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Happy February 2008! Here in Afghanistan, "New Beginnings" is the theme of our Chapel NeXt preaching series that began in January - at the turn of the New Year. The above photo was taken from the back porch of our cabin on the beach, Bellows Air Force Station, Hawaii. My bride and I regularly sat on the back porch every morning to watch the sun rise. What a tremendous blessing to be reunited with the family after six months in Afghanistan.
Also, in the way of new beginnings . . . we all have different perspectives on the circumstances we encounter in life. When faced with trials, hardships, difficulties, and/or adversities, we are likewise faced with a choice. We can choose to let these circumstances make us bitter . . . or better!
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Here in Bagram is a perfect example of new beginnings. Pictured above are the heads of the Chapel NeXt Bagram Worship Team. Both are incredibly talented, as well as anointed musicians and vocalists. Additionally, both are passionate and tenaciously hunger for a dynamic relationship with the Lord.
One is in the National Guard from Minnesota, and the other is from Fort Hood, Texas. So, when they both deployed to Afghanistan, both were completely oblivious to what the Lord had in store. Who would have thought that they would deploy to Operation Enduring Freedom VIII (OEF-VIII), meet, clash, become friends, and ultimately . . . become engaged?
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.
Proverbs 18:22 (NIV)
Yes, for all of you Bagram Chapel NeXter's who redeployed (returned) to the States - my wife and I will be flying up to Minneapolis, MN in July 2008 to perform the wedding of Danny & Andrea!
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)
Continuing in the venue of new beginnings, February 2008 brought a fresh batch of frozen precipitation. Over the past week, we received ten inches of snow. Well, at least that's what my buddy was contending as we walked, slipped, and slid to the Aviation Dining Facility (DFAC). So, for those of you who think that Afghanistan is solely a hot and arid desert environment - SURPRISE! Since early December 2007, temperatures have regularly been in the teens and twenties.
Finally, on Friday, 1 February 2008, my Boss was promoted to the rank of Colonel. It was a joyous occasion and a time of celebration as many of our chaplains traveled from all over Afghanistan to join in the event. God is so good! Yesterday, the weather warmed up to the low forties, the sun was out, and we ran the airfield together - just short of eight miles.
No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt (promote) a man. But it is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts (promotes) another.
Psalms 7:6-7 (NIV)
Thanks for your prayers and support of America's finest . . . her sons and daughters (forward deployed) serving in harm's way!
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