Our Precious Joel has influenced people all around the world. This e-mail came from Charles Armstrong, MAJ 1CD G5 planner in the US Army in Iraq. It was written to his pastor in Kansas after receiving an e-mail from him about Joel. Joel's aunt Tami and her family are members of the congregation in Kansas. It is one of the many examples that we have received from so many of you. We wanted to share this with you as a tribute to Joel, the little soldier:
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Pastor John,
I have been meaning to send you a note to let you know what is going on with me. I will do so hopefully within the next week, but wanted to share some thoughts that have come into my mind based on this email.
First, this email has caused me more "pain" than I can possibly state.
I do not know why, but this email has caused me to become more emotional than anything else has since deploying. I know that I tend to bottle up my emotions very tightly while deployed as a coping mechanism for what I see and hear over here. This is not to suggest that it is not personal for me, nor that I am in any way a machine that is cold and remorseless.
That is not even close to the truth. There is a lot to cry about over here...missing our families, loss of soldiers, wounded soldiers, and just pure frustration. But we all tend to keep this bottled up tight or else we would not be able to develop the plans and give the orders required to succeed over here.
That is why I am perplexed by my reaction to this message about Joel.
Hearing or writing his name brings tears immediately to my eyes. Many of my "office-mates" have asked me about this since I first read the message. I have shared it with everyone. I also took your message to one of our Chaplains, who is also a soldier, to see if he could put it out to the larger Congregation of Christians that are over here. I am sure that there are and have been volumes of prayers for little Joel from over here in the past couple of hours. I am distraught that I am unable to do more, which in my mind is because I am not in the states, although in my heart I know that it is something different. Maybe the fact that Dannielle is 3 years old as well is causing me distress as well. Every time I pray, I thank God for the blessings that he has bestowed on me and my family. I guess that this episode is showing just how blessed we all are and how much we take for granted. Maybe I am ashamed for not more clearly and completely thanking God for all that he has blessed me with. I am not sure, but I am sure that eventually I will figure it out. So, if nothing else, Joel is teaching me a hard lesson in humility and faith when he should be out playing with his family and friends.
I have also realized recently that our nation is under attack from within by the secular-progressive or secular-humanists who want to rewrite our history and redefine the foundation of Christianity upon which our nation was established. I am convinced that the media is at least culpable in this onslaught against values, morals, and ethics.
Our legal system is also being overrun with these immoral forces who are chipping away at what has and continues to make the US great. No law should ever allow a woman to be murdered by her husband, even if she is legally dead, Terry Schiavo. And no one should be allowed to not give Joel every little thing that he needs. The laws of man are one thing, but the Laws of God are another. I would not want this to happen to my daughter and no medical people, regardless of the law, should be able to pronounce something until it is over. We do not understand the mind, means, and ways of our Lord and it is not for us to decide. What I know with all of my heart is that "kicking" this little boy to "the curb" is wrong. There is no justification, there is no law that makes this OK.
I apologize for making this a bit of a vent. As I stated before, my prayers are with Joel and his family, as well as with Tammi and her family and all of those who are Christian.
I will write a better message soon, I promise.
Take Care and God Bless,
Chuck
Used by permission of Major Armstrong
8 comments:
MAJ Armstrong said this so well ... this journey of Joel's has so greatly impacted my life and the way I've viewed things ... and has definitely taught me some hard lessons as well. I've shared Joel's story with everyone in the last month or so ... this little soldier is beyond victorious in the way that his life has impacted other people. One would think, "How could a 3 year old little boy make a difference in so many lives?"
But he most definitely has ... and we will never know everything his life has done for others. Not only spiritually but in the medical community and perhaps the political community as well.
Matthew 25:21
His Lord said unto him {Joel}, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."
Praying that the Lord will give each of you a measure of joy today ...
This is the first post I have made, although I have been reading Joel's blog since the beginning. MAJ Armstrong was correct when he stated how much of an impact Joel had on so many people whom he never even knew.
My kids and I have been praying for him, and his story has touched us so deeply. This was the first time we had prayed together so consistently for a total stranger, and when we read of his passing Wed. morning we cried together.
We had forwarded his story to many friends and family members who were also praying, and several contacted me when they read that he was with Jesus. He truly touched many people during his short life.
We will continue to pray for your family now and in the days ahead.
In Him,
Heather in OKC
Thank you for sharing Joel's journey with the world. Thank you for sharing his precious life with us- my little girl, Rachel and I have checked his condition day and night. He was such a strong little angel- who fought so very hard. We have prayed for your family and continue to do so- my Rachel has asked God to rock Joel, to kiss and hug him. I am so very sorry for your loss and for your pain. He will forever be an inspiration in our lives- and how you inspired all of us with the fight to keep your son alive-
All our prayers and love- Jennie Mason and Rachel Ammons
I am so thankful that you are able to read the accounts of the many people who were touched by Joel's story.
May the Lord give you comfort through these stories.
Praying fervently for your family, The Ebling Family
Just read Major Armstrong's e-mail and it touched my heart. Joel's journey has made an impact on people all over the world and in many cases gave them stronger faith and a closer relationship with the Lord. Your whole family has been an inspiration to us by your faith in the Lord. Joel will not be forgotten and we would like to thank you for sharing his story with us. Our payers will be you. Thank you, Susie Musick
Thank you for sharing MAJ Armstrong's email.... it really touched my heart.
He is so right.... Joel's Journey touched so many.....
I have no words that are adequate... but I think of all of you so often and lifting you up to the Lord.
blessings,
Teena mom of 1/2 dozen
I have also been praying for your family throughout this difficult time. The night seems dark, but joy comes in the morning. We serve an awesome God and His light has shown through all of the suffering.
B. Hall
United Arab Emirates
My mother--a dear saint--passed away this summer. I understand the heartache of losing one who is close to you. You have my prayers.
Dear Father,
I lift this family to you and ask you to surround them with your peace, love and comfort. Keep callous words and deeds far from them in this vulnerable time. Overwhelm them with loving saints and precious deeds of comfort. Fill their hearts with the things that only you can offer. And Lord I ask a special request. Would you put Joel in Mom's care. I know that you blessed her with such an abundance of love. Allow her to share it with this little lad in your presence. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God bless you, God keep you, may He make His face to shine upon you and give you peace.
Donna Fawcett
Author of Thriving in the Home School
Donna Dawson
Author of Redeemed and The Adam & Eve Project
recipient of Word Alive Press' top author promotion
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