You won’t want to miss this special Memorial Day edition of “Marcus and Joni” with Chris Plekenpol and David Roever!
Chris Plekenpol traveled much as a child, growing up in Illinois, Texas, California, and Japan. He earned his mechanical engineering degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1999. It was in December of 1999, that Chris put his trust in Christ at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY. During the seven years he spent in the U.S. Army, Plekenpol quickly rose to command. While in Korea, a year before being deployed to Iraq, Plekenpol began writing Christian devotionals. While in Iraq he continued his devotional writing aimed at offering insight into the war to U.S. supporters, and to be used as a preparatory tool for his future seminary work. But when his email devotional list quickly grew to hundreds of people requesting his writings, he began compiling his works into a full-length release chronicling his time in Iraq. The resulting books, Faith in the Fog of War and Faith in the Fog of War II, offers readers a firsthand account of the Iraqi war and the unshakable faith that saw Plekenpol through the battles raging both on the ground and in his heart. Since resigning from the army in 2006, Plekenpol has gone on to graduate from Dallas Theological Seminary, and is now the lead pastor of Wells Branch Community Church in Austin, TX.
Dave Roever grew up in a loving, committed family in South Texas. The last thing on his mind was going to war. At the height of the Vietnam War, he received his draft notice. Having no desire to serve in the infantry, he joined the Navy and served as a river boat gunner in the elite Brown Water Black Beret in Vietnam. Eight months into his tour of duty in Vietnam, Dave was burned beyond recognition when a phosphorous grenade he was poised to throw exploded in his hand. The ordeal left him hospitalized for fourteen months, where he underwent numerous major surgeries. His survival and life are miraculous. Dave has since gone on to be a public speaker in a wide variety of settings, including public schools, military institutions, and business, men’s and youth conventions. In every setting, Dave’s message is one of hope. Using his life as an example, he addresses issues relevant to his audience and presents concrete solutions to life’s problems. The foundation of his hope is his faith, supported by the wholesome relationships with his parents, wife, children and grandchildren.
Be sure to watch “Marcus and Joni” at noon, 9:00 pm, and 1:00 am Eastern.