Operation Barnabas

The Military Project Expands in a Theological Direction

Plans are underway to bring the Divine Service on a regular basis to soldiers and chaplains in Iraq and Afghanistan. A CD will be sent every two weeks containing two Sunday services of radio broadcasts from Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ossian, Indiana, where Rev. William Brege is pastor. “Voice of Bethlehem” is a thirty minute abbreviated service containing the sermon, hymns, prayers, and liturgy. This will be an opportunity to incorporate our LCMS military personnel into the Holy Christian Church while they are absent from their home congregations.

Besides sending “Body and Soul Care Packages” four times per year, the Military Project is contacting chaplains asking for specific requests as they bring the mercy of Christ to war-torn countries. In response to these unique needs, a movie screen, palm frond crosses, CDs of hymn accompaniments, and digital cameras have recently been sent. Currently a project of shipping quilts and health kits is underway for Chaplain James Lucas. He writes, “You might only help a small village, but with others also already doing similar things, we are making a wide impact on the communities that, I am not kidding, look like something out of a National Geographic archeological dig! I am astonished at how many people live in adobe style homes made of sun baked mud and grass blocks, stuccoed with a mud and grass plaster, dirt floors, curtains in windows instead of glass, children with no shoes, and on and on. It is like going into a time warp to drive through a typical rural Afghan village.” Various churches and individuals from around the country are partnering with the Seminary in this project for Chaplain Lucas.

How can you help?

Please keep our soldiers and chaplains in your prayers. They are God’s instruments of protection. They leave family, home, and country so that we and our families can live in peace and security.

For information on current service projects, needed supplies, or to learn how to set up a military project, e-mail militaryproject@ctsfw.edu or call 260-452-2100.

Monetary donations should be mailed to Concordia Theological Seminary, Attention: Military Project Coordinator, 6600 N. Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46825. All checks should be made payable to the CTS Military Project.

Article courtesy of: For the Life of the World, Summer 2009, Volume Thirteen, Number Two.