| Nick shares from Iraq |
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Christians don't get what we do. I used to have people argue with me in theology classes about the wrongness of war. Then I come here and see the brokenness of this place. And I want to fix it. Thing is, you can't have surgery without a scapel. And no matter how much it hurts, some of us have to be the scalpel. Even if other Christians don't understand. But that makes it hard. War is not the "Christ like" thing to do. But we have a duty to do. I'm glad the God of Abraham is big enough to get that, and no matter how confused I get, He doesn't. There's a lot of stuff to be telling people. I mean, it's hard. CNN paints a picture of all this bad stuff going down. All the people dying. All the Soldiers who don't want to be here. Well, let's think about this in a couple ways. How many people have died? Around 3-4 thousand...since Afghanistan started? I think I'm more likely to get murdered in LA, Chicago, or any other major city. It's not Vietnam here, it's not a quagmire. It just takes time. We eat at Burger King way too much. (You're way right away), we drive 100 MPH on the high way, we have DSL and instant oil changes. (if on homepage - click to read more below) This country is a ghetto. I don't care about oil. I care about the kid who walks to school with no shoes on. It's not that he can't afford it; it's just he's got no place to get shoes. Oh, and by the way, he's got to walk on a road where crazy people plant bombs. But let's pull out because people may die. I hunt bombs for a living. I think I find one, I back up and take a closer look. I say stay. I think we can do things a little better. But if we waste all the time we have thinking of how to quit before the job is done, then how can we come up with a solution for Iraq?I work for Apple, not because I get good discounts and cool t-shirts, but because I believe, truly, that when a customer walks out with a new Mac, his or her life is better than it was. Eschelons above reality there are politicians and businessmen who are probably making bank. But I don't care. I do it because I see a country that is worse than the worse ghetto neighborhood in any city in the states. And I see kids, absolutely beautiful kids who will grow up never knowing what it means to not live that way. So when we drive down the street, looking for an enemy, we make sure to smile and wave at the locals. We toss the kids candy, toys, and soccer balls and pass out water to the local police when we go through their checkpoints. Because one day, some kid will get a chance to drive a plane into a building and that kid may have had a run in with my platoon.
Thanks for your perspective
written by Jay, November 01, 2007 Nick, I appreciate you sharing your testimony with the staff and readership of God's Mac. I have to admit that my opinion of the war is largely shaped by what I hear on the radio and read on the Net. It's refreshing to hear a different take. Blessings to you and your unit as you continue to serve your country in adverse conditions. As a former Army guy myself (91-00), I salute you. Godspeed, sergeant. -- Jay Thanks So Much For Your Service!!
written by Russ, November 01, 2007 Hey God's Mac Guys, Thanks so much for sharing this soldier's story! It's truly a blessing to get an "insider" perspective on what is going on from someone who is on the ground longer than it takes to make a sensational news headline for the evening news. Nick, you're loved and supported and in our prayers back home in the States. Thank you for your service to God and to his children in Iraq! God's Best, Russ Ug
written by concerned parent, November 07, 2007 I think that most of what Nick said is good information and nice to hear. He seems like a decent person with hopes to improve the world. I was disheartened at his final line, though, about some kid flying a plane into our buildings some day. He might have kept that crazy thought to himself because it only emphasizes the outrageous predicament we are in. We are the invaders, not them. If our actions do not inspire friendship and cooperation, then how can we blame the recipients of our actions? And if we were truly devoted to concerned for every little life over there, then we would not have waited until such dire events as 9/11 before taking drastic action. I think Nick is right to treat people with dignity, but not because he thinks they may someday turn on us. He should do so because it is right to do so under almost all circumstances. Concerned?
written by Gabe Taviano, November 07, 2007 I believe the story Nick is sharing about the kids he is running into in Iraq having a chance to one day drive planes into our buildings is poignant, but true. The extreme form of islam seems to be doing what most religions or beliefs do. If you believe it is true, you spread the message, to young and old. It might be a question to ask families that lost loved ones on 9-11. What would they want Nick to be doing. Fighting in Iraq and saving the children over there from some day attacking our country, or stay put here in the states and let the children fall into the grips of that extreme religion? We shouldn't have waited until 9-11 to act? What secrets do you know about the world that the CIA and Washington haven't heard? Sometimes we don't learn things until they happen. This was one of them. We can be concerned all we want, but we're not the ones over there fighting. I appreciate Nick sharing his thoughts, and praise God that He's fighting for us. A brief moment of clarification...
written by Nick Hamm, November 11, 2007 I would say that one should never write something when it's almost midnight after a long day of working in Iraq. When I read what I had wrote (I have a nasty habit of never proofreading) after it was posted here, I realized that I had only half a thought in the last line. For a moment, I considered telling Gabe and Lee that I really meant to finish that thought, and not let it end there. Then I shrugged it off, trusting my perspective to be presented as it flowed from my keyboard. However, I should, I feel, clarify. The sentence, 'Because one day, some kid will get a chance to drive a plane into a building and that kid may have had a run in with my platoon.' is not a sentence. It is a fragment. I left out half a thought. What I meant to type was : Because one day, some kid will get a chance to drive a plane into a building and that kid may have had a run in with my platoon, and will think twice about it, realizing that he truly has no reason to do such a thing, but rather would choose love over hate. I appreciate the comments, and hope that all is well. I think this podcast is fantastic, and it makes me happy to think that so many people are united not only by their love of Mac, but also by partaking in the same Spirit. Salvo Noodle
written by CK, November 16, 2007 First off... thanks. Thanks for being the kind of believer that not only understands the fallen nature of this world but is actively working to make things a bit better. I'm no soldier but I'm wise enough to know that 99% of those monkeys making negative comments about our soldiers are the exact same people that contribute to the steady decline of morality and ethics in our society. Unfortunately, that's the way of this world... in a way, I'm almost thankful for this broken planet... because it undeniably reveals to us all a need for a Savior and Redeemer. Anyway, thanks again for your service! Thanks
written by Dave, November 22, 2007 I myself did a tour in Iraq. I volunteered. Only did 6 1/2 months in Baghdad. I volunteered to stay for 365 days, but a new assignment won out. I won't lie and tell you I wasn't truly scared a couple times, but I will tell you Nick is spot on. The news portrays Iraq as if there is a terrorist behind every bush. It's not that way at all. True bad stuff happens, but Nick sums it up well. To many folks in America expect instantaneous results. Spot on again Nick! Deploying to Iraq was the best thing I have ever done in my life. I will go back in 2008. I met so many people (Iraqi's among others), and lead a Bible study in one of the palace's. I did see progress while I was there. Of course, it never made the news. I came back different, a better man as a result. But I hate politics now...I see how unrealistic all these jokers are running for president. I also am frustrated by all the sissies with the attention span of a 3 year old sitting in the Senate and House...both parties. There is a time for war in the Bible, and there is a time for peace as well. The Bible also cautions against pursuing the wrong kind of peace like that found in Daniel 8....more specifically vs 23-25. The only true peace will be when Christ returns someday and gives the Devil the boot. I don't write much about my experiences. I don't really know how very well other than throw a few pictures up here and there. But Nick, great job, and take care. Thanks for seeking God and standing up for what is right in this broken world.
written by Elijah G. L., November 22, 2007 Thanks for your service. I am on my way over there as an Individual Augmentee in the Navy. I’ll be filling an Army billet at AFN Baghdad, and I’m proud to serve with my brother branch. It’s hard being a service member, and even harder being a Christian in the service. Not many people have the insight or even spiritual understanding that you have my brother. Seek the lord and he will give you enlightenment, which we need in this time of peril. It’s not a playground. The insurgents threats of IED and EFP are terrifying. Thank you for your service hunting IED’s. If this war isn’t fought in the streets of Iraq then Americans will see it too close to home. The fear of an IED can be unsettling to the strongest soldier. Now imagine that fear place on our families commuting to school and work. I pray America will never have to feel that fear. Fear Iraqi citizens experience everyday. We have to fight this fight and follow through. If we don’t do it afar it will end up on our shores. This will be my first time boots on the ground in Iraq. I’ve deployed on my ship in our battle groups but it’s not the same. I have heard many service members talk about the good works going on in theater, but the news portrays things very different… “If it bleeds it leads.” The American population is impatient. Very impatient…We were told from the beginning that this was going to take a long time. Even with full commitment it will. Commitment is what most the secular world lacks. Even us as Christians fail… We have all fallen short of the glory, right… Failed marriage, broken homes, lost children, guns in schools, teen pregnancies and drugs! The list spirals down and down. Even some of my stateside friends don’t get it after talking and sharing with them facts. People get too caught up in the fast food mentality. I pray that God will use me to help reveal some of the incredible, compassionate and sincere things our servicemen and women are doing for the people of Iraq. From the heart… many of us in uniform truly care and wish to stay and make a difference, but most people just don’t get it and they never will. But we serve for they’re right to hate this war and there freedom to protest our counties leadership. It’s our duty as Christians to help and serve… To serve with our life. I have a wonderful wife and three beautiful children who I volunteered to leave. Why…well because I am grateful for that which God has blessed me with, but what is it without love. Love like in Corinthians. Love for my neighbors in Iraq and love for Gods children. I know that by going over there one soldier will get to go home to his or her family, and for me that’s enough. All the other things are blessings that I hope God will use me to my fullest for. Thank you for your service…To the Iraqi’s, the Americans, and all of God’s people in the world. Things will get worse, but someday Christ will return and we will live again restored to peace. Thank God for servicemen and women like you. Stay safe and remember God answers “knee-mail” In Christ, Elijah G. L. |
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I work at the Apple store in Birmingham, AL but I also have worked at the one in Cincinnati, OH. Currently, I am deployed to Iraq, so I am on leave away from Apple. I'll be here until the summer. It's...well, Iraq. Not quite what you see in the news, though.
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