"FOR GOD AND COUNTRY" TOUR.

I've been in Kuwait and Iraq with Third Day, playing for US troops and we've had an incredible time. I'll post some details in a few days, but suffice to say that we were overawed by the amount of Christian men and women we met in the military, by the faithful ministry of the military chaplains, and by the intensity of the worship we experienced in the concerts. Here's a photo of me with three military chaplains, including the one who dreamt the whole project up- needless to say, he's become a good friend. I've often preached about the characteristics of a soldier in relation to living as a disciple of Jesus, and this has been massively reinforced over the last few days- discipline, faithfulness, sacrifice, obedience, fellowship, conquering fear, vision, purpose- the military understand all these. If you know how to live as a soldier you'll know how to live as a Christian.

Comments

[Teresa (auntie gomer)]

It all sounds amazing ..... I heard that Third Day are the first christian band to do this.....how very cool and very typical.....:) (proud to be a gomer!)
Nigel -how wonderful that you now have a good point of contact there via your chaplain buddy.

[Teresa (yes me again....)]

I can see the relevance re a soldier and a christian's life........ I would think that a soldier's training would maybe make him a better christian or at least give him a head start. How great that you had the chance to experience a taste of this firsthand. (Funny....I was watching a clip of actor Ross Kemp in Afganistan.....saying that he had lived like a soldier and mourned like one....but fortunately he didn't have to fight like one)... reminded me of you and the guys.....although you would have had to fight a great spiritual battle just to be there. Well done all of you!

[Joan Young/Godgrl Gomer]

Certainly has put things in perspective....encourages me to keep on keeping on.

[Ranger Chaplain]

I just returned from my second tour in Iraq. I am a chaplain with the 25th Infantry Division. Two days ago I was escorting our Chief of Chaplains, CH (MG) Doug Carver, to a memorial for one of our fallen soldiers. On his blackberry he showed me pictures of my favorite band rockin' it in Baghdad. A bit jealous I was not there, I felt (and still feel) the tears of joy welling inside knowing that Soldiers, my Soldiers, our country's national treasure, had the opportunity to worship God with Third Day. Guys, we cannot tell you how much we appreciate your willingness to minister to our Soldiers and Chaplains. Come to Hawaii! A little different than Kirkuk and Al Asad. Tropic Lightning and For God and Country!