| Author | Message | ||
| Jlondon81 Registered user Username: Jlondon81 Post Number: 11 Registered: 6-2004 |
Greetings FAF! Grace and peace to you all! Wow, it has been a long time since I have posted on here, although I have stopped in from time to time to see what's going on, and I have been receiving copies of Proclamation!. There are a lot of new people here too, which is excellent! For those of you who are new, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Joel London (some of you older members of FAF might remember me as Gatororeo7). I am 23 (I saw some other thread about 20-somethings, hehe), married with two beautiful children, and serving proudly in the US Air Force. Actually, I am currently serving in Iraq and have been since February. My tour here will last until about mid-August when we are to be replaced by another Air Force unit. I wanted to write you all about how things are going with me here. Fifty-five people from my home unit at Beale AFB, CA and three other active duty units joined with the 200th and 201st RED HORSE Squadrons with the Air National Guard from Ohio and Pennsylvania, respectively, back in January. The RED HORSE is a group of heavy construction specialists trained to go to an area and perfom construction projects. They usually deploy together constantly so they work well together. For this particular mission, they required some active duty personnel to augment their unit, so I got volun-told. We spent four weeks at Fort Benning, GA training with the US Army on tactical procedures, should we have to use them, and other job specific training. We then spent two weeks at a staging base in Kuwait before being airlifted here. We are now based out of Camp Taji, Iraq, about 15 miles to the northwest of Baghdad. Our primary mission here has been to improve facilities here on this base, as well as other surrounding bases. We recently completed a huge airfield expansion project that we took over from the previous Army engineering unit. (And did it better and faster than them, I might say, hehe.) My job specifically is within engineering design and surveying. I mainly help lay the groundwork for projects getting started. I also have been involved in performing quality control inspections for locally contracted jobs on this base, which is a challenge to say the least. We keep ourselves plenty busy though, there's always work to do. This being my first deployment as a young airman in the military, I really had no idea what to expect when I got here. In Kuwait we were crammed in a tent where I had a cot to sleep on, but literally one foot on each side of the cot as personal space, with all my bags stuffed either under my cot or at the foot of the cot. Hot showers were a luxury if they were available, and there was nothing to do except wait for chow, or wait three hours to use a computer for 30 minutes to write home. Things here are definitely better, and surprisingly so. All 400 of us are housed in a small compound within the base known as Tomahawk Village. Within the village all our billets and work areas are within walking distance. We have enough room for all the officers and senior enlisted to have their own rooms, a few rows of trailers for the junior NCOs, and two buildings with large open rooms for the airmen like myself, with plenty of personal space this time, hehe. I get a hot shower at night, plenty of food to eat (I'm actually gaining weight!), and sleep in a comfortable bed. Honestly I thought it would be much worse. There is the whole thing about we might get attacked that looms over everything, but it is easy to get complacent. We have good leadership though that encourages us not to get that way, plus some experiences of our own. The base has received a few attacks from insurgents since we have been here. One mortar round recently hit within our village; thankfully no one was hurt. Usually it's one round and they run off. Soon after the attack we hear the sirens go off followed by Apache helicopters flying overhead, going to stick it to 'em. Scary? I'd be lying if I said it wasn't. One thing I am really liking about this deployment is the amount of fellowship I have been receiving here. The Guard units were lucky to get two excellent chaplains from the active duty ranks to come along with us. We have our own chapel within our village and they hold services several times each week. The services are for the most part generic Protestant services, but good nonetheless. Plus, it's always good to see our commander and several of the command staff at church. From what I understand our commander is a strong Christian, and never fails to make a decision without praying over it first. That's just a good trait to have as a commander I think. Now, many of you who have been around FAF for some time and know a little about me know my story of coming out of Adventism. I never was a Seventh-day Adventist, however my wife was. It was through Adventism that I came to understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Strange as that may sound, it took me almost falling into Adventism for me to understand what grace truly is. For me, that is a significant part of my testimony. At times, I have felt led to inform and discuss with other Christian brothers and sisters about Adventism, due to their curiosity, or questioning they've received from others. I've been able to do that a great deal since being here. There is one airman I work with who claims to be an avid SDA; SDA by doctrine, but not so much by practice. His first excitement was the fact that each shop was allowing people to take one day off a week. He tried to convice everyone why not to take off Sunday, and to attend the SDA service on Saturday. He works with me back home, and tried the same stuff when I first joined the unit last year. He knows better than to convince me of SDA. I have never known Adventists to instigate an argument or discussion, yet this guy loves to do it. He goes in so far as to warn them to not listen to me counter him because I am lost and have no clue as to what I am talking about. I smile and nod. What is amazing is that I see my co-workers are very aware of the errors in doctrine without even knowing their beliefs. The contradictions are so evident sometimes. If the truth sets us free, then error binds us. So long as you know what truth is, it will be easy to spot error. One of my friends was engaged in a conversation with this guy within earshot of me, and afterwards began asking me questions, with him still around. Turns out that I know more about SDA than the instigator ever knew. I was educating him on what he claimed to believe! Everywhere around the world people are being set free. Whether it is free from spiritual bondage or free from oppression of a tyrannical government, freedom is happening thanks to God's grace. A common theme I hear over here is "winning hearts and minds". With what the military is doing here, I see that a lot. At the same time, with what FAF is doing online, people are turning to Jesus Christ, winning hearts for Him. All is through His abounding grace. I know that it is by His grace that I will make it home in August. I pray that all of you are well and growing in grace. I hope to be able to write more often. I miss you all and the fellowship you have allowed me to be part of. God bless you all. Grace and peace, Joel | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 1801 Registered: 12-2003  |
Oh, Joel, it is SO good to hear from you! Thank you for thinking of us and letting us know where you are and how you're doing. It is really encouraging to read of your perception of freedom spreading, both from tyranny and from spiritual bondage. And how ironic is it that you're in Iraq and discoursing on Adventism?! Wow, talk about God knowing the end from the beginning and providing the insight, the experience of discovering grace and getting to know Jesus, and the knowledge necessary to instruct and inform before you ever knew you'd need it. I'm so happy to read that you are being spritually fed and challenged, and that you're continuing to grow in grace. God is good--and faithful. We look forward to hearing more from you. Say Hi to Sara when you contact her! With prayers for you, Colleen | ||
| Denisegilmore Registered user Username: Denisegilmore Post Number: 265 Registered: 10-2000 |
Joel!! I've been wondering whatever happened to you! You cannot believe how happy my heart feels hearing from you and to find out that you are overseas! Wow, now you have shocked me! Oh my brother in Christ, just keep preaching and teaching as you've always done. Whether it was here in the states and now abroad you are still God's faithful servant. My prayers are going up for you and your ministry now overseas. My, how the Word of God gets around huh? <grin> Those hearts where you are planting the seeds of the true Gospel are surely blessed through you by God Himself! Prayers will continue for you and those with whom you are stationed. Including all of your families. If there were a way to give you a big hug--I would. So here's the only way online I know how to do that (((((((((JOEL))))))))). May God's Work continue to grow a rich harvest through you and may He keep you in His Charge forevermore. In Christ Jesus Name. This i pray for the Kingdom of God, yourself and those in whose hearts have been planted with the seed of the Gospel of Christ you are so graced with planting! Be Vigilant with many petitions and prayers. Keep Watch as the Watchman of the night. Love to you, in Jesus, the Christ and our King of Kings. "Commit your way to the Lord; Trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." Ps. 37:5-6 denise | ||
| Esther Registered user Username: Esther Post Number: 213 Registered: 5-2004 |
Joel! It is good to hear from you! You have been in my prayer book! I am so happy that you are doing well, and it is exciting to hear that God is using your influence and experiences to spread His truth. Continuing with earnest prayers to God on your behalf...and ever so proud to "know" you... | ||
| Dd Registered user Username: Dd Post Number: 413 Registered: 7-2004 |
Joel, Your words have given me comfort and peace in my own journey today. I especially loved your thought -- "If the truth sets us free, then error binds us. So long as you know what truth is, it will be easy to spot error." Thank you for sharing and updating us. You are a VERY special young man. I am impressed with your love for Jesus and country. I pray that you will continue to bring Light into your world and feel God's presence on a daily basis. I want to thank you, too, for your service for our great country. I am so deeply moved by your willingness to fight for the freedom of my family and myself. I may not know you personally but I do love you! | ||
| Carol_2 Registered user Username: Carol_2 Post Number: 298 Registered: 2-2002  |
May God bless you and your family Joel. I too thank you for serving our country. Carol | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 200 Registered: 3-2005 |
Joel, What a terrific testimony! Thank you for your service! Praise God, that you have a commander who knows the Lord, and prays. I also believe your commander in chief, President Bush also knows the Lord, and is praying for God's guidance in bringing freedom to a people who were under such tyranny. We will all be praying for you! Stan | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 203 Registered: 3-2005 |
One other thing Joel, I just went to the "Stories" section of this site, and read your full story. How amazing, how God works! Keep safe over there, Stan | ||
| Dennis Registered user Username: Dennis Post Number: 366 Registered: 4-2000  |
Joel, It is great to hear from you again. My wife lived in Baghdad, Iraq with her SDA missionary parents for three and a half years in the late 1950s. Her parents served at the formerly SDA-owned Dar-el-Salaam hospital. Her father was the chef and her mother was a nurse there. We still have a picture of that hospital--a modern structure for its time. This was when King Faisal, a much-loved leader by his people, ruled Iraq. Sadly, he was assassinated and life has been chaotic there ever since. Interestingly, the Hasso brothers (well-known import retailers) have almost singlehandedly financed and directed the Seventh-day Adventist church in Baghdad for many years. Their influence with various Iraqi politicians has greatly benefited the small number of Adventists there to this day. Arabs generally do not like people that worship on the same day as the Jews. Thank you for serving our great country in the military, Joel. May God continue to abundantly bless your many duties there in Iraq. Please continue to keep us updated about your Christian influence while serving in uniform. Dennis Fischer | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 1806 Registered: 12-2003 |
Dennis, what interesting details. Thanks for sharing them. (I'm sitting here trying to remember where I knew some Hasso's--because at one time, I did! Senior moment, I guess...!) Colleen | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 1395 Registered: 3-2004  |
Joel, I remember your posting when you had a baby and I had just decided not to rejoin the SDA church. I want to thank you also, for your service to our country. I truly do appreciate you and all our other military men and women. My son is in the USAF, so I have a soft spot in my heart for the Air Force. Keep us posted on what is going on in your part of Iraq. That is interesting about the SDA in your life. I will pray for him also. I, too, am so glad your commander is a Christian. God Bless you young man. God has a purpose for you. Again, thank you for your service to the USA. Diana | ||
| Heretic Registered user Username: Heretic Post Number: 54 Registered: 2-2005 |
Joel, We all owe you a debt of gratitude. Hang in there, my friend. | ||
| Dennisrainwater Registered user Username: Dennisrainwater Post Number: 114 Registered: 8-2000 |
Joel, Thank you for updating us on your circumstances! And from a former AF guy to a current one, I salute you. Thank you for your service! I am pleased to hear about your commander -- that must offer you an extra measure of peace and confidence. Colleen, was it a senior moment? Are you sure it wasn't a 'rolling blackout'?? <grin> I had plenty of those back when we lived in CA... ;-) Den <>< | ||
| Lindylou Registered user Username: Lindylou Post Number: 40 Registered: 1-2005 |
Joel, It was nice being introduced to you. What amazes me is that you are so wise for one so young!  It is wonderful that you are finding so many opportunities to be used by God. What an adventure you are on! I want to send my best wishes and thanks to you along with the others. I hope that all of you in Iraq never feel that you are forgotten by us in the states. Everyone that I know feels such honor and respect towards all the armed forces who are serving in Iraq. Our prayers are with you. Sincerely, lindylou | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 1829 Registered: 12-2003 |
Den, I'll go with "rolling blackout"...they can happen at ANY age! Colleen |
