Church of God Chaplain Serves in Afghanistan as Joint Command Chaplain
Church of God Army Chaplain (LTC) Mickey Jett is currently serving a one-year tour of duty in Afghanistan as the Joint Command Chaplain for the International Security Assistance Force. Chaplain Jett is based at the North Kabul International Airport, headquarters for the International Joint Command.
By Chaplain (LTC) Mickey Jett, US Army
In the Church of God, we regularly speak of our denomination as a missional church, and it certainly is, through many different means and methods. One of the most effective avenues for our missional outreach is through military chaplaincy, especially as an outreach into the Middle East. In my position as the Joint Command Chaplain for the International Security Assistance Force, I have the privilege and opportunity to daily touch the lives of troops from over 42 different countries that are a part of NATO, as well as the lives of the Afghan people.
Here at the International Joint Command headquarters, I am the military “padre” who lives and works with his soldiers, going through the same hardships and daily ups and downs of a long deployment in a hostile environment. Here, opportunities abound to be a witness for the Good News of Jesus Christ – so I remain ready to give an account to the soldiers of the hope that resides within me. Many of them have never met a minister or had any kind of upbringing in the church. Having a chaplain in their midst is a new experience … and when the inevitable problems come, they seek me out. As Albert F. Ledebuhr stated in his Military Chaplaincy: An Apologia, “Perhaps more than any other clergyman, the military chaplain … provides a spiritual ministry for people where they are and as they are.” Military chaplaincy provides an around-the-clock opportunity to present the Gospel to those who otherwise may never hear the witness of Jesus Christ.
Opportunities come with the Afghan people too. For example, the women of Afghanistan recently celebrated International Women’s Recognition Day. At the bazaar on the base where these women were holding a special event, I came across a woman selling scarves, nuts and fig jelly. Her young daughter was sitting quietly behind her, not saying a word. I reached out and gave the mother some candy to give to her daughter – just some M&Ms and a Tootsie Roll pop. As I smiled at them, I could see the mother looking at the cross on my uniform, she knew what it symbolized. The mother smiled and placed her hand over her heart and said “thank you.” It was a moment to witness for Christ in a land where the cross is not always welcome.
This tour of duty has been quite an experience. The command was just setting up its operational headquarters when I arrived – there was no chapel, no established chaplaincy. I went to work directly for the commander as one of his staff officers and set about to organize all aspects of religious support across the command, coordinating with the Belgian, French, Danish and other chaplains when they visit their troops, facilitating the worship of other faith groups, conducting worship services, and holding Bible studies. Most Protestant denominations are represented here – from Anglican to Pentecostal. Sadly, I have conducted several memorial services – most have been for our Canadian allies – young soldiers lost in battle. These moving occasions bring a sobering reality to this ministry and how truly vital it is.
The IJC Headquarters hosts many high-ranking officers – generals, colonels and a wide spectrum of visiting officials and dignitaries. For me, as a staff officer as well as a chaplain, it is yet another opportunity to present Christ’s message as I wear cross of Jesus on my uniform. I am constantly reminded that military chaplains are needed today just as the prophet was needed in Jeremiah’s time. Jeremiah preached God’s word prophetically during times of war and upheaval, when he was surrounded by death, destruction and moral decay. Today, almost 3,000 years later, we still need God’s word proclaimed around the world. Through military chaplaincy, the Church of God has a unique opportunity to do this.
Chaplain Jett is a Master of Divinity graduate of the Church of God Pentecostal Theological Seminary. His wife, Nan, and family make their home in Huntsville, Alabama, where Mickey where will return to his regular assignment at Redstone Arsenal. For more information on serving God and country through military chaplaincy, visit the Chaplains Commission website at: www.cogchaplains.com
