Our passports arrived. We were ready to join my husband in Korea. We knew this move would offer our family a unique view of Asian culture. Germany had felt far away from home, but now the move to Korea seemed like going to another planet. The long flight did nothing to dispel that opinion!

We landed and joined the line for Immigration Control. I handed over our passports. Two were stamped and then, while examining the third, the agent looked at me strangely—the kind of look you do not want to come your way in such a place. He said, “Step this way, ma’am.” My boys and I were ushered into a small room. I had no idea what was happening. It felt like a bad spy movie. My imagination went wild as I sat and waited for the interrogation to begin. Korean officers entered the room with our passports in hand.

“Why are you in Korea?” “How long will you stay?” The questions went on. Eventually I learned that the passport for my youngest son lacked a status of forces agreement (SOFA) stamp. I had noticed the discrepancy when our passports arrived, but I concluded he was too young to need it. The military provided our passports and I assumed they were correct. Silly, silly me!

When Paul traveled he had certain rights as a Roman citizen, but the local authorities did not initially respect his rights. He was unlawfully beaten and thrown into jail. We were treated with respect and kindness in Korea, but we were still emotionally rattled. The authorities gave us a temporary entry stamp and assured us we could procure a permanent SOFA stamp from the embassy. The Lord knows how to help us even when red tape entangles our lives.

God worked things out for Paul and Silas as well. When the city officials learned that Paul was a Roman citizen, they came to his cell and personally apologized. Of greater importance was the conversion of the jailor and his family, which may not have happened if Paul had not been thrown in jail in the first place. Military dependents live under the laws of the homeland, and when assigned overseas, under the laws of a foreign land. More importantly, we live under the laws of the Lord. Sister, be encouraged, because God tends to rule in our favor.

Has red tape been an obstacle in any of your PCS moves? What keeps you from viewing such obstacles as opportunities?

One of the unexpected blessings of military life for me has been the discovery of a unique women’s ministry. Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC) is a military chapel sponsored ministry with the goals of leading women to Christ, teaching women the Word of God, developing spiritual gifts in women, and involving women in chapel ministry. My association with PWOC began during our first assignment, and many years later, the ties are still strong.

When our family arrived at each new duty station, one of the first things I did was search for a PWOC chapter. I knew I would find sisters in Christ who were eager to study God’s Word. My deepest friendships were nurtured through participation in PWOC. Most importantly, my relationship with the Lord grew as women challenged me to go deeper with God. We dropped rank, ethnicity, and denominational differences at the door. Our common love for Jesus bound us together.

Paul’s encounter with the Bereans reminds me of my encounter with PWOC. The Scripture passage describes this group as noble, eager, and committed. They were noble, not because of their birth, but because of their willingness to learn. Their willingness resulted in an eagerness to study God’s Word and hear from him. Paul arrived in Berea on the heels of some jealous Jews who wanted him out of Thessalonica.

On the one hand, it must have been refreshing to arrive in Berea and meet people who did not care about social status. On the other hand, they did not accept Paul’s teaching without question. They tested and confirmed Paul’s message with the Jewish Scriptures (Old Testament) and prophecies. The Bereans eagerly awaited the Messiah. When they heard Paul’s message, they wanted to receive it but also made sure to verify his words.

Not every military installation is fortunate enough to sponsor a PWOC group, but wherever you go, commit yourself to living like a Berean. Make sure that what you read and what others teach you lines up with the Scriptures, and associate with those who have a hunger for God’s Word.

How are you living like a Berean? How can studying God’s Word with others help you adjust to a new duty station?

During a traditional military Hail and Farewell those being hailed are normally recognized but not given an opportunity to speak, whereas those who are leaving are often asked if they have anything to say. The same pattern is true for change of command ceremonies. Protocol offers the outgoing commander more freedom with the length of remarks, but the incoming commander is limited to a few succinct comments. Farewell remarks about shared events and actions can be emotional and heartfelt. An organization develops a special bond through both good times and difficult periods together.

In the verses immediately preceding today’s reading (Acts 20:17–35), the apostle Paul bids farewell to a group of people for whom he cared deeply. He recounted the times of great success and recalled the events that brought tears. He assured them that the Spirit of God motivated all he did for them for their good. He expressed concern for their future and cautioned them to continue to faithfully follow the Lord. He shared with them what he believed to be the challenges awaiting him and asked for their prayers.

The farewell ended with tears, hugs, kisses, and prayers. An uninformed observer would have easily surmised that the people cared deeply about one another.

When we think about issues pertaining to a PCS, our thoughts focus mainly on the hail and not the eventual farewell. Here is a challenge: start mentally writing your farewell speech the day you arrive. By this, I mean be intentional about making a difference in people’s lives. Along with your plans of where to go on leave and what to see and do over long weekends, look early on to determine whom you can encourage, where in the community you can help, and what role you can play in church or chapel.

If we approach a new assignment with the attitude of Paul—to serve others and follow the leading of God’s Spirit, then our farewell memories will already be written in the hearts of those we come to know.

Spend time today writing a farewell speech you would like to give when you leave this assignment. What must be your priorities in order to be able to give your speech when you leave?

Our family has experienced arriving at a new duty station and receiving a warm welcome as well as arriving at a new duty station thinking that someone engraved “ignore me” on our foreheads. I prefer the warm welcome—what about you? All branches of military service put forth an effort to provide information to new residents, and the military as a whole has a welcoming culture.

The scene in Acts 28:15 describes Paul’s arrival in Italy after a long and hazardous journey. A shipwreck, a snakebite, and a three-month unexpected layover in Malta were not on the original itinerary (Acts 27). The challenging trip made the welcome Paul received from the Jewish Christians in Rome even more special. Paul thanked God at the sight of these folks walking down the road. No one called them on a cell phone to let them know Paul arrived. They did not receive a telegram from sea to inform them the ship would be in port. The Holy Spirit sent them on their journey—over thirty miles!—at just the right time to give Paul the welcome of a dignitary. They traveled the distance with no agenda but to show up and welcome him to the neighborhood.

The actions of the Roman Jews inspire me. I think of the times I made excuses to stay safe within my four walls. The effort to meet new people seemed overwhelming. I never think how my “showing up” might encourage someone else. Folks put great effort into planning newcomer gatherings, Bible studies, church services, spouse gatherings, and even information briefings. I tend to have a selfie attitude when I move—people are supposed to show up for me. What difference would it make if I turned the focus around?

Friend, no one may welcome you to your new duty station as if you were a dignitary. In fact, you too may feel like someone stamped “ignore me” on your forehead. May I encourage you to guard against making excuses that will keep you from showing up. Your presence could be just the encouragement someone else needs. Where will you show up today?

What are ways that people have made you feel welcome when you arrive in a new place? When has someone showing up made a difference in your life?