Soldier Preparing to Deploy to Iraq

[Will.I.Am]

In March 2003, God directed me away from 13 years of church ministry as a Teen/Family Life Pastor to become a different kind of minister: a cook in the US Army. Since then, I've had some incredible experiences in the Army --surviving Basic Training, AIT (Advanced Individual Training), and serving as an active duty soldier in Germany. In less than a month, I will be deploying to Iraq, serving a ten month assignment at the "world's biggest beach".

God has given me a story to tell-- and I have a feeling it's just about to get REAL interesting. The approach we could use is only limited by our creativity. So much could be accomplished... I'm excited by the mission God has given me in the Army, and the vision God is giving me for using the strongest weapon known to man-- the quill.

A bit of background, I am Spc Will Armstrong, hailing from Fort Wayne, IN. My wife of ten years Laura and I reside in Butzbach, Germany, with our two children, (8 year old son, 5 year old daughter), and a dog and a cat. I graduated from Christian Heritage College in El Cajon, CA, with a BS in Counseling/Psychology. I've served in churches in California, Michigan, Indiana, and Florida in various positions: Youth Pastor, Teen & Family Life Pastor, and Senior Pastor. I am currently pursuing my MDiv from Asbury Theological Seminary, and my MS in Counseling/Psychology from University of Maryland University College. I am licensed and ordained by the Missionary Church (http://www.mcusa.org).

If you are intrigued by what I'm talking about and you would like to contact me, my e-mail address is will.i.am.71@gmail.com

[DrRita]

My prayers go with you Will, and with your family. May God guide you and strenthen you and keep you safe in the shadow of his wings. Will you be able to have access to the internet while there? Maybe you could keep us updated through e-mails to one of us or to the website.

[Will.I.Am]

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers for my family and me. Yes, I will have internet access, and should be able to access this site while I am there (sometimes the government filters some sites, but this one should be okay). I'll stay in touch.

Thanks again... God bless.

[Keith Wallis]

Interesting change of ministry Will - can't be many folk who make THAT move. If its God's idea it'll at least be "interesting" ! You don't have to disclose your e-mail address to get e-mails from folk on this site there's a Private Messagesystem which allows mail that's not for open viewing.
Keith

[DrRita]

Yeah, Keith's right. I just posted a "walk through" for another member. You can activate it by clicking on User CP and then on Edit Options. The rest is self explanatory. Just be sure to "save changes" at the end.

[crafinna]

May His Peace be with you-and May you all be hidden in the shadow of His wings from all harm. May your love and life touch many-and your stories of what you see report to us all the Truth. My email is writerspilgrimage@hotmail.com. I am interested in the Women and Children:the hope they will have safety and peace soon:and for the Widows and widowers...so many! I wish I could send all the sewing machines I could glean from thrift stores-along with needles and thread, to help these women set up home businesses to help them survive-maybe even thrive! If you hear of others there helping in this capacity:rebuilding lives:please let me know.
Again, May God go before you and be your rear Guard!

[lindenbooks]

I was just thinking yesterday, I hope everyone will keep Will and his family in their prayers. I'm sure he's in Iraq now. I'm glad this post came back up.

Cami