WOW!

BLUF: I hope you are enjoying the current series, “PLAY” @ Crossroads.
If you have fallen behind on listening, that’s ok.  Try to make time to listen to the series “Play” if you can.  I am really digging it, and I am sure you will too.  It’s a word of encouragement and perspective.  It’s a message of how to be joyful no matter what your circumstance.
If you are having the same “Afghanistan ups and downs” that I do, I am sure you can use a word of encouragement.  I am sure you could use a little help with being joyful.
Give yourself a break and take make the time to sit down and listen.  It lifted me I and I hope and pray that it will lift you up too.

BREAK BREAK
We are getting plenty of snow and rain in Kabul.  I know it’s been rainy and foggy in Kandahar.  It was freezing last time I was in Herat.  Basically the winter has arrived all over the country.  I hope you're all staying close to the weather forecasters and learning the trends of your area.  I have been caught in low visibility in the mountains and it’s not fun!  Let’s all just decide not to push it…even you medevac pilots.
Anyway, I am going home to Enterprise in a few days.  I will keep blogging from home.  I will keep praying for you from home, and if I get the chance I will make a special shout out to ya from home.
I pray that you are blessed and at peace here in Afghanistan.
Matt

What a day! I have to tell you this story.

To some people of high importance or special position a story like this may be old news, but for me it was a new experience that was pretty cool.

My friend and interpreter Hamid has been trying to assist me with getting a very special “all access” badge for the Kabul International Airport. It would be hard to explain all the details of this process, but what I can say is that the process is definitely a “who you know” kind of thing on many levels of bureaucracy. Having the right stamp and the right signature on the right paper on the right day is HUGE at every stop. Hamid has been walking the papers and pictures through the whole time. Having this badge will definitely assist me with moving people and things in and out of Kabul.

Today one more wicket was required. I needed to go to the airport special security office and have my picture taken. All of the most important approvals for the badge have already occurred and it seemed like it may have been one of the final steps. I was thinking that if they take my picture, in addition to the passport photo I already provided, I would surely be good to go.

I mentioned in my last blog that I am in no way an Afghan cultural expert, but I do know enough to understand various customs and courtesies. Today I was fortunate enough to experience one of these customs first hand.
Before I go on I should mention that in a country like this moving in and around an airport is no small task. Hamid puts himself at great risk as did I. If you think security at home is bad…try walking up to the International Airport in Kabul. It aint happening!

So we go into the older of two airport terminals on the Afghanistan held side of the airport. This brought back memories, because more than two years ago this is exactly where I first set foot into the country. Our contact lead us into the office area up several flights of stairs where I sat in a room full of men waiting to get my picture taken. The office was very busy and the entire setting was really interesting! This is where it got pretty cool.

It is custom in Afghanistan to have tea and show hospitality to any person that you would do business with. After we got our pictures taken Hamid indicated that the senior intelligence officer for the airport wanted to have tea with me. Of course I agreed.

After being lead into another office, in a different location, I met another gentleman and the four of us sat and had tea. They also brought out a “sweet treat” similar to peanut brittle, but no peanuts. We sat and talked about all types of work and personal related items for over 40 minutes. I closed our talk by telling them how thankful I was for their assistance and especially their hospitality to me. It was a very cool experience! Hamid mentioned that they would like to have me back for lunch sometime soon. I am definitely in for that.
On a personal note, the entire experience has me thinking about God’s love for ALL people. How Christ is the most important thing in Afghanistan too.

Sometimes it doesn’t seem that way because it’s so easy to just see the Islamic exterior of these people and forget about God’s intent for their interior. What an amazing challenge. What an even more amazing responsibility.

I hope you are experiencing some of this too. I know if you are flying around at all you have to see the villages and the people. It’s really incredible. I don’t mean to sound so enamored with this people. I know that many of you are only seeing the business end of the “not so nice” Afghans. I got that. I have seen the business end myself. However, the fact still remains that the larger majority of these people are for us, and not against us.

Be Blessed!

Hey Roadies!

I read some interesting facts today I wanted to share with you.
Did you know that Afghanistan was not a designated Islamic State until 1992?  It wasn’t until 1996 that Afghanistan was an “Islamic Emirate”.  If you look a little further you can see that back into the early 20th century there were movements to remove traditional Islamic headgear from women, as well as attempts to integrate schools with men and women.  Very interesting.

I know as a military service member you most likely had to read a small book or pamphlet about the various tribes in Afghanistan and it’s likely that many of you have read “Kite Runner” or other popular books about a particular piece of this nation.  I understand that most likely you do not interact much with the local populous.  But you do fly around and see them.  You see where they live.  If you are like me you have to be a little bit curious what it’s like for those tent people, or the mountain people, or the red desert people.  Have you ever seen an Afghan that looks Chinese?  That’s because of the huge Mongolian influence during the middle ages.  What about Bamiyan pass (near Bagram) with the remnants of the huge Buddha statue?  It just seems so obvious to me that there is more than meets the eye here in Afghanistan.
This really is an amazing people.  There are so many web sites out there where you can find the “back story” on the people of this land.  I am by no means a studied expert on the country, but I can tell you this, I am sure our God has a greater purpose for our nation being involved here.

What if?!  What if our efforts here as people of the one true God, Yahweh, will influence a nation for Christ?  What if our efforts here can save even just one?  Could you and I be part of God’s bigger plan?  I say YES.

I know you may just be thinking about how to get through tomorrow.   I know you may be in a stressful RL progression, or studying for a PIC check ride, or working 12 to 15 hours a day (like me), or just not able to focus in on others.  I UNDERSTAND this for sure!  However, I have found that focusing on a bigger plan, Gods plan, seems to help my day-to-day perspective.  Set your eyes upon the Lord!

Try it!  As you are walking to the chow hall, or headed out to the aircraft, ask God if there is a bigger purpose here than we can see.  Ask Him to give you insight on how He may want to influence this nation through you.  All things are possible to those who believe.  You never know.  How would you feel for the rest of your life if while you were here God used you to bring an Afghan to Christ!  Many of the characters in the bible were primarily insignificant people that God used to make a huge difference (Moses, Joseph, David, Daniel, and Esther, any of Christ’s disciples).  The list is huge.

Is God planning on using you while you are in Afghanistan?  Will you get the chance when you turn in your laundry?  Could you strike up a conversation in the chow hall or a shop? If you look you will see that there are plenty of Afghans around you, and you may just have the opportunity to be the light of the world, Matthew 5:14. 

Circumstantial and Necessary Disclaimer:  Please be careful!  As you know this can be delicate.  Don’t bring trouble upon yourself, but also don’t be afraid to get to know an Afghan. Just through relationships with several men I have been able to build enough trust to speak about Christ to them.  I haven’t witnessed yet, but I have talked about Christ with a couple.  I am taking "baby steps" because I would rather not get blown up-).  I am sure my family would concur.

Fly Safe!  Remember: White out landings are no different than brown outs!  Enjoy!

What's happening Afghanistan!

Much going on in country as we approach the winter.  Not sure where you are, but I know it's getting cold.  Even down in Helmond it's cold in the mornings.  In Kabul it's very cold.  I hope you all are safe and eating well.  Things are good in Kabul.  Plenty of work to do.  I took a program management position and am flying alot less.  That is good in some ways and bad in some ways.  I will be in Herat on the 12th.  Sound off if you are there.  I will be in Shindand on the 15th.  I would love to hook up.  I will be in KAF around the 16th for a few days.  I think it would be really cool to link up with some old or current Roadies while over here in Afghanistan.  I hope that you guys have access to any support you need but please know I am here for you too.  I know you may not live in Enterprise anymore but that doesn't matter.  Just call me if you need anything, 0707347915.

I was driving in Kabul today and got slowed down in a traffic jam.  It was crazy and traffic jams in Kabul always make me a bit nervous.  Many things were causing the jam, but I had to share with you how funny this was.  I saw the donkey in the air in front of the small wagon.  It wasn't this exact pic, but the one I saw was just like it.  It was very funny, I almost crashed.  I have scraped up against a car everytime I go out, so a small crash wouldn't matter, but it was still funny to see.

I hope you guys are seeing some of the locals and their culture.  It really helps me take stock in how well we have it in the USA.  It helps me keep a good perspective on life.  I hope that you are getting some of that during your time here in Afghanistan.
Gotta go.
Be Blessed!

Christmas and New Years in Afghanistan!

Well hello Crossroads Aghanistan.  I hope each of you have had a great Christmas time in Afghanistan (is that possible?).  As I write this on New Year's Eve I must say that it doesn't quite feel like a holiday here in Kabul.  As you know, individual units do a good job of trying to make the place feel like home, but the fact is...it's just not possible.  So my prayers are with you that you may find a quiet peace and comfort during this time.  I will tell you what I did to help me through this day.  I found a quiet space, put on my favorite worship music, and just got lost for a while.  This led me to a great bit of personal time with the Lord, I held my bible close and just felt comforted!  I hope you can find a place like this.

An interesting story about my Christmas Day.  As you know it was a work day.  I was invited to a USAF Christmas Party where in the serving line was two Afghan Generals.  You know how the command officers always like to serve the troops on special occasions.  Well this was no different, but two of the gentlemen were Afghans.  As I allowed him to put the stuffing on my plate I was wished a Merry Christmas!  It was pretty cool to have an Afghan do that but later it got me thinking so much about how powerful Christ is, and how meaningful that was.  I know that it could be argued that Christmas is just a holiday now days and Christ really isn't mentioned much.  That is true of our society...we have allowed the most holy of holidays to become commercialized.  Yet that doesn't even matter in the light of how powerful Jesus actually is.  While those two generals were serving at a celebration of the Birth of Christ there were huge things happening that we could not see.  Walls and barriers were being chipped away.  Boundaries were being crossed.  Bridges were being built.  It was quite amazing.  To top it off the USAF chaplain prayed in Christ's name.  WOW!

Anyway, don't allow yourselves to get lonely.  If you are call me at 0707347915.  Please know that Christ is here with you.  When you miss your family and feel powerless.....take that as an opportunity to lean on Jesus.  He is right here with us ready to provide the comfort you need, 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17 says "Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word".


God Bless You,
Matt

Hello Roadie Warfighters!

So much to say.


I have been really busy.  I have flown all over the place and am just now getting settled here in Kabul.  I would really like to see or hear from you guys out there if you can.  I had one Roadie chime in on my personal email and hope that many of you have found this blog.  Let me know!

Much is going on at Crossroads.  Tons of giving going on for all ages.  Nic and Janna (the lead singers) have stepped up to be the new Children's pastors.  Hollie and I are going to regroup and begin to serve in other places.  We have been with the kids for a long time and it's been great.  We are thankful for Nic and Janna and pray God's blessings with this awesome thing they are doing.

I also heard there are some really cool Crossroads shirts and sweatshirts out there.  I haven't seen them, but heard they are awesome.

As far as Afghanistan goes, it's getting pretty cold, even in the south.  On my way back north late last week most of the mountains were snow covered.  Really beautiful!  It's pretty cool to be at 11,500 MSL but only 50 ft. AGL.  Only in Afghanistan right.

To mention some things that I referenced in my last blog.  If you read it was the 'Target Rich Environment'.  The next two things were also great inspirations to me.  I ran into another two gruff older guys who you never would have thought needed the Lord so much.  Truth is we all do....very much.  With each of these guys I just casually mentioned church or the Lord and in each case they lit up with eagerness to talk about God.  I just listened as one guy talked about his battlefield experience that lead him to Christ.
The point is that God is not apart from us just because we are so far apart from our lives.  If you are willing He (God) still wants to be near you.
Check out Romans 8:38-39.  I am loving this scripture all the time over here.
That's it for now.

BE SAFE!
Pastor Matt

Target Rich Environment

Hello Roadies in Afghanistan.  How's your week going?  I have been to Kandahar 
twice in the last two weeks, so I have been pretty busy.  I start IP refresher 
training in the Mi-17 next week, so this week I am back in flight student mode 
with the studying, EP's, limits, chapt 8, and the ATM, Afghan APG and AIP, 95-1, 
whew!  But the way I look at it is, I am going to be teaching 
Afghans to do something that our country basically invented.  Think about that.  
Yeah Igor made the first helo, but we created its uses.  So I take a lot of pride 
in showing them literally how it's done.  We (the US) set the standards for the 
world as it relates to helicopter operations.  
Plus I really like talking with my Afghan friends.  I have met so many 
that are very nice and very humble.  I try to look on them the best that I can 
with God's eyes.  I ask God, "Let me see them as you see them Lord"?  I know He loves them 
very much.  He wants them to know of His son.  It's a very interesting thing for 
me as a servant of Christ to be here in such a target rich environment.  God has 
great plans for this people. 

Let me tell you a story about the "Target Rich Environment".  My unit is full of 
'kinda gruff' retired warrants who are good guys, great pilots, but all very 
strong personalities.  
I come in much younger as the Lead Pilot and you can say some feathers were 
ruffled, but we are all professional and it's not really a big deal.  
So I have the task of leading the 35 men into a cohesive team.  Well just 
getting started, I just wanted to get to know each person a little bit on a 
personal level.  While taking the time to meet the guys over the course of several days I 
had allowed myself to get a bit wrapped up in some of the day to day challenges 
and just really felt like a I was away from God.  I had not read my bible in 
almost two days, which was eating at me, and hadn't talk to Jacob or Ethan (my 
boys) and just had a couple rough days in a row.  That's Afghanistan right!?!  
Then the first of four things happened that were totally awesome.  I ran into an 
old friend of mines son.  He is our ALSE guy.  I go in to meet the ALSE guy and 
get my flight gear and it starts.  I think I brought up church just to feel him 
out, and when I did he just unloaded on me.  His hurts, his uncertainties, his 
fears.  I mean it was outta nowhere.  He is a good man with real troubles, and I 
believe with everything in my heart God ordained our meeting.  All the way back 
to the friendship I made with his father a couple of years before....to me here now...allowing God's 
prescense to be felt in that ALSE shop really touched both of us.  That story 
is not over.....more to follow. 

The second thing happened while I was at a Brit coffee house at KAF.  I went off 
to read my bible at a coffee shop.  One of the older pilots who is very new in 
country and seems to be kinda still feeling his way around.  Anyway, Dennis 
walked up to me while I was reading and said "Watcha Reading"!  I replied I am 
reading my bible.  These are the first words he and I had ever spoke to one 
another.  He immediately sat down and started pouring out about his reliationship with Christ.  Of course I am just pumped to be talking about the 
Lord.  I am pumped because I feel so good talking about God.  So we each listen 
to each other for over an hour.  It blessed me and trust he was blessed.  So I 
am walking tall.  Not only did I get to talk about God, but gain a brother at 
the same time.  I am thinking, "Thank YOU Lord"!  Later, I began to feel a 
burden for my new friends stipulation and began to pray for him. 

I have two more stories about awesome things like this that happened to me this 
week.  I will share the next two with you tomorrow and let you know how my heart 
feels about all that going on around me. 

On to you.....You....the Roadies in Afghanistan.  WE AT CROSSROADS LOVE YOU AND 
PRAY FOR YOU!  WE DO! NOT JUST SAYING THAT!  GOD HAS BURDENED THE HEART OF THE 
CHURCH FOR SOLDIERS SERVING IN AFGHANISTAN.  Please know that you can call me 
anytime 0795743168.  Its an Afghan cell.  I know you may not know me personally 
but anytime you get people like us together its like we are old friends, so 
don't worry.  If you want to make my day...call me on my Afghan cell.  

Anyway, I will take Thursday night to tell you the remaining "Target Rich 
Environment" stories and how the Lord pushed on my the seemingly most basic 
principle, but boy did I need to hear it.  He love us so much!  I pray that you 
feel loved by our God....tonight, in the precious name of Jesus, Amen. 

Roadie Warfighters Rock! 

That should be a cool shirt.....   Roadie Warfighters