Tamara Rowe understands the life of military families and sees how Jesus, the light of the world, is right there with service members.
From her earliest years, her dad was in the United States Army. She moved around the world, went to school and played on bases in numerous states and nations. She even got baptized by a U.S. Army chaplain.
“Growing up as a military kid, I was baptized by an army chaplain, and I will never forget that,” Chaplain Rowe said. “I will never forget how good he was with me because I was the youngest out of all the people getting baptized.”
The positive gifts to her at that age are what she’s now giving away as a United States Air Force chaplain. In 2007, she became an Air Force Reserves chaplain candidate. She attained the title of chaplain in 2011 and became active duty in 2014.
Her military ministry builds on her work as an elder care volunteer and chaplain before she joined the armed forces. She serves people across a spectrum of opportunities, from spiritual and emotional — such as stress management — to physical, marital and financial concerns.
“All of that needs to have a balance,” she said. “When you are going out to war, you want to make sure that you’re ready in all aspects.”
She has helped airmen have that balance through marriage ceremonies for couples, baby dedications for parents and helping singles who’ve not yet found the love and support of a family. She offers a combination of resources from the military, as well as the encouragement of faith, according to each person’s needs and values.
Chaplain Rowe is quick to praise God for his presence and how he’s used her wherever she’s been. She currently serves in an undisclosed location, but the Lord’s not limited despite the concerns around her.
Being in the military community with God by one’s side “leaves you humble, grateful and wanting to do more positive things throughout humanity, to show and shine God’s light.”
Converge currently endorses 60 chaplains for Federal chaplain ministry with the Army, Air Force, Navy, Veteran's Administration and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Learn more about the procedures and requirements to be a Converge chaplain.
