Chaplain strives to be the presence of Christ in war zone

Posted: 5/25/07

Chaplain strives to be the
presence of Christ in war zone

By Bob Perkins Jr.

Associated Baptist Press

L ANBAR, Iraq (ABP)—Chaplain Alan Rogers has baptized a Marine in an Iraqi river under armed protection. Needless to say, it was a quick job.

A Marine Corps corporal asked Rogers to baptize in the Euphrates River in Iraq, near the Syrian border.

“He courageously made a public proclamation of his faith in front of his squad as they crouched in the bushes on the riverbank, providing security for us,” Rogers recalled. “When he emerged from the water, I said, ‘God bless you, my brother.’ He replied, ‘God bless you too, Chaps. Now, let’s get out of here before we get shot!’”

Rogers was commissioned in the Navy Chaplains Corps in 2004 and is assigned to the Third Battalion, Fourth Marines in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. His role is to facilitate the exercise of religion and accommodate the religious needs and practices of Marines, sailors and their families.

“I strive to bring both a ministry of presence and a ministry of purpose through actions that deliberately provide proactive and responsive ministry support to every member of the force,” said Rogers, a graduate of Hardin-Simmons University’s Logsdon School of Theology and a Cooperative Bap-tist Fellowship-endorsed chaplain.

He provides pastoral care to all members of the unit and their families, regardless of their faith or lack thereof.

“In this context, it’s perhaps the most religiously pluralistic ministry setting anywhere,” Rogers said. “I am the ‘Chaps’ not only for the Baptist, Protestant or Christian Marine or sailor, but equally serve those of many faith groups who are afforded the same religious freedoms they serve here to defend.”

Rogers called his situation a “microcosm of the best of the religious liberty of America,” and he called himself “blessed to serve these who are truly among America’s best, brightest and most dedicated guardians of freedom.”

He routinely goes into the battlefield, accompanying armed personnel on patrols, in convoys, or just being there to share a conversation or a meal.

“This setting provides the best opportunity for me to listen as these men express concerns that would not be so readily discussed in another context,” Rogers said.

“Although I only share a small fraction of the hardship and danger they experience, through my presence I develop credibility and earn trust by simply being with them where they are, sharing with them some of their burdens and helping them shoulder some of their emotional and spiritual loads.”

Rogers offers field worship services at battlefield locations.

“I regularly offer short devotionals, prayers and quick words of encouragement,” Rogers said. “It’s a humbling experience to pray with these young men as they do a final check of their gear prior to embarking on a combat patrol.”

As with any military operation, casualties are a way of life. Rogers said ministering to the wounded and dying is the least desirable but arguably most meaningful of his duties.

“While I always strive to offer ministry respecting the distinctive faith group of the individual within the scope of my own endorsement, it is most often a calm presence and reassuring touch and tone they most value,” Rogers said.

“As difficult as this aspect of ministry is, it is also a sacred responsibility and privilege to hold the hand, pray with and offer encouragement to these who are hurting,” he said.