In the book of Titus 2:11-15 "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.  It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious
appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.  These, then, are the things you should teach.  Encourage and rebuke with all authority.  Do not let anyone despise you."

The power to live as a Christian comes from the Holy Spirit.  Because Christ died and rescued us from sin, we are free from sin's control.  God gives us the power and understanding to live according to his will and to do good.  Then we will look forward to Christ's wonderful return with eager expectation and hope.  Matthew 28:18-20  Then Jesus came to them (eleven disciples) and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy

Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

When God calls us, he doesn't want excuses or pleas to wait; He wants our obedience.  If we are surrendered to Him, the only thing we can answer when He calls us is "yes".  Could it be that God wants you to lay aside your plan for your life and take up His call--spreading hope to a rapidly changing world?

Have you asked Jesus into your heart?  Ask Him today to come into your heart and be the Lord and Savior of your life.  Then let him use you to spread the good news to those that need to hear about Jesus love.

Please pray for Marion and Kay Goble as they prepare for our reunion this year.  I am grateful to them for all their work on behalf of all of us in the Association.

God's blessings upon all of you in 2004.

Chaplain Marvin Watson RM-3 (60-63)
3149 Sequoia Drive
Lincoln, Nebraska 68516
(402) 421-8957

Happy New Year shipmates!  Wow, 2004, where has time gone?

Thanks for the e-mails and phone calls alerting me when fellow shipmates are ill and in need of prayer.  My wife and I list them on our daily prayer list. 

We live in a world that is changing rapidly and uncontrollably.  Feelings of instability, insecurity, and inadequacy surround us, but we have an enduring source of hope: God does not change.  His power and love, expressed to us through His unchangeable Word, have remained constant.  When we have God living through us, we can have a sense of stability, regardless of storms blowing about us.  God's provision of hope--carried out by His Spirit--is part of our salvation.  One of the responsibilities of the Holy Spirit is the renewing of our mind.  He empowers us to think about our circumstances as God does.  Unless we observe the difficulties and instabilities in our life as God looks at them, we will never be able to see the best plan for dealing with our trials and stresses.

QM 1952-55 Angelico, Robert "Bob" Streator
BT 1950-52 Campbell, Hershel McLeansboro
LTJG 1961-64 Clissold, Edward  Northfield
CB 1953-54 Elder, Bob  Belleville
SN 1960-62 Finn, John  Rockton
SN 1960-68 Johnson, Jr., Scott Sparta
DC2 1952-53 Leopold, Vincent E. Highland
SN 1951-54 Maurice, Howard  Mount Carmel
MM 1960-63 Michels, Jim  Decatur
EM 1961-64 Moffitt, Larn  Catlin
CS3 1965-69 Mohlenbruck, Samuel Creve Coeur
EM 1963-67 Schleder, Bill   Maroa
EM2 1953-55 Sekardi, Leroy  Springfield
LTJG 1969-70 Stevens, William  Winnetka
EN3 1970 Stubblefield, Darwin R. Mackinaw
GM 1963-66 Sylvester, Tim  Peoria
MM3 1961-64 Tolbert, Leon C.  Chicago Heights
MM2 1951-52 Tracy, Roy W.  Bridgeport
EMFN 1953-54 Wiesemann, Donald Quincy
BT3 1951-52 Wilhoyt, Robert   Kankakee