Faith That Dominated Baghdad is my true story as an American soldier called to active duty to serve my country at war as a Chief Warrant Officer. It is the story of how, after experiencing much failure, I released faith through the preaching of the gospel to overcome and win the spiritual battles I faced.
Upon being called to war to fill a vacant slot as a property book officer, I heard the voice of God: “I am sending you to preach the Gospel to My soldiers, to bring them hope through My word, that if they live by faith they will, along with you, see My hand at work.” What I did not know was how this could possibly happen because I was not an Army chaplain. I knew that it would take faith to succeed because I would face many attacks that would come to attempt to stop the plan of God. Trusting in the word through faith, I became the Senior Minister/Pastor of the Gospel Service in Baghdad, Iraq. I knew the necessity of 1) living by faith and 2) preaching God’s word. These two things would bring me victory over the devil’s numerous attempts to cause me to give in and accept defeat. This is how the devil operates in the lives of the people of God all over the world, but we are not ignorant of his devices. To possess what God has for us, we must activate our faith. As I experienced mortar and rocket attacks on a daily basis, my faith began to increase, enabling me to fulfill God’s purpose by demonstrating the type of faith that arises when we really know and trust our God.
Prior to going to Iraq, I asked God for a double portion of His anointing so that as I gave the gospel to the soldiers, they would come to know Him, and their lives (through faith) would be changed forever. I witnessed many rough and brutal days and nights along with my soldiers who lives were on the line every single day. Nevertheless, the faith that comes through hearing the word kept hope alive in many of us, and God will forever get the glory. I am fully persuaded that faith, when it is in its proper position, is powerful enough to tear down walls and overcome attacks – if we believe that nothing is too hard for God.
I quickly saw that Baghdad was stealing many lives, dreams, and goals. Initially, it appeared that I might be next, along with some of the faithful men and women serving with me at war. Before long, I realized through the message of the Gospel that through faith, once I planted my feet on the soil of Baghdad, Iraq, if I only believed, I could be a successful Chief Warrant Officer and fulfill my duty to God and my country. I also discovered first-hand the value of living by faith in the midst of the war, and continuing to preach the word of God through faith, even while under attack. Because of my experience, I learned that faith could dominate Baghdad and could forever dominate in every area of my life – and yours! Faith That Dominated Baghdad is my story, but I believe you will find yourself in it. I pray that you embrace God’s message in this book and grow in faith as you read.