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Letter No. 10: Some thoughts about prayer after
a blast kills 9
By
David J. Jenkins, USU class of '98
January 25, 2005 | Hello
everyone, Greetings from Baghdad . . .
The last couple days, as I have mentioned to some, have
been quite tumultuous. The VBIEDs (vehicle-borne improvised
explosive devices) are getting closer to our front gate,
although not directed at us. The resounding concussions
of blast and twisted metal are becoming more frequent
as we approach the dates for the electoral process in
Baghdad.
Yesterday morning I was taking some time to watch a
movie, my headphones glued to my head, and my attention
on the small screen in front of me. As I sat in total
concentration listening to the wise words of Kevin Costner,
the sound of thunder reverberated outside my window.
The . . . sound . . . of . . . thunder??? Wait, it's
not raining outside. In fact, it was perfectly clear
the last time I stepped outside.
Oh well, I re-focused my mind on the task before me
and as I lay there, snuggled into my sleeping back,
lying on my cot. . . . Vavoooooooooooooooooooooooooom.
Again with the thunder. I pulled the headphones off
to hear sounds of confusion and excitement.
I yelled out over the wall of my cubicle, "Anyone
hear that thunder?" A response came back immediately,
"That wasn't thunder." Oh man, we haven't
heard a bomb that loud since we had an IED go off right
near us on the freeway. And yet, this seemed even louder.
A couple of us went up on the roof to look for the aftermath.
Three hundred meters outside our front gate, was a smoke
plume so large, one might think that a building was
on fire. Well, maybe it was. . . .
Later that day, my Yahoo! search page listed the top
story from the day: VBIED kills 9. I watched as those
nine lives went up in smoke three football fields away
from us.
Thank you for the continued thoughts and prayers. CPT
Lyle Shackelford, a chaplain here in Iraq with the HHD,
57th Transportation Battalion, has requested our support.
The chaplain requests, "Let us work with our troops
in prayer."
The chaplain has suggested the following prayer for
those who might be willing to extend a request for assistance
upward.
Lord God in heaven, I acknowledge that You are sovereign,
You are Lord. You have said that You are a Shield and
a Strong Tower. I ask for Your protection over our troops
as they work to allow the Iraqi people to vote. Would
You send Your warring angels to fight in the heavenlies,
to surround all that is good, to prevent destruction
and interference of the election in Iraq. Would You
deflect and interrupt the plans of darkness and increase
truth and light in that country. May the people not
only know the freedom of voting, but also the freedom
of spirit that Jesus Christ can give them.
Each of our units are working hand-in-hand to make
this dream of democracy a reality. Our unit, 2nd Battalion,
162 Infantry is responsible for patrolling and keeping
peace at nearly two dozen of the polling sights.
The chaplain continues by saying that, "as a transportation
battalion, my unit will be delivering the voting machines
and the ballots to villages and cities throughout Iraq
during the upcoming elections. . . ."
Much like our infantry unit, the chaplain states that
"...our convoys are prime targets for the insurgents."
He notes," [This is] because they do not want the
equipment to arrive at the polling stations nor do they
want the local Iraqi citizens to have the chance to
vote; timely delivery must occur so that the elections
occur."
The chaplain would like to "encourage your friends
and family members and those within our churches to
pray specifically for the electoral process."
Under Saddam Hussein, this process of one voice, one
vote, would never have occurred. Without "intelligent
and competent officials," the chaplain suggests
that democracy will not become a realty.
The chaplain would like each of you to "announce
this prayer request to your contacts throughout your
churches, neighborhoods, and places of business. Those
with leadership roles within the local church[es] post
this message in as many newsletters and bulletins as
possible."
Those of us here in the 162nd Infantry have witnessed
many miracles, and the chaplain would like to emphasize
that, "there is unlimited potential for God's presence
in this process but if we do not pray . . . our enemy
will prevail." This is seen in the book of Ephesians,
Chapter 6, Verses 10-17.
The chaplain would like a call-to-arms. He would like
to inspire as many as possible to conduct "a prayer
vigil prior to the end of the month." He suggests
that "this is a political battle that needs spiritual
intervention."
Many examples of "God's intervention" can
be found throughout the standard works of scriptures.
One such example, according to the chaplain, can be
found in 2 Samuel 23:8-33. "David and his warriors
were victorious because of God's intervention. We want
to overcome those who would stand in the way of freedom.
David's mighty men triumphed over incredible odds and
stood their ground and were victorious over the enemies
of Israel. (Iraqi insurgents' vs God's praying people)."
Chaplain Shakelford emphatically states, "They
don't stand a chance."
The chaplain closes his statements by saying, "I
will pray with my soldiers before they leave on their
convoys and move outside our installation gates. . .
. My soldiers are at the nerve center of the logistic
operation to deliver the voting machines and election
ballots. They will be driving to and entering the arena
of the enemy. This is not a game for them it is a historical
mission that is extremely dangerous. No voting machines
or ballots. No elections. Your prayer support and God's
intervention are needed to give democracy a chance in
this war torn country."
I would like to extend a note of thanks to all of our
supporters and send out a request for prayers for all
of our troops; our Transportation sections, Infantry
soldiers, Medics, Mechanics and Administrative personnel.
Each of these groups of people work hand-in-hand to
make each and every mission a success.
Best wishes,
David Jenkins
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