Greetings,
I am getting ready for a deployment to Kuwait. Any advice on what to bring and what not to bring?
If you have to ask, you have no idea what you're doing.
I read comments here that suggest you're going on some kind of weekend church camp. Take electronic toys. Take books. Take treats. Really?
Where do you think you're going and what do you think you'll do when you get there?
You are NOT going on a hiking trip to sing kumbaya by the campfire every night!
I've been deployed in the Middle East - several nations in fact. I've been there and done that, to quote a phrase. You will learn what you need when you get there, but if I've learned anything at all from my own deployment to those regions of the world its that Christ may provide all your needs. Your leaders may not.
I say may, because its been my experience that most youngsters eagerly hold to their religion until such time as they become comfortable with their situation. At that time they begin to think their comrades and leaders will provide the security they need. Thus they turn their back upon God in the mistaken belief they know what's going on. In point of fact, they know less than when they first arrived.
There is nothing so like a foolish child as a pompous young man or woman in uniform.
"Watch your back" is good advice - so too is "watch your heart."
When you return home you may find yourself in times to come seeking God once again. At that time it will be for forgiveness for what you did when you marched in proud disregard of the justice of God and man. What then will you bring to God? You will have to leave your pride at the door and humble yourself in repentance in order to be washed clean of the filth you've accumulated during your time in the military.
Bloodstains do not wash off. Neither does the passage of time wear them away. In point of fact they become more painful as you grow older.
The only blood stains one ought to seek are those shed by the savior.
that's me, hollering from the choir loft...