As the Armed Forces Christian Union (AFCU) celebrates its 175th anniversary, we have a wonderful opportunity to pause and give thanks to God for His goodness throughout the generations. Anniversaries are more than milestones; they are moments to remember, reflect, and rejoice in all that God has done. In Scripture, thanksgiving is not simply an occasional response to blessing; it is a defining characteristic of God’s people.
The Bible repeatedly calls believers to remember God’s goodness and respond with gratitude. Psalm 107:1 declares, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Throughout the history of AFCU, countless men and women serving in the Armed Forces have experienced that enduring love. Through times of war and peace, uncertainty and stability, challenge and opportunity, God has remained faithful to His promises.
Biblical thanksgiving begins with remembrance. The people of Israel were continually encouraged to remember what God had done for them. When they crossed the River Jordan, Joshua instructed them to set up memorial stones so future generations would ask, “What do these stones mean?” (Joshua 4:6). In the same way, the 175th anniversary of AFCU serves as a memorial to God’s work among service personnel across nearly two centuries.
Looking back, we can give thanks for the vision of those like Captain Trotter and his church in London who established AFCU in 1851. We can thank God for the generations of leaders, chaplains, staff, volunteers, supporters, and members who have faithfully shared the gospel, encouraged believers, prayed, and provided Christian fellowship within the Armed Forces community. Many lives have been transformed through their witness, and countless others have been strengthened in their faith while serving their nation, both in the UK and internationally.
Thanksgiving also acknowledges God’s ongoing provision. The Apostle Paul reminds believers, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). Gratitude is not only about the past; it shapes our present attitude and future confidence. As AFCU looks ahead, thanksgiving helps us recognise that the God who has sustained the ministry for 175 years will continue to guide us and provide for us in the years to come.
Furthermore, thanksgiving is a powerful witness. In a world often marked by complaint, cynicism, and self-reliance, a thankful spirit points people towards God. Colossians 3:17 encourages believers: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” The story of AFCU is ultimately not about human achievement but about God’s grace at work through ordinary people who have sought to serve Him faithfully.
As we celebrate this significant anniversary, our thanksgiving should lead us to renewed commitment. Gratitude for God’s faithfulness in the past inspires faithfulness in the present. The same mission remains: to enable, equip and encourage Christians in the Armed Forces through discipleship, fellowship and prayer.
The psalmist writes, “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds” (Psalm 9:1). This is what we want to do for AFCU’s 175th anniversary. We celebrate not merely an organisation’s longevity but also the goodness of God across generations, and we give thanks to Him.
As we mark this historic occasion with a Celebration of God’s Goodness at St Paul’s Church in Camberley tomorrow, may our hearts be filled with gratitude. Let us give thanks for God’s provision, protection, guidance, and blessing over 175 years. And let us look forward with confidence, trusting that the Lord who has been faithful in the past will continue to accomplish His purposes through AFCU for generations yet to come.
To God be the glory.