By Joseph Vigil, Chief of Public Affairs, NMNG
RIO RANCHO, N.M. – The New Mexico National Guard hosted the sixth annual Faith Heritage breakfast here on May 5, 2022 – the National Day of Prayer.
The NMNG invited faith leaders from our communities to offer prayer from their particular faith traditions and spiritual perspective. These faith leaders recited prayers “praying for a world in crisis.”
“During these difficult times in the world, we pray that wisdom, compassion, justice and mercy spread upon the planet as conflict wages around the globe, as people migrate from land land to get away from autocratic leaders and as communities deal and heal from disasters,” said Chaplain Lt. Col. Xolani Kacela of the 150th Special Operations Wing during the Invocation.
Kacela performed a sand ceremony for the many lives that have been lost over the last two years.
He asked that everyone pray for the over 1 million COVID deaths that have been recorded in the U S. and over 6 million across the globe as well as 80,000 suicides, 10,000 lives lost worldwide due to natural disasters, 14,000 deaths in Ukraine and over 1,200 deaths attributed to mass shootings over the past two years.
After his welcoming remarks, Brig. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, the Adjutant General of New Mexico, reflected on what the sands in the ceremony represent… where the sand colors are different, the grains are different and he then stated that it didn’t matter where the sand came from because each grain represents a life that is sacred.
“We all come from different backgrounds and experiences, but one thing unites all of us here today – we have all given our lives to service to this nation and its people,” said Aguilar. “My message to you is simple. I am grateful for all of you, grateful for your service to this nation and its people.
“Father Glenn Jones, the NMNG state chaplain prayed for strength and courage to face the future without fear. He prayed for mercy on the lands damaged by war and fire and for protection of those who have been forced to evacuate their homes and properties.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Terrie Charlie prayed in her native language for our service members across the world and for health and prosperity for all suffering from the hardships endured by natural disasters and war. See also prayed for compassion and kindness from leaders around the world.
Chaplain Maj. Joseph Kamphuis, the master of ceremonies, read President Joe Biden’s May 5, 2022 National Day of Prayer proclamation which also mentioned some of the great challenges our planet has faced.
Rev. Christine Robinson, the guest speaker who was the senior minister at first Unitarian Church of Albuquerque for nearly 30 years before retiring, spoke about prayer in private and in public.
Robinson stated that the more fraught the situation, the more immediate the crisis, the more anxious the times, the more important it is for religious leaders to find ways to help people find solace, courage, wisdom and peace.
“And yes, we do live in those times – fires up the road, first major conflict with the threat of nuclear weapons in over 50 years, crime, violence, discrimination, misinformation, inflation, homelessness – it all makes for anxious times,” said Robinson. “Prayer changes people and people make change to be a part of the solution and not part of the problem. Praying with open hearts and compassion is the secret power of prayer. There is no need for elaborate words and it’s not a contest or an essay… It’s a prayer, simple and powerful.”
Kamphuis and the NMNG recruiting team shared the military chaplains mission, their heritage and the need for more chaplains; then cited how Soldiers and Airmen deserve more chaplains to support their religious needs and freedoms.
They paid tribute to Chaplain Father Ted Howden who chose to leave his family and volunteer to accompany the NMNG Soldiers of the 200th Coast Artillery during World War II, enduring the same hardships of the Bataan Death March and captivity. He gave up his tiny portion of food while in captivity to his fellow Soldiers, paying the ultimate sacrifice for them as he died from starvation. May the memory of his selfless service inspire others.
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