Ministry on the Front Lines of the War in Iraq
Chaplain Serrano on a helicopter in Iraq.
A Church of God chaplain gives his account of ministry from the country of Iraq.
By Church of God Chaplain (CPT) Ismael Serrano, Battalion Chaplain, TF3-3 ADA (C-RAM)
Since my arrival in country (Iraq), I noticed how perfect this mission was for me. Having soldiers and sailors all over Iraq has caused me and my CA (chaplain assistant) to rack up some major frequent flyer miles. Too bad these miles are not redeemable in the US. Most of the traveling in country has been via MRAP, RHINO, BLACK HAWK, C-130 and C-17 (armored vehicles, helicopters and planes.) I love going to where the soldier are, especially those that have had to deal with IDF (Indirect Fire) attacks.
I have great opportunities to give pastoral counseling and spiritual guidance. I have seen how God brings peace in the midst of turmoil. Every day, I send a word of encouragement by email to all the FOBs (Forward Operating Base) where my soldiers are, via SIPR (Secret Internet Protocol Router.) Most of the time, the email includes, a Bible verse, some facts about that day and daily Bible reading from Psalms and Proverbs. In my trips, I also take mini portraits done by Dan Rolett, from Pensacola FL, to the FOBs with drawings and letters from kindergarten and first grade students.
I am constantly in awe of the enormous sacrifices these young Americans make. They are here in Iraq, 7000 miles from their own families, so that Iraqi families can be safe as they build better lives for themselves. And they do this voluntarily, without complaint or hesitation.
Also, every other Wednesday, we have a Bible Study by the Lake and we have been studying Philippians. This last week I spoke on Philippians 3:7-8, I encouraged them to ask themselves what T walls are there between them and God. T walls are big cement walls that surround the areas in which we live. I told them that there is “rubbish” that is hindering their relationship with Christ. And even though it could be something good that might even bring profit, Paul calls it trash because it is a road block to knowing God’s will for our lives. After every Bible study by the lake, we go fishing and whoever catches the biggest fish gets a prize from the RST (Religious Support Team.) This last week my CA caught the biggest fish. I am so blessed and I thank God for such an awesome opportunity to minister in this environment.
My CDR (Commander) is very supportive of the ministry we do in Iraq. He also attends the service where I preach. In the near future, I will be co-pastoring the Gospel Service in Baghdad. I have had the opportunity of preaching there more than once and I assisted in worship by playing the bass. We have been in Revival there since May 27 and God has been moving in a mighty way. Last week we had a Prayer Breakfast at Ballad, Iraq and I spoke on Philippians 4:10-13, I told them to seek God and to let Him be their strength during this deployment. Even though it was a small group, those who came were blessed by God’s word.
I’m amazed how God is moving in this place. Being the Task Force 3-3 Air Defense Artillery Chaplain, my BN (Battalion) and I have made Psalm 3:3 our personal BN Psalm. It says, “But you are a shield around me O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.”
Chaplain Serrano is a graduate of Lee University and the Church of God Theological Seminary, Cleveland, Tennessee. His wife, Adrianne, and family reside at their stateside home at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
To learn more about the Church of God Chaplains Commission chaplaincy programs, visit the Chaplains Commission website at: www.cogchaplains.com.
