Dale A. Ormond (right), director of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, presents keynote speaker Mike A. Battle Sr., senior adviser to the U.S. Department of State's African Bureau and retired U.S. Army Reserve chaplain, with...
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (July 17, 2014) -- About 200 APG Soldiers and civilians gathered July 16 at Top of the Bay for prayer, reflection and fellowship.
The Community Prayer Luncheon, hosted by the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, featured a keynote address by Mike A. Battle Sr., senior adviser to the U.S. Department of State's African Bureau and retired U.S. Army Reserve chaplain.
Battle focused on the event's theme: from adversity to prosperity.
"The concept of moving from adversity to prosperity is deeply rooted in the very fabric of our collective and individual core. It's one of the most common notions aspired to by all people -- every nation, every religious tradition, every cultural context and every national origin," he said. "Prosperity has to do with our being well. Not just economically.
"Prosperity is a holistic concept that deals with our being well economically, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Prosperity is more than a state of mind. It is an assessment of our total well being."
Battle stressed the importance of hope and not succumbing to adversity.
"Through it all, through every circumstance, through every cloudy day, through every dark knight, through every trying moment, we are never crushed, we are never in distress, we are never in despair, we are never abandoned, and we will never be destroyed," Battle said.
"There is nothing permanent about adversity. There is nothing transcending about adversity. There is nothing that is everlasting or eternal about adversity. Adversity is temporary. Adversity is momentary. It will pass.
"Never allow adversity to be the constant in your life. Never allow prosperity to be the delusional constant in your life. Let God be the constant. Open your eyes. You will survive. You will have faith. You will have power. You will be able to overcome the adversity. Prosperity is just around the corner."
The event also included several gospel musical performances by Laymetha Reed-Guy and scripture readings by Soldiers and Army civilians.
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