ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Members of the APG community gathered to hear an uplifting message during the National Prayer Luncheon at the Top of the Bay club here May 5, 2022. This yearly tradition is an opportunity for the community to pray for military families and the nation, and it is for people of all faiths to build resiliency.
The observance on military installations and commands is an extension of the National Prayer Breakfast held in Washington, D.C., held each year in February or early March.
Eldred Moye Sr., chief chaplain in the Veteran Affairs Maryland Healthcare System, was the guest speaker. The theme of the luncheon was “power of prayer.”
Moye spoke about the heroic actions of Desmond Doss, a U.S. Army corporal who served as a combat medic with an infantry company in World War II. During the Battle of Okinawa, he saved 75 men, becoming the only conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor for his actions during the war.
“He refused to carry a weapon, yet, he had no fear of going into enemy fire,” Moye said.
According to Moye, Doss said the “power of prayer” helped him save so many men and face “horrific adversity.”
“He said ‘I was praying the whole time,’” Moye said. “He said, ‘I just kept praying, Lord, please help me get just one more.’”
Moye said the Lord wants us to call on him just like Doss did when he faced enemy fire.
“You don’t see the very things that God is protecting you from, day in and day out,” he said.
He challenged the audience to read Psalm 91, which promises believers the Lord will be with them in “times of trouble.”
“The Lord loves you,” he said. “Not only does he love you, he loves you more. And not only does he love you more, he loved you first.”
The event also featured special music and prayers from chaplains from the APG community. Brian Watson, U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command’s Army Evaluation Center, provided the national anthem.
Air Force retiree Julius Dow called the program “inspirational.” He has lived in Aberdeen for 30 years and is part of the Gospel congregation. He thanked the APG Chapel for their hospitality.
“Chaplain Moye’s message was about love,” he said.
Marsha Perkins, a military spouse, is a member of the Protestant congregation. She appreciated the comforting message of the guest speaker, she said.
“I enjoyed every bit of it,” she said.
More religious services
The Installation Religious Support Office offers in-person and virtual services for Catholic, Protestant and Gospel congregations. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/APGchapel/ or call 410-278-4333.
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