic, COVID-19, is affecting all of us and we need guidance on what to do and/or expect for our families and others. It’s a serious time and spiritual help can shine the light and we all need to believe in our Lord and keep the Bible and many of our songs in our thoughts and prayers.
A young nurse spoke for all of us in the chapel that day and all of us felt lifted as we sang the meaningful four verses, each ending with the spiritual refrain: “onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before.” That’s where we are today and trusting in our Lord to help us help each other through this invisible war.
Ed Nimmo
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