Chaplains Commission Sends Cookies to Troops
The Church of God Chaplains Commission continues an annual tradition of sending Little Debbie snacks to U.S. trops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Qatar.
By Dr. Jerry McNabb, Director, Full-Time Chaplains
It is that time of year again. The shopping malls are full and crowded and our calendars are replete with one event after another. We are busy at church trying to keep up with all the programs and the special services. Wrapping presents, standing in line at the post office to mail those packages that must be mailed today and rushing back to the store for that last minute purchase, is just another sign that the Christmas season is upon us. However, in the midst of it all, we are just waiting for a moment to slow down, to rest or possibly be by ourselves for just a moment. We think to ourselves, “O, if I could just be alone for an afternoon.” Yet, some 6,000 plus miles from the east coast of the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan, you find a different story. There you find dedicated Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines spending their Christmas holidays away from home and loved ones. In the loneliness of the desert, troops wishing they could make a trip to a crowded mall or have a relentless list of programs and Christmas dinners to attend. Or, just be able to see the smile on their children’s faces as they rush to the Christmas tree to find their presents on Christmas morning. To be able to kiss their wife or husband under the mistletoe, eat Christmas dinner and watch the movie, “Miracle on 32nd St, just one more time with the family.
Soldiers proudly display their treats from the Chaplains Commission.
That is why each year during this very holy season of our Lord and Saviors birth, the Church of God Chaplains Commission sends approximately 14,000 Christmas Tree Brownies to our Chaplains and troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Qatar. “The Brownies provide each soldier with just a little touch of home”, said Army Chaplain (Major) Roderick Swanson, Afghanistan. With this small gesture, the Chaplains Commission tries to celebrate with each chaplain and to encourage each one as they sacrifice so much to carry the Gospel message of the Emmanuel to the troops. This Christmas the Church of God has four chaplains serving in Iraq, three in Afghanistan, one in Kuwait and one in Qatar. This does not include the eight forward deployed chaplains in Germany, one in Belgium, two in Italy, one in Crete, one in Guam, one in Japan, one in Korea and numerous chaplains serving at home throughout the United States.
Please remember each of our chaplains, their families and all of the military around the world as they defend our freedom this Christmas season.
To learn more about the Church of God Chaplains Commission chaplaincy programs, visit the Chaplains Commission website at:
www.cogchaplains.com.
