I am well and at Camp Marmal in RC-North, Afghanistan.
Recently, I met Chaplain (COL) Brent Causey who is General Petraeus' Chaplain.
I am pastoring the Gospel Service Congregation and doing three services each week. One is large . . . the other two are just getting started and are very small, but meaningful.
I will be doing some battlefield circulation over the next few days. I expect to fly a lot as the mission for Task Force Lobos unfolds.
I have a great commander and a great command team. Obviously, like everyone else, I miss my wife and kids, but I love what I am doing, and only hope to do it better.
I am not surprised that your gathering (Chaplains, Spouses, and Friends Retreat) was very successful. I wish that Joy and I could have been there. I would have loved to have seen Chaplain (LTC) Ken Godfrey along with others. Thank you for what you do!
God has shown me great grace and in a dry and weary land, I have every reason to be thankful.
Chaplain James Ward
[Editor's comment: This assignment to Afghanistan for Chaplain James Ward is his first deployment. He needs our prayers for his protection and ministry to his soldiers, his commander, and fellow officers. The sacrifices that our chaplains and their spouses make are enormous. It is because God has called them to this noble ministry to be present with our troops wherever they go in this world of ours. They are a visible reminder of the invisible God Who loves each one of them.
Afghanistan is a hostile environment. He will face many difficulties with the need of God's protection from the devastation and destruction of war. He is our representative in battle to America's brave, young soldiers who need the Savior and His projection and grace.
The opportunities to minister to these young men and women on a daily basis are enormous. Chaplain Ward will need special strength, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit as he shares God's Word and prays with and for his soldiers, as well as his commander and staff.]
Posted on
Tue, July 5, 2011
by Hugh Morgan