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| Finishing Well - 080324 |
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He is risen indeed!!
On Friday, 21 March 2008 - the "All Americans" saw their last full moon in Bagram, Afghanistan - for OEF VIII. On Easter Sunday morning, I woke up at 4:00 AM totally wired, so I decided to run the airfield perimeter. When I got back, I saw the moon setting on the western mountains . . . so I could not resist. I had to grab my camera and snap a shot of the 98% moon setting. I will not see another full moon until I'm back in the States.
Well, I've said it before . . . but, now I really believe it. I am in serious trouble. Our time here in Afghanistan is quickly coming to a close. I have tasted of the goodness of God. I have been aforded the opportunity to drink from the well of living water. Again, as I've stated in previous correspondence . . . there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING like worship in a combat zone!
During Easter Day, we consolidated all of the Protestant services in the Clamshell (Bagram's version of the civic auditorium). I was able to preach my last sermon in Afghanistan, and the entire service was action packed and spirit filled! God descended on the service and the worship, atmosphere, and entire environment was absolutely permeated with His presence and a sense of pure excitement / expectation. We crammed over 500 people in the Clamshell, opened the back, and filled bleachers outside the back end of the facility. It was nothing short of amazing.
Later in the evening, both the Enduring Faith Chapel Gospel Service and Chapel NeXt Bagram hosted a night of pure NRG (energy). NRG represented - "Never Reject Grace," and "Never Release your Grasp" when the Lord extends His mighty right hand. The Gospel Service led incredible and powerful worship and a dynamic praise dance.
Chapel NeXt also led hoping popping worship and an incredible drama. The drama was performed to Casting Crown's "Set Me Free" off of their Lifesong CD/Album. I spent close to twelve hours editing 30 different slips from Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion." The clips were utilized to supplement the drama.
Later in the "NRG" worship program, Jeff Saffold was able to deliver his powerful testimony of deliverance and healing. Jeff is an incredible and powerful servant of the Lord who participates in both the Gospel Service and Chapel NeXt. His passion and drive for the Lord are irrefutably contagious!
Following the worship, sharing of the scriptures, dance, and drama . . . the NRG team hosted an altar call. I was able to work the front and pray with a young Air Force Airman who committed his life to Jesus Christ. Many individuals were able to come forward for prayer, and all day today . . . I was continually mobbed by individuals who were incredibly touched and blessed by the Worship Event!
God is so good - All The Time!
After the completion of the service, I was able to catch a photo of my replacement - Chaplain Karen Meeker, my Boss, and myself. Of course, you can't have such a close gathering of Jumpmasters from the 82d Airborne Division and not goof around for a photo op. Even through Karen is with the 101st . . . she had her start in the 82d Airborne Division. Karen is "checking equipment," my Boss is telling all "outboard personnel to stand up," and I am issuing the command of "get ready."
Of course, when we were done goofing around, we had to move all of the equipment from the Clamshell back to the Chapel. Wow - talk about smoked. We were so tired after an EARLY morning run, and Easter Sunrise Service, Worship in the Clamshell, and of course "Pure NRG" - Bagram's premiere worship experience. After we got everything back into the Chapel - I was able to snap a shot of the amazing "K-2 Team" - Karen & Karen. The Karen on the left is Chapel NeXt's "Automation Grand Master," and of course, the Karen on the right is my replacement and NEW Senior Pastor of Chapel NeXt Bagram!
To close out the night, we all migrated to the local Pizza Hut / Green Bean coffee shop for Spiritual Afterglow and fellowship. Above is a shot of myself, my Boss, and Brother Jeff Saffold.
Below is a shot of both the Gospel and NeXt congregational members who had not yet - fallen into a coma following the multiple worship services and praise events.
Finally, I had to catch a shot of the Chapel NeXt worship team leaders - Danny & Andrea.
As mentioned in a previous Blog entry, I will have the opportunity to travel to Minneapolis, MN this summer and perform their wedding.
Despite her best efforts . . . Andrea tries to look tough and super Hooah! However, Danny - out of view of the camera - is teasing her without mercy. Ergo - she is unable to maintain her battle hardened hardcore battle face.
Seriously, this may be my last Blog entry from Afghanistan and Operation Enduring Freedom VIII. So, on that note, I want to personally thank all of the saints - my Brothers and Sisters in Christ who regularly hold up these great men and women of the faith.
I do have a high level of angst as I return to the States. You see, I so desperately miss my bride and children. However, once you have tasted of the goodness of God - and His saints who reach and cry out to Him with an absolute sense of urgency and desperation . . . you can never know how sweet a spirit it is to dwell in the presence of the Lord. My guys and gals regularly and passionately seek to connect with the living God. Why? Because it may be their last time (this side of eternity) to connect with the living God.
God's Richest Blessings - - and thanks for petitioning the gates of heaven on behalf of our nation's greatest resource . . . her sons and daughters who volunteer to serve in harm's way.
In Christ,
CHMTKlein
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| To add a comment to "Finishing Well - 080324" |
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| March 24, 2008 |
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| GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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| March 24, 2008 |
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| god bless you and keep you safe as you are still figthing for us i pray for you everyday |
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| March 25, 2008 |
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AMEN MIKE still praying for those there you will leave behind, those you will marry and YOU coming home... as you know when you do good the evil one is always there ready to attack and you have to be ready like the dear sista chick with the gun.... I love you and I love Lori like we were friends that would never part. Warts and all.... Bless you always
coming to the git together right? |
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| March 25, 2008 |
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| Finishing strong! What an amazing service. Praying you through this last phase.
Little Sis |
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| March 25, 2008 |
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Awesome and exciting. Looking forward to seeing you stateside (Omaha). The kids and I continue to hold you and your replacements before the Mercy seat. We're thankful that you stand watch for us. Blessings!
Jude 24, 25 |
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