The chief of chaplains for the U.S. Army, a Southern Baptist, has called for a day of prayer and fasting in support of soldiers and their families.
Chaplain Major General Douglas L. Carver has issued a “Proclamation of Prayer and Fasting,” to be observed by fellow chaplains on April 8.
In the proclamation, Carver makes reference to the recent increase in suicides among soldiers and the “stretching and stressing of our forces” called upon to “fight a persistent war on several fronts.”
Carver writes that he hopes “the united cry of our Corps will be heard and answered regarding the protection, preservation, and peace for our soldiers and families.”
A large number of senior leadership chaplains from all military branches recently met in Hilton Head for a week of training. Representatives from the North American Mission Board and the South Carolina Baptist Convention, along with Frank Page, past president of the Southern Baptist Convention, were a part of the meetings, during which Carver announced the proclamation and asked participates to encourage their churches to join the chaplains in observing the day of prayer and fasting.
The Army chaplain’s school at Fort Jackson will hold a 24-hour prayer vigil as part of the day of prayer.
The full text of the proclamation follows:
