Northwest District
NW District News Archive
| News from Military Chaplain Gilliam |
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From an email received on June 22: Our unit is now 100% "Boots on the ground" in Afghanistan. As I am writing this e-mail it is approximately 152 degrees outside. I had no idea our world could get this hot. It literally feels just like walking into an oven. Last Sunday our worship service was packed to standing room only. We had Soldiers from both the American and Italian armies there as well contract workers from Kenya, Malasia and various places in the Pacific Isles. I was most impressed with the Kenyans from Africa. They are a very spiritual people and they take their Christian walk very seriously. Many of them will come to the chapel at various times of the week/day to literally pray and fast during any break they have. I really think that they would pray for several hours longer if their jobs didn't require them to get back to work. On Sundays, during worship, they seem to worship so intently and sincerely. And when they come to service they EXPECT a good, well thought out sermon (with no time limit attached). Apparently, in Africa they have to walk several hours to worship at their church locations. When they get there they expect it to be worth it. That's fine for here. It pushes me to do my best as the chaplain on this Forward Operating Base.
I also ask that you pray for us as we interact with the local Afghan populous. Situations can sometimes be fragile but the Afghans are a unique and great people. You would be proud of our Army if you could see the various and different things we are doing to strengthen the country of Afghanistan and give their people the ability and dignity to someday run their country on their own. Please feel free to disseminate this e-mail to interested individuals, churches and organizations who may be interested in both praying for us and supporting our Soldiers with care gift items. If anyone is interested both my address and e-mail is listed below. God bless you all! |
On the Northwest District, we have several ministers who serve as Chaplains in the military. One of these is Rodney Gilliam, who is currently serving on the ground in Afghanistan. The district office occasionally receives updates from this dedicated pastor/soldier and thought it would be good to share what is happening across the world from one of our own.
I do ask for all of your prayers for myself and my assistant as we travel outside the wire to minister to our Troops living out in some pretty desolate, rugged and austere locations. These Soldiers are hungry for the Word of God. Please pray for our safety and that God will give us the wisdom and insight as to how to be the very best Unit Ministry Team that we can possibly be.