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Fingerprints: Tabernacle for a Shadow goes to war.In the process of updating the website, I have changed some of the "header" pictures. I am always looking for my photography to show His glory in creation, yet it seems like an impossibility; but surely we can see Him in the many ways He speaks to us! This story tells one way God amazed me and each time I read it, I have the opportunity to praise Him, pray for soldiers, and thank God for everything!
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My friend Linda and I were on a three-day mission to sell books at the BX at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL. in early October, 2009. I met the chaplain of the chapel on base when we went to church at the end of our stay. God had planned a divine meeting. The chaplain had been given orders to go to Iraq the following day. He took the book with him.
In March, 2010 Major Coker and I met again. Here is what he wrote:
(Author comments in regular type; testimonies in italics.)
(Author comments in regular type; testimonies in italics.)
"Susan Conner is the author of this brilliant work. She’s captured the beautiful artistry of God’s handiwork through photographic impressions and made it possible for many to see. “The heavens declare the glory of God and His firmaments shows forth His handiwork” (Psa. 19:1). I invite you to experience these beautiful pictures throughout this magnificent compilation. Scripture verses are carefully selected to accent each portrait. Please place your initials on this page after you are finished viewing it. Feel free to include your comments. Thanks in advance and many blessings!"
Chaplain Major H. Bill Coker, Major USAF Below are the pages he gave me, stating:
"My intent was to gather at least 10,000 signatures or initials, but due to the rapid flow of troops through my area of responsibility in Iraq and the many demands on all of us, I had over 10,000 finger prints and perhaps 100 or so signatures and initials. Susan, you touched the troops with your brilliant work."
Chaplain Major H. Bill Coker, Major USAF
Chaplain Major H. Bill Coker, Major USAF Below are the pages he gave me, stating:
"My intent was to gather at least 10,000 signatures or initials, but due to the rapid flow of troops through my area of responsibility in Iraq and the many demands on all of us, I had over 10,000 finger prints and perhaps 100 or so signatures and initials. Susan, you touched the troops with your brilliant work."
Chaplain Major H. Bill Coker, Major USAF
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I was SO BLESSED!
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On my birthday in February 2010, many women in our church (New Hope Ministries) gathered money together to send “Tabernacle for a Shadow” to Beth Moore as a gift. In a letter I received from Beth Moore’s Living Proof Ministry, dated March 1st, 2010 is this personal message to me: ...you have been passionately prayed for by this ministry. We pray that God will continually show you the visible prints of His invisible hands as He cares for you and yours."
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When Chaplain Coker showed me the book he had taken to war, the cover was physically worn with thousands of prints on the jacket cover.I said to him, "I can see the fingerprints of God underneath!”
I did not make the connection until I read Beth’s letter to a friend and then I said, “Oh, My God! Chaplain Coker already had 10,000 fingerprints on the book before that letter was even written!” |
An example of God working in our lives when we are obedient to His will.
Thank you Chaplain Major H. Bill Coker, for your kindness in using the Tabernacle for a Shadow book to share the love of God to our soldiers while serving our country in the deserts of Iraq.
More connections:
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Joseph Cofield felt compelled to give a book to Major Collin Grossruck (US ARMY) while vacationing in Germany. Here is the correspondence from Major Grossruck:
Joseph and Susan,
Thank you for the blessing of the book "Tabernacle for a Shadow." I have been reading it in quiet times this week, reflecting and praying on the words, pictures, and narratives. What a blessing, as was your visit. I'm so glad we could worship together on Sunday and hope you will be able to visit us again. Thanks for sharing your fellowship with Chaplain Coker--a great man of God. He was a deep encouragement to me for 14 months we spent together going through counselor training. Love in Christ, Collin |
Excerpt from a later email from Major Bill Coker:
...I saw that you sent your book seed to one of my colleagues, Chaplain (Major) Collin Grossruck. Collin and I did a fellowship together at the Army Family Life Training Center at Ft. Hood, Killeen Texas. He is a kind hearted gentleman and a dear brother and pastor… .
Joseph had no idea that Major Coker (US Air Force) and Major Grossruck (US Army) were friends when he gave a book to him in Germany. God is connecting His children with His love all around the world… Only two books – from Florida to Iraq to Germany and now Major Coker has been sent to another state, where he says he will continue to plant the seed... |
Thank you Joseph Cofield for planting seeds in our military family around the world. If it weren't for you, I would never have made the trip to MacDill AFB and the book would never have made it to Iraq.
