by Nina Beegle

A large illuminated sign near the Ledyard Elementary School in Groton, Conn., boldly proclaims "Church of the Nazarene" to the many who pass by. It is a silent witness to the dedication of a man with a dual role. Navy Chaplain Larry Kendrick is its pastor and planter. "While doing this," says his friend, District Superintendent Neale McLain, "Larry has maintained high ethical standards regarding his Navy responsibilities. I am sure his lovely wife, Peggy, has helped to make this possible."

Chaplain Larry Kendrick was assigned by the U.S. Navy in November 1986, to serve at the Groton/New London submarine base. The nearest Church of the Nazarene was considerably distant, so Larry, who had some training in church planting, decided to start a new one.

They secured facilities in the Ledyard Elementary School building and stepped out on faith, and advertised on a cable channel with the "Our Church Can Be Your Home" series. This drew one Nazarene family from another town and gave the Nazarenes presence in the community. Regular Sunday services and Sunday School classes were begun, and a small congregation, many of them from the base, gradually developed.

Peggy's involvement in weekly Bible studies and other outreach ministries was a factor. In addition, Larry conducts personal evangelism classes on Wednesday evenings and makes evangelism calls in area homes. Growth has been steady in the short time the Kendricks have been there.

A highlight of Kendrick's ministry was the conversion of his superintendent's brother, Roy. McLain. Neale McLain received a phone call from his brother's wife, Ann, a devout Roman Catholic, who wanted to know if there was a Nazarene minister who could help Roy. She was concerned that Roy, afflicted with terminal cancer, was not ready to meet his Maker.

"My mind was directed to Chaplain Kendrick," Neale said. "I felt that my brother could relate better to a fellow career military officer."

Three hours after Larry received Neale's call, he was in Roy's hospital room in Norwich. They shared "career talk" for a while, then Larry explained the plan of salvation. Roy's response surprised the chaplain. He asked about baptism.

"In our church," Larry explained, "baptism follows the experience of spiritual birth. It is an outward symbol of an inner work." At Larry's urging, Roy prayed and accepted Christ as his Savior.

A month later Roy was baptized at the military chapel in Groton-New London. Less than a year later he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors, his brother Neale presiding.

"As they placed his coffin on the caisson," Neale said, "the Air Force Band played 'Amazing Grace', and my heart was full as I realized anew the great mercy of our Lord and the ministry of the Church of the Nazarene."

But back to the sign--it bears witness to more than the presence of a church. When Roy heard that the Groton Church needed a sign, one of his last acts on this earth was to purchase that beautiful sign, proclaiming to the community that here is a place where they can learn how to live and how to die.

Reprinted with permission. Herald of Holiness April 1, 1989