Two midshipmen dig in to a 1lb burger at Chick and Ruth's diner, Annapolis

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Jim Phillips and amy annapolis- maryland state capitol dome behind.

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View of naval academy dome from Aslan house. Annapolis

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C T Studd and the chocolate soldiers...

Amy and I are often inspired by the example and the writings of a great missionary pioneer called C T Studd. Once an England Cricketer in an age when England still won cricket matches, and from a very influential and wealthy background, he responded to a missionary call and went to China with the Chinese Inland Mission, then later to Africa, leading as much by his example as by his decisions. We have recently come across a small pamphlet he wrote called 'Chocolate Christians' which seems relevant today, even if the language reminds us of an inspiring and bold approach that has all but gone in the UK now. Especially after the Christmas and New Year season with so much chocolate about the danger of all sweetness and no discipline feels very real.

HEROISM is the lost chord; the mission note of present-day Christianity!
Every true soldier is a hero! A SOLDIER WITHOUT HEROISM IS A CHOCOLATE SOLDIER! Who has not been stirred to scorn and mirth at the very thought of a Chocolate Soldier! In peace true soldiers are captive lions, fretting in their cages. War gives them their liberty and sends them, like boys bounding out of school, to obtain their heart's desire or perish in the attempt. Battle is the soldier's vital breath! Peace turns him into a stooping asthmatic. War makes him a whole man again, and gives him the heart, strength, and vigor of a hero.
EVERY TRUE CHRISTIAN IS A SOLDIER--of Christ--a hero "par excellence"! Braver than the bravest--scorning the soft seductions of peace and her oft-repeated warnings against hardship, disease, danger, and death, whom he counts among his bosom friends.

THE OTHERWISE CHRISTIAN IS A CHOCOLATE CHRISTIAN! Dissolving in water and melting at the smell of fire. "Sweeties" they are! Bonbons, lollipops! Living their lives on a glass dish or in a cardboard box, each clad in his soft clothing, a little frilled white paper to preserve his dear little delicate constitution.