History:
USCF Deputy National Director: Chaplain Roland Dell
Rev.Dr. Shae J. Waters, Associate Chaplain
Roland Dell was borne in Baltimore, MD.in 1959 as a premature twin to his sister Elizabeth. He nearly died at birth in being the second infant delivered. His mother prayed for him as an infant hoping he would become a Minister one day. Later by fourth grade, he was diagnosed with a learning disability and ADD. He struggled in school, and was never afforded the opportunity to attend college.
After High School, he worked for his father a tentmaker, and worked as a roustabout while his friends attended Universities.
He then enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, and did overseas duty from
Hawaii to Alaska, on two US Coast Guard Cutters.
In 1982 Roland Dell returned home, looking for work and a new direction. He opened a Christian devotional that stated ( we are to be, "Vessels of Light for Christ" ). Frustrated he closed the pamphlet and went to bed.
The next morning the Captain aboard the Lightship Chesapeake called Roland and offered him a job.
Roland served aboard the Chesapeake for six years, while studding ministry under the Rev.M.W. Gross D.D.,Th.D.,Ph.D. of Fellowship Home Ministries (Baltimore Bible Institute), in Baltimore City, Maryland from 1983-1989.
After Operation Desert Storm ended, Roland moved to Kent Island, MD.
He was married to his wife Elaine of Denton in 1998, after a prayerful courtship; when some almost unbelievable events transpired, as a witness to Roland for God's will in his life alongside Elaine.
In the evining of 1999 God gave Roland a "Technicolor"vision of a heart beating filled with rich green grass after prayer with his wife.
He asked Elaine, what meaning does this have? She had no idea!
The next morning getting ready for his long drive to work, Pastor Alistair Beg explained that the word "Pastor" is derived from the word "Pasture", and it is only God who gives a man a "Pastor's Heart": just then Roland could see out the corner what appeared to be a shadow of a man sitting next to him, but he paid little attention to it as now his vision made sense to him!
In 2003 Roland was Mobilized for Operation Enduring Freedom, serving as a PLTN SGT under the 18th Airborne Corps. at FT. BRAGG, NC.
He served as the Equal Opportunity Representative to the Commander, and was one of four soldiers to receive the Army Commendation Medal for his service, upon returning home to Maryland.
In 2004 Roland was elected to the position of Deacon at his local Presbyterian Church and undertook leadership training for Deacons and Elders; being Ordained into office for his term with the PCA.
In 2005, Roland submitted transcripts of his Christian service and experience to World Christianship Ministries for consideration of Ordination as an Independent Minister.
Roland was awarded an "honorary" Doctor of Divinity for his prior work in the City of Baltimore.
Roland returned to his former Army Unit to undertake their annual battle group training. Water Survival Training was underway at FT. MEADE, MD. It was Roland's 20 years of service in the military, and just two days after his ordination.
That afternoon Roland's life would change forever: towards the end of the training Roland started experiencing what he thought was severe heartburn, as he laid down the military Paramedics were called to the scene. Just before blacking out due to a massive heart attack, Roland could feel and see that shadow of a man lying shoulder to shoulder next to him! Than out of the blackness, it appeared like someone had slid open a manhole cover above him. He could see the Paramedic's faces looking down on him as if he were under the street, then he regained conciseness.
Later in transit to the hospital, Roland experienced a birds eye veiw of his ambulance racing towards him in perfect clairity, but this time without any sound. He recalls his mind was very sharp and awake remebering every detail of his life, yet it was the best mood he has ever recalled being in!
Roland was not expected to survive the night, and Elaine his wife was discovered hiding behind his door, as he struggled for his life in intensive care. When Roland was able to return home, his local Church sermon that Sunday was on the Good Shepherd lying down with the lamb, and it felt to him as if a bucket of water had been poured over him as he recalled that day of his near death experience!
Today as an accredited Chaplain with the UACCCI , and Disabled American Veteran (US Army Ret.) Roland attempts to connect with others in sharing his testimony of Grace, and how his life was spared to tell others about the reality of knowing our heavenly father through Jesus Christ.
Chaplain Dell, makes no money as a volunteer minister. His goal is to simply share with others the reality of knowing Jesus Christ in their life.
This task is the great commission, given to us as Christians to share with the world. It would be wrong to ask for anything in return.
God Bless You, CH Roland T. Dell
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Sorry Folks; my Anglican Ordination, just wasnt to be. The Bishop of North America Disbanded this Church, due to Catholic Ecumentalism, as it was being introduced into the A.I.C. in England.