Sexual Purity and the Soldier

"An evangelical radio ministry has developed a book kit meant to help soldiers protect their sexual purity, and is raising money to send 6,000 kits to chaplains who have requested them," writes journalist John Leland.

"Mr. Segal of the University of Maryland said the war in Iraq had created unusually high sexual and marital tensions, because troops are deployed more often and for longer stints than in other recent wars, and because more soldiers are married. Divorce rates have risen, especially in the Army, where the number of divorces nearly doubled from 2001 to 2004, to 4 percent of all married personnel."

Help for those who struggle with porn is available online at:
http://www.pureonline.com/?a_aid=CD2


Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/30/weekinreview/30leland.html

Air Force Academy Religious Guidelines:

Congress to Get Involved?

"There is congressional action taking place in Washington to protest proposed Air Force guidelines that would have the effect of banning Christian military chaplains from praying in Jesus’ name during certain ceremonies," states the Christian Post. "The Air Force guidelines were introduced in early August. Since then, over 35 congressional representatives, led by Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.), have signed a request that President Bush issue an executive order to allow them to pray."

http://www.christianpost.com/article/society/1943/section/lawmakers.concerned.over.military.restrictions.on.prayer/1.htm

Do AFA Guidelines Infringe on Free Speech?

In an effort to eliminate religious harassment, the U.S. Air Force Academy is reviewing its ethics guidelines which permit evangelism by chaplains.

In an article in Christianity Today, Major General (USAF, Ret.) Jerry White (president emeritus of Navigators and former Air Force Academy teacher) states, "There is no question the commanders should be sensitive to the religious needs and feelings of all members...It is all too easy to characterize all religious interactions as proselytizing, and to restrict the discussion of religious matters between individuals is an infringement of basic free speech and First Amendment rights."

Link:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/143/53.0.html

Blogs Across the Pond

Here are some blogs written by military-related people in the U.K.:

http://universalsoldieruk.blogspot.com/

http://www.cabarfeidh.com/blogger.html

Fighting the Internal Battle

"After three-and-a-half years as an Air Force pilot in World War II, I re-entered civilian life totally messed up. In the military I had learned how to fly, drink and womanize....[then] I committed my life to Jesus Christ, with others as witnesses. These Christians became my support base. I was now accountable to them for a change in my way of life," writes Len LeSourd for New Man magazine.

LeSourd's article, detailing how to break free from promiscuity and pornography, is available at:
http://www.newmanmag.com/article.php?sid=612&mode=thread&order=0

WWII's Tuskegee Airmen to Iraq

Godspeed to seven elderly Tuskegee Airmen -- the name given to a group of black pilots who served the U.S. in World War II -- who are going to Iraq "to inspire a younger generation of airmen who carry on the traditions of the storied 332nd Fighter Group."

One airman stated: "It was the Tuskegee Airmen who made America come to its senses that individuals should be judged on their accomplishments, rather than their ethnicity and color."

Link:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/22/AR2005102200268.html

Prayer in the Workplace

"God is calling out a remnant of workplace believers throughout the world who understand the role of prayer in their work," writes Os Hillman. "These people have learned that prayer... is a vital strategic tool to discern and know God's will and purposes in their work lives. You see, they have learned that their business lives are their ministries to God and others."

"Is prayer a vital part of your strategic business practices? Put prayer on the front lines, instead of making it an afterthought. You will begin to see renewed power in your work life."

Link:
Os Hillman's website: www.marketplaceleaders.org

Theme: Reconciliation

Is Healing Possible in Uganda?

More than people in any other continent in recent history, Africa's citizens have been devastated by the mis-use of military and political power. The Christian Science Monitor highlights this problem in a report about Uganda, where a former president has been buried with state honors despite his record of brutality.

Journalist Blake Lambert writes, "Uganda has never experienced a significant peaceful transition of power. It has endured four military coups and one civil war, and two of its three main presidents have died in exile, making it a prime example of the winner-take-all political cycle that has hampered the progress of many African nations."

The fact the former president Milton Obote was buried with a state funeral indicates to some that reconciliation in this divided nation is possible. Those of a more cynical nature (or, as some would argue, of a more realistic nature) believe that the current president, Yoweri Museveni, is only allowing Obote this honor because he himself is facing re-election.

At Obote's funeral, his widow seemed to take the high road by stating, "In the spirit of reconciliation, I apologise to all who feel that they have been wronged by my husband Milton Obote...Let the healing process begin. Too much hate and acrimony has caused too much blood."

In areas of Uganda where thousands were massacred under Obote's leadership, however, many people are celebrating the death of the man they call "kawenkene" -- the devil.

Links:

CS Monitor Article:
http://search.csmonitor.com/search_content/1021/p06s01-woaf.html

Obote's Widow's comments: http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=136&art_id=qw1130134504567B213

Topic: U.S. Air Force Academy

So...Chaplains Shouldn't Preach Religion...

In the ongoing discussion about religion's role at the U.S. Air Force Academy, some arguments are better than others. An editorial in the Albuquerque Tribune falls into the "others" category when it states that "religion should in no way" be preached by chaplains.

I wonder what the Albuquerque Tribune think chaplains should preach about, if not religion? Somehow the Trib is confused about the basic job description for chaplains.

Link: http://www.abqtrib.com/albq/op_editorials/article/0,2565,ALBQ_19867_4158729,00.html

Albania's Military Christians

After the fall of communism in Albania, the nation's official atheistic stance also collapsed as many Albanians eagerly embraced God. This revival occurred in Albania's military society as well as it's civilian one. The Albanian Military Christian Fellowship's website states, "God enabled many officers to hear the good news and to turn to faith in Christ, to the extent that on 26 August 1996 (this date is Mother Teresa's birthday [Mother Teresa was born in Albania]) under the direction of retired general Spiro Kalemi and other officers of varying ranks from the MOD, meetings began that led to the creation of 'AMCF'".

Today the MCF in Albania continues to grow and encourage military Christians and military personnel who are interested in Christ. For more information, see their website at: http://www.geocities.com/albania_mcf/.

Two Quotes to Consider

"Every forward step achieved by man has been due to the adventurous attitude.
This attitude inspires dissatisfaction with the world as it is; it arouses the desire to change and improve things. The attitude of adventure is the flame that lights the fuse to explode new ideas." (Wilfred A. Peterson)

"I love a man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death." (Thomas Paine)

Topic: Military Ethics

Faith-Based Guidance on Detainees

"President Bush faces a defining question of morality on which he has yet to receive any discernible guidance from the faith-based coalition that helped put him in office," opines Gary Haugen, CEO/president of International Justice Mission. "The question: whether it is ever right for Americans to inflict cruel and degrading treatment on suspected terrorist detainees."

Link:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/142/12.0.html

Military Chapel Communities:
A Sign of Christ's Presence

"The military church appears to be viewed by the military community, both serving and dependants, as an organisation to provide religion and morals for the unit; yet military churches are more than this," writes Rev. David Moss of the U.K. "They are people ‘accountable for the spiritual well-being of the entire community'. .. the gap between Christianity and un-churched military people is spanned because God has made us a sign of His presence."

Links:

Full Article: http://www.afcu.org.uk/16_-_Church-and-Fellowship.htm

Armed Forces Christian Union (U.K.) website: http://www.afcu.org.uk

Topic: Military Ethics

Don't "Exploit Civilian Population"

Israel's Supreme Court has declared illegal the Israeli army's practice of using Palestinian civilians as human shields. Chief Justice Aharon Barak declared: "You cannot exploit the civilian population for the army's military needs, and you cannot force them to collaborate with the army...Based on this principle, we rule it illegal to use civilians as human shields, and we also rule it illegal to use civilians to pass military warnings from the army to those the army wants to arrest."

An ex-Israeli soldier's group provided testimony in this case. A first sergeant explained the practice: "...a person [civilian] that goes through the holes we've blown up, and ... picks up for you stuff from the floor, to make sure nothing is booby-trapped. He goes inside rooms before you do, so that if there is a terrorist inside, he would be hurt (and not you)."

Link:
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article317787.ece

A military Christian in Iraq...

posts about an American Indian "coming of age" ceremony -- and its spiritual significance: http://shawn_richardson.typepad.com/my_weblog/2005/10/time_rolling_al.html#comment-10418588

Waging Peace

Fortunate Son recommends the book "Waging Peace", which depicts U.S. Civil Military Operations in Iraq. Here's the author's website: www.robschultheis.com.

Link:
http://www.fortunateson.org/reading/2005/09/waging-peace.html

How the Media Stages War

Much is being written about the U.S. President's recent "staged" teleconference with soldiers in Iraq. Wide Awake Cafe has another angle -- this time on how the media themselves like to stage events and news:

"One day as my husband and part of his battalion was out in a convoy he saw a CNN newscrew near a group of Somalis...What he saw upset him so much that he called me that very day the first chance he got. He was livid. He told me that blonde haired white people who were obviously working for CNN were making and handing out signs to the poor Somali people and having them pose for the camera with the signs which said stuff like, 'Go home U.S. military.' Now the news media is claiming that the Bush administration and the U.S. military are 'staging' good news about Iraq? Give me a break."

Link:
http://wideawakecafe.blogspot.com/2005/10/you-want-to-talk-about-staged.html

Self-Protection vs. "Surrender-Monkeys"...

What Are Our Kids Learning at School?

In my previous post I quoted from a British colonel who complained that at least one British general had never even been in a schoolyard fight. It's an interesting concept...if someone hasn't even had to protect themselves, can they be skilled at protecting their nation?

In many U.S. schools involvement in a playground fight -- even if the child is defending himself or herself against a bully who is physically hurting them -- means automatic suspension. So, for instance, if a child is pushed up against a wall and pummeled black and blue, that child is expected to take the beating until he can escape. Then he is expected to run (assuming he can still run) to a teacher and tell them what happened. If the child being bullied strikes back in any way, physically, he is held as accountable as the aggressor. (It seems almost impossible to believe, but that is clearly what my childrens' school handbook outlines. No form of self-protection, other than telling a teacher, is allowed. And this is a common philosophy around the U.S. )

I have to wonder what type of long-term implications these playground policies will have on our children when they grow up and become military leaders, Congress men and women, state representatives, or the President.

No Combat Experience, No Good Leadership?

In a complaint that seems to have echoed down from every battle through the ages, a colonel in the U.K. is claiming that generals who have never seen combat are ineffective leaders who thrive on intertia while endangering front-line soldiers.

Colonel Tim Collins said that "British forces in Afghanistan and Iraq were being put at risk by a cohort of officers more interested in their careers than fighting."

Not one to mince words, Colonel Collins also stated, "One particular little red, fat general has never been in a fight in a playground. He’s a civilian soldier in the true sense of never letting anything happen...The stuffy generals of the First World War had to go before fighting generals were put in place and led us to victory. The same was true of the Second World War."

Link:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1821638,00.html

No Tattoos, Please, We're Coast Guard

In World War II it seemed de rigueur for sailors to get tattooed. But there's a sea change ahead, as the U.S. Coast Guard has tightened it's regulations for tattoos.

"The 1940s, party-hard sailor is not the image we're going for," Chief Petty Officer Keith Alholm, a spokesman in the Coast Guard's Seattle-based 13th District, told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

Popeye, arguably America's most famous sailor from the 40s, would never meet the new requirements.

http://ap.washingtontimes.com/dynamic/stories/C/COAST_GUARD_TATTOOS?SITE=DCTMS&SECTION=HOME

Topic: U.S. Air Force Academy

A Sad Day

"The [U.S.] Air Force, facing a lawsuit over alleged proselytizing, has withdrawn a document that permitted chaplains to evangelize military personnel who were not affiliated with any faith," writes Alan Cooperman, Washington Post staff member.

"The document was circulated at the Air Force Chaplain School until eight weeks ago. It was a 'code of ethics' for chaplains that included the statement 'I will not proselytize from other religious bodies, but I retain the right to evangelize those who are not affiliated.' "

Link:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/10/AR2005101001582.html

A Roundup of Air Force-related news: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/141/21.0.html#usaf

An Indian Military Christian, circa 1769

Over 200 years ago God used a soldier in India to help start an indigenous Christian outreach in India.

In 1769 a high-caste Christian soldier "stationed with the East India Company's garrison at Palaiyankottai wrote Schwartz [a Western missionary] about his small congregation, begging for a pastor," writes Robert Eric Frykenberg for Christianity Today.

"The person sent to tend the congregations was Satyanathan Pillai... after he was ordained as the very first Tamil evangelical missionary, Satyanathan began to lead what was to become India's first extraordinary and rapid Christian conversion movement."

For more information on this indigenous Christian movement in India, see
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/2005/003/7.21.html.

What Anti-War Activists Don't Understand

"The crimes committed daily against the Iraqi people by other Arabs who wish to re-enslave them seem to be of little interest to [anti-war protestors] Michael Moore, Jane Fonda and their followers," writes William Shawcross.

"...It's hard to think of a more graphic illustration of the horror the U.S.-led coalition is fighting in Iraq than the mass murder on Sept. 26, in which terrorists disguised as policemen (a New York Times headline called these butchers "fighters") burst into a primary school in Iskandaria, south of Baghdad, seized five teachers (all Shiites) and shot them dead. Children stood weeping through this atrocity.

" ...It is the promise of freedom that the fascists who murdered the Iraqi teachers last month want to destroy. It is astonishing and discouraging that those who think they were taking the high ground in marching though Washington do not understand this." (Hat Tip: Powerline.)

Link:

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-op-shawcross9oct09,0,2522992.story?coll=la-news-comment-opinions

North Korea's Army in Disarray?

Strategy Page believes it's only a matter of time before North Korea collapses. Among other problems, Strategy Page states that the North Korean army has declining discipline and readiness because of "little training with heavy equipment, and lack of spare parts for maintenance."

http://www.strategypage.com/qnd/korea/articles/20051010.aspx

Soldiers Helping in Pakistan

More than 20,000 souls may have been lost after a devastating earthquake in Pakistan. Many countries are sending soldiers, rescue teams, helicopters, supplies, and/or financial aid.

Among the dead were 200 Pakistani soldiers serving in the Himalayas, and many, many children who attending poorly-constructed schools.

Especially welcome news, in light of the nuclear-related tensions between Pakistan and India, is that India's prime minster has offered relief and rescue assistance.

News Link:

http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=worldNews&storyID=2005-1010T033300Z_01_FOR911942_RTRUKOC_0_UK-QUAKE-SUBCONTINENT-WORLD.xml

Life in Wartime

It's Friday, and who couldn't use a laugh? From Strategy Page, here's some useful stuff to remember during a war:

- Try to look unimportant, the enemy may be low on ammunition.

- Remember: your aircraft was made by the lowest bidder.

- Never draw fire, it will irritate the rest of your formation.

- Never share a cockpit with someone braver than you.

-If hit, landing near the people that just shot you down is not a good idea.

- Close only counts in horseshoes, nukes and proximity-fused missiles.

- The best defense is to stay out of range.

- If you are short on everything but enemy, you are in combat.

Link:
http://www.strategypage.com/humor/

Finding Time for Ministry

Military personnel in the U.S. are working increasingly long hours and facing more frequent deployments. (I suspect, but don't know for certain, that this also true in some other countries.) The time they have to spend with their families, churches, and ministries is shrinking.

Even so, Os Hillman challenges Christians business people to find time to serve God:

"Many times I've heard a man or woman say they cannot participate in an event, a service, or activity for God because of the time it will take away from their job," writes Hillman. "God has called each of us to be good stewards of our time and our resources. It is just as important to learn how to say yes as it is to say no, and we must be faithful to our employers if we do not have freedom to take time away. However, many times I sense that workplace believers justify a lack of obedience under the guise of stewardship."

One way to start participating in ministry is understanding that our careers can, in themselves, be ministry opportunities. In the military world there are numerous opportunities to share our faith, although open evangelism is frowned on in the U.S., Canada, and some other nations. Seeking out those opportunities and using them wisely can get us all started on the road to better Christian service.


For the full article, see: http://www.marketplaceleaders.org/pages.asp?pageid=7898

A Chaplain at War

"I am not prepared to discuss with you whether or not the United States should have been involved in Viet Nam. I can tell you that, like each of you, I was prepared to obey the orders of my military leaders. I can also tell you that it was the right and appropriate thing for me to be there," writes Chaplain (Colonel) John W. Schumacher, US Army (Retired) in his book, A Soldier of God Remembers.

"Soldiers were dying and other soldiers were being badly wounded. Many were frightened just as you would be in a combat experience. I ministered to these soldiers. I talked with them. I tried to comfort them and I prayed with them. Yes, it is right for a clergyman to be with soldiers in time of war."

Chaplain (Colonel) John W. Schumacher US Army (Retired) entered the army as an active duty chaplain in July 1965. He served the U.S. as a military pastor for 30 years, which included two combat tours in Viet Nam.

Book info:
http://www.asoldierofgodremembers.com/About%20the%20Book.htm

U.S. to Regulate Prisoner Treatment

"Defying the White House, the Senate overwhelmingly agreed Wednesday to regulate the detention, interrogation and treatment of prisoners held by the American military," states the New York Times.

Military.com put it this way: "The Republican-controlled Senate voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to impose restrictions on the treatment of terrorism suspects, delivering a rare wartime rebuke to President Bush."

Here's a link to the U.S. Army's regulations on POWS: http://usmilitary.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.usapa.army.mil/pdffiles/r190%5F8.pdf


Other Links:
http://nytimes.com/2005/10/06/politics/06detain.html?hp&ex=1128657600&en=c214cd00a8dc2d91&ei=5094&partner=homepage
http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,78221,00.html

Military Personnel as Missionaries

LTC Leroy Hurt explains how military personnel can be effective "missionaries" for Christ:

-- Military assignments send personnel all over the world. Christians can use those foreign postings as opportunities to give their time and talents to the cause of Christ.

-- Military benefits (especially in the U.S.) often give service members greater flexibility for Christian outreach. Many retired military Christians live off their retirement benefits, rather than pursuing a second career, so that they can pursue ministry.

-- Military training equips military Christians for Christian service. Military training develops character and competence, and the desire to do the right thing as well as doing things right. That training fits in with the Christian missionary mindset.

- Military contacts open doors otherwise closed. Military societies are often "closed" to civilians; the best person to reach a member of the armed forces is usually another member of the armed forces.

Colonel Hurt writes, "The military-taught skills and world-wide assignments of military Christians make them a cost-effective force for Christian ministry...The power of this group of Christians lies in their potential as 'combat multipliers.'

"In military terms, 'combat multipliers' enhance the fighting capability of military forces. For example, although jamming enemy communications can't defeat enemy forces by itself, it enhances fighting power because friendly units can act before enemy commanders can get their orders to their subordinates.

"...Developing military Christians will pay large dividends for the Church because these are people who not only travel the world and meet other people, but who develop skills that the Church can use."

(If you are interested in reading the full text of Colonel Hurt's article, contact us at accts at accts dot org.)

Skiing and Sailing for Cadets and Young Officers

The Austrian chaplaincy is sponsoring a skiing retreat in March 2006, and an '06 "Navigate your Life" sailing retreat has also been scheduled. These retreats are primarily for cadets and young officers of all nationalities. For more info, contact the Accts MMI office at headoffice at acctsmmi dot com.

Link:
http://www.acctsmmi.org

Lesotho Chaplaincy Being Formed

The commander of the Lesotho Defence Force has decided to establish an official chaplaincy program, according to the Accts Military Ministry International newsletter (Oct. '05). Lesotho already has an acting chaplain, and more will follow in his footsteps.

Lesotho is a tiny Africa nation completely surrounded by South Africa. The indigenous people, the Sotho, have been predominately Christian for generations.

Links:
Accts MMI: http://www.acctsmmi.com

Lesotho Defence Force info: http://www.lesotho.gov.ls/mndefence.htm

CIA Factbook -- Lesotho: http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/lt.html

Military Blog Headquarters

A new site tracks military blogs -- it's www.Milblogging.com.

American Soldiers: Worse than their Predecessors?

After reading an opinion that today's U.S. soldiers are "becoming a den of sex maniacs, sadists, and hedonists," the GI Korea blogger voices his disagreement: "I tend to think each generation of soldiers had it's own problems unique to its times. Today is no different...those who think prior generations of soldiers were better may need to ask themselves if they are really offended by the nudy mags, foul language, and the rap music of today's soldiers or more offended by the racism, drug abuse, and gender inequality of prior generations".

Link:
http://jetiranger.tripod.com/BLOG/

Australia: Significant Reforms in Military Justice System

Australia is establishing a military court and a special investigation unit which will be part of the federal government (rather than part of the Defence Force) to deal with issues of justice in military training schools and cadet units.

During a two-year Senate committee investigation, families of students and military cadets testified about suicides, racism, violence, and abuse of power.

Links:
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/new-military-court-to-rule-on-cadet-abuse/2005/10/05/1128191763642.html

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200510/s1475597.htm

Parents' reaction: http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200510/s1475598.htm

Media Distortion about Iraq

LTC Tim Ryan, who commands the Task Force 2-12 Cavalry, First Cavalry Division in Iraq, is fed up with the media's reporting of the situation in Iraq:

"All right, I've had enough. I am tired of reading distorted and grossly exaggerated stories from major news organizations about the 'failures' in the war in Iraq. 'The most trusted name in news' and a long list of others continue to misrepresent the scale of events in Iraq. Print and video journalists are covering only a fraction of the events in Iraq and, more often than not, the events they cover are only negative."

The rest of his article is available at the World Tribute link below. (Hat-tip to Stones Cry Out.)

Link:

http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/05/breaking2453389.0680555557.html

New Joint Chief Chairman Outlines Priorities

The new U.S. Joint Chiefs chairman, Marine Gen. Peter Pace, has outlined his priorities, which are:

1. Winning the war on terror, via the battlefield as well as by helping build national economies and assisting national governments.

2. A speedier transformation within the military.

3. Stronger joint-warfighting capability, transitioning "from an interoperable to an interdependent force."

4. Improving the quality of life for service men and women and their families.

Link:
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Oct2005/20051003_2920.html

U.S. Governors Oppose Military First-Responder Idea

As debate continues about the role of the U.S. military in times of crisis, UPI reports that "a USA Today survey of governors has found that a majority oppose President Bush's plan to make the military the first responder to disasters."

An opinion article in the Mobile Register also weighs in on the side of caution: "... a Bush spokesman said one thing administration officials believe 'needs to be looked at' ... is to revise or repeal the 1878 law that forbids federal troops from engaging in domestic law enforcement except in war or insurrection. For good reason, though, the suggestion has raised hackles across the political spectrum. The law in question, the Posse Comitatus Act, is a key protection of civil liberties against armed abuse by the federal government."

And a Paradise (Ca.) Post journalist feels that increased military activity would infringe on state's rights: "Military units can be used in this country if the governor of a state activates the National Guard...People not only need to know that local governments are the venues that respond to disaster, but also why that is important. And it's important that those agencies be held responsible for their performance - and they do not attempt to shift blame to the feds."

Links:
USA Today survey info: http://news.monstersandcritics.com/northamerica/article_1052335.php/Governors_No_to_military_in_disaster_help

Mobile Register:
http://www.al.com/opinion/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1128417348152471.xml&coll=3

Paradise Post: http://www.paradisepost.com/Stories/0,1413,292~30286~3080215,00.html

Chinese Soldiers Swept Away by Floodwaters

59 Chinese soldiers were carried away by a typhoon-related flood. Rescuers are searching for them. According to CNN, the soldiers are "members of the China's paramilitary armed police in charge of domestic security."

In related news, the Chinese military is providing military assistance to some Africa nations to "help them improve their defense capacity and to make their countries more secured." (See the second link for more info.)

Link:

http://www.cnn.com/2005/WEATHER/10/03/longwang.ap/index.html

http://www.addistribune.com/Archives/2002/11/29-11-02/China.htm

Humanitarian Assistance and the U.S. Military:
"Not at the Expense of the Mission"

One Hand Clapping (see link) has a post on the U.S. military's role in natural disasters which includes this quote from General Colin Powell: “The armed forces of the United States are all about fighting and winning the nation’s wars. We can do other things, we can do humanitarian assistance, we can do disaster relief, and all the rest, but never at the expense of our primary mission.”

Also quoted is an award-winning essay which theorizes that trends of "massive diversion of military forces to civilian uses, the monolithic unification of the armed forces, and the insularity of the military community" could de-stabilize the U.S. military and, in turn, the U.S.

Link:
http://donaldsensing.com/

How a Christian Warrior Leads

After reading the ministry plans of military Christians in Taiwan, ACCTS staff member Don Snow comments that Christian "warrior leaders" are defined by several factors:

1. Warrior leaders do not depend on their own wisdom and courage to lead, they seek God.

2. Warrior leaders are fearless when it comes to "mission" and trust in God for their security.

3. Warrior leaders are confident (notice the word "when", not "if", in the 3rd prayer request from the Taiwanese).

4. Warrior leaders plan in advance how the potential of their followers can be developed for the glory of God.

Don then includes this quote from Pastor Francis Frangipane:

"Beloved, I say, let your fears go,

lest they make you fainthearted.

Stop inspiring fear in those around you

and now take your stand in faith.

God has been good

and He will continue to manifest His goodness.

Let us approach these days

expecting to see the goodness of the Lord manifest.

Let us be strong and of good courage,

for the Lord will fight for us if we stand in faith."