As the sun gently disappeared over the desert horizon, a group of soldiers soon headed to war gathered to pray. Though we came from different faiths, including those with no faith traditions, we felt united in brotherhood.

It was my duty as the Ministry Team Leader for our unit to lead and arrange these times we could gather in worship and prayer. That night it was also my honor to share a few words.

Though I have long since forgotten the words I shared that night, I shall never forget the voice of Jason Chatterley, one of our sergeants, who eloquently sang the stirring notes of Amazing Grace…

🎵 🎵 🎵
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind but now I see
🎵 🎵 🎵

His voice carried across the desert sand of Fort Bliss, Texas, where we were training the summer of 2004 prior to heading across the sea to Iraq.

🎵 🎵 🎵
Was Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace, my fears relieved
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed
🎵 🎵 🎵

Personally feeling a mixture of trepidation and fear of the unknown, I found solace that night through the comforting grace of our Savior Jesus Christ.

🎵 🎵 🎵
Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come
T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far
And Grace will lead us home
And Grace will lead us home
🎵 🎵 🎵

Though far from home, I felt His grace would indeed lead me and bring me safely home.

🎵 🎵 🎵
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see
Was blind, but now I see
🎵 🎵 🎵

We have reflected on the same spirit of love, hope, and grace this past week as we visited the World War II Commemorative Air Force event in Logan, Utah. On display were the B25 and the B17 bombers, two of the mainstay military aircraft restored to share the stories of some of the heroes of WWII.

We watched the bombers fly over our valley and took time to tour each of the aircraft. The most touching part of the tour was reading the tributes written on the bomb bay doors, including the names of those who had flown on the same model of airplane in combat. Particularly touching were those listed as KIA – Killed In Action – and those who participated in some of the most dangerous missions like the Doolittle Raid where every man on those planes knew there was slim chance they would survive.

As we commemorate Flag Day this week on June 14th (which is also the day the United States Army was created in 1775), we hope you are filled with that same spirit of love, hope, and grace at the beautiful blessings we enjoy in this wonderful country we call home… the United States of America.

We leave you with this beautiful arrangement of Amazing Grace by our friend Jason Tonioli.

We love you, friends!

Les & Elisa