The Price of Patriotism
May 14: Soldiers salute as veterans file by.
Patriotism: a Christian option? What do you think about when you walk into church and see the American flag? Do you even notice it?
Today as the number of casualties from the war of 1812 were read aloud, the pain hit me again. Did the 17-year-old boy who never experienced a wedding night or the birth of his first born think he would be remembered 197 years later? What was his name? Where was he from? Should we even think of these things? Can we ever go too far in our thanks for a nation that gives us freedom to worship our Lord without fear?
Today was another emotional and heart wrenching day. We rode another 400 plus miles. Yes, it was hot, extremely hot at times; yes it was dangerous, extremely dangerous; but was it worth it. We are making more of an impact each and every . year. Believe it or not, this is our sixth year with the ride.
As we left Phoenix during the 8:00 rush hour, we could hear the orders being given at rapid fire speed. I got chill bumps as I realized these are men who have given orders under fire, giving direction to their comrades while under total control in the face of death itself.
A few hours later we were “escorted” by two helicopters that just returned from Iraq. This was very emotional. There were also four A10 Wart Hog fighter jets. They flew overhead, then turned and came back toward us. They circled four or five times, flying lower and lower with each pass. Then to finalize their thanks for what we are doing, they tipped their wings to us- their way of waving . Chill bumps ran up and down our arms.
Patriotic? ABSOLUTELY. If we as Christians do not start valuing this, it will be taken away from us. Ministry? ABSOLUTELY. No sermons; just water, hugs and prayers. But oh, what power is being released through our men and woman on this run!
Here are some of the words of thanks we’ve received from those we serve on the run.
- Chaplain, thanks for what you do. The prayer works, I had sun screen on and it was running into my eyes and burning. I asked God to get me to the next stop and He did!
- (Chaplain), did you guys stop at the state line and thank God for safety across Arizona? Yes we did. I think it would be good if you guys did that every time we crossed a state line and we did not have a wreck!
- Chaplain, would you pray for me? My buddy from Nam is fighting cancer and I am afraid I am going to lose him.
- Thanks for all you are doing and the heart you have in doing it. (Hydration trailer).
When we opened the Hydration Trailer at 7:00 a.m., riders came down the street anxious to get water and “cool wraps” to go around their necks. It is a hit every time we open the door. ALL who helped fund this great outreach are helping us make a difference in the lives of these great heroes. Thanks again.
Tonight we are sleeping in Las Cruces, N.M., some 800 miles from Los Angeles. Tomorrow we will go to Odessa, TX. Please pray for us as we are to encounter some tremendous rain storms.
