Iraq chaplain says ‘God is here with us’

Dec 3, 2003

TIKRIT, Iraq (FBW)-A Florida Baptist Army National Guard chaplain was honored Nov. 10 by Florida chaplains at their annual conference in Tampa. Assigned to the 64th Corps Support Group, 13th Corps Support Command, Major Jerald Jacobs was deployed to Iraq in March 2003.

While serving as a chaplain with the Florida National Guard, Jacobs pastored the following churches: Morningside Baptist Church, 2000-01, Dunnellon; Archer Baptist Church, Archer, 1988-95; and Audubon Baptist Chapel, Merritt Island, 1987-88. Jacobs has been married to Jennifer for 18 years. Their children are Amanda, 16; and Don, 14.

In an e-mail the Witness received, Jacobs wrote about the challenges and the joys of being a chaplain in Iraq, and reminded readers to continue to pray for friends and relatives who are away from home.

Dear Family, Friends and Colleagues,

I just wanted to reestablish contact since I’ve been pretty bad about corresponding. I am still alive and well and surviving at FOB Speicher, Tikrit, Iraq (it still jars me a little to see that).

I’m doing well (although fighting a runny nose - due in part to the temperature at which my roommate likes to keep the room and in part to allergies), but missing my family and friends. I’m leading a Bible study and preaching weekly, and counseling a lot. As this wears on, the tensions, frustrations and interpersonal conflicts just seem to push people harder and harder.

The good news is that God is here with us, working among us. For the first six months it was survival issues. I’m praying now for myself and my soldiers, that we’ll be able to move on to deeper spiritual issues. My biggest two prayer requests are that God will continue to protect our troops from the dangers around us and that God will grow people, starting with me, spiritually.

Thank you for caring. I hope the constant news about deaths, political wrangling and the "it’s been six months" grind haven’t worn you down. The only thing that helps keep this all in perspective is focusing on people—real individuals with whom you have real relationships. That keeps a human face on what can become just a history lesson in progress. If you have friends or relatives who have been away from home for a long time (not just in the military), drop them a line. Let them know you’re thinking about them. Pray for them—whatever their situation.

Blessings to all.

Jerald
CH (MAJ) Jerald Jacobs
64th CSG
FOB Speicher, Tikrit, Iraq

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