Jun. 21, 2007 - The Reason We Serve

Awhile ago my husband and I watched the series “The Band of Brothers.”  It was an exceptional portrayal of what some dedicated men went through for the liberation of Europe.  One of the episodes was entitled, “The Reason We Fight.”  On this episode some of the men were becoming weary of the fight.  Why are we here?  They asked each other.  It just seemed like endless fighting and losing friends, finishing one battle only to be sent off to another.  Then they saw a concentration camp that had been abandoned by the Nazis, but still inhabited by the Jewish prisoners.  What they saw there reminded them of the reason they were there.  They were fighting so these people could be free.

Today we hear many people criticize the west’s involvement in the Middle East.  “No blood for oil!” we read on the protestors’ signs as they accuse the motives of those who send US troops overseas.  As long as there is war, there will be critics of war - those who, with good but naïve intentions, want the world’s problems to be solved over a hand shake and a cup of coffee.  Oh, that it could be that simple!  These critics forget that not every leader in our fallen world shares our desire for peace, or our willingness to compromise to achieve it. 

Sixteen years ago one such leader invaded his helpless neighbouring country, wreaking havoc at every turn.  Controversy surrounded Canada’s involvement in that Gulf war, as it has always surrounded our involvement in the unrest on the other side of the globe.  I don’t know how some lose sight of the people who needed our help, but I know I will never forget seeing the celebrations on Iraqi streets at the end of the second Gulf war as the people of Iraq joyfully tore down the statue of their dictator, now finally overthrown.

Today I had another opportunity to see the reason we became involved in the Middle East.  The Kuwait Ambassador visited our base to pass on the thanks of his people to those who were involved in the first Gulf War, by giving them Kuwait Liberation Medals.  The ceremony was small, with only those receiving medals present (I was privileged to be there as part of the band, playing the Kuwait national anthem to welcome the Ambassador).  It was not long, and there was little in the way of pomp and ceremony that I’ve come to associate with such military occasions.  But the purpose was touching.  The Ambassador made clear the gratitude of his people, saying that his country wants every Canadian who was involved in the liberation of Kuwait to have one of the medals made specially for that purpose.  He said, “The people of Kuwait will never forget the participation of Canada…in the liberation of Kuwait.”

I wish all the critics could have been there.  The men and women who had served and received medals this morning were honoured.  They had served, not asking for reward.  They simply knew that our world will always have conflict, and we need to be protected from tyrants and to help weaker countries to remain free from tyrannical rule.  And they did their part.  Are we “pro-war?”  No.  I wish there were no need for war.  I wish we could solve all the world’s problems over a hand shake and a cup of coffee.  But since the fall of man back in the garden of Eden, there have been and will always be, those who choose evil and who refuse to work together for peace.  Against them we will fight so that those critics will not be silenced by the hand of a tyrant.

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Comments

Jun. 21, 2007 - Thank you

Posted by Loni

Thank you for sharing this. It was very interesting to read. Would you mind if I posted this on my blog, along with a link back to yours? Let me know. I think it's something Christians should read about. Also if you want to give me some background about your missions right now that, would be great too. Loni
http://joyinthemorning.clubmom.com
lonistel@iserv.net

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Jun. 28, 2007 - I have to agree

Posted by 3rsandahug

You're right - since Adam's falll, there will be no peace in the world. (At least not until Jesus comes back!) I have been saying for a while that the big problem with political decision-making is that it does not take into account the inherent sinfulness of the human heart. No, we won't have peace over coffee and a handshake, nor will we achieve peace by warring against those who would prefer anarchy anyway. But we can know peace in our hearts and work to spread that kind of peace to the world.

Have a good day!
Karen

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Jul. 3, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by hsmom210

Yes! You are so right. So happy to see someone who is not afraid to speak out on an issue that the media has so blown out of proportion...Lord bless, Theresa

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