CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq - Simply put, God is the only necessity for Soldiers in combat, said the Army's chief of chaplains during a Multi-National Division - Baghdad prayer breakfast here Sept 12.
Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Douglas Carver, was the guest of honor for the event and spoke to more than 40 Soldiers in attendance on the importance of God on the front lines of the Iraq War.
Following a buffet breakfast over spiritual music and some scripture readings, Command Sgt. Maj. Phillip Johndrow, the senior noncommissioned officer for MND-B and the 1st Cavalry Division, recited a prayer for Soldiers serving in harm's way.
"We pray for our Soldiers and our Coalition Forces, wherever they may be," said the native of Townsend, Mont. "Send your angels to protect them in the dangers of their mission."
The honor of introducing the Army's highest-ranking chaplain fell on the First Team's commanding general, Maj. Gen. Joseph F. Fil Jr. But first the general addressed a portion of his troops.
"You represent probably the finest fighting force this Army has ever put together," said the native of Portola Valley, Calif. "We have had great success thus far and it's because of Soldiers like you."
By the grace of God, Fil said, the Coalition was turning the tide of battle on a once stubborn insurgency.
"It's a wonderful thing going on within our Army and Multi-National Division - Baghdad, as the prayers of a nation, I think, are being answered over here. Not only in the success we've had, but in the success the Iraqis are having," he said.
According to Fil, a common purpose brings Soldiers from many denominations, all walks of life and across the U.S. together to fight the Global War on Terrorism in the Fertile Crescent. He said opportunities to gather together, like the prayer breakfast, were important because they allowed a fellowship of believers to spend time in prayer with one another.
Fil provided a brief biography of his fellow armor officer, Carver, before ceding the floor to the Army's 22nd chief of chaplains.
First, Carver addressed the Soldiers.
"We're so proud of you at the Army staff. You have so many people praying for you throughout the United States. I just hope you know and feel God's prayers," said the native of Rome, Ga.
Unexpectedly, Carver momentarily left the lecture for the piano.
"Music and worship are powerful," said the ordained Southern Baptist minister.
"There's nothing like it. One of the things you're going to miss when you leave from here, are these opportunities of worship because they're pure, holy, unique and a blessing."
After a passionate performance, Carver ministered to the congregation of Soldiers.
"Almighty God is really all that you need," said Carver, adding he made the discovery heading into the combat of Operation Iraqi Freedom I in 2003. "The Lord is all you need."
Carver said the prayer breakfast served as an opportunity to remember the only necessity is a belief in the creator. An avid reader, Carver referred to one of his favorite authors, reading a devotional from British chaplain Oswald Chambers, who wrote while from the frontlines from 1915 to 1917 while serving in Egypt. God is sometimes shrouded from the heart, Carver quoted Chambers.
"Where is God' Where is God when you need him'" asked Carver. "War and dangerous situations have a way of challenging those basic beliefs (but) God is powerful enough to save you."
An all-powerful and ever-present higher power loves his creations, Carver said.
"God is pleased with you. God does like you. He wants to be your battle buddy," he said.
According to Carver, the word peace means to hold things together, which is something he said is one of God's fortes.
"We've had 102 suicides this year in the Army," Carver said, adding there was nothing too difficult for anyone to overcome with the help of the all-powerful. "God brings you peace in the middle of chaos."
In closing, Carver thanked the Soldiers in attendance.
"God bless you for all that you do," he said. "You remain in my prayers."
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