LoR-Cannon
- 1. February 9, 2014 Dear Bishop Mueller, I am pleased and excited to be recommending Pastor Scott Shafer for a position within the United Methodists of Arkansas. In order for this to make sense, I need to take a moment to describe myself. I am a retired US Navy service member who had the pleasure to meet Pastor Shafer during my last tour of duty at 3d Medical Battalion, Okinawa Japan. I am agnostic at best, but my family is well versed in the Church. So, I have a great respect for the good works that the Church has accomplished, but I temper everything with a dose of skepticism as a whole. Yet, even with that Pastor Shafer and I became close at work, and also developed a true friendship. This came about solely due to the type of man that Scott Shafer is. Upon reading your mission statement, I realized that Scott is the type of Pastor that you need in your organization. Developing Christian Leaders. Creating new places for new people by starting congregations and renewing existing ones. Engaging ministry with the poor. Stamping out killer diseases by improving health globally. Developing Christian Leaders Pastor Shafer has had a very demanding and challenging Congregation. We were both stationed upon the USS BLUERIDGE in Yokosuka, Japan, although at different time periods. The BLUERIDGE has approximately 1000 personnel assigned to the ship. This crew is as diverse as the United States itself. Yet, Pastor Shafer was the one who there for them all. US Navy Chaplains dont get to go home at the end of the day, they are there 24/7 for all of their flock. One aspect of what the USS BLUERIDGE accomplishes; is in its role as the Commander U.S. 7th Fleets flag ship. One mission is to foster goodwill through the Pacific. The BLUERIDGE provides Community Relations in every port that it visits. The Chaplain Corps is the primary coordinator of these events. In a given year, the BLUERIDGE visits 13 different countries and cities in the Pacific. Chaplain Shafer has touched the hearts and minds of people in Hong Kong, Thailand, Russia, Korea, and many more. There are very few men who can stand that type of pressure, but, there Pastor Shafer stood. Creating new places for new people by starting congregations and renewing existing ones. Pastor Shafer came into 3d Medical Battalion after the job was gapped for about 7 months. He walked into a position that was hollow and not well defined. He changed all of that. Pastors engaging and unique approach to the Sailors and Marines under is charge was exactly what the command needed. He had a very strict open door policy and was there to give blessings and benedictions at every event. Pastor Shafer also, was there for the hard times. Many a Sailor and Marine came to him when they needed spiritual guidance. Engaging ministry with the poor. Pastor Shafer was instrumental in creating a relationship with the AmerAsian School of Okinawa (AmerAsian). The AmerAsian school is composed of primarily single Japanese mothers with bi-racial children from American Service Members. Unfortunately, due to the political issues between the Okinawan and US government, the school and children are often given the
- 2. short end of the stick, both financially, and the children emotionally. Shafer saw a need and filled the gap. He established an afterschool program that assists the children in their studies. More importantly, he was the point of contact for Principal Midori Thayer, if any issues arose with any Sailors or Marines who came to volunteer from around the island. Stamping out killer diseases by improving health globally. Pastor Shafer worked with 3d Medical Battalion in Okinawa Japan. The mission of 3d Medical Battalion is to provide healthcare to the Sailors and Marines of the III Marine Expeditionary Forces (III MEF). III MEF has approximately 18,000 Marines and Sailors attached to it. Pastor Shafer is no stranger to the concerns and difficulty of promoting positive health choices. In closing, I personally asked Pastor Shafer to give the dedication at my retirement ceremony. As I stated before, I am agnostic at best. But, Pastor Shafers character and his true conviction of faith, impressed me and I realized he is the real deal. I was honored to have him bless my family and me as I started that first step out of the military. Pastor Scott Shafer has my strongest recommendation for a position within the United Methodists of Arkansas. He is an invaluable addition to your Family. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at XXXX@XXX. Sincerely, Rodrick Cannon