Dear Sounders,

Every now and then we hear through the back door from our fellow list moderator and friend Jack "Jeff" and we glean from his words that which is appropriate and pass it on to you. Please prayerfully consider Jack's words as you go before the throne of God's grace. Few of us can imagine how deep the waters are for our brother and those believers and non-believers who are his companions in the midst of such strife. - Moe

From brother Jack "Jeff" who is stationed in Iraq.

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I cannot go into a lot of detail, but there are a lot of bad guys out there.  
This is definitely "Indian Country" as we used to say in Vietnam.  

I have lost some good friends here already, and the battalion I am in has 
suffered several other losses besides these.  The one young man is one I had 
asked prayer for specifically for his protection, and for his crewman.  I knew 
him all of his life, his parents before his birth, and knew his track commander 
for at least 15 years.  I am experiencing deep grief over these losses, and must 
face Eric's parents someday, and visit his grave together with them.  My entire 
family is close to his.  Both he and they are believers, but the loss is still 
very real.  There are other details which I experienced related to this which 
can never be shared with anyone, but will always be with me.  This has been a 
very hard time.  It is going to be a long year. 
 
Soli Deo Gloria,

JJ

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