Several years ago I met Col. James Ammerman, a retired US Army Chaplain, who led the move to get the military to recognize independent full gospel chaplains (the fastest growing Christian group in America) along with mainline chaplains.

He authored a book entitled ‘After the Storm’ that was a history of military chaplains in Operation Desert Storm when the military invaded Iraq. A couple of notes I made when reading the book were:

• Three times as many Vietnam veterans have committed suicide than died in that war.
• There were at that time 123 Full Gospel Chaplains, 58 serving in Desert Storm.
• 25% of Desert Storm soldiers made first time decisions for Christ.
• Before Desert Storm began, terrible south winds blew. It was hot, dirty, and soldiers were miserable in their tents. However, the winds uncovered land mines the enemy had planted. The winds made it impossible for Iraq to use gas they may have had, which strengthened the confidence of Allied soldiers.

I was encouraged that what appeared to be a natural problem (sandstorm) was actually a natural assistance. Let’s keep our eyes open for problems that could be a solution. God’s ways are not our ways.

Tags: Desert Storm, provision, wind