March 21, 2009
We continue to see
the positive results from our warriors efforts in Iraq. Another
of our units is coming home 3 months ahead of the original
plan. Another is coming home and is not being replaced. While
we're thankful for the beginning of the drawdown of combat
forces we're mindful there are still pockets of insurgency and
evil men who pose threats to our troops and the stability of the
country.
Our men and women in
harm's way will not let their guard down.
It's
important that we continue to remain ever faithful in our
support and encouragement as our warriors face danger daily.
Front Left: Ch.
Woodford Front Right: SSG Redfearn
From: "Redfearn, Payten E SSG MNC-I 18 CSSB"
Sent: Apr 25, 2009 1:39 PM
To: Jim Cruickshanks
Subject: RE: Bay Ridge United Church and you
Mr. Cruickshanks,
My name is SSG Payten Redfearn and I am the Chaplain Assistant for the
18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (18th CSSB for short) and CH (CPT)
Gerald Woodford. I know that CH Woodford emailed you back, but he is
currently enjoying a much deserved R&R (leave) and is unable to resend
the earlier sent email.
When not in Iraq my Chaplain and I are stationed in Grafenwoehr
(pronounced Grafinveer), Germany (eastern Germany). My Chaplain as been
a Chaplain since 2004 but has served in the military in some capacity
(Active duty Airfoce, Airforce reserve, Airforce National Guard, Army
Reserve, Active Duty Army) for a little over 20 years. He is originally
from Cleveland, Ohio but calls Fort Worth, Texas home now. He belongs to
the Churches Of Christ and is married with two kids.
I have served in the Army since 2003 as a Chaplain Assistant. This is my
second deployment to Iraq. I am married with no kids (hopefully will
have one soon), and my wife and I are both from Thomasville, Georgia.
Here in Iraq we are stationed way up north in the City of Mosul. Our
living conditions are not too bad (compared to most prehistoric mammals
;)), and our food is really good (once you get passed the bad part). But
to be perfectly honest (and I know I also speak on behalf of my Chaplain
when I say this), there is no other place that we would rather be. This
is where the ministry is at. This is where Soldiers and God come
together.
I'm sure you've read the news reports about Mosul. Mosul is one of the
worse places in Iraq. A lot of people say it’s the "last stronghold".
Living here on a daily basis, I completely believe it. But I know that
my boss (the Chaplain) and I were put here for a reason. And that reason
is to do exactly what I eluded to earlier (bring God to Soldiers and
Soldiers to God). This is where the ministry is, and so therefore this
is where we
need to be.
We have received your boxes and they are VERY much appreciated. As soon
as we get a chance we will be coordinating a humanitarian mission in
order to give the clothes to the kids that really need it. When we do
that I will make sure I send pictures. My Chaplain and his wife (Yvette)
and my wife (Alaina) really appreciate the continued support and prayers
from you and your Church. We look forward to hearing back from you in
the near future.
From: "Redfearn, Payten E SSG MNC-I 18 CSSB"
Sent: Jun 7, 2009 10:10 AM
To: Jim Cruickshanks
Subject: RE: 3 Boxes
Mr. Cruickshanks,
I definitely look forward to the packages coming in. Things here in
Mosul are going pretty smoothly. We are now under 80 days until we leave
here, and I know both of our families are ecstatic! Thanks again for the
boxes and email, and we look forward to hearing back from you in the
future. Thanks again!
Eric
Payten E. Redfearn
SSG, USA
Chaplain NCOIC
The meaning of
ministry:
When you grow weary with the tasks of praying for our troops and
gathering goods to encourage them it occasionally helps to step back
realize the impact of your cups of cold water in Jesus name.
I just wanted to
say thank you for your support and the prayers and packages your
organization sends over here….It's not about the great stuff that gets
sent our way, it's about knowing that someone went through the trouble
to collect this stuff and box it up and send it forward to guys who
don't take anything for granted. It's about knowing that we're supported
back home, and that the really hard days are appreciated by folks half a
world away. Knowing that makes all the difference in the world. So
thanks again for your support, and God's blessings and grace be with you
and all your endeavors. Ch JH
I know you don’t
hear it enough but “Thank you, thank you”– some of your folks may not
know the blessing that you provide to these deployed members in so many
ways. Just yesterday a young Navy aircraft maintainer picked up a Third
Day CD and moments later an Air Force officer picked up a Casting Crowns
CD – The Bibles are always welcome as are the devotional materials and
of course the snacks and goodies which are often a draw for the timid
into the chaplain’s office. Ch JF
Blue Fridays:
Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing blue every
Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called
the 'silent majority' We are no longer silent , and are voicing our love
for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not
organized, boisterous or overbearing.
Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to
recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea
of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and
respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until
the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that every
red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear
something blue. By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the
United States on every Friday a sea of
blue much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one
of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances ,
coworkers , friends , and family , it will not be long before the USA is covered in BLUE and it will
let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more
than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. The first thing a
soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?'
is .'We need your support and your prayers.' Let's get the word out and
lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something blue every
Friday.
CHARIOTS OF FIRE
“And Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may
see.” And the Lord opened, the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the
mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” II Kings
2:17
We pray that our chaplains
are constantly aware of the of God’s Chariots of Fire around them as Elisha was
when he was surrounded by enemies.
"The man who walks with God
always gets to his destination. If you have a pulse you have a purpose."
Rick Mathes
The times they are a changing, or so they say: We're seeing a changing of the seasons in Iraq and Afghanistan. The temperatures are beginning to approach triple digits.
Around Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan it's getting warm
but they are surrounded by snow covered mountains. The emphasis is changing from Iraq to Afghanistan. Amidst the changes one thing doesn't change - our brave
young men and women who are committed to protecting our security. They
are the finest and we appreciate the sacrifices they and their families
are making on our behalf.
Ben Ferguson
Psalm 23 Revised
How does a chaplain bring the Bible into the
culture of a combat Marine or soldier in terms familiar to
him and to be faithful to the text at the same time? Can it be
done? Ch Berrens has done a credible job of putting the
Shepherd's psalm into language his Marines understand. .Thank
you Ch Berrens for permission to use your translation in this
week's edition.
1 The Lord is my GPS (God’s Positioning System); I shall not
bear off course.
2 He makes me lie down in green hooches; He leads me beside
tranquil waters. He provides safe route clearance for my life.
3 He repairs my soul; He guides me over perilous mountains
passes, He directs me across dangerous deserts, He leads me
through treacherous towns, For His name’s sake.
4 Yea, though the enemy is all around me as I drive through the
valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear no one; For You are with me; Your angels
protect and they comfort me
5 You steer me along clear paths as I sweep them for others. You
prepare safe lanes before me in the presence of my enemies; You
anoint my spirit with courage and hope; My canteen cup runs
over.
6 Surely, cougars, huskies, and buffalos will follow me All the
days of my life; And I will dwell in the castle of the Lord
Forever.
By Ch Matt Berrens
Chaplain of Marines 1st Combat Engineers
Used with permission
Combat is dangerous!
Everyone knows that, but training for combat is also very dangerous. The loss of
four young soldiers while on a training flight in Colorado reminds us of the
danger.
http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/army-4-soldiers-killed-in-colo-helicopter-crash-119536.html?cxtype=rss_news_82111
Remember our young
warriors and the dangers they face as they prepare for deployment.
From the web
Say thank you — Have you ever seen one or a group of our men and women in
uniform walking through the airport and wish you could say “thank you for your
service?” You can even if you’re shy or they’re walking in the opposite
direction. Here’s a way to let them know. They appreciate it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSfFYxSdKdo
That one may live — Michael
Yon an imbedded reporter tells a riveting and heart warming story that began
with gunfire that seriously wounded a British soldier in Afghanistan. An email
from Michael to Soldier’s Angels in the US set in motion an amazing sequence of
events that saved the young soldier.
http://www.michaelyon-online.com/do-americans-care-about-british-soldiers.htm
Women at war — The image of
young women in the military as “shy and in need of protection by men” is
completely shattered by the video stories of three of our soldiers. They’re well
trained and know how to take care of business.
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/08/16/us/20090816_women_feature.html#
Flavor of Afghanistan
Have you ever complained
about:
Unsafe conditions at work...try standing on a pile of sandbags at work.
Uncomfortable chairs for Bible study...try wooden benches or standing. Church
facilities...try outdoors without air conditioning. A hard lumpy mattress...try
sleeping on the ground in the open. If you have...GIVE THANKS. Many of
our warriors do daily!
Business as usual…
September 10, 2001
The day our world stood still...and changed forever!
September 11, 2001
Ashes turn to Anger
From the
Ashes of 9-11
Twenty four tons of twisted
steel from the WTC was melted down and recast as part of the USS
NEW YORK (LPD21). It can carry 700 Marines fully outfitted for battle.
The flag
may be torn; it may be tattered but
these colors don’t run!!!
Following 9-11 we were
united, flags proudly flew everywhere.
To honor the victims of 9-11
and our troops who
sacrifice please fly your flag on 9-11.
Anger turns to ACTION
FREEDOM wasn't free in
1776; it's NOT free in 2009
They may run and they may
hide but our warriors will not be deterred. Their message for
the bad guys is “We’re coming and we’re coming FOR YOU!!!!
NEVER FORGET!!!
Yesterday was the 8th anniversary of 9-11. Each passing year brings less
response and remembrance of an event that changed our world. Four years
after 9-11 one citizen wrote:
“It’s high time that we in the
west adopt a more live and let live policy.”
Should we make a big deal of the date? Is remembering the same as “holding a
grudge? Shouldn't we just forgive and forget?
To answer the questions let’s reach back in history— way
back to Biblical history.
Shortly after the Israelites came out of Egypt they were
attacked by the army of Amalek (Exodus 17) As a prelude to the attack they:
Were not expecting an attack, Were minding their own business, Had no
standing army, Had 24 hours to mobilize and prepare for war.
The battle is joined and by the end of the day Israel
defeats Amalek. Then something very interesting happens:
“Then the Lord said to Moses, Write this in a book as
a memorial and recite it to Joshua…” (literally: place it in the ears of
Joshua) Ex 17:14
And Moses built an altar and named it The Lord is My Banner.” (literally
Jehovah is my flag) Ex 17:15) - Emphasis added
Forty years pass and Moses is delivering his farewell
address to the nation. Tucked in the middle of his final instructions to the
nation we read:
Remember what Amalek did to you along the
way when you came out of Egypt, how he met you along the way and attacked
among you all the stragglers at your rear when you were faint and weary; and
he did not fear God...you must never forget. Deut. 25:17:19 - Emphasis added
What, if anything, does this say to us?
WE MUST NEVER FORGET
• The victims of
9-11 and their families
• Evil men are dedicated to destroy our way of life even though we’ve done
nothing to them. Fanatical men are willing to give their lives to destroy us
and our way of life.
• Our young men and women are stepping forward and are willing to give their
lives that we may continue to live free.
• Thousands of our young men and women have given and continue to give their
lives in the cause of freedom.
• Our wounded warriors
• The cross on the lapel of our chaplains signifies “Jehovah is our Flag.”
• The conflict today as then is never ending.
For these reasons and others WE MUST NEVER FORGET
9-11-2001!!!
Safe at home…. maybe
The demons of war follow our warriors home. In addition to the usual
adjustments of reintegration to life at home many struggle with personal
“demons” from their experiences:
Post traumatic stress
Anger
Suicidal thoughts
Violent thoughts
Depression
Pray for God’s inner peace for them.
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