Chaplain Bio
Chaplain Tom Panariello is a Navy veteran and served as an Aviation Electrician with Antisubmarine Warfare Squadron VS-38. During multiple WESTPAC deployments on board the USS Constellation, CV-64, he served as a flight deck troubleshooter for his squadron.
Upon leaving the Navy, Tom spent 40 years in the technology industry holding both engineering and managerial positions. During those 40 years he has also served bi-vocationally in various ministry roles. He is a graduate of DeVry University and Global University, Berean School of the Bible. Prior to retiring, he most recently served as Assistant Pastor at River of Life Church, Doylestown, PA overseeing Pastoral Care.
Childlike Faith - June 2026 Chaplain’s Blog
The scriptures frequently talk about the importance of faith, trusting in God and His Word, the Bible. It’s interesting that scripture uses children as models for the humility, trust and simple dependency required to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. One such example is found in Luke 18:17 -
“Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
This concept was illustrated for me several years ago by my youngest daughter, Emily who was about four years old at the time. We were living in a two story colonial home in Pennsylvania. There was a set of stairs in the foyer that led up to the second story. My den was right off the foyer so I frequently passed that area.
On more than one occasion, as I came around the corner, passing the staircase on my way to my den, I would see from the corner of my eye Emily airborne waiting for me to catch her. She would climb up four or five steps on the staircase and jump towards me. I would tell her, “Emily, make sure I’m ready to catch you before you jump. I don’t want to drop you.” Her response was always the same - “I knew you would catch me daddy.” There was no doubt in her mind that I would catch her and thankfully I always did.
This simple illustration was a great example for me on how God wants us to trust Him without reservation - childlike faith. He wants us to fully know His great love for us and His desire for us to trust Him completely. That childlike faith is developed as we spend time with God in prayer and reading His Word.
The most important issue of faith, or lack thereof, will answer the question of where will you spend eternity. There is a heaven to gain and a hell to lose. Scripture says that “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13. Have you called on the name of Lord Jesus Christ? If not, why not call on His name today and start your faith journey?
Please know, there is a Chaplain at DAV86 available to meet, talk or just grab a cup of coffee with.
Chaplain Tom Panariello