The Voice of One Calling in the Wilderness of Afghanistan
A Church of God chaplain shares his account of chaplaincy in a hotbed of unrest.
By SSgt Yucari S. Brown
Chaplain Swanson leads services in Afghanistan.
At around the same time every Sunday, you can see all the Armed Services to include the coalition forces walking into the doors of Enduring Faith Chapel. From the streets of Afghanistan you can hear the sweet melodies of music and can feel the Spirit of the Lord flowing from the front doors of the Chapel. Chaplain Roderick D. Swanson is ministering to the largest service in Afghanistan here at Bagram Air Base. His dedication to the preaching and teaching of God’s Word has led to many people deciding to turn from the ways of the world and to learning to lean and depend on Jesus. He has allowed God to use him in such a wide array that the Gospel service has hosted several evangelistic events to include Harvest Fest, Christmas Celebration, Revival, Saintspiration, and the Easter Celebration.
Upon arrival into what some may call “the wilderness” out here in Afghanistan, Chaplain Swanson has shown the congregation that in this wilderness, people will be able to find and pursue their purpose. He has portrayed the Spirit of Excellence that Daniel showed in the Old Testament. In one of his sermons titled “Setup for a Blessing”, he told the congregation that, “We ought to have the commitment to have a Spirit of Excellence with not only our spiritual life but also with our day to day jobs. We should strive to be the best at whatever job or rank that we have.” He pointed out that Daniel was not looking for promotion, promotion was looking for Daniel. He emphasized that we too will be promoted like Daniel and will live a prosperous life.
With this attitude of excellence, in every opportunity that has presented itself to Chaplain Swanson, he has stepped forward to help those in need. Being in the war zone can have a hard toil on family and friends and mostly to the Armed Forces here. Chaplain Swanson has extended his hand to all the services and provides pastoral counseling not just to the Army but to all the services. As many people have witnessed in the Service, Chaplain Swanson brings the Word to get you excited about the Lord. When Chaplain Swanson is in the pulpit, you can tell that the word of God is like “fire shut up in his bones.” His enthusiasm to teach the Word and to make it plain so that every person under the sound of his voice can understand the mysteries of the Bible is very evident. He takes his time in explaining and using examples that relate to every day life so that military and civilians are on one accord. He has a very kindred spirit that brings in the anointing of the Lord. Allowing God to use him as a chosen vessel has allowed him to help break the strongholds that being a member of the Armed Forces can bring with it.
Even though he is the Chaplain of the Gospel Service, he interacts with Chaplains of different faith groups. Chaplain Swanson has stood side by side with them as we have paid respects to those of our fallen soldiers, airman, marine, sailors, and comrades. It is with pride that I am able to stand side by side and salute with this Man of God as final prayers are spoken over the flag draped coffins that are returning home to love ones.
And furthermore as always, this humble man of God expresses his appreciation of the leadership above him and those appointed below him. They have supported him with this service and we are all careful to give God the glory for bringing such a wonderful group of Christians together to fellowship. Chaplain Swanson is a very charismatic person and there is nobody that he passes on a daily basis without a quick hello and a “God Bless You.” He is truly a God sent leader to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan and I am very fortunate to be able to worship and fellowship with this man, Chaplain Roderick D. Swanson.
Chaplain (MAJ) Swanson is a graduate of the Church of God Theological Seminary, an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God and serves as the Chaplain for the 159th CAB TF Thunder Brigade, in Bagram, Afghanistan.
To learn more about the Church of God Chaplains Commission chaplaincy programs, visit the Chaplains Commission website at: www.cogchaplains.com.
