Civilian chaplain returns from Middle East
Filed Under: chaplain, CSM, Iraq, Middle East, Military, Special Ministries
Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS national civilian chaplain to the military and Armed Forces liaison, recently returned from the Middle East. While there, Ziemer was able to minister to many people but because of security measures he cannot disclose the exact number of troops he served, details of his visit, or even the exact date he returned to the United States.
"While I was over there British troops were turning the protection of Basra over to the Iraqi Army, which made many people nervous," says Ziemer. "Also during my tour, Turkey first sent bombs, then troops, into Northern Iraq. Both security and tension levels were the highest I ever encountered."
Despite many setbacks, including difficulty in contacting and connecting with troops in some regions, Ziemer says the trip was important. "The Lord used this trip to touch many hearts in a personal way with his gift of grace," he says.
WELS Special Ministries has submitted initial requests for clearance to military command offices in hopes that Ziemer or another WELS civilian chaplain can travel to the Middle East and serve troops this spring.
To learn more, read Ziemer's thoughts from the field, online at www.wels.net/jump/militarychap
