A Glimpse into the Life of an Army Chaplain in Kuwait, "I can't begin to tell you everything God is doing here…I have never been a part of such a spiritual revival."

Jessica Perkins / Aimee Herd, Davin Dahlgren reporting : May 4, 2005
Baptist Press News

An article in the Baptist Press News highlights the deployment of Pastor Jerry Shacklett from Kentucky to a Naval base in Kuwait to serve as chaplain for the U.S. Army National Guard's 1/487th field artillery unit.

Shacklett is adjusting to living and ministering among the troops; in an email to his wife, Ruth Ann, he said, "God is taking my faith deeper. I am working harder in sermon preparation. I am learning to live without conveniences. I don't need fancy pews, chairs or pulpits. Sometimes you have a tailgate of a Hummer and that's it."

The chaplain noted one of the toughest challenges he has to work with is the diversity of faiths and how to minister to each one. He also mentioned the long hours put in, the heat and the sand as being difficult for the troops and himself.

However his passion to convey God's love to these servicemen and women is evident as he talks about the tremendous burdens placed on military families and the sacrifices that are made both overseas and with the stateside spouse.

Shacklett has seen the Lord do great things in the midst of these trials, and witnessed many who have come to know Christ, Believers' lives grow deeper and even the walls of race and culture come down. "I can't begin to tell you everything God is doing here," he said, "but I have never been a part of such a spiritual revival."

Pastor Shacklett also shared some ways that people can be praying for his family as well as those serving in the Armed Forces.