Frontline - Looking to the Future with Lifetime Laborers

About four years ago, a new ministry initiative was launched called "Frontiers." The purpose was to launch and coach non-staffed ministries at various military installations throughout the US. Since that launch, some changes have taken place, along with a refinement of the original purpose. The MLN (Military Laborers Network) has developed into a complimentary strategy to further advance the mission of The Navigators Military Ministry.

The mission of the MLN is to launch, coach, and lead Navigator military laborers in fruitful ministry among the military throughout their careers, and connect them to the worldwide movement of the Navigator Military Ministry, as well as raising up a new generation of leaders and laborers who live and labor among the lost.

Lifetime Laborers

The MLN was launched through the unseen efforts of Cliff Westbrook as he labored among flight students and flight instructors at Columbus AFB in Columbus, MS. Cliff was later transferred by his firm, but left an indelible mark on two colleagues, Kip Warton and Kenny Dressel. Both Kip and Kenny were USAFA grads involved with The Navs. The Air Force moved them to Moody AFB in Valdosta, GA. They both wanted to launch a ministry among the flight students similar to the Columbus experience and contacted The Navs for help. This started the coaching process that led to launching the ministry to flight students. Later Greg and Kelli Dean moved to Moody. Greg and Kelli spent three years ministering to student and instructor pilots while living and ministering among the lost in base housing. Each summer they hosted a block party, usually with 100 or more gathering for the day.

A New Generation of Navigators

Jack Jackson was a career Air Force officer. He graduated from USAFA and met The Navs while going through pilot training. Trained as a fighter pilot, Jack partnered with The Navs wherever he was stationed. After three tours at the Pentagon and retiring from the Air Force, Jack now works as a Defense Analyst for SAIC. Jack has joined Bill Veilleux at the Pentagon and brings a career's worth of wisdom to discipling and coaching. Jack is beginning a partnership with retired military men and women who have labored with The Navs through their military careers.

The Next Generation

Kevin Smith was a rebellious teen living in Pennsylvania. He began meeting with Hugh Willis,a former Naval Officer, USNA grad, and Navigator laborer. Helped by Hugh, Kevin entered the Marines. Fired up as a young disciple, he looked up The Navigators and partnered with them while in California. Now Kevin is stationed at Kings Bay, GA. Upon arriving on base, he partnered with two other young Marines and began a ministry on the base. Daily, they live out what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ in the military. Kevin is being coached in ministry and is excited about laboring with others for a lifetime of discipling among the lost.

This is just a snapshot of what God has been doing among our Nav partners and laborers. Across our work, we have men and women who want to labor for a lifetime. God has given us an awesome opportunity and a challenging stewardship to enable and empower these lifetime laborers as we partner in fulfilling our calling.

Contact Bill Veilleux for more information.