25 June 2008

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.

22 June 2008

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.

21 June 2008

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.