Lt. Charles Rowley '80 is a Navy chaplin deployed with
Carrier Airwing 7 aboard the USS George Washington.
Although some Wesleyan alumni in the ministry find their feet firmly planted on solid ground, others have taken to the sea and air to shepherd their flocks. Such is the case for Lt. Charles Rowley '80, deployed with Carrier Airwing 7 aboard the USS George Washington.
"Much of my ministry in the local church had been focused on helping the younger families of the churches that I was serving with the problems that they often faced," Rowley said. "Through the years, several church members and friends recommended that I consider being a military chaplain, recognizing that there were so many young families in need of guidance and spiritual direction in their lives."
Rowley, who has been in the Navy for seven years, has traveled to some unusual duty stations. "I have been deployed with the Seabees (construction battalions) in Bosnia, Rota, Spain and Guam. Each location is different and offers unique opportunities for ministry."
He finds his ministry challenging and rewarding. "Every day I have the opportunity to visit the many men and women wearing the uniform in their workplace," he said.
"At times that means being in the field leading a communion service for them from the hood of a Hummer. At times it requires being with them on the flight line of the carrier and praying with them for their safety as jets are launched only a few feet away. It is a privilege to minister to these young men and women who work and train in a high stress environment."