Somewhere in Iraq, wrapped in a blanket of prayers.

 by Patricia Foley Gibson

As Operation Iraqi Freedom began and thousands of our troops were deployed, many women prayed for their loved ones as they left for parts unknown.  As these women prayed, Our Nation prayed, and soon a renewed faith in God could be seen.  From the news interviews with the POW’s families, to the comment by President Bush that “Prayer is Powerful”, everyone was thanking God for answered prayers. Increased Faith during times of adversity is nothing new.  The Bible is full of such examples and so are our daily lives.

Kris Harker is a wife who started praying long before her husband’s departure to Iraq on January 19, 2003.

Being a military family has its expected separations but most non-military families can not fully imagine all that it involves.  Kris’s husband Pete, who is now a Staff Sergeant with the 3^rd Infantry Division in the United States Army, left for basic training in 1989, only 10 day’s after the couple was married.  Their first year was a long one, only being together, a total of 4 weeks during their first 11 months of marriage.  The years that followed were similar and involved many moves.  Since November 2001, when the couple was transferred to Fort Stewart, Ga., he has only been home a total of seven months.

Most wives could not imagine being separated from their spouse for such extended periods of time but Kris say’s that “even with all of its trails and heartaches, “I would not trade this life for any other!”  She explains that “there is a blessing involved with being required to "leave father and mother", geographically, and to lean wholly on the Lord and my husband.”  Being a Military family has its advantages too.  One is being able to travel all over the world.  Kris reports that they spent their 10^th anniversary in Paris and that they have met some amazing people in their travels.  Not only have they seen much of the world but they have experienced first had what is meant by “true fellowship in Christ”, by meeting up with brethren from all over the globe.  Pete has even been able to participate in Worship services in the Mountains of Bavaria, the hills of El Paso, the Kuwaiti desert and now in Iraq.

With all of their moves, there have been many congregations that have touched the Harkers lives.  One that is very dear to them is the West Huntsville congregation in Huntsville, AL. Pete trains periodically a few months at the time in Huntsville, so it has become their "home away from home" congregation.

“Both the Huntsville congregation and the couples home congregation in Palm Beach, Fl., welcomes us with open arms whenever we visit, say Kris.  We keep in close contact with our sisters and brothers in Christ, knowing always that we can count on them for prayers and to "keep us in check" when we don't write or visit often.  We have been to several predominately military congregations, and have felt the most "at home" when the brethren wrap their arms and their lives around us and welcome us as their own, instead of someone who KNOWS they'll only be there a short time, say’s Kris.

Just as our military families are strongly affected by Operation Iraqi Freedom, so are our military congregations.  The Harkers currently call Hinesville Church of Christ near Fort Stewart, GA home.  Roughly 150 members strong, the Hinesville Church family had 17 of its number deployed, including 2 who are in the same unit as Pete.  One advantage to this, is that it offer’s a strong support network for our congregation, say’s Kris.  “The wives tend to gravitate toward one another, if one gets a letter or call, we all get excited. We all cry together, we share our fears, and we provide that understanding ear that doesn't seem to be as helpful from someone who is not in our situation.”  In addition to Church Support, Kris is also involved with the Family Readiness Group, which is a support group for Pete’s company. 

These are only a few of the things Military Wives, like Kris, do to survive such an experience.  “Coping may not be an accurate description of what I’m doing” say’s Kris who is the mother of 2 (Jon, 13 and Kelsey 11).  “I do what needs to be done daily, and I try to go on with "life as usual" without too much interruption in day-to-day routine. That's survival. To do any less would leave me a helpless, sobbing mess! Probably the most important "survival skill" I have is to spend countless minutes throughout my day in prayer. I know that God's hand is big enough to reach both sides of this conflict, and I rest in that knowledge.  I do spend a few minutes updating myself on current events before bed.  While I have far more free minutes to worry with, I have also allowed myself time and energy to be ME. I cry more, but I also pray more. I may not be bouncing all over town from one activity to the next, but I am at home pouring my heart out in letters to my husband that I will never mail, and writing long letters of encouragement and love to him that I WILL mail.”

While all of us are not as familiar with life in the military, Gal. 6:2 tell us to bear one another’s burdens.  As Christians, striving to do God’s will, Kris gives us some helpful advise for helping other in her situation. 

·       Don't shy away from a military wife just because you don't know what to say.  She's dealing with being a single parent, chief cook and bottle-washer, and family financier all while trying to leave room for Dad to reincorporate into the family when he comes home. 

·       Sometimes an open ear and a hug say more than anyone can imagine.  I have found that many folks who don't have husbands (or other loved ones, for that matter) deployed have a hard time relating, either because they don't know what to say or are fearful of "making things worse".

·       Show up unexpectedly with lunch and adult conversations.  Some wives have small children at home, and while they don't necessarily need someone to come "kidnap" their child for a day, having someone to talk with and take their mind off of things helps.

·       Help with everyday tasks like mowing grass, cleaning house and even shopping, can mean SO much, say’s Kris.

 Even though “it is difficult to talk to people we can’t identify with, sisters in Christ should share a bond that supercedes common life experiences”, say’s Kris.

     Even thought the major military fighting is over in Iraq, for many of our Countries Service men & women, it will still be months before they can return home to their families.  As Christians, let us take this opportunity to show them our Christian Love and Support.  There is much more to do than just flying our yellow ribbons and American Flags.

Patricia Foley Gibson

April 2003

 This article is copyrighted by the author. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted without permission of the author. ©Copyright 2003

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