Six years ago, during summer 2000, I arrived at Andrews University with my wife, Dollis. She, a counselor, and I, a pilot in the United States Marine Corps, left a six-figure household income to obey the Lord’s call on our lives for chaplaincy ministry in the United States Navy. I had no idea where we would find employment or where we would live, but I knew what the Lord had instructed, and all roads pointed to the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University as our first stop.

The Lord did not replace our finances with like income. Better than that, He gave us an abundance of wealth through personal and shared experiences, as well as relationships developed here at Andrews University, allowing us to “Affirm Faith” in Him.

The Lord used these six years to disciple my wife and me, and to teach us how to make disciples for Him. The people, both young and old, who are now disciples of the Lord, are in places as far away as the Marshall Islands and Australia, and as close as Florida, Alabama, Texas, Washington, D.C., and Berrien Springs, Michigan. Through “family groups,” which are basically spiritual family units (see Matthew 12:48-50), people become disciples of Christ by hearing, watching, and being mentored by other disciples. The power to make disciples as Christians actually comes from Christ when we put into practice what we “say” we believe.

Now, at the end of six years, the Lord has determined it is time for us to return to active duty military service in the United States Navy Chaplain Corps. We leave our brothers and sisters through Christ here in Berrien Springs at Andrews University and at the All Nations Church, in order to obey our Lord.

The Lord has commanded us all to “Affirm Faith” to a world in need, and He commands in Matthew 28:19, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” and those who love the Lord will obey His commands.

Robert W. Peters III, LT CHC USN, is an assistant dean of men and a recent Masters of Divinity graduate of the Seminary at Andrews University.