Wars and rumours of wars . . .

 . .  do not be alarmed!

Well that's what it says in my Bible (Matthew twenty-four, verse six: 'You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.') and I have to assume that it is a worthwhile thing to keep in mind as this morning I am finding so many prophets of doom predicting a 'firm and robust' American response to Russian boots on the soil of Ukraine. The reservists in that nation are being mobilised and this act of unwarranted aggression by Putin, who has gone from Sochi good guy to clown overnight (always was I fear), needs to be (and will be) dealt with politically.

To my colleagues who are writing that this is 'something spiritual' all I can say is 'Duh, really?'

There are always differences and conflicts and the way forward is by politics to do what politics does best rather than look to soldiers settling the dispute in the way that they do (which is politics backed by physical engagement as a last resort). As we move towards the end of our presence in Afghanistan the last thing we need is a new engagement!



Please pray

Please read more than one account of the situation and be informed when praying and intelligent when talking to God and those around you.

The only thing holy in war is the Bible that is used to pray over the dead - speak, pray, preach and be prepared (as the very last resort) to fight for peace.

A Good Read: Stretcher Bearer!

Another good read to hit the shelves is this: 

Charles Horton (editor Dale Le Vack)
ISBN 978-0-7459-5566-7 |

One of the closest associations Chaplains have in conflict is that of working alongside the members of field hospitals as they care for the wounded and work to save lives. But all to often the unsung heroes of the Army Medical Services are missed out!

Whilst people will drone on endlessly about Special Forces or Para's and other fighting elements who in combat settings past, present and future fight for their lives: Here we have an account of people who fight for the lives of others!

In the first world war, many of those who were pacifists or felt that their religious beliefs meant that they could not take up arms volunteered to serve with the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC). One of these, Charles Horton, a survivor of the turmoil and carnage of three of the 'worst places outside of hell': Passchendaele, Ypres and the Somme, tells of the acts of heroism that saw men recovered from certain death in the most telling of circumstances.

The words on the cover put it like this:

'a wonderful authentic account of one man’s struggle to survive – and to keep others alive'

As one who is Chaplain to a Field Hospital I have to say that this book has left me even more in awe of those who I seek to serve and serve alongside.