RAF CHAPLAINCY
Bastion by night.
too are away from home, missing our loved ones, facing the same discomfort or danger, craving some random foodstuff that can’ t be found on deployment, longing for the kind of miserable weather we hate when at home. I have, however, had to explain to some people that sitting at the same lunch table as the Chaplain was no guarantee of safety, and that if the siren sounded I’ d be the first one on the floor! Of course, often the Chaplain’ s contribution is not a‘ deep and meaningful’ but the short conversation or kind word( or Haribo!) in the midst of a stressful or difficult day, or the opportunity for a good moan about whatever, or whoever, is causing frustration.
Deploying on operations has given me unforgettable experiences. Some joyful, some very difficult. I will never forget having tea with the Sheikh of Babylon or leading a young officer to faith in the chapel in Camp Bastion; nor will I forget the Iraqi Christian interpreter telling me about his family members who had been killed for being Christians, or watching a soldier’ s heart stop beating in an operating theatre and walking down a corridor to tell his comrades the sad news. I have made some special friendships – including with members of other services and servicemen from other countries. Back in the UK,
I have also had the privilege of continuing to minister to people I met while deployed, ranging from conducting their weddings, to helping them deal with traumatic experiences from operational service.
Like so many others in the armed forces, I struggle with spending months away from the people I love most, and missing out on significant events. Yet, like them, I find deploying on operations perhaps the most rewarding aspect of being in the RAF. It is a very special and unique opportunity to love people in Christ’ s name.
Remembrance, Iraq.
24