Just Talking About Jesus
May 14, 2003

This picture was taken in Babylon, Iraq immediately following the May 11th outdoor Protestant service alongside the Euphrates River, on the grounds of one of Saddam Hussein's former palaces. Two Navy Chaplains on either side of an Army Chaplain. CDR Emilio Marrero, Major Terry Callis, and CDR Chuck Roots. Rollover: Roots giving the pastoral prayer for the morning service Click here to see Roots' photo album.

I must admit that my time in Kuwait thus far has been extraordinary! Why? Because I've met so many interesting people, and I've had the opportunity to share with many more about Jesus. It just doesn't get any better than that!

The other morning I had just finished my shower and was standing before the mirror to shave (the way real men have always done — with a razor! Oorah! [see "Oorah, Sir!", Dec 11] ). There were four or five others doing the same thing. So I started singing "Jesus Loves Me." Nobody said anything, nor even looked in my direction. But that bathroom got empty real quick! I mean are you kidding me!? A children's song about Jesus makes grown, macho Marines look for the nearest exit? Ha!

Then there's the repartee, most often with officers, who think that with their cute comments they can get your goat. I love it! I fire something back that is humorous and they realize they simply do not have the advantage any longer. Let me give you an example. Some officer might say, "Say Chaplain, can't you do anything about this hot weather here in Kuwait?" To which I respond, "No, there isn't. I don't do weather. I'm into fire and life."

Another marvelous opportunity was when I witnessed to a Muslim Marine who was listening so intently I thought he might fall off the end of his chair. He seemed to understand exactly what I was talking about, as though this is what he wanted. He and I will be spending the next several days together so I expect good things to come from it.

At dinner tonight I was joined by a Master Sergeant who is the worship leader at the Protestant service on Sunday morning and leads a Bible study every night. In addition, there was a woman who joined us by the name of Jo. She's a retired Marine who works now as a contracted civilian helping to plot and print maps. She wanted to know what flavor of Protestant I was. I said I was a Free Methodist, being sure to emphasize with my voice the Free part. She said, Well, I'm a Methodist." I said you're probably a United Methodist. She said that was right. Then she wanted to know the difference. So I shared with her the distinctives in Free Methodism. [Click here to learn what puts the "Free" in Free Methodist.] I had to discontinue the discussion because I had been called away from dinner to meet with a Marine who wanted to speak to a chaplain.

The young Marine waiting to see me will be 22 years old tomorrow (May 8). He was concerned because he and his wife were having problems before he left for Iraq a few months ago. He wanted to know what he should do. I shared with him how much God loves him and wants his marriage to be a blessing. As I shared my testimony with him he indicated he wanted to know Jesus too. So I lead him in the sinner's prayer and hugged him. I gave him some Scripture verses to memorize and we agreed to meet tomorrow morning at 6:00 a.m. for a time of discipleship. Before he left for the evening I gave him another hug. We talked a couple of more minutes, and just as he was making his move to leave he turned and said, "I want another hug." Isn't God good? Here was a total stranger an hour earlier, who now has asked Christ into his heart and we're hugging like family.

Then, as I was checking my e-mail before calling it a night, Jo walked into the office with some maps she printed for me of a place that is of particular interest to me, located slightly north and west of here. (I'll tell you more about that place later.) So, just before Jo left she said, "We need to get together and talk more about the Free Methodists."

An opportunity like that? I think I can make the time! Why? Because I just love talking about Jesus!