News>Feature - Bible study celebrates 17th anniversary
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LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va.-- The Langley Chapel has held a Bible study every Wednesday for 17 years to keep spirits high, and allow attendees to enjoy camaraderie devoted to encouragement and nurturing the soul. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Dana Hill)
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- Retired Gen. Richard Abel, former Office of the Secretary of the Air Force director of public affairs, speaks to members during an inspirational lesson of Bible study here Sept 30. The LangleyChapel has held a Bible study every Wednesday for 17 years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Dana Hill)
by Airman 1st Class Sylvia Olson
1st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
10/2/2009 - LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- Each Wednesday before the sun comes up, Airmen of all ranks meet for a dose of fellowship and faith at Langley's Chapel Annex.
The Langley Bible study has taken place every Wednesday for 17 years, keeping spirits high, and allowing attendees to enjoy camaraderie devoted to encouragement and nurturing the soul.
"For each individual, the Bible study provides spiritual nourishment and mentorship," said Chaplain (Maj.) Bill Burrell, senior Protestant chaplain. "It fosters a welcoming atmosphere; anyone of any faith rank or gender can walk in and feel comfortable. It has had this same welcoming spirit as long as it's been here."
The Bible study was the brainchild of retired Gen. Richard Abel, former director of public affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, and retired Lt. Gen. Stephen Croker, former Air Combat Command vice commander. General Abel was involved with Bible studies at other bases and thought it would be a good idea to start one here.
"Some may not attend church, but come here because it's a friendly get-together that's non-threatening," said General Abel. "It's a spiritual injection in the middle of the week that sets them on the right track."
Col. Stephen Moulton, Global Cyberspace Integration Center director of modernization and innovation and Bible study core leader, agrees.
"It's a mid-week pick-up; sometimes it takes willpower to go, but it's worth the effort," he said.
The study averages 20 to 30 attendees per week and begins with prayer. The group then delves into a lesson and discussion.
Topic series range in length from six to eight weeks to ensure military members who may deploy or go on temporary duty will not miss a lesson, said retired Col. Chuck Macri, national director for Military Ministry, a division of Campus Crusade for Christ International.
"These lessons re-energize military members who work very hard," he said. "It's a way to boost motivation and keep their efforts high for the Air Force."
Core leaders develop lessons that address an area of concern, a book of the Bible, or character theme, such as integrity or "Fruits of the Spirit." At times, special guests are invited to teach or speak about current issues for Airmen.
"If people have problems, they can come to us for help," said Colonel Moulton. "We'll do what we can to guide them into the direction they need to go."
Fellowship and mentorship are two of the best aspects of the Bible study, said General Abel, Colonels Macri and Moulton and Chaplain Burrell.
"Fellowship is key," said General Abel. "I've learned that in this world we work in it's great to see people you know from Bible study around base. It's a whole new dimension when you have fellowship with them."
According to Colonel Moulton, it is common to see people who have left Langley return for a TDY, and attend the Bible study. He feels it serves as a testament to the Bible study's stability and the loyal fellowship they provide.
"This 17th anniversary signifies a completion of a unique phase," said Chaplain Burrell. "It's continued to give leadership principles and guidance to attendees and help them succeed in their spiritual walk and Air Force careers."
The Langley Bible study meets every Wednesday from 6:15 to 7:15 a.m. in the Langley Chapel Annex auditorium.
For more information, call Colonel Macri at 928-7220 or Chief Master Sgt. Charlie Harris at 928-7262.
