As we began our gruesome task of cleaning up, the sacrifices America asks of its young service members rose in our minds. No one said a word, and although I’m the chaplain and it’s up to me to offer lessons in times like these, all I could think of was "Duty— Honor—Country."
While some days are better than others and the news media sensationalizes the casualties, please remember there is an incredible amount of good being done for the Iraqi public. Good things largely being ignored by the media. About a week after we arrived back in Mosul the second time, we revisited the school. We were thrilled to watch the kids play a soccer game on the field we built. The teachers kept thanking and thanking us. The school is thriving and educating the future of Iraq.
Thanks so much for the packages and for the kind words. It is a great feeling to know you care about us and support us over here. Just want you to know God has protected many others and me over here. Please keep praying for our safety and protection. Our Battalion Commander has pointed out every day the numerous "close calls" many of our guys have had. This is not just luck, but truly a direct result of the protection from your prayers. We have had some guys wounded, but thankfully no one has been banged up too badly.
The other day one of our guys was shot in the head. Amazingly, the bullet went through his helmet, banged around inside above his head and finally came to a stop under his scalp. The doctor pulled the bullet out and gave him a couple stitches. I saw him the next day, and he had a bandage over the back of his head. He said other than a bad headache, he felt great. The next day he was back with his platoon.
I think our Battalion Commander has counted over a dozen instances of divine intervention, and those are just the blatantly obvious ones. Just today we had another guy take a bullet to the head. He is fine and says he has a bad headache and needs a new helmet.
There was one particular time when forty enemy personnel ambushed us. Outnumbered, we all escaped without any major injuries. There have been many other stories—occasions when grenades never blew up or bounced off the ground, mortars landing next to someone yet they wouldn’t receive a scratch, or soldiers who actually saw bullets going around other soldiers.
One of the guys from my company showed me the book of Nahum this evening. I must admit I’ve studied very little about Nahum. In Nahum, God speaks about the city of Nineveh and would you believe Mosul is built on and around ancient Nineveh? In fact, the locals say that Jonah is buried in the middle of the city. Nahum 1:7-8 states, "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh." I am sure Nahum was not referring to the present, but a flood of war has definitely come to this city Nahum’s description of Nineveh is full of violence and destruction, but I will continue to cling to his message of comfort in verse 7: "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble."
Recently I found myself reflecting on the past nine months, particularly how privileged I am to be an American citizen. When I eat in the chow tent, I realize how much better I am eating than the citizens of Iraq. There I am, surrounded by enemies, enjoying a better standard of living than those outside the perimeter.
Somehow, I feel God is part of all of this, at least in helping me to trust Him more. God definitely has sent His angels to protect us. So thank you again for the letters, packages, and especially for all of your prayers. Our unit goes home soon. Can’t wait!
Your friend in Iraq,
