WMFD bids chaplain adieu

WMFD bids chaplain adieu

Moseley recognized for service ahead of move

news@theeveningtimes.com

Ancient wisdom quotes, “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every purpose under Heaven.” Many people associate the phrase with the lyrics turn, turn, turn, by the Byrds. But by the first line of the third chapter of Ecclesiastes, it was time to say thanks and farewell to a Fire Department Chaplain to David Moseley, pastor at West Memphis United Methodist Church.

West Memphis Fire Chief Wayne Gately honored Moseley, who leaves the city to stand in a new pulpit in Hot Springs. Mayor Bill Johnson joined with other fire department chaplains to express gratitude and give recognition to Moseley in the truck bay ringed with firefighters on Wednesday morning.

Chief Gately recounted the beginnings of the Fire Department chaplaincy being rooted in prayer.

“When I first became chief we were using the Police Department chaplains,” said Gately. “I asked the mayor about appointing chaplains for the Fire Department. The mayor said pick good men. I prayed about it and asked God to send me six great and godly men and He did.”

Moseley served as a department chaplain the whole time he ministered in the city. As he received a recognition award, the pastor bid farewell and focused on core values common to first responders.

“We have to live our lives that reflect values for something greater than self,” said Moseley. “That’s where we see the redemptive power of God. Our first responders, you live your lives everyday willing to put yourself in position to die for someone else so they can live. There are some people that just don’t get that. You’ve made a conscious decision to do that. In the good times and bad times we’ve been through together in this city, I have come to appreciate that in each one of you standing here today.”

By John Rech