Casualties of War

Dear Terri,

I'm excited that it's Thursday. That means a relaxed evening and the morning off. I'm really looking forward to church.

This has been the fastest week since I've been here. I've gotten a lot more engaged in the work and understanding so much more. Grant has been a great friend too, which makes this all more bearable.

This is a challenging place for some members of the church. I've seen one guy fall away completely, another is on the way, and one looks to be battling hard and winning.

The first guy is a young, good looking Army soldier, in the prime of his life. He came to church the first two weeks and even a FHE back in late Feb when he first arrived. He wasn't overly friendly, but he was there. He didn't come back. I've been seeing him once in awhile. At first he would just nod, now he won't make eye contact. Yesterday I saw him in the gym working out with a couple other soldiers. I heard the guys he was with swearing up a storm. I quickly turned up the volume on my music player hoping to not hear him. It's too painful to see a young saint falling.

The other member is an older civilian guy from Ft Huachuca that started out strong (came in March), even gave a great talk in church. Super friendly with a family back home, a kid in college and one on a mission. Now he's hit or miss... mostly miss... at church. Today I found him smoking in the smokers pit behind my building. I walked up to shake his hand before I knew what he was doing and just saw it. I tried not to show any reaction as I greeted him and I quickly walked away.

There was another young Airman member of the church I saw looking at the smokeless tobacco at our BX. He didn't see me until he turned around to walk out (I guess he decided not to do it). I just played it off as if I didn't see him. He wouldn't speak to me for awhile, but I always said hi when I saw him. He still comes to church and even tries to bang out a few notes for our hymns (valiant effort). He sits and talks to me in the dining facility occasionally now. And now he always says hi and is very friendly. I think he went through a spiritual battle and I suspect he won (I figure since he's friendly and active).

My eyes well up when I think of the loss the first two brothers... casualties in a deadlier war than the physical one here.

Please share this with the kids. We all go through trials. Once you slip out of the light, it's hard to find your way back. I'm thankful I've made the decision long before coming out here to take the high road. I could have never made that decision while being here with temptation everywhere.

I love you and appreciate your encouragement and example of obedience. Let us pray for all three of the brothers out here. It's never too late to repent and get back on the high road.

Love,
Mario