National Prayer Luncheon

Chaplain, Maj. Gen. Charles C. Baldwin, Air Force Chief of Chaplains, speaks to members of the base during the National Prayer Luncheon March 13. The luncheon featured a keynote address on ?iPrayer? designed to communicate religious messages through contemporary metaphors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tiffany Colburn).

National Prayer Luncheon

Top chaplain gives Warriors of the North i-messages

Published March 18, 2008
By Staff Sgt. J. Paul Croxon
319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The top Air Force chaplain delivered one of his final National Prayer Luncheon messages here March 13.

If Maj. Gen. Charles Baldwin's message to the wing were sponsored by a letter it would be the letter "I", not the capital version, but the iconic lowercase "i" made famous by various i-products.

According to General Baldwin, he "tries to design messages around metaphors to illustrate biblical truths applicable to contemporary times."

For the base's National Prayer Luncheon his message was, "the i-God answers i-needs through i-prayer."

The non-denominational luncheon's theme focused on a personal relationship with God, regardless of faith. It featured readings in Hebrew from the Old Testament and readings in English from the New Testament as well as performances from the Grand Cities Children's Choir.

This final speaking engagement by General Baldwin marks the end to a career that spans nearly 40 years. General Baldwin began his career as pilot serving during the Vietnam War before transitioning to the chaplain service. He eventually became the Chief of Chaplains overseeing approximately 2,200 chaplains and advising the Chief of Staff on all matters pertaining to the religious and moral welfare of Air Force members.