The Lausanne Global Conversation is on the World Wide Open Network
Author: Sadiri Joy Tira
Date: 10.10.2010
Category: Diasporas, Media and Communications
Traditionally, the soldiers and military personnel have their role in advancing civilization, culture, and religion. Much of world history has been shaped by wars.
According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, 20.5 million people -- or one out of every 330 – were serving in the armed forces in 2009.[1] While China has the largest miiitary, the United States of America and the NATO forces have the largest overseas presence -- sending their troops far and wide. Just consider that on March 1 of this year (2010) 301,072 United States of America military personnel were stationed in foreign territory. [2] These people who serve their country overseas are also migrants who are far away from home.
I wonder, how many devoted followers of Jesus are among the soldiers?
Many Christians have been inspired by the devotional writings of Oswald Chambers, The Outmost for His Highest? Did you know that he wrote many of these when he was YMCA Director in Egypt? Did you know that he preached to the multitudes of soldiers during the World War I, particularly to soldiers deployed in North Africa, and the Middle East? My Utmost for His Highest is actually a compilation of Chambers’ sermons to students and soldiers.
Oswald Chambers understood the pain, the hurts, the tragedy and sufferings that come with conflicts and wars. It was in this context that he ministered to the “diasporas of the battle field”.
We need to see more of Oswald Chambers in today’s regional conflicts and war. Let us pray for the salvation of the soldiers. Pray for their safety and protection. Pray for their loved ones left behind at home. Let us pray that many soldiers represent the Kingdom and be true peace makers for the highest glory of God.
The Lausanne Movement seeks to bring the Whole Gospel to the Whole World, including to diasporas in the battlefield.
*Sadiri Joy Tira (D.Min., D.Miss.) is the LCWE Senior Associate for Diasporas
[1]As cited in http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2010/01/26/quiz_how_many_people_worldwide_serve_in_the_military
[2] [United States of America] Department of Defense: ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL STRENGTHS BY REGIONAL AREA AND BY COUNTRY (309A), MARCH 31, 2010. Available at http://siadapp.dmdc.osd.mil/personnel/MILITARY/miltop.htm. Accessed October 9, 2010.
Keywords: Diaspora, Missiology, military, migration
Views: 6559
Comments: 7
Recommendations: 1
Conversation Post Comment
United States
The need for prayer in the midst of the turmoil of war is needed, but the power of God working through the Christian men and women in battle is so important for those they serve alongside. Prayer for the Holy Spirit to work and convict even during the horrors of war.
13.04.2011
United States
After 21 years in the US Navy, I whole-heartedly agree. It has been said "There are no atheists in foxholes" and our chaplains are in higher demand than ever before. Unfortunately, there are also spiritual battles being waged within the military - chaplains being encouraged to use more generic prayer, not use the name of Jesus, etc.
There truly is a military "culture" and this needs to be approached as with any other "cross-cultural" mission. First and foremost by involving the "indigenous people" who are already Christian and then learning about the culture. We have a distinct language, a distinct code/set of values, and distinct stresses (moves every 2-3 years, deployments, etc). Churches need to understand all these things before they can effectively reach out to the military.
God bless,
John
14.10.2010
Canada
@ JC_King:
Thank You, John. You are correct and you know so well the military culture. I agree with your proposal. I wonder what others would have to say.
14.10.2010
United States
Thank you for this very insightful post. It has raised my awareness of the need to pray for those in the battlefield who face the imminence of death every moment of everyday.
13.10.2010
Canada
Thank you for your comments. I am glad to know that you are both concern about the soldiers and their families. They can be mobilized for the cause of Christ but they have specific needs that the Church must address just like the refugees, economic migrants and international students. Most of the Soldiers are Western based diasporas!
11.10.2010
United States
Wonderful...Thanks for including them and sometime we ignore their presence in the world...
11.10.2010
United States
Yes.. this is often a overlooked diaspora.
Thanks for bring this to our attention in this forum. How can they be reached or influenced for the Gospel?
Anybody from the miltary background in this forum? Would love to hear their perspective on this diaspora.
Sam
11.10.2010
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