My civilian friend learned a lot in her time out here. In fact, her time out here was so poignant that she cried for much of her final day here and told folks that she would miss this experience! Albeit, life inside the wire can sometimes feel a bit like summer camp, but she didn't stay inside the wire. So her joy and nostalgia was not due to an avoidance of hard things, but learned through them.
I asked her to start sending me some of her thoughts summing up her time out here once she had a chance to gather them. Here is a bit of what she sent me:
"
God has been so kind to me. I was prepared for isolation and just time
alone with God on this deployment. But
His plan was to pursue me rather than the reverse. He provided godly friends and wise, skilled
chaplains to teach me truth and help me more fully embrace the gospel. He provided a difficult coworker to teach me
to love the unlovely like He does. He revealed my heart and state before Him
and His great love to such a sinner as I.
He challenged me to know His love as a gift totally undeserved and never
diminishing for a second. I know that He
came to Afghanistan with me. Not caring
for me as a part of a mass of people, but as an individual, dearly loved."
I appreciate that her first remark was one of gratitude toward God. And I love her honesty in her low expectations for the Lord's work, and her account of how He blasted those expectations out of the water. There is something of the truth here that with greater hardship comes greater intimacy with the Lord and His people.
After talking about the relationships that God put in her life, she doesn't gloss over one particular hardship--loving a difficult coworker. But look at the conviction that such a relationship bred in her own hear regarding her great sin and her great Savior.
God did indeed accompany her to Afghanistan, as He promises: "When you pass through the water, I will be with you and the waves will not overcome you...For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (Is. 43:2-3)
16.8.13
TF Guam
I enjoyed a trip to another part of this barren country recently using a number of modes of transportation, including my first time traveling by helicopter. I was able to visit several of my soldiers in a remote post, and the reunion was warm and joyous.
It's funny how often the enduring highlight of a given event is not what you anticipated it to be. I loved traveling across the country and the new experiences, and I loved seeing these soldiers again. But it was folks who would've otherwise remained on the periphery who came into sharp focus.
The Air Force officer who coordinated our trip told me how excited he was when he found out a chaplain was coming. He was a Mormon who converted to Christianity and was having a hard time finding a Christian fellowship at his post. We talked a lot about how he came to saving faith in Jesus Christ, and his rejection of the heresies and self-salvation of Mormonism. It is always interesting to track the thoughts/feelings of someone who has been so graciously delivered from the bondage of deceit.
Perhaps my best time was spent with some soldiers from Task Force Guam. The dynamics of this group are fascinating. Virtually the whole National Guard from that territory is deployed over here, and as they reside on a small island, most everyone in the unit is connected to each other. Lifelong friends, fathers and sons or daughters, uncles and nephews, cousins, brothers, and even spouses--all of these combinations can be found within their ranks. Combine that with a natural cultural bond and penchant for hospitality, and you have a unit that is incredibly tight--though they're also spread across the country.
They lost two of their soldiers about two months ago, along with four military civilians, to a VBIED (vehicle-based IED). It was the last significant attack on US soldiers in this area.
I talked with one of their officers on this trip. He grew up on the same street with one of the fallen soldiers. As can be expected, some of the TF Guam soldiers were related to these soldiers. They all took the losses hard, but have pressed on.
These dear soldiers do a lot of our protective work out here and are more exposed than a lot of others. Some of their soldiers helped move us out of this area, and when we arrived at our other destination, some of their soldiers were there to help us move in. When we came back, our original soldiers were waiting for us.
Many of them share fun nicknames (since their last names are sometimes hard to pronounce). They often cook in their rooms in nostalgia at the great hospitality culture that they left behind. They tend to share a sharp and engaging sense of humor. (Several of them also shared their pizza with me!) Though they're young, most all of them are also married and have kids. One of them just had a baby boy the other day.
Please remember these precious soldiers in your prayers. They are not nameless faces or faceless names, just like the soldiers under my immediate purview. They are sacrifical, young, family men who have traded their island fiestas for desert convoys. We owe a debt of gratitude to them.
It's funny how often the enduring highlight of a given event is not what you anticipated it to be. I loved traveling across the country and the new experiences, and I loved seeing these soldiers again. But it was folks who would've otherwise remained on the periphery who came into sharp focus.
The Air Force officer who coordinated our trip told me how excited he was when he found out a chaplain was coming. He was a Mormon who converted to Christianity and was having a hard time finding a Christian fellowship at his post. We talked a lot about how he came to saving faith in Jesus Christ, and his rejection of the heresies and self-salvation of Mormonism. It is always interesting to track the thoughts/feelings of someone who has been so graciously delivered from the bondage of deceit.
Perhaps my best time was spent with some soldiers from Task Force Guam. The dynamics of this group are fascinating. Virtually the whole National Guard from that territory is deployed over here, and as they reside on a small island, most everyone in the unit is connected to each other. Lifelong friends, fathers and sons or daughters, uncles and nephews, cousins, brothers, and even spouses--all of these combinations can be found within their ranks. Combine that with a natural cultural bond and penchant for hospitality, and you have a unit that is incredibly tight--though they're also spread across the country.
They lost two of their soldiers about two months ago, along with four military civilians, to a VBIED (vehicle-based IED). It was the last significant attack on US soldiers in this area.
I talked with one of their officers on this trip. He grew up on the same street with one of the fallen soldiers. As can be expected, some of the TF Guam soldiers were related to these soldiers. They all took the losses hard, but have pressed on.
These dear soldiers do a lot of our protective work out here and are more exposed than a lot of others. Some of their soldiers helped move us out of this area, and when we arrived at our other destination, some of their soldiers were there to help us move in. When we came back, our original soldiers were waiting for us.
Many of them share fun nicknames (since their last names are sometimes hard to pronounce). They often cook in their rooms in nostalgia at the great hospitality culture that they left behind. They tend to share a sharp and engaging sense of humor. (Several of them also shared their pizza with me!) Though they're young, most all of them are also married and have kids. One of them just had a baby boy the other day.
Please remember these precious soldiers in your prayers. They are not nameless faces or faceless names, just like the soldiers under my immediate purview. They are sacrifical, young, family men who have traded their island fiestas for desert convoys. We owe a debt of gratitude to them.
13.8.13
Out of the Mouths of Babes
Greetings, Friends.
As a quick aside, I will be unavailable for the next day or two, so I won't be blogging tomorrow and I apologize for any delayed responses to emails.
I am grateful to God for His providence in working in and through young people at my church to step up in my absence. Several young adults planned and led our summer youth retreat in the VA mountains, and several of the older youth gave the daily talks to their younger associates. To read the message outlines of several of these 17-19 year olds was pretty remarkable. These messages were reverent, coherent, and articulate. I am very proud of the youth and volunteers and grateful to God.
It simply reminds me of the wonder of the hearts and minds that God has given youth, even children at the youngest ages, and the wonder of those hearts and minds when devoted to His service in particular.
There is no reason why a young child cannot memorize a catechism of 110 questions and answers, and thus gain a theological and philosophical grid for understand one's own beliefs and engaging the beliefs of others.
There is no reason to dumb down teaching material for children, just as the military often dumbs down presentations made to very sharp soldiers.
There is no reason for children to not learn basics in the Bible, theology, philosophy, grammar, literature, history, civics, economics, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and ancient and modern languages from their elementary school years.
And there is no reason to assume that children cannot engage in all of these disciplines with hearts devoted to the glory of God from birth, as He can give saving faith to the most infantile of minds (even in the womb) just as He gives saving faith to the most sinful of minds.
Praise be to God for such manifest glory and for demonstrating that glory out of the mouths of babes.
As a quick aside, I will be unavailable for the next day or two, so I won't be blogging tomorrow and I apologize for any delayed responses to emails.
I am grateful to God for His providence in working in and through young people at my church to step up in my absence. Several young adults planned and led our summer youth retreat in the VA mountains, and several of the older youth gave the daily talks to their younger associates. To read the message outlines of several of these 17-19 year olds was pretty remarkable. These messages were reverent, coherent, and articulate. I am very proud of the youth and volunteers and grateful to God.
It simply reminds me of the wonder of the hearts and minds that God has given youth, even children at the youngest ages, and the wonder of those hearts and minds when devoted to His service in particular.
There is no reason why a young child cannot memorize a catechism of 110 questions and answers, and thus gain a theological and philosophical grid for understand one's own beliefs and engaging the beliefs of others.
There is no reason to dumb down teaching material for children, just as the military often dumbs down presentations made to very sharp soldiers.
There is no reason for children to not learn basics in the Bible, theology, philosophy, grammar, literature, history, civics, economics, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and ancient and modern languages from their elementary school years.
And there is no reason to assume that children cannot engage in all of these disciplines with hearts devoted to the glory of God from birth, as He can give saving faith to the most infantile of minds (even in the womb) just as He gives saving faith to the most sinful of minds.
Praise be to God for such manifest glory and for demonstrating that glory out of the mouths of babes.
12.8.13
The Chaplain's Bookshelf
FYI, for those of you who want to track one of my means of communication with my soldiers, feel free to check my blog for them at sustainedbyforce.blogspot.com
Here are some of the books I am reading right now:
I) The Day of Battle by Rick Atkinson. This is second book of Atkinson's masterpiece trilogy on WWII. The first book, An Army at Dawn, which I finished about a week ago, followed the American military through the war in Africa. This book picked up where the last left off, and will take the reader through the war in Italy. The final book will extend from D-Day to the end of the war. Favorably compared to Cornelius Ryan, these books are exceptionally well written, combining an overarching vision that never dims with an intimate and vivid array of details that add vitality.
In reading these books, it is easy to note the many things that never change with the American military: the occasional brillian commander, the normal and humane heroicism of the average soldier, the mind-boggling communication breakdowns and basic logistical inefficiencies, etc. There have also been some clear changes--the most obvious being that development of a vastly superior fighting force and unapproachable technological prowess. In addition, and perhaps the greatest strength of these books, is the portrait of American growth from infant to adult in foreign affairs. America entered the war with a largely naive and unserious military force, but in being brutally blooded throughout the war, departed as a realistic, superior, battle-hardened superpower.
II. The Christian Life by Sinclair Ferguson. I hope this book is the first of many I get to read on the way to getting a counseling degree. It is a treat, in that I am reading wonderful, biblically-based material for a gard degree. And Sinclair Ferguson has also had a knack for combing the doctrinal with the personal and pastoral. This book studies the doctrines of the Christian life (called the ordo saludis in theological terms): effectual calling, regeneration, faith, repentance, justification, adoption, sanctification, and glorification. As a systematic treatment of these doctrines, this book pales in comparison to John Murray's Redemption Accomplished and Applied, but as a pastoral treament of these doctrines, it is accessible and edifying.
III. Commentary on Philippians by Hywel Jones. What Jones lacks in not being an elite scholar in New Testament scholarship he makes us for through the experience of decades as a pastor and professor and through the piety that only comes through a lifetime of being sanctified by God's Word and Spirit. As with his lectures and sermons, Jones' brief commentary is filled with thoughts both pithy and profound, that add delight to the sermon preparation process.
Not that I'm only reading alongside of my normal chaplain work. As I just read in a thought-provoking article in Runner's World about how sitting is the new smoking, I am keeping very involved in physical fitness. I will be continuing to run Rock and Roll half marathons when they start back up with the VA Beach run on Labor Day weekend. In late September, I will probably take over the role of leading these races here and will probably set up a 5-HM club and a 10-HM club for those who run multiple half marathons. I'll also probably be the coordinator and leader of our post's Army Ten Miler, which should be a good bit of work as well as a lot of fun (despite the fact it will meaning doing 40 back-and-forth laps across our post). Wish you all a blessed day!
Here are some of the books I am reading right now:
I) The Day of Battle by Rick Atkinson. This is second book of Atkinson's masterpiece trilogy on WWII. The first book, An Army at Dawn, which I finished about a week ago, followed the American military through the war in Africa. This book picked up where the last left off, and will take the reader through the war in Italy. The final book will extend from D-Day to the end of the war. Favorably compared to Cornelius Ryan, these books are exceptionally well written, combining an overarching vision that never dims with an intimate and vivid array of details that add vitality.
In reading these books, it is easy to note the many things that never change with the American military: the occasional brillian commander, the normal and humane heroicism of the average soldier, the mind-boggling communication breakdowns and basic logistical inefficiencies, etc. There have also been some clear changes--the most obvious being that development of a vastly superior fighting force and unapproachable technological prowess. In addition, and perhaps the greatest strength of these books, is the portrait of American growth from infant to adult in foreign affairs. America entered the war with a largely naive and unserious military force, but in being brutally blooded throughout the war, departed as a realistic, superior, battle-hardened superpower.
II. The Christian Life by Sinclair Ferguson. I hope this book is the first of many I get to read on the way to getting a counseling degree. It is a treat, in that I am reading wonderful, biblically-based material for a gard degree. And Sinclair Ferguson has also had a knack for combing the doctrinal with the personal and pastoral. This book studies the doctrines of the Christian life (called the ordo saludis in theological terms): effectual calling, regeneration, faith, repentance, justification, adoption, sanctification, and glorification. As a systematic treatment of these doctrines, this book pales in comparison to John Murray's Redemption Accomplished and Applied, but as a pastoral treament of these doctrines, it is accessible and edifying.
III. Commentary on Philippians by Hywel Jones. What Jones lacks in not being an elite scholar in New Testament scholarship he makes us for through the experience of decades as a pastor and professor and through the piety that only comes through a lifetime of being sanctified by God's Word and Spirit. As with his lectures and sermons, Jones' brief commentary is filled with thoughts both pithy and profound, that add delight to the sermon preparation process.
Not that I'm only reading alongside of my normal chaplain work. As I just read in a thought-provoking article in Runner's World about how sitting is the new smoking, I am keeping very involved in physical fitness. I will be continuing to run Rock and Roll half marathons when they start back up with the VA Beach run on Labor Day weekend. In late September, I will probably take over the role of leading these races here and will probably set up a 5-HM club and a 10-HM club for those who run multiple half marathons. I'll also probably be the coordinator and leader of our post's Army Ten Miler, which should be a good bit of work as well as a lot of fun (despite the fact it will meaning doing 40 back-and-forth laps across our post). Wish you all a blessed day!
11.8.13
Real Naivete
I had coffee for the last time with this younger sister in Christ (continuing a tradition that she had with the chaplain before me). She was sheltered growing up and is sweet, servant-hearted, and guileless. Before she came out here, one of her co-workers thought that she would not be able to cut it because of her naivete (in other words, her sheltered life experience).
But there is a difference between experiential naivete and theological naivete. One can be corrected through simple life experiences; the other only through radical heart change. This gal was certainly experientially naive, but she grasps the workings of the world. She understands that this world was originally created in perfect order and goodness and that its current disfigurement is due to rebellion launched by man against God. The Bible breeds a brutal realism toward a broken world.
So as this gal pranced around each day, ducking and weaving through bunkers and alleyways and smiling at passersby, she did with full knowledge of reality, not in spite of that. To the untrained eye, she is totally unaware of the broken world around her. To the spiritual eye, she is fully aware of the broken world around, but just as aware of the conquering, redemptive purposes of Christ the King.
The cynics must learn that joy does not preclude reality--it encompasses it in the greater glory of God.
This gal will return home to Virginia soon, and plans on making a stop by my home church in late September. For those of you there, please be ready to welcome her!
As today tends to be my "LBR" (low battle rhythm) day, I enjoyed my work and life at a slower pace (aside from the craziness of preaching and leading a chapel service!). Chapel went well, and by God's grace, the number of attendees have been growing.
Aside from coffee with this sister in Christ, I also enjoyed an hour long discussion with a soldier about the beauties of God's grace in its unadulterated form! It's a tough message to swallow, but once ingested, the reality that "nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling" brings delight.
And I had another of those mealtime discussions with an eclectic gathering of people. This time, it included my Lutheran friend, my African-American friend from the south who recently decided to work toward becoming an Army chaplain, my female friend from Africa, and my activist friend with whom I enjoy all of the great marriage debates.
Today, we talked about the distinctive roles of the church and the state. One proclaims the Gospel and its governing ethic is mercy. The other promotes and maintains an ethic of justice. We also talked why civil rights and social and political acceptance are neither the means to happiness nor the most important goal to pursue. We often find happier people in the repressive countries than free.
Ultimately, the fundamental need that stands over and above Mazlow's hierarchy of needs is the need to be accepted by and reconciled to God. If He is offended by you, then you're damned. And in the Hell-bound life, there will be no undergirding peace or overaching joy. Just the slow, distracted, futile, meaningless shuffle to death. But if God has provided a remedy for your offensive nature, then there is hope. And identifying that hope and spotlighting it for the world is the goal of the church.
But there is a difference between experiential naivete and theological naivete. One can be corrected through simple life experiences; the other only through radical heart change. This gal was certainly experientially naive, but she grasps the workings of the world. She understands that this world was originally created in perfect order and goodness and that its current disfigurement is due to rebellion launched by man against God. The Bible breeds a brutal realism toward a broken world.
So as this gal pranced around each day, ducking and weaving through bunkers and alleyways and smiling at passersby, she did with full knowledge of reality, not in spite of that. To the untrained eye, she is totally unaware of the broken world around her. To the spiritual eye, she is fully aware of the broken world around, but just as aware of the conquering, redemptive purposes of Christ the King.
The cynics must learn that joy does not preclude reality--it encompasses it in the greater glory of God.
This gal will return home to Virginia soon, and plans on making a stop by my home church in late September. For those of you there, please be ready to welcome her!
As today tends to be my "LBR" (low battle rhythm) day, I enjoyed my work and life at a slower pace (aside from the craziness of preaching and leading a chapel service!). Chapel went well, and by God's grace, the number of attendees have been growing.
Aside from coffee with this sister in Christ, I also enjoyed an hour long discussion with a soldier about the beauties of God's grace in its unadulterated form! It's a tough message to swallow, but once ingested, the reality that "nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling" brings delight.
And I had another of those mealtime discussions with an eclectic gathering of people. This time, it included my Lutheran friend, my African-American friend from the south who recently decided to work toward becoming an Army chaplain, my female friend from Africa, and my activist friend with whom I enjoy all of the great marriage debates.
Today, we talked about the distinctive roles of the church and the state. One proclaims the Gospel and its governing ethic is mercy. The other promotes and maintains an ethic of justice. We also talked why civil rights and social and political acceptance are neither the means to happiness nor the most important goal to pursue. We often find happier people in the repressive countries than free.
Ultimately, the fundamental need that stands over and above Mazlow's hierarchy of needs is the need to be accepted by and reconciled to God. If He is offended by you, then you're damned. And in the Hell-bound life, there will be no undergirding peace or overaching joy. Just the slow, distracted, futile, meaningless shuffle to death. But if God has provided a remedy for your offensive nature, then there is hope. And identifying that hope and spotlighting it for the world is the goal of the church.
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