My grandfather, Kirk Hopper, said, “War is hell,” quoting many notables before him. “It was the most exciting time of my life and it was the most horrific time of my life,” he said of his deployment in the Pacific Theatre of World War II. And the same is certainly true today.
I’m very aware that I could easily post about my political views on Iraq and all aspects of the war, and actions (and lack thereof) leading up to it; I am certainly not devoid of opinion in the matter. There are atrocities on both sides, and war is never neat. But rather than banter about what could have been, I’d like to focus on two interesting websites I had recommended to me recently. Plus, I like good news–I’ve had quite enough of the bad.
Both the following sites are based around the involvement of American civilians voluntarily placing themselves in Iraq, something that might not make sense to everyone. Regardless of your political opinions, those abroad, whether soldier or civilian, deserve our utmost respect, admiration and prayers.
The first is a remarkable story of a independent reporter, Michael Yon, who has been attached to various military units deployed in Iraq. What make Michael fascinating is that he is not paid for his work; he’s not connected with any news agency and has no endorsements through any major networks. He reports what’s really happening on the front lines and is supported entirely through private donations of his readers. Because of his unbiased, agenda-free reporting, he has gained unprecedented respect from the soldiers over seas, therefore what you’re reading is unadulterated fact. The stories are raw, as are his award winning images. You can click on the image above to go right to his site, or click here for more on his personal story. I encourage you to visit his site, plug into his mailings, and support the real stories of our amazing heroes serving in Iraq. Whether you’re for the US occupation of the Middle east or not, we should all agree that our service men and woman deserve such courageous reporting.
The second site is of a marvelous business idea wrapped in 100% humanitarian aid. “Buy Shoes. Save Lives.” These guys are awesome. Their goal? Sell a unique, millenniums-old shoe and use 100% of the money to do heart surgeries for Iraqi children. And talk about progressive: they’re Christians trying to help Muslim children through medical procedures performed by predominantly Jewish doctors. I’ve even had the privilege to converse personally with Jeremy Courtney currently over seas. It’s my honor to help them spread the word about their amazing organization and the life-saving treatments they’re making possible. Please do the same! (And get some amazing shoes at the same time!)
As a bonus, since we’re talking about authentic, genuine news in Iraq, I wanted to shine the light on one last highly notable publication. The Ft. Drum Blizzard is a paper put out by a private news organization located at Ft. Drum Military Installation in northern NY. Ft. Drum not only happens to be in immediate proximity to me, but many of the soldiers and their families are solid members of our church. We see them go through deployment, reentry, and help their families through the difficult months away. One of our best friends, Hannah Hayner, serves as a reporter for the Blizzard. She’s always remarking how different it is to read the Blizzard as compared to other drive-by media publications. “These stories are real,” she told me once. “It’s not altered for political purposes.” So if you want some refreshing, straight-shooting news on what’s really happening in our theaters of war, please check it out.
CH
Christopher,
Thanks so much for your emails and your kindness to tell your readers about our work. War is hell… but luckily it’s not our only way forward.
Peace from Iraq,
Jeremy
Jeremy,
You’re most welcome. It’s my pleasure. And I like what you just said, “It’s not our only way forward.” You’re proving that with your actions, not just your words (something we must all improve).
Blessings!
CH
At first I didn’t like the idea of going to war in Iraq, I mean, I was against it. Now I support it and think the troops are doing an awesome job! And I love how it’s not really a “We’re the good guys and they’re the bad guys.” mentality that we have. Really, the way this war is being fought is quite revolutionary and good, rather then the dismal failure some of the press would have you believe I would call it a resounding success.
I used to be kind of a pacifist but I think I started being for the war when I was introduced to Lord of the Rings, and finally became a supporter of it when I became friends with a former drill sergeant and army ranger. Not that the fact that he’s a former drill sergeant had anything to do with it. Great guy, love him to bits. As you might imagine, he makes a great teacher for the young men in our church. Not only does he love Jesus, but he uses a military theme and is usually the teacher most looked forward to by the boys.
Shane: Thanks for your thoughts as always.
I think this is such an interesting time we find ourselves in. And it demands us, as in most every other case, to get back to our scriptural mandates.
The prevailing evidence in Jesus’ life, and in the rest of scripture, is that God hates bloodshed, and even requires that spilled blood be paid for by the blood of those who don’t hate bloodshed (dizzying, I know…but try reading Ezekiel on the subject!). The fact is, God hates war, and we are to avert it wherever possible. For blessed are the peacemakers, remember? (Matt. 5)
On the other side, I fear that our politics have been clouded by those who do not properly measure the strength and wickedness of our enemies, and therefore propose lax alternatives to war which, in reality, would only bring more bloodshed.
The dichotomy is fascinating, though, isn’t it? On one hand, Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Yet when He returns, He comes with the “Host of Heaven” (ie. an army) and utterly slaughters His enemies (so that the blood is as high as the horses bridles).
If you haven’t yet read it, I would highly recommend “God’s Politics,” by Jim Wallis. While I don’t agree with everything he proposes (mostly pertaining to dividing Israel and making a Palestinian State), he has some pretty sound points about our theology needing to be consistent in light of our current policies, both domestic and foreign.
We need to be Godly leaders for our generation, ones who look for the wisest courses through hardships but never flee from the tyrant, and always seek to uphold the “God question”: is this best for the children?
CH
Buy Shoes Save Lives!….I love this orgaization. I have wanted to buy a pair of these shoes for a while…..but I don’t have 100 bucks to spend on a pair of shoes that i can’t wear that much. Anyway…i still love the idea of this program. Thanks for spotlighting it!
cya
-JOhn
Christopher: Indeed. I like to ask myself the question. “What is going to bring about the least amount of suffering?” when considering things like war etc. I think it’s true what you said about getting back to our scriptural mandates. I think war is necessary because of this being a fallen world. It’s yet another side effect of sin. It’s also a tool that God uses to bring about his will, justice, etc.
It is rather fascinating how Jesus is the Prince of Peace and yet the Lord of Host as well. I remember as a child I had a hard time grasping how a warrior could be a tool of peace. Yet, he is The King that will rule with a rod of iron. Yet it’ll be absolutely perfect justice. I think in our fallen world it’s hard to imagine what absolutely perfect justice really looks like.
I’ve never read “God’s Politics,” I don’t agree with dividing Israel and making a Palestinian State either. I’ll keep it in mind though.
-Shane
Just a quick point…..once again – great post. I also want to recommend “God’s Politics”. Chris Fahey recommended it to me some time ago and it was incredibly insightful…..great book!
Wow, great blog! great information too. Thanks also for mentioning the Blizzard, and you’re right — if people want to know true stories, that’s a great place to find them on a weekly basis!