Allen is a Marine stationed at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan as an EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) tech. He’s been deployed in Afghanistan and returned.  He is a “good” Marine.  In addition to that he is a strong believer in Christ, now.   I spent some time with Allen and I would not have recognized the man he described himself to have been.  I saw a godly, strong, caring and sensitive man that is sold out to being used by Christ in any way the master see’s fit.  I sat in disbelief as he recounted his previous, not so endearing, characteristics.  I was reminded of the Apostle Paul as I processed through the amazing transformation that has taken place in Allen’s life.

Allen was not always a strong believer, in fact he says that the strong part is a recent development.  Allen came to know Christ in December 2004, was married in January 2008.  His relationship with Christ during this time was more “me” centered than “Christ” centered.  That non-Christ centered life manifested itself most acutely in his strained marital relationship.  His wife separated from him in December 2008.  You see Allen’s walk with Christ did not line up with his talk of Christ.  His Christianity looked OK from a distance but up close it did not line up.  After his separation he strayed further from Christ, not closer to Him and In July of 2009 Allen got orders to Okinawa Japan. His estranged wife did not accompanying him.  Fortunately for Allen, God did not give up on him even though he had wandered some distance away.

After arriving at Camp Hansen Allen attended a chapel service where Mike Thompson of the Hansen Christian Center (Cadence), made a general invite for anyone who wanted to come to the “House” on Friday night for fellowship and bible teaching.  Allen went and thus began a journey that to date is the most significant time in his life.  Allen turned back towards Christ, repented his sins, and poured his heart, soul, mind and strength into walking with Christ in all aspects of his life.  He has seen explosive growth in his Christian walk over the last year and a half under the care of the Hansen Christian Center directors Mike and Lisa Thompson. Allen has about ½ of a year left on his assignment before he can return home.

But, life is not all roses for Allen.  His marriage is still in jeopardy.  It is slowly moving in the direction of reconciliation but time and absence has taken a toll.  Allen’s estranged wife has not yet seen for herself the transformation that has taken place in his life.  Allen is acutely aware of his shortcomings in causing the situation that he now faces. I can personally attest to this man’s character today and have a hard time believing the character of the man he describes himself to have been. They are not divorced at this time but Allen has those papers she sent him on his desk in his dorm room as a constant reminder of the peril his marriage is in. His wife could have completed the divorce without him signing the papers but as of yet, has not. In the last month she has agreed to weekly Skype dates with Allen and allows him to talk via Skype to his daughter. Things are moving in the right direction and we are prayerfully watching as God works in Allen and his family and we desire to see this union, as I believe God does also, stay in place and flourish.

Please pray for Allen. Pray that God would sustain him and that he would continue to grow in his relationship with Jesus and become the man that God wants him to be and his wife and daughter need him to be. Allen is a testimony to the transforming power of God. Pray also for Mike and Lisa Thompson as they continue to pour themselves into the lives of these men and women whom God has called them to serve.

Jonna and I thank God for the privilege of being a part of Allen’s life and the others we spent time with on our last trip. God is so gracious that He allows us the privilege of serving Him by coming alongside the likes of Allen and others. Thank you Jesus for that precious gift of participation in the gospel with you.