“Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: … Those who honor me I will honor… 1 Samuel 2:30 NIV

In everything he did, Desmond Doss strived to honour the God he loved. When America entered World War II, Desmond desired to serve God and country by becoming a medic. He was abused, persecuted and even hated throughout his training, for his humble stand for God’s word and refusal to carry a weapon. As a medic he served faithfully with his Division in the Pacific Arena. Everyone felt his tender care. However, the faith and determination of Desmond really shone as US forces pushed back the enemy, island by island. The Maeda Escarpment, on the Island of Okinawa, was a deadly battleground. The struggle for supremacy saw many gains and losses. At one time, his Division was asked to retreat down the escarpment. Desmond refused to obey orders, as under fire, he moved among the dead and dying in the hope of saving lives. Single-handedly, he lowered 75 men over the edge to safety. For this feat of incredible devotion to his mates, he won the Congressional Medal of Honour, America’s highest award for bravery. He honoured God and God honoured him. You may not be honoured here for standing for Jesus but one day you too will receive a reward, so hold on.

photo “Courtesy Desmond Doss Foundation”