I got a message from a friend overseas today that simply said: “This is where I’ve been working.” This video was attached http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=3852564
I actually have 2 friends who are there with the 173rd (the group the video is of), Michael and Jon.
I thought of them today, as we celebrate Veteran’s Day.
Jon, a medic in the Army, who has such a heart for children… who worked at kid’s camps in high school, and who now sends me prayer requests for the Afghan people and especially the Afghan children.
Michael, a Marine, who took mission trips to Russia and China in college, and worked with Storybook Farms, a place for children with special needs, who now sends me pictures and video of him with the kids in the orphanages in Afghanistan.
I think of my other friends who serve too. Of Jonathan, a Marine, who was a leader in Auburn and who stood up boldly as a Christian and became an example to many, who has one of the greatest hearts I know and who fights for a better life for the people in Iraq.
Of Nick, an Army Ranger who just returned from Iraq, who truly believes in giving the people there a better life, and who is amazing with children, one of the most sensitive guys I know with an amazing heart, and a dear friend.
Of my Uncle Britt, who has always told me how proud he is of me and who’s always been there for me, who is now on his 13th deployment in the global war on terror. Of Doug, a new friend, who has such a heart for missions, who shared this story online: http://www.wreckedfortheordinary.com/index.asp?filename=missionary-to-marine-pt-2
I think of many others- some I am friends with and others I do not know- military men and women who sacrifice so much. We often think of them as hard and tough. We think of them as soldiers. We imagine them in camouflage with guns and bombs. Seldom do we see past their tough exterior into the beautiful hearts they have.
As a missionary, I am encouraged by those with such incredible hearts. As an American, I am grateful for them. As a woman, I am blessed to call them friends. They are unique and precious, and my life is better for having them in it!
To all our veterans, and to all my military friends- thank you! I may never be able to fully express my gratitude for all you do. I hope you know how much I love you all, and how I pray for you often. Keep fighting the good fight! And may God bless you and keep you safe.
Psalm 91
1 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-
10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
