Also Consider:   New Denominational Center, Bridges of Compassion in Marshall, United Churches Care, Children’s Home, Bethel College, Memphis Theological Seminary, just to name a few.  

 

We will continue to list projects and you may respond as God leads you.  

An Army Chaplain writes home

 

Thank you for your very kind words, thoughts, and prayers!  When my battalion arrived in Iraq, we were warmly welcomed the first few nights by the insurgents (If you get my drift.).  Although, some of my Soldiers are harassed by fire regularly, it becomes more of a daily annoyance more than anything else.  It is kind of odd that war can become a mundane part of your daily existence.

I apologize for not replying sooner.  It has been kind of crazy around here and civilian email and communications back to the mainland have been regularly up and down.

Life here is very, very austere.  Also, it is very hot during the day and cold at night.  Two mornings ago I awoke at 0600 to do my daily Physical Training (PT) and, at 80 degrees, it felt like it was very cold (Consider that it was more that a 55 degree drop in temperature.).  The environment is very alien.

I have experienced many opportunities for ministry, counseling, etc.  I am currently conducting two Sunday worship services.  These two services are growing and I really enjoy pastoring Soldiers.  It is incredible to experience first hand the spiritual thirst and hunger that these Soldiers express.  I also have been given the responsibility to pastorally care for Marines.  They are over the top, but I love them!  I thank God daily for the opportunity to be an Army Chaplain.  Thanks be to God!  I also appreciate your partnership.

Here is the list of items Soldiers can use (Mostly hygiene items.  These items are sometimes hard to find/buy):

1. Tooth brush & paste

2. Baby wipes (No alcohol)

3. Shampoo

4. Body Wash/Antibacterial soap

5. Antibacterial hand sanitizer

6. Body/hand lotions/moisturizers!!!!!

7. Tissue

8. Eye drops

9. Contemporary Christian music on CDs

10. Movies on DVD

11. Lots and lots of coffee (Soldiers really love Starbucks.  Grounded coffee only please.)

Dear brothers and sisters, thank you again for your heartfelt thoughts, words, and prayers.

In Christ,

Ray Santillano

Pro Deo Et Patria

 

IRAQ CHAPLAIN NEEDS NEW OR OLD SUNDAY SCHOOL QUARTRLIES

Chaplain James Messer send me an email this past week saying that he and 5 chaplains under him need these quarterlies to use for Bible study with the soldiers.

His wife, Janet, is a member of the Morningside Cumberland Presbyterian Church where I am now interim pastor.  She told me this morning that it cost $8.10 to send up to 70 pounds.  She said that shipments to Iraq must be mailed in the flat boxes you get at the post office.

The address is:

Army Service Person USA

C/O Major James Messer, Chaplain

Unit 36 CAB  HHC

APO AE 09391

If you want to send other items to James to hand out to the soldiers there, here is a suggested list:

Beef Jerky, Bubble Gum, Candy (hard), Crackers (cheese/peanut butter), Cookies, Dried Fruit, Kool-Aid, Peanuts, Tootsie Roll Pops, Baby Wipes, Combs, Foot Powder, Insect Repellant Cream, Medicated Powder (chafing), Q-Tips, Sunblock, Toothbrushes, Toothpastes, ATT (only ATT) Phone  Cards, CD Disks, Crossword Puzzle Books, Paper, Pencils, Ziploc Bags (sandwich & 2 gallon size)

 

Marshall Manor is needing donations of romance and western books.   You may bring them to the church or drop them off at the Activity Department there.  There are many residents looking for reading material.  

Books needed for Marshall Manor