ROBERT CRUTCHFIELD
CHAPLAIN, VETERAN'S ADVOCATE, AND WRITER
Robert A. Crutchfield is a chaplain, veteran's advocate, and writer based in Katy, Texas outside Houston.
An honorably discharged Marine veteran, his uniformed service extended into the Texas State Guard, and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was named to the National Chart Update Aid to Navigation Honor Roll, and received the Adjutant General's Individual Award, The Coast Guard Bicentennial Commendation, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary Mission Objectives Award in Vessel Examination among others. In 1986, then Texas Governor Mark White awarded him the ceremonial rank of Admiral, Texas Navy in recognition of his efforts in the community. He later became a Life Member of the Navy League of the United States.
As a young adult in his hometown, he served as Vice-President of the Recreation Board for the City of Galena Park, Texas, and on the Harris County Voter Registration Advisory Board. Moving to Katy in his early 40's he served on the Boards of Directors for the Arc of Katy and Katy Christian Ministries. Even now he serves on the executive committee of the local The American Legion post there.
Also in Katy, he served as Chaplain of the Katy Fire and EMS Department. Following that, he spent five years conducting religious services at a local nursing facility. He later served as Chaplain of Post 164 of The American Legion in Katy. For over twenty years, he has also held the rank of Chaplain Knight Commander in the Most Honorable Order of the Christian Knights of the Rose based in Canada. Best Selling Author Loree Lough included his The First Responders Prayer in all three of her First Responders Seriesof novels. These began with her 9/11 tribute novel From Ashes to Honor in 2011.
His written work has appeared in The Legion Times, The North Channel Sentinel, Katy Christian Magazine, and online on sites such as SelfGrowth.com. In October of 2016, Scriggler.com named him their Author of the Month. He also edited a food blog known as Crutchfield Cooks which grew into a podcast by the same name. On the podcast he interviewed food experts such as two time World Food Champion John McFadden of Sydney Australia.
Crutchfield currently serves as a post and district officer with the Department of Texas, The American Legion, and has attended Parkway Fellowship for the last several years.
It’s All About Track Record
ROBERT CRUTCHFIELD
Some months back I was speaking to a brother in faith about why I believe God is real. I explained to him that my belief in God is rooted in His track record, through the more than 60 years of my life. Life’s hardships can make it easy to look at events through a skeptical or negative lens. In spite of the challenges I have experienced, I prefer to look at what I have encountered with a positive perspective.
One of countless examples dates back to my early days of exploring how the internet might function as a tool for ministry. I remember receiving an email from a young man who was extremely discouraged and confused. I didn't know where he lived or even if he was who he said he was. Reading his message, something in me sensed that the situation was urgent. As I prayed about how to respond, a short, clear, thoughtful answer popped into my head. I typed it into my computer and hit the send button. The next day, I received his reply, which read, “I will now be okay. Just by reading your words, I am healed.” Over two decades later, I remain convinced that those were not my words!
Another example came from my first heart attack. I woke up one morning and felt “weird.” I prayed as I went down the list of possible causes. None fit. I called 911 and walked into the living room to tell my wife. Later, after being treated at the hospital, I was told that I was incredibly lucky I came right in, because based on the time I had called an ambulance, I would have been dead in less than an hour. The cardiologist who saved my life that day was amazed that I realized how serious the situation was, partially because I didn't have any of the usual heart attack symptoms people often think about. My answer is still that God was with me and guided my actions that day. Many things could have gone wrong before or following that call, but fortunately, they were all mysteriously whisked away.
When Hurricane Harvey struck us here in Houston in August of 2017, our home was rendered unlivable and our car was destroyed. I felt defeated. I prayed like never before in my life. We were going through the wreckage when my wife handed me a small, intact purple box. I opened it to find an award that I had not seen for thirteen years. I believe that God had safely hidden it from my sight all that time to give me the comfort and strength that I so desperately needed in that moment.
Skeptics will claim a more earthly explanation, but years later, I don't buy it for a minute. So I invite you to change the lens through which you look at life's challenges. Look for the signs that tell you God is there, because in most cases, He is not obvious about it!