■ THE MINISTRY OF CHAPLAINS
Blessings in a
Strange Land
by EDDIE JONES to see where the airmen worked.
■ destroy found enemy weapons. This all
kept me aware of the potential dangers I was struck by their youth. Many of
T
HE DAY AFTER I arrived in Bagh- just outside the fence. them reminded me of my teenage kids.
dad as an Air Force chaplain in Though they tried to look courageous,
September 2008, we came under
Young Faces
their tension, which seemed to ease at see-
mortar attack. We fell to the floor, lying One of my first ministry opportunities ing a chaplain, was apparent. In later vis-
flat on our stomachs with our hands over came while visiting troops on the base its, we brought Popsicles, hand warmers,
our heads. In a few moments it was over, entry gates with the security forces com- brownies, and even prized telephone call-
and we got back to business. mander. The colonel, though not a reli- ing cards to them. Building these relation-
These mortar attacks became an gious man, made it clear the importance ships provided many ministry opportuni-
almost daily event. Although they were he placed on chaplains visiting his ties. I also spent a lot of my time with the
considered “indirect fire” and not very troops, especially since the Air Force commanders and first sergeants learning
accurate, it seemed the enemy wanted to police were taking over some of the secu- where the chaplains were needed most.
remind us they were still there. This was rity responsibilities previously owned by
coupled with the around-the-clock the Army. He said he expected casualties,
Hospital Ministry
sounds of helicopters, jets, cargo planes, and good relationships with the troops On my first day serving at the military
Army machine guns, and an occasional would be beneficial. With full armor on, hospital, we had five traumas. Two were
building-shaking controlled detonation to weighing at least 80 pounds, we went out Iraqi children—a 3-year-old girl and a
“IN THIS ENVIRONMENT, CHAPLAINS
DON’T HAVE TO GO OUT LOOKING
FOR THE ‘SHEEP’; WE ARE ALREADY
IN THEIR MIDST BY THE NATURE OF
THE ROLE.”—EDDIE JONES
16 EVANGEL • AUG 2009
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