Honors for Airman Stephens

Greetings from The Springs. We hope that you all had a fantastic Labor Day. Perhaps you were able to reconnect with some family members. Maybe you were able to get some much-needed rest. However the Lord blessed you this holiday prayerfully you used the time well.
The church was honored to hear about a couple recognitions given to Senior Airman Quintavius Stephens. He received the Air Force Achievement Medal, First Oak Leaf Cluster for outstanding achievement as Fire Team Member, 822nd Base Defense Squadron, and Moody Air Force Base. Airman Stephens and his team were confronted with a tornado passing though Lakeland and he directed his fellow airmen and a nearby motorist to seek shelter inside their tactical vehicles.
After the storm passed he orchestrated the removal of more than 20 fallen trees using an axe and their tactical vehicle to remove approximately three miles of obstructions along Georgia Highway 122. He also coordinated a secure route of travel with the Lakeland Police Department and the Georgia Department of Transportation to provide immediate assistance to tornado victims and stranded motorists.
Senior Airman Stephens received another award for his service in Iraq. He distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as Immediate Response Force Leaders 532nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Group and 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Airman Stephens provided more than 300 hours of over watch at one of the South Entry control points, which is the largest entry control point in Iraq.
During a routine convoy movement Airman Stephens quickly responded when an unauthorized vehicle tried to gain access to the base by infiltrating the lane between convoys. He positioned his vehicle between the unauthorized vehicle and the entrance to the base while directing forces to block the vehicle from escaping. His swift actions led to four individuals being detained, thwarting any immediate threats.
Finally Airman Stephens responded to an intelligence source movement where he safeguarded and transported a known informant from the Iraqi checkpoint to the interview room on base. He provided close security while the Office of Special Investigation agents conducted their interview with the informant. His efforts provided a safe haven, aiding the lead agents to solidify intelligence and in turn helped counter a possible complex attack.
Airman Stephens is the outstanding son of USBC member Carolyn Stephens and older brother to LaDarius Stephens both of Conyers. When you see Quintavius thank him for his military service as he protects our freedom.
During last Wednesday’s Bible Study Pastor Terrell answered questions that arose at the end of our session on numbers and their meanings. We are still studying Shadows and Types so join us if you want to learn more. Remember this Wednesday is Prayer and Testimony Night and regular study will continue the following week.
Now for the Word. Powerful does not even begin to describe the service on Sunday. It was one of those meetings where the Holy Spirit reigned and ordered the day.
Pastor Terrell’s text came from St. John 5:1-14 and we took another look at the man that suffered for 38 years of affliction We know that he would remain at the pool that had five porches waiting for the angel that would go down “at a certain time into the pool and stir up the water then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well.”
Jesus came along and asked the man, “Do you want to be made well?” The man not really knowing who Jesus was addressed him as Sir and said, “I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”
It is pretty obvious that this man had lost hope. He has seen so many others step into the water before him and receive their healing that he had given up. He truly had the desire in his heart but at the same time he has no faith. Even so Jesus heals the man.
The problem for the man is that he did not have hope in God but in himself. At this point he didn’t expect to be blessed but he expected others to be blessed. He did the same routine over and over seeing others go before him yet expecting the same result.
Pastor Terrell tells us that many of us are very similar to this man. Churches are full of folks that have given up on themselves. We must know that even if we have done something that we think is so bad God has already forgiven us. Can we believe that today is our day?
God works on our faith and desires. He knows all about us. The man in this passage has no faith but he does have a desire to be healed. Even when we are lacking faith if we have the desire to get more from God He can still stop by and bless us. Once He does we need to take up our crutch and carry it with us.
Now while we wait on the Lord what do we do? Serve Him! Pastor Terrell challenged us not to go back to the way it used to be. Tell yourself that you will not go back. Don’t get caught up in the same status quo. Don’t come to church just to go through the motions. Don’t go back to the way it used to be. Speak life to yourself. Shake it up. Today can be your day just don’t lose hope! Glory Be To God!

Printed in the September 6. 2012 edition.