Greater Love Hath No Man Than This, That He Lay Down His Life For His Friends….John 15:13 (KJV)
The beginning of 2026 marked the 5th anniversary of service as Chaplain at the United States Coast Guard Station in Galveston, Texas. Looking back on the past half-decade, I am overwhelmed by the blessed moments God has given me to do amazing ministry among some of the most outstanding people who have answered the call to service. I have conducted many spiritual sessions in galleys, on the decks of cutters, in the station office, or out on patrol in one of our motor lifeboats. I have presided over changes of command for dozens of units and vessels and been present during some of the most challenging moments of people’s lives.
The strange thing is that I have never viewed my chaplain endeavor as work; it is more of a spiritual revival within my soul. When I put on the uniform and travel down 45 to Galveston, I can feel a weight lift off me, and by the time I am traveling over the Causeway, looking out over the waters of the Gulf, I am at peace. I know that Christ has prepared a moment of ministry for me in the days ahead, but I’m never quite sure what it will be.
The other reality is that I never know whom I will encounter; my job is not to minister only to those of the Methodist denomination, or even just to Protestants; it is to provide spiritual and emotional care to all those within my charge. This means that I never quite truly know who God is going to put into my path for support, which is actually pretty exciting.
Many times, I have been able to share my faith in Christ Jesus simply because another person feels safe within my company and asks a question about my own religious convictions. Those moments I cherish and keep them in a special place within my heart. It also leads me to share the following story with you.
On February 3, 1943, the USAT Dorchester was struck by a German torpedo in the icy North Atlantic. Aboard the ship were four Army Chaplains, Lt. George L. Fox (Methodist), Lt. Alexander D. Goode (Jewish), Lt. John P. Washington (Roman Catholic), and Lt. Clark V. Poling (Dutch Reformed), who sprang into action.
These men had become fast friends during Chaplain training school and even closer as they ministered to the men in their charge on the voyage across the Atlantic. But when the torpedo struck, they did not think of their own safety; instead, they opened supply lockers, distributed life belts, and, when those ran out, removed their own coats containing life preservers and handed them to terrified young soldiers.
Survivors in the freezing water later recounted the unforgettable final moments of the chaplains. As the ship slipped beneath the waves, the four men stood on the sloping deck, linked arm in arm, praying and singing hymns in Latin, Hebrew, and English. Of the 902 men aboard, only 202 survived.
These men did simply minister to those of their own tradition or communal connection. They did not refrain from supporting those who were of a different denomination. Instead, they went to their deaths arm in arm, caring for souls with their last breaths and clinging to their brother chaplains in support and solidarity.
Though it might sound like a Hollywood Movie, it was a real moment in history. And the lesson to us today is to remember that our greatest calling (other than submission to our Lord Jesus Christ) is to love our neighbors in ways that transcend social barriers, denominational connections, and religious convictions.
You will find that if you adopt such a quality of radical love and openness to discussion and ministry, God will place some amazing people in your life and open doors of discipleship you never thought possible.
There is no greater calling than service to our Savior, and there is no greater love than that of Christ Jesus.
—
Pastor Mike McVey
Minister – First United Methodist Church, Fairfield, TX
ACS Chaplain – United States Coast Guard, Station Galveston, TX
Cell: 919-935-2513
Email: pastormike@fumcfairfield.org
“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.” Matthew 28:19-20
“Semper Paratus” – Always Ready
