General Omar Bradley was one of the main U.S. Army field commanders in North Africa and Europe during WWII. In his book, A Soldiers Story, he tells of the brilliant but brief career of Colonel Paddy Flint. At 56, he was over age to command infantry in battle, yet he was given the command to lead the 39th Infantry Regiment. Though somewhat eccentric, Flint was known for his boldness and unflappable spirit. When he assumed command of the 39th, it was not a good fighting outfit. To inspire his troops, Flint had stenciled on the helmet of every soldier in his regiment the letters AAA-O. When questioned by his commander, Paddy explained the letters were intended to communicate to his troops that he was committed to accomplishing his mission no matter the cost. The letters stood for “Anything, Anywhere, Anytime Bar Nothing.” Taking his lead, the 39th Infantry Regiment became one of the best fighting outfits in Europe.
Though in a different arena, the apostle Paul encouraged all believers to have that same boldness and spirit. In 1Cor.9, he spoke of becoming all things to all people so that by all possible means he might save as many as possible: to the Jews, he became like a Jew; to those under the law like one under the law; to those not having the law to like one not having the law, so as to win as many people as possible to the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. A huge undertaking, but one Paul knew he could accomplish. In Philippians 4:13, he declared, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
2024 saw great milestones for Belmont. Our SHP ministry eclipsed the one hundred bed mark as children that previously had no bed to sleep on could comfortably lay their heads down at night in their own bed. Another milestone is Phase 1 of our building program reaching completion. A vision of more than twenty years in the making becoming a reality! On a personal note, I reached a milestone in ministry with the privilege of being pastor at Belmont for thirty years! (Where did the time and the dark hair go?)
Great milestones for Belmont await to be reached in 2025. Phase 2 of our building program will begin, more beds will be built and delivered, mission trips will be planned, and outreach strategies and events will be undertaken. But none of those milestones can be reached unless we are giving our absolute best. Like Paul and the soldiers of the 39th Infantry Regiment, we must adopt an AAA-O mindset: Anything, Anywhere, Anytime Bar Nothing. God expects nothing less.
With Great Expectation,
Pastor Bill