Thanks for the Bibles & CD’s

John Hoben received a note from Farrah; please be in prayer for for as she servers four more months in Afghanistan:

Dear John,

Hi! I wanna say Thank you for sending or donating Bibles and CDs. I am deployed here in Afghanistan, and the main thing that has seen me through these last 7 months is GOD! I have 4 more months to go here. So please keep me in your prayers. Keep supporting soldiers any way you can, we do need it. Thank you!

Farrah
Dated: November 2, 2008

FBBC Special Thanks

Special thanks go to Pastor Gary Sauer of First Bible Baptist Church for their generous support of the Soldiers Bible Ministry at this week's Wednesday service. It's an honor, priviledge and above all blessing to be able to work with everyone at FBBC in Greece, NY!

North Carolina Reaches out for Soldiers Bible Support

Amongst other requests, this week we had two from the fine state of North Carolina. Western North Carolina's Blue Star Mothers of Arden, North Carolina reached out to us and we're fortunate to be able to help send 150+ Bibles and Bible study materials to these local initiatives. A separate initiative is underway with a member of a congregation adjacent to Camp LeJeune which we're excited about learning more and helping their Bible outreach to the Marines in Jacksonville.

Please let us know how we can help you as it's always exciting to hear about the excellent support of our deployed troops in spiritual support matters!

Charles Welty - letter to his son in the Navy

For those of you with sons and daughters in the armed forces, I know you can relate to this letter. Charles Welty wrote it to his son over 3 years ago. Welty's advice is timeless and I wanted to make sure everyone reads this letter to his son, Christopher who is now studying at the US Naval Academy, Annapolis.

Deo Mushambo

Catching up on the month's posts, I wanted to introduce you all to Deo Mushambo. Deo is with the Ugandan Army protecting the US soldiers at Fort Summerall, Iraq while the US soldiers are on base (someone has to watch over them while they refuel and recharge!) As you'll read from his testimony, Deo was blessed with meeting Chaplain Chris Rusack and now is one of the lay leaders for the Ugandan Army soldiers bible study and services when Chaplain Chris is out on patrol with the soldiers. What's most amazing is how Verda Reeves, Deo's 'adopted mom' found us while searching for Swahili Bibles to ship to the troops. Verda, Deo and I are in frequent communication these days working out the technical kinks in getting Deo enrolled in Chuck Missler's http://www.studycenter.com/ Koinonia Institute so Deo can engage in formal Bible study. Please keep Deo and everyone in Iraq in your prayers!

FBBC Soldiers Family Picnics Part 2: US Marines

Last month I had the blessing, honor and privilege to attend First Bible Baptist Church's (FBBC) special service as part of their family picnic prior to the local US Army 427th deployment to Iraq. Pastor Gary Sauer did a fantastic job (Gary, I loved your "Three Stooges" analogy at the beginning of the service!) We were able to share information about Soldiers Bible Ministry and let everyone know we're here for them. Things have been very, very busy and hectic with work so I've been remiss in reporting on this most blessed event last month. Now, on the eve of a service with a family picnic for the US Marines Alpha Company, Anti-Terrorism Battalion 4th Marine Division tomorrow, FBBC is blessing our troops once again at their "Grace and Truth" Park on North Greece Road tomorrow. Gary Sauer's on vacation so we'll have the good fortune of meeting Mike Ireland who will be leading the worship service tomorrow.

Beautiful, blessed Jan Ross kindly found a good price on 100 Bibles and personally afixed Psalm 91 and helps in these bibles on short notice. She shipped all the tailored cover Bibles and 100 "Learn the Bible in 24 Hours" CD's from K-House all for inclusion in a "goodie bag" FBBC's wonderful congregationists are packing for the Marines tomorrow. I just wanted to ask you all to join me in thanking God for such blessings in Jan Ross, Gary Sauer, Mike Ireland and everyone involved in this ministry!

Your brother in Christ,
John

Tribute to Jennifer Cole

Please join us in praying for the family, friends, and platoon of Jennifer Cole who died in Iraq on Saturday, August 2nd. It is never easy to lose a loved one ... losing one who has given their life in service to their country is no less difficult.

Jennifer was assigned to the 426th Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), U.S. Army, Fort Campbell, KY and was stationed in Bayji, Iraq.

Chaplain Chris Rusack shared his personal grief for losing a faithful member of his congregation and a friend to the close-knit platoon. We invite you to take a moment to see the tribute page we posted for Jennifer Cole. Click Here.

If you wish to post a prayer or a message of sympathy, please feel free to use the Prayer Forum on the Soldiers Bible Ministry website.

May God continue to give strength and comfort to all who knew and loved Pvt. Jennifer Cole.

Mama Cindy 02 August 2008

Morning John,

Thank you for sharing the up dated information from Chaplain Chris. The Lord has much more for him to do and for sure he is being protected by Our Father's Spiritual Military.

It seems the time grows closer and I do long for our Father to return and stop the pain and suffering of many on this earth. Until that time comes, it is up to His Children to Comfort those that are alone and show them, they do have a purpose in life and they are Never Alone.

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE WITH UNDERSTANDING! Sounds so simple, it really can't be that easy. That is what I hear all the time. In my Heart and Soul, that is ALL it is. People caring, working together, and most of all Love with understanding ones needs.

With the help of the Chaplains, I have been reaching the Soldiers in most remote areas that aren't receiving mail. I am so excited when I do get a letter back. It strengthens me to continue on my Mission--Mama Cindy In The USA! One Mama that Cares and Gets It. I can't have enough children.

As of August 1, 2008, 1,625 packages have been sent out to my adopted military children. My list of children has grown to over 3,000. I am helping the 427th stationed in Afghanistan with an Orphanage. I have sent several packages for the children and just recently sent a huge box of school supplies. This coming week, a Vacation Bible Class is doing a caring drive for the children in the Orphanage. I will meet with this most wonderful group of children on Monday and share stories of the children around the world and how they can make a difference. Then, I will return on Friday to accept the offerings for the Children in Afghanistan and celebrate the kindness of Children helping Children. I am making bracelets for each of the children in Red, White and Blue Beads to show my Thanks for their kindness in helping me help the children in Afghanistan. WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Huge Hugs and God Bless,

Mama Cindy

Chaplain Chris Reports 01 August 2008

To both of my brothers named John,

My apologies for not being in touch lately. I have been travelling extensively throughout Iraq in the past three weeks, visiting our men out at remote patrol bases and bringing the Word to them. Thank you for all of your prayers and for all of those who are praying for us. It makes a huge difference!!

On one of my trips about two weeks ago my convoy was hit by an IED. I watched the truck in front of me erupt in a huge explosion and smoke. There were a few minor injuries but, Praise God! No one was killed. When I got to my destination they told me they haven't had a single IED on that road for almost three months. They couldn't believe that it hit my convoy. I told them that the enemy (not just the Iraqi insurgents) wants me taken out but they can't touch the ones under God's divine and mighty hand of protection! We went back the next day to see the crater and examine the area to find out what kind it was and in doing so discovered a secondary device less than ten feet away that did not detonate! If it had, my vehicle would have been hit by it. Can I say "Glory to God"!! (Psalm 91)

Anyways, ministry here has been absolutely incredible. It seems to get better every week. Let me just share a few for now which I know will bless you and also generate some prayer & intercession:

1. I have given out all the Swahili Bibles we had (pictures and videos are still coming). The men received them with many, many thanks and a lot of excitement!

2. I have given out all of the other Bibles! God is really, really doing something here.

3. Just when you thought things were really exciting, wait it gets better. About two weeks ago, I was out visiting our patrol base. There has been a lot of violence and problems there in past months. Anyways, the company commander asked me before I came out if I had a nice Bible that I could bring out with me. Let's believe the man that received it reads it, his eyes are opened to the light and truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that he is born again! Then let's believe that he begins to teach the truth of Word of God - Jesus is the Way the Truth and the Life!!! Hallelujah!!

Alright, I'm getting pretty fired up right now! I do need to end this and get to bed, but just wanted to give you the update and the awesome testimonies of what the Lord is doing over here.

Thanks again and blessings from all of us to both of you for everything and to all who have given, prayed and supported this mission and ministry. You HAVE made a difference!!!

May God bless you greatly,

Chaplain Chris Rusack

PS: By the way, I personally know Chaplain Keith Andrews. He and I went through the chaplain course together four years ago - he's a great brother in the Lord.

First Bible Baptist Church Invitation

Pastor George Grace of First Bible Baptist Church handed on the Soldiers Bible Ministry materials to Pastor Gary Sauer. Gary's asked me to present at two services next month and September for a local Army and a local Marine unit at their special service they have before a family picnic for their units before deployment. Gary wanted them to get first hand exposure to the Soldiers Bible Ministry.

Major Dave Young will be joining me on those days as well.

Thank you, Gary (and thank you, God!)

It's Here!

From Chaplain Chris Rusack
12 July 2008

Hey Brother John,

I just wanted to send you a quick note to tell you that the packages all arrived two days ago. I would have contacted you immediately but my internet on the FOB has been down for a week or so and I am currently out at one of our remote patrol bases for a few days with working internet (praise God). Anyways, I just want to tell you how blown away I was by everything.

I was so blessed I almost broke down in front of my guys. I had several men with me when I opened them and they were blown away too. From us all - Thanks!!!!!

I have already used the amp and the guitar pickup (Fishman pickups are the best in my opinion) and they really sound awesome. I also began giving out harmonicas to the troops and they were gladly and excitedly received. I will start writing thank you's and putting some photos together next week for you and those who contributed to this mission. What a blessing! I have not had time yet to get the coffee going but it looks like it is going to be fantastico! As you may have heard, coffee is a favorite pastime over here. I look forward to enjoying it with my friends.

Once again John, my deepest appreciation and thanks for everything. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. I am praying for you and ask God's richest blessing on you and your ministry. It is definitely making a difference and a huge impact for the Kingdom. Oh I almost forgot, my wife Cindy also sends her thanks and blessings.

I should have internet back up when I get back in a few days and will try to do better at staying in touch.

Love ya in Yeshua!
Chris

Special Gifts On the Way!

John Reynolds has put together two boxes of special gifts for Chaplain Chris and the soldiers on his base, to be shipped out today. As you can see from the boxes, John has included some "homey" things that will offer them a few creature comforts. But, more than that, it will remind the soldiers that they're in our thoughts and prayers.

Did you notice that package of "Thank You" notes? John included these because the two packages leaving today are only the tip of the iceburg.

In cooperation with Harp Depot from Marion, Ohio, the troops from the 101st Airborne in Iraq are about to receive a shipment of instruments, sound equipment, and all the peripherals. Thanks to the many people who pitched in to make this possible, the men and women on the FOB will have access to instruments and sound equipment to enjoy a little time relaxing, and, of course, it will also add a lot to the worship services conducted by Chaplain Chris.

This is one way Soldiers Bible Ministry is different than other military ministries. We encourage personal response from the soldiers to those who donated money and items. If you contributed in any way toward the purchase of the equipment, you can expect a response! If you want to get involved in Tunes for Troops, we'll be arranging for shipments to other bases in Iraq and Afghanistan in the future. As the money comes in, arrangements to send sound equipment to other bases will be made.

Contact us now and let us know how you can help. If you have instruments, let us know! If you have sound equipment you're not using, we can probably use it. If you can make a donation of any size, we'll put your money to work by showing visible evidence of your support for our troops. Click Here

We're excited ... we can't wait to hear the response from Iraq. We'll post pictures and updates as we receive them.

Chaplain Chris Rusack(22 June 2008)

Brother John,

Words can't express what I am feeling right now. All I can say is WOW and Praise GOD!

It is soooo good to re-connect with everyone since my R&R. You didn't know but our internet has been down for the last two and a half weeks. It has been hard on everyone not being able to connect with family or friends but I am glad to say that it was fixed as of yesterday, hence this e-mail.

Let me also just say that it was great getting the opportunity to speak with you via phone during my R&R. The desire you have to support us in this mission is above the words I have. Please let me know what I can do for you or anyone else who has supported us. Seriously.

Now that I am back online I want to start sending photos and video of the ministry here and the things God has been doing thru things like the music ministry, care packages, and, of course, Bibles.

I had a brother from Uganda spend the day with me today. By the way, he feels called to be a Pastor and would like to go to Bible School in the States. Awesome testimony! He told me he, as well as all the other men from Uganda, is overwhelmingly blessed at how people like you and the others around the world are sending us these gifts and supplies for the troops. They say that it is the most tangible picture of how the Body of Christ should be that they have ever seen. It's even more sweet when I tell them that I have not met any of you in person (except Mrs. Jan Ross).

My soldiers' morale has really been pretty low lately because of the internet issue and the weather (127 degrees today!). They are also at the stage in their deployment when they are feeling like it's the same thing, day in and day out. Combat can be very monotonous. Missions, guard duty, more missions, patrols, more guard duty, maintenance, etc. The exciting or crazy stuff usually comes when you least expect it. Other than that, things are pretty routine and for many, quite boring. With that said, the live "Music Nights" that I hold every other week are the only thing except working out at the gym and going to Church that these soldiers have to really enjoy. That's why I'm so excited to hear about what you are sending!!!!

As far as all that, everything sounds fantastic! I don't know what to say
except "Thank You" to you and to all who gave in support of this mission in advance. I will be on the look-out for the packages and will take plenty of pictures and video when they arrive and are used. We will also write personal "thank you" notes to all who were involved. I talked to my Colonel and he said we can even send official military certificates of appreciation. I just need names, businesses, titles etc. Leave the rest to me.

Once again, thank you my dear brother for everything. You will have no idea this side of eternity how much it means and has blessed these Soldiers. May God return the blessing to you and yours one hundred fold!

In Christ, your brother

Chaplain Chris

Tunes for Troops

There's nothing worse than being thousands of miles away from home, having a little time to relax and regroup, and having nothing to occupy that time. That's what Tunes for Troops is all about.

We want to publically thank Harp Depot for their tremendous support of this project. This next week a shipment will leave from Marion, Ohio, for the 101st Airborne in Iraq. The shipment contains instruments, sound equipment, and all the peripherals to provide some fun for our troops while they're in Iraq. With music being the "universal language", it's an opportunity for them to enjoy some time, take their mind off things, and have fun.

This project, although just beginning, is taking shape quickly. But, we need your help! If you have an instrument, sound equipment you're not using, or a few dollars you'd like to invest in this project, please contact us right away as we put the next shipment together and begin to work on supplying another base in Iraq.

Thanks for your help, your support, and your prayers! Click Here to return to Soldiers Bible Ministry website.

Amazing God

Soldiers Bible Ministry is working to fill a gap left by other military ministries in that most do NOT provide a complete Bible (while the New Testament and Psalms are included, they leave out the Old Testament). While the American Bible Society will provide a complimentary complete Bible to any soldier upon request, most do not know to ask.

Soldiers Bible Ministry not only provides Bibles in English but also is available to provide Bibles in the native language of the allied forces supporting our US, UK, Canadian, Australian and other English speaking troops.

Soldiers Bible Ministry is also working in conjunction with state-side based ministries to be part of an extended spiritual support network for the soldiers upon their return to reacclimate them into regular home life.

We are incredibly grateful to Koinonia House and Koinonia Institute for their most generous contribution of over $5 million in Bible Study materials and memberships. That, along with your generous donations, is making it possible to put the Word of God into the hands of our military men and women serving worldwide at a time when they need the power of the Word of God to bring them encouragement and strength. It is our prayer that the Bibles and the Bible Study material will lead them into a relationship with the Living God as He draws all men to Himself (ref. John 12:32).

If you have a specific soldier you would like to receive a Bible Study Materials package, please email us and we will make sure they receive the following at no cost to you:

1. One full Old Testament/New Testament (OT/NT) camouflage Bible (design fits easily in troops’ pocket to take with them on patrol),
2. One Learn the Bible in 24 Hours (LTB24H) Windows-based CD,
3. A one-year Koinonia House Berean Online Fellowship (BOF) membership,
4. One free OT/NT Class Campus Pass for the Koinonia Institute's Study Center.

Allied forces from non-native English speaking countries are serving side by side with our troops.

Because of this opportunity to sow into the lives of allied troops, we are providing Bibles upon request. We have received reports of some who are ‘dreaming dreams’ of a Messiah named Jesus which compels them to seek answers from the chaplains. Chaplain Chris is one contact who said the work of the LORD is alive and real every day!

We consider it an honor to work along with overseas ministries who have access to Bibles in the native languages of the allied troops who desire to have a personal copy.

Learn more about us at http://soldiersbibleministry.com.