Vallas Sent Off to the Marines With Prayer

Every fifth Sunday, Living Hope Church takes time to honor one or more vocations or calling in life. On Sunday, October 31, Living Hope honored its pastors, but also had the opportunity to pray for and send off Gus Vallas, who is entering the Marines.

The Living Hope community stretched their hands toward Vallas as Pastors Washington and Hamstra prayed that he go forward with courage and commitment, and that the Lord would bring him back to the community again. 

Vallas left that afternoon for San Diego, California, where he will train to be a rifleman with the infantry units. His boot camp will last 15 weeks, after which time he will come home, but then return again for three months of job training.

“I’m definitely ready to go,” Vallas said. “I’m still nervous, but I’ve waited since March to go.” Vallas said he had discussed the opportunity with Pastor Hamstra during youth group as Pastor Hamstra shared the experience of his son, Mark, who is also in the military. “I know that I will meet a lot of people,” Vallas said, “and I know it will test my faith. I have been told that I will learn what my faith really is.”

“I think it will be a good structure for him,” added his mom, Sharon. “It will prepare him for being on his own. He will get a good feel for his responsibility in life and how he needs to serve.”

With a smile, Pastor Hamstra reflected on the time he and Gus spent in youth group exploring God’s Word, but also having fun. 

"I have had the privilege of getting to know Gus over the past several years," said Pastor Hamstra. "In that time, I have especially appreciated his willingness to wrestle with difficult issues and challenge simple answers. I trust the Lord will use his time in the military to continue shaping him into the fine young man he is becoming."