Officer finds God at work in times of war
Just as God is using chaplains in the lives of soldiers, He’s also using lay people to carry the gospel with them to the battlefield.
By Carol Pipes


 
Faith in the Sand – American soldiers in Iraq are not just safeguarding freedom for others. They are also finding it for themselves. See how God is using Southern Baptist chaplains to change lives in one of the most difficult environments on earth.   Download
“God placed us here in Iraq for a specific reason and purpose,” says Lt. Col. Ed Lowe, deputy provost marshal, MNC-I, and a member at Westside Baptist Church in Waynesville, Mo. “God calls us to dwell in this land, and He will meet all our needs.”

Speaking at a prayer breakfast sponsored by Task Force Dragon, Lowe said he believes that he and his fellow soldiers are part of a life-changing and country-changing event.

“Having Christians like Lowe in command positions who are practicing their faith, makes an impact on the lives of soldiers,” says Chaplain Tom Roltsch, a member of First Baptist Church, Alexandria, Virginia, and chaplain for a reserve unit out of Ft. Belvoir. “One of the greatest tools in reaching young soldiers is when their commanders go to church.”

After arriving at Camp Victory in 2008, Lowe started a Wednesday Bible study with six other soldiers, airmen and marines. He reminded those attending the prayer breakfast that their ministry is here in Iraq, each day, whether it’s in a cubicle or on a reconnaissance mission.

“We all have gifts God has given us,” he says. “God has given us a blessing. We don’t have to wait around for God to do something magical in our lives. We’re called to glorify Him.”

Lowe was deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, not long after 9/11. He was placed at a detainee operations facility. The first thing he did was start a Bible study for his fellow soldiers. “We prayed for our wives and families back home, but we also prayed for the detainees that they would come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.”

The Army has strict guidelines about not proselyting to the peoples of Afghanistan and Iraq. Without ever saying a word to the detainees they were able to shine the light of Christ before these men. Before Lowe finished his deployment, one of the detainees gave his life to Christ.

“In Kandahar, Christ was there,” said Lowe. “And He’s here with us today.”

Carol Pipes, editor of On Mission, spent two weeks in Iraq reporting on the work of military chaplains.

Support our troops
Care packages are a great way to support our troops, especially during the holidays. Cards and letters are also appreciated. Prepackaged treats, as well as magazines and toiletries (packed separately), are certainly welcome. If you want to send a package but don’t have someone in mind, these websites can help you adopt a soldier. For soldiers’ requests and addresses, go to anysoldier.com/wheretosend. For more nonprofit organizations that help those in the armed services, visit www.ourmilitary.mil.

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