I know this is late, but I just found this. I hope the family sees it because Chaplain Meschke was an important part of my life. I loved him & loved to hear him rejoicing in the Lord. He trusted me in a leadership role when I was just in high school. He supported the Youth Group & leaders to attend events where I accepted the Lord as my savior.  I absolutely remember how joyous he was & his love of the word & his family. He was a gift. Donna (Young) Defreece Imperial Beach Chapel ‘70’s

Dave introduced me to OCSC in 1988 when I was a student at Dallas Theological Seminary.  I had served in the US Navy but I was not a Christian at the time.  I was interested in becoming a Navy Chaplain but Dave said I was too old and there were no age waivers being given, even for prior service.  
Dave then shared with me the possibility of serving with OCSC.  I had been interested in spending one summer overseas later on.  That opportunity came much sooner than I expected, as Dave was on campus in March 1989, and mentioned the need for someone to serve at the Taegu (Hospitality House) that summer for a family that needed to come home.  That was 3 months away.  I went to Taegu and it was a life changing experience.  It was my first time in that part of the world.  Seeing the Koreans fervency in prayers still sticks with me today.  And I could easily identify with what the servicemen and women were experiencing, as most of them could not bring their dependents to Taegu.  
After graduating from Dallas Seminary in 1993, I went overseas again to relieve a family coming home for the summer in Germany, at the Darmstadt Hospitality House.  
I kept up with Dave and was always encouraged by his gentleness with passion to serve our Lord.  He did a great job as General Director of OCSC

I was with the 3rd. Battalion, 1st. Marines, in Vietnam in 1967.  From March 27-30 of that year I had the privilege of attending an Easter Bible Conference at the China Beach R&R Center, where Dave was the primary speaker.  His final message at the conference really touched my heart.  I approached him following the session and we talked for several minutes.  I shared with him that I had accepted Christ as Savior a few years back, but was currently not walking with Him, and due to some harrowing experiences in Vietnam, needed to get "My head on straight" before I headed home in just a few days.  He gave me wise counsel and we prayed together.  Thanks to that I felt ready to go home.

Many years later while he was head chaplain for the IFCA and I was working for an IFCA church planting ministry in Michigan, I happened to come across the program for the retreat in 1967.  I hadn't made the connection until I saw his name on the program.  At the following year's IFCA Convention we had a wonderful reunion and shared memories of the retreat, and how he had influenced my life.

On this past Monday, June 25, the day of Dave's home going, I was attending a breakout session at the IFCA Youth Convention held by an Air Force Chaplain.  I was able to share my experience concerning Dave in 1967 with the group, including my grandson. 

He was a remarkable man and was there for me in my time of need.

Dear Betty and family,

We extend our sympathy in the loss of Dave.  As fellow chaplain and IFCA member, we enjoyed many a conversation, shared meals with you at the conventions.  While at Ft. Leonard Wood, we had many opportunities to be involved at Fellowship Ranch while Jim was director.

Dave was a true man of God and greatly used to further His kingdom.

Growing up in the same home church in MN. ,  I remember him from an early age.
Peace and comfort, rejoicing with you that Dave is with his Lord and Master.

It was one of the greatest privileges to have Chaplain Meschke as a pastor as a kid on Camp Lejeune/MCAS New River. My memories are of a wonderful man who loved his congregation. Betty and the entire family you are in my prayers.

I was a new Christian and a newly commissioned Warrant Officer station on the USS Tripoli. In Jan 1971 We were moored across  the pier from the USS Coral Sea where Cmdr Dave Meschke  was the Chaplain.  Our Chaplain left and I was appointed the "Christian Lay Leader".  I went to Dave for help because I had no idea what to do! He took me under his wing and gave me a short course  my new responsibilities.
I joined his Gospel team that ministered (in uniform) in many of the Bay Area Churches. He supplied me with the names and addresses of Missionaries and Service Men's Centers that I would come in contact with throughout the Pacific.  
After I retired from the Navy, Arlene and I attended Multnomah Bible College and went on to serve O.C.S.C. in Rota Spain to the credit of Dave's leading. I can only imagine how many Souls were reached,  through us, due to Chaplain Dave Meschke's mentoring.

Cadence International

Calvary Bible Fellowship

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David Loren Meschke

September 29, 1929 – June 25, 2018

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Chapel Hill

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