Member of the Month 

May 2007

Ben Steadman

by: Tom Whitener

In a matter of moments, Ben Steadman went from thick curly hair and a full beard to a buzz-cut and clean-shaven face. Ben has chosen to enter the Marines and start a new adventure in his life. We can get the “long and short” on our May 2007 Member of the Month.  

Ben is scheduled to arrive for basic training at Paris Island, South Carolina this month. He decided to join the Marines because as he puts it, “I have a desire in my heart to do it. I feel I am following God’s will.” After basic training, Ben has committed to serve at least a six-year enlistment.  

Ben shares how he recently viewed Deuteronomy 33:12 in a different light. “It mentions Benjamin being the beloved of God and a protector of the people,” Ben describes, “I know it’s really about the tribe of Benjamin, but I thought it was funny how that verse could apply to me and my life right now.”

Admitting “it’s never boring” being the third of four Steadman kids, Ben conveys one disadvantage from being the oldest son. He tells me, “When one of the chores around the house isn’t done, I usually get to answer for it.”  As a recognized leader among our youth, Ben is teaching others in the group how to play the guitar. He often grooves to the music of Skillet (his favorite Contemporary Christian act) and hopes to find time to compose his own songs. Ben’s favorite hymns are “I’ll Fly Away” and “No Not One”. 

Ben received re-assurance about his salvation in 2002 while he attended summer camp at Appalachian Bible College. He says, “I remember going over certain verses that helped me know without a doubt that I was saved. One of those verses (John 10:28) talked about never leaving the Father’s hand.” 

I personally got to witness Ben in action on a foreign field when our church sent a Missions Team to Jamaica in July 2006. During that time, he assisted Lisa Dunlap in the teen/adult Vacation Bible School class. Ben remarks, “It was awesome to pull up in the bus every morning and see how many kids were waiting for us. One little boy always wanted me to sit with him and he would scoot everybody down the pew to make room for me.”  

The official motto of the United States Marine Corps, “Semper Fi”, translates as “Always Faithful”. Ben knows that God is always faithful to watch out for him. Only God, the Supreme Commander, can supply the proper strategy to our newest military servant.  

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