You may not have heard how our armed forces deployed overseas are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. We can help fill that knowledge gap by way of someone who is there. Chaplain Dan Thompson, a USAF Lt. Colonel, is based in Afghanistan. His ministry to the men and women serving our country has, out of necessity, changed a great deal since precautions got underway due to global pandemic. [Podcast available]
Even though the chaplain is now sharing faith wearing a mask and keeping social distancing, God is not hindered.
“I tell you this last Sunday was just amazing. God literally rocked the house. He pulled together some band, from just out of nowhere, and God truly showed up; and I can tell you I have never worshipped like that before in a military setting. It was a true humbling experience. It really was remarkable.”
Conflict has gone on for a long time in Afghanistan, meaning many U.S. and NATO troops have witnessed and experienced difficult and violent situations. “We are truly taking care of peoples’ spiritual and emotional needs on the front lines in ways that are very unique. I think one thing that is very powerful about this ministry is that we are able to go where they [the troops] are able to go, whereas a local pastor they can’t be out there on the front lines. But we can. We can truly minister to their needs. We are there.”
Chaplain Dan has access to a powerful ministry tool: bible sticks. These are small mp3-type personal hand-held devices that play audio from the New Testament in a number of languages. With dozens of languages spoken in the region – and among NATO troops deployed there as well, “We’re able to share these bible sticks with all these different cultures and nations that are represented here. And one of our Coalition partners is the Macedonian Army. When they heard we had bible sticks in Macedonian language, they were going like hotcakes.” Some soldiers said they would also send the bible sticks back home to Macedonia so friends and family could hear more about Jesus.
You can share in all the encouragement that Pastor Dan tells us about in our podcast. And consider sharing this story with your friends and loved ones.
Below - Chaplain Dan during times he could be closer to those he serves
