Soldiers Bible Ministry 2009

Ending 2008 and beginning 2009 on a continued note of hope for all allied forces throughout the world, we've had some interesting requests in recent weeks. Several folks have requested Bibles from non-allied forces in several nations throughout Africa. In such situations, we consider them "soldiers" in the broader sense of serving Christ Jesus and have done everything possible to fulfill these requests. Finishing the year, we shipped out several hundred additional pocket bibles, CD's and study certificates to soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations. We've also had some interesting requests for Bible study fellowship groups in Baghdad. Chaplain Chris now home safely with his family, getting ready for a special memorial service this month and then some interesting opportunities volunteering stateside with Soldiers Bible Ministry, for which we are very grateful. Here's to another year of humble service to our soldiers where ever they may be serving!

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