By Mrs. Gail Gross (Wife of soldier in Heidelberg, Germany)
I want you to consider your morning and day. How did your day start? My day began with my alarm clock going off at 0530 to an AFN (American Forces Network) station reporting news of “Operation Iraqi Freedom.” I rolled over, kissed my husband (silently praising God he was there and praying for the many husbands and wives who did not wake up next to their spouse) and crawled out of a cozy, warm bed. I walked to the bathroom, flipped on the light and turned on a hot shower. After my shower with soap, shampoo and crème rinse, I brushed my teeth and gargled with Listerine. I applied deodorant, make-up and perfume, dried my hair with an electric blow dryer and then assured my hair would stay in place for the day with a little hair spray. Did I forget to mention that all these events occurred in a comfortable housing unit of about 1400 square feet, which is adequately heated, safe and secure?
Simultaneously, my husband is preparing for his day of duty. Throughout these activities, coffee is brewing and a clean cup stands ceremoniously on the kitchen counter ready to receive the hot aromatic liquid. We meet at the door, join hands, bow our heads and pray for God’s blessing on our day and most especially God’s provision of safety and blessings on our troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I am certain that many of you began your day just as my husband and I did. What about our troops who are in the field? Have you stopped to think about how or when their day starts and ends? I am married to a soldier and I have an inside look at what is happening in the Iraqi desert. Our troops have been at war in Iraq for six days, but many have been in the desert three or four months, waiting. They are waiting for the order to begin what they have been trained to do: fight. While they are waiting, they train during the day and sleep at night. They eat three square MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat) and train some more. The days are long and hot and the nights are short and cold and the anticipation escalates with each passing hour. Then it comes. The order they’ve been waiting for. They are on the move. History in the making: lives and cultures never to be the same again.
I see people (celebrities) on AFN television saying how they appreci-ate the sacrifices our troops are making. I sometimes wonder if they realize the magnitude of those sacrifices. To me the sacrifices made voluntarily by our troops to protect America from enemies foreign and domestic are incredible. Set aside the fact that the only shower or bath that many have had in months is with a baby wipe. That’s right, a baby wipe bath. There are no cozy warm beds in the Iraqi desert either, only cots and sleeping bags in tents. Have any of you tried to sleep in a tent full of other people? They are tired, hot, missing their loved ones and waiting to battle the enemy. I would guess that rest is difficult at best.
In the midst of waiting there are sandstorms to contend with - winds up to 50 miles an hour throwing and swirling sand everywhere. Sometimes visibility is limited to about 10-15 feet. Sand gets in their teeth and ears and nose and eyes. During a sandstorm they must try to cover these orifices with ski goggles and/or scarves, but still there is sand. Imagine your toilet paper and Kleenex with grains of sand in it. It is almost like the proverbial wedding rice or birdseed that continues to show itself long after the “I do’s.”
Routines have changed. They fight at night and try to catch some rest during the day. The nights are still too short, but the days are still too long. Most meals are on the run and sleep often occurs in a foxhole. They must be ready to take up arms and become fully mobile in a matter of mere minutes. Oh, did I forget to mention while they are doing all this they are constantly thinking about firing upon and being fired upon by the enemy? Endless thoughts of death, dying, capture and torture invade their minds. During a respite, thoughts drift to families and home and the new baby that was born yesterday but will not be held until the war is over. They see and hear about death on a daily basis and must instantaneously digest that comrades are missing, perhaps captured, and continue on. The mental fatigue alone is enough to send most of us to counseling, yet our troops endure. The physical exhaustion is phenomenal, yet our troops endure. The yearning for family and all else that is familiar is nearly unbearable, yet our troops endure. The end is in sight only because there was a beginning, but no one knows when that end will come, yet our troops endure. Their very lives are at stake, yet our troops endure. This does not resemble the beginning or for that matter, any part of my day.
Why do they endure? They endure because it is the right thing to do. They endure because Saddam Hussein is a tyrannical despot without heart or conscience. He has pillaged and raped his own people and country simply to promote his maniacal and egotistical regime. Hussein’s propaganda strives to control and devalue the Iraqi people. No Iraqi citizen openly questions Hussein or his methods because to do so would mean certain death. No one deserves to be treated as Hussein has treated his countrymen. Iraq is a country rich in oil; however, many Iraqis live in squalor while Hussein lives in splendor and luxury. Our troops endure to depose Saddam Hussein and to return Iraq to its people.
I believe the battle to be long. After the war many (200,000 estimated) troops will continue to endure. American and coalition troops will not leave Iraq upon deliverance of freedom. Oh no, we will stay and help the Iraqi people rebuild and reconstruct their country. America will spend billions of dollars to train and educate those who have been oppressed by Saddam for decades. We will help the Iraqi people regain their self respect and value as a nation. Why? It is the right thing to do.
I am an American and I support our troops and President Bush. Our troops and coalition forces are in Iraq fighting the noble fight. As a nation we are far too willing to sit back and allow others to suffer needlessly because we do not wish to get involved or worse, we are content to allow injustices to be heaped upon the innocent because it does not directly affect us or affect our lives in America. There was a time, not so long ago, when the difference between right and wrong and good and bad was much more easily discernible. I think we need to ask ourselves what happened. When did evil become an acceptable behavior? Saddam Hussein’s malevolent regime is inhumane and no longer tolerable, and if American and coalition troops are willing to put their lives on the line to bring it down then the least you and I can do is support them in any way possible.
So tomorrow morning when you crawl out of your cozy, warm bed, after you take a hot shower, and while you enjoy a cup of hot coffee, remember that oppression of a people is wrong and there are service members who are actively fighting against the evils of this world. Say a prayer for them. Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.” Why not help our fellow man achieve that freedom?
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I want you to consider your morning and day. How did your day start? My day began with my alarm clock going off at 0530 to an AFN (American Forces Network) station reporting news of “Operation Iraqi Freedom.” I rolled over, kissed my husband (silently praising God he was there and praying for the many husbands and wives who did not wake up next to their spouse) and crawled out of a cozy, warm bed. I walked to the bathroom, flipped on the light and turned on a hot shower. After my shower with soap, shampoo and crème rinse, I brushed my teeth and gargled with Listerine. I applied deodorant, make-up and perfume, dried my hair with an electric blow dryer and then assured my hair would stay in place for the day with a little hair spray. Did I forget to mention that all these events occurred in a comfortable housing unit of about 1400 square feet, which is adequately heated, safe and secure?
Simultaneously, my husband is preparing for his day of duty. Throughout these activities, coffee is brewing and a clean cup stands ceremoniously on the kitchen counter ready to receive the hot aromatic liquid. We meet at the door, join hands, bow our heads and pray for God’s blessing on our day and most especially God’s provision of safety and blessings on our troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I am certain that many of you began your day just as my husband and I did. What about our troops who are in the field? Have you stopped to think about how or when their day starts and ends? I am married to a soldier and I have an inside look at what is happening in the Iraqi desert. Our troops have been at war in Iraq for six days, but many have been in the desert three or four months, waiting. They are waiting for the order to begin what they have been trained to do: fight. While they are waiting, they train during the day and sleep at night. They eat three square MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat) and train some more. The days are long and hot and the nights are short and cold and the anticipation escalates with each passing hour. Then it comes. The order they’ve been waiting for. They are on the move. History in the making: lives and cultures never to be the same again.
I see people (celebrities) on AFN television saying how they appreci-ate the sacrifices our troops are making. I sometimes wonder if they realize the magnitude of those sacrifices. To me the sacrifices made voluntarily by our troops to protect America from enemies foreign and domestic are incredible. Set aside the fact that the only shower or bath that many have had in months is with a baby wipe. That’s right, a baby wipe bath. There are no cozy warm beds in the Iraqi desert either, only cots and sleeping bags in tents. Have any of you tried to sleep in a tent full of other people? They are tired, hot, missing their loved ones and waiting to battle the enemy. I would guess that rest is difficult at best.
In the midst of waiting there are sandstorms to contend with - winds up to 50 miles an hour throwing and swirling sand everywhere. Sometimes visibility is limited to about 10-15 feet. Sand gets in their teeth and ears and nose and eyes. During a sandstorm they must try to cover these orifices with ski goggles and/or scarves, but still there is sand. Imagine your toilet paper and Kleenex with grains of sand in it. It is almost like the proverbial wedding rice or birdseed that continues to show itself long after the “I do’s.”
Routines have changed. They fight at night and try to catch some rest during the day. The nights are still too short, but the days are still too long. Most meals are on the run and sleep often occurs in a foxhole. They must be ready to take up arms and become fully mobile in a matter of mere minutes. Oh, did I forget to mention while they are doing all this they are constantly thinking about firing upon and being fired upon by the enemy? Endless thoughts of death, dying, capture and torture invade their minds. During a respite, thoughts drift to families and home and the new baby that was born yesterday but will not be held until the war is over. They see and hear about death on a daily basis and must instantaneously digest that comrades are missing, perhaps captured, and continue on. The mental fatigue alone is enough to send most of us to counseling, yet our troops endure. The physical exhaustion is phenomenal, yet our troops endure. The yearning for family and all else that is familiar is nearly unbearable, yet our troops endure. The end is in sight only because there was a beginning, but no one knows when that end will come, yet our troops endure. Their very lives are at stake, yet our troops endure. This does not resemble the beginning or for that matter, any part of my day.
Why do they endure? They endure because it is the right thing to do. They endure because Saddam Hussein is a tyrannical despot without heart or conscience. He has pillaged and raped his own people and country simply to promote his maniacal and egotistical regime. Hussein’s propaganda strives to control and devalue the Iraqi people. No Iraqi citizen openly questions Hussein or his methods because to do so would mean certain death. No one deserves to be treated as Hussein has treated his countrymen. Iraq is a country rich in oil; however, many Iraqis live in squalor while Hussein lives in splendor and luxury. Our troops endure to depose Saddam Hussein and to return Iraq to its people.
I believe the battle to be long. After the war many (200,000 estimated) troops will continue to endure. American and coalition troops will not leave Iraq upon deliverance of freedom. Oh no, we will stay and help the Iraqi people rebuild and reconstruct their country. America will spend billions of dollars to train and educate those who have been oppressed by Saddam for decades. We will help the Iraqi people regain their self respect and value as a nation. Why? It is the right thing to do.
I am an American and I support our troops and President Bush. Our troops and coalition forces are in Iraq fighting the noble fight. As a nation we are far too willing to sit back and allow others to suffer needlessly because we do not wish to get involved or worse, we are content to allow injustices to be heaped upon the innocent because it does not directly affect us or affect our lives in America. There was a time, not so long ago, when the difference between right and wrong and good and bad was much more easily discernible. I think we need to ask ourselves what happened. When did evil become an acceptable behavior? Saddam Hussein’s malevolent regime is inhumane and no longer tolerable, and if American and coalition troops are willing to put their lives on the line to bring it down then the least you and I can do is support them in any way possible.
So tomorrow morning when you crawl out of your cozy, warm bed, after you take a hot shower, and while you enjoy a cup of hot coffee, remember that oppression of a people is wrong and there are service members who are actively fighting against the evils of this world. Say a prayer for them. Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.” Why not help our fellow man achieve that freedom?
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By Rosie J. Osborne, Edited by Al Anger
After WWII, Baptist missionaries came to evangelize the Philippines. They came with their Bibles, flannel graphs, accordions, and songs about Jesus Christ. They first came to our barrio when I was seven years old and a Roman Catholic. Nevertheless, because of the missionaries’ persistence in presenting the Gospel I accepted Christ at the age of 15.
At the age of 17 I met a serviceman who worked with my father by the name of Leo Osborne. Shortly after meeting Leo, he asked to marry me, and that was 35 years ago.
For the next 30 years we lived on military bases and were encompassed with the military way of life. During this time we either attended an independent Baptist Church off base or started one near the base. I praise the Lord for giving me the grace to home school my two children, Ben and Marie, although at times it was difficult for them. I also praise the Lord that my children have accepted Christ as their Savior and my parents and brother have also been saved. Recently my sister had a stroke and was given a 50/50 chance of surviving. I contacted the mission agency that sponsored the missionaries who came to my barrio when I was a child. The son of the missionary who ministered to me now ministers there and led my sister to the Lord.
raise God for the military that liberated the Philippines thus permitting missionaries to come to my barrio. This event set off a chain of events that has resulted in reaching me, my family and others for our Lord. May God bless our military.
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After WWII, Baptist missionaries came to evangelize the Philippines. They came with their Bibles, flannel graphs, accordions, and songs about Jesus Christ. They first came to our barrio when I was seven years old and a Roman Catholic. Nevertheless, because of the missionaries’ persistence in presenting the Gospel I accepted Christ at the age of 15.
At the age of 17 I met a serviceman who worked with my father by the name of Leo Osborne. Shortly after meeting Leo, he asked to marry me, and that was 35 years ago.
For the next 30 years we lived on military bases and were encompassed with the military way of life. During this time we either attended an independent Baptist Church off base or started one near the base. I praise the Lord for giving me the grace to home school my two children, Ben and Marie, although at times it was difficult for them. I also praise the Lord that my children have accepted Christ as their Savior and my parents and brother have also been saved. Recently my sister had a stroke and was given a 50/50 chance of surviving. I contacted the mission agency that sponsored the missionaries who came to my barrio when I was a child. The son of the missionary who ministered to me now ministers there and led my sister to the Lord.
raise God for the military that liberated the Philippines thus permitting missionaries to come to my barrio. This event set off a chain of events that has resulted in reaching me, my family and others for our Lord. May God bless our military.
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Roy and Ellen Smith will be relieving the Pierces in Schweinfurt, Germany this summer. Please pray for them as they soon will be returning to the mission field.
The Parrotts began this year in Puerto Rico. They filled in for Pastor Joe Leleaux who had to have colon surgery. After spending January and February in Puerto Rico they went to Chugiak, Alaska. In Alaska they filled in for Pastor Tim Page who also had to have surgery. They will return to Puerto Rico in June to relieve the Leleauxs for a brief furlough.
Gary and Susan Tingenonly have 45% of their support goal raised but they will be taking their first overseas assignment this June. They are trusting the Lord to meet their needs while they are in Japan for three months. The military missionary that they will be relieving has not had a furlough for several years.
The temporary replace-ment ministry is a vital part of the military missionary outreach. In the past there have been military/missionary pastors who did not take a furlough for some eight, ten or twelve years because of the great turnover each year in a military church. It is a blessing for these men to leave their work in the hands of a Pastor who understands the needs of the military men and women and their families. Like any mission field, even though military people are Americans, there are unique cultural problems and situations that need to be understood. The church members need to be accepted, loved and appreciated. A big “Thank You” to all who are involved in this unique ministry.
All of these fill-in men are responsible for raising their support and travel funds to and from the field. Please pray for them as they perform this great service.
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The Parrotts began this year in Puerto Rico. They filled in for Pastor Joe Leleaux who had to have colon surgery. After spending January and February in Puerto Rico they went to Chugiak, Alaska. In Alaska they filled in for Pastor Tim Page who also had to have surgery. They will return to Puerto Rico in June to relieve the Leleauxs for a brief furlough.
Gary and Susan Tingenonly have 45% of their support goal raised but they will be taking their first overseas assignment this June. They are trusting the Lord to meet their needs while they are in Japan for three months. The military missionary that they will be relieving has not had a furlough for several years.
The temporary replace-ment ministry is a vital part of the military missionary outreach. In the past there have been military/missionary pastors who did not take a furlough for some eight, ten or twelve years because of the great turnover each year in a military church. It is a blessing for these men to leave their work in the hands of a Pastor who understands the needs of the military men and women and their families. Like any mission field, even though military people are Americans, there are unique cultural problems and situations that need to be understood. The church members need to be accepted, loved and appreciated. A big “Thank You” to all who are involved in this unique ministry.
All of these fill-in men are responsible for raising their support and travel funds to and from the field. Please pray for them as they perform this great service.
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People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self—centered; forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfishness, having ulterior motives; be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some enemies; succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; do well anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough. Give the world the best you’ve got anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; it was never between you and them anyway.
No matter what others say or do, be the best you can anyway
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No matter what others say or do, be the best you can anyway
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The Griffins, at Yokosuka Shi, Japan, have not had a regular furlough in 15 years but will be returning to the States this summer for health reasons. Three of Gwen’s doctors have told her that in order to treat her properly they would need for her to visit them on a regular basis.
The Davidsons who are presently in Meridian, Mississippi, rejoice that God led them to remain in the States. Chris can now have his needed surgery with out leaving his field of service. It will probably take Chris six months after surgery to be where he will function normally.
Brother and Mrs. Popwell are not, at this time, able to travel and visit their churches. They have been granted a six month medical furlough. During this time they will be helping a church near them to organize a new military ministry with in the church.
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The Davidsons who are presently in Meridian, Mississippi, rejoice that God led them to remain in the States. Chris can now have his needed surgery with out leaving his field of service. It will probably take Chris six months after surgery to be where he will function normally.
Brother and Mrs. Popwell are not, at this time, able to travel and visit their churches. They have been granted a six month medical furlough. During this time they will be helping a church near them to organize a new military ministry with in the church.
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In December, Faith Baptist Church celebrated 19 years of ministry to the U.S. military community of Misawa, Japan. There have been multitudes of people whose lives have been touched and changed by the ministry of FBC. Many men have been called to be preachers and missionaries, including Brother Monteith, F.B.C.’s present missionary/pastor. Many others have found God’s will for their lives in other areas. Only eternity will reveal the lasting spiritual impact of our military churches. Continue to pray earnestly for these “spiritual light houses” scattered around the world during these perilous times. Most of the military churches have had men deployed for an uncertain length of time. Pray for the families left behind as well as for the men in harms way. Separation is one of the more difficult experiences that military families must face. It is hard on the children as well as the spouses because of the uncertainty of what is happening to the one deployed. We rejoice in the courage of both our fighting men and women and their families who, in spite of the cost, do what they are called upon to do.
Almost every prayer letter from our military missionaries tells of souls being saved, folks being baptized and new out reaches being launched. The missionaries and the churches want to thank you for your support and prayers and concern at this time.
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Almost every prayer letter from our military missionaries tells of souls being saved, folks being baptized and new out reaches being launched. The missionaries and the churches want to thank you for your support and prayers and concern at this time.
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Harold and Karin Pierce go out into their military community at least three times a week to pass out fliers about their church, with a Gospel message on the back side. They have seen several new families from the Schweinfurt area (Germany) visit the church.
The Heneises have recently passed out over 2000 tracts and brochures into two of the military communities in which they labor. This activity has brought many visitors to church. They have had to look for new facilities for the church because their building changed owners and he greatly reduced their church’s space and parking area. There is the possibility of obtaining a chapel on a closed military base that would be handy to both military communities in which they work.
The Simensen’s mentioned their involvement in a prison ministry where they preach on Tuesdays and have discipleship class on Fridays
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The Heneises have recently passed out over 2000 tracts and brochures into two of the military communities in which they labor. This activity has brought many visitors to church. They have had to look for new facilities for the church because their building changed owners and he greatly reduced their church’s space and parking area. There is the possibility of obtaining a chapel on a closed military base that would be handy to both military communities in which they work.
The Simensen’s mentioned their involvement in a prison ministry where they preach on Tuesdays and have discipleship class on Fridays
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Brother Chuck Sligh and his family are planning to start a new church in a needy area of Germany. He was able to make a survey trip and speak to many missionaries in and around that area. After fasting and praying and seeking guidance from their sending church, they have surrendered to go to Grafenwoehr. God has prepared the way for them. Missionary John Beach, who ministers to a near by army base will be assisting them in starting this new church. Brother Elsen Portugal, who ministers to German nationals, has offered to share their roomy facilities until the church is strong enough to rent it’s own place. The German church is on the main road leading to the Grafenwoehr Training Base on a highly visible spot less than a half mile from the front gate. Pray for them and the new Grace Baptist Church.
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Missionaries of the Day
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Scot C & Katie Daku - AMERICAN SAMOA
Paul J & Wendy Daku Jr - FIJI ISLANDS
James & Dawn Daley - INDONESIA
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Scot C & Katie Daku - AMERICAN SAMOA
Paul J & Wendy Daku Jr - FIJI ISLANDS
James & Dawn Daley - INDONESIA
Military Director
Dr. James & Gail KennardRead more about the Kennards.
Email: Dr. James Kennard
He can be contacted through the BIMI office
(423) 344-5050.
Assistant Military Director
Jeff & Joyce AlversonRead more about the Alversons.
Email Jeff Alverson
He can be contacted through the BIMI office
(423) 344-5050.
