Associated Baptist Press - Chaplain’s ‘general store’ eases ministry to soldiers

Chaplain’s ‘general store’ eases ministry to soldiers

By John Hall

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

SHARANA, Afghanistan (ABP) -- Chaplain Everett Zachary is happy to help provide at least some of the comforts of home to soldiers in unfamiliar Afghanistan through his “general store.”

Following 16-hour shifts, soldiers take solace in the tokens of domestic life that many Americans take for granted -- a greeting card to send to the family, a book. Particularly popular are movies, which provide easy ways to escape the daily grind of service in his outpost in Sharana, Afghanistan.

An American solider picks out a DVD on a visit to Chaplain Everett Zachary’s ‘general store’ in Sharana, Afghanistan

The troops of the 62nd Engineer Combat Battalion can find many of these items through Zachary, a Baptist General Convention of Texas-endorsed chaplain assigned to them. In his workspace, military personnel can pick up all of the items -- and get ministered to in other ways, as well.

“By providing some of these items, I see soldiers I would not normally see in my office,” he said. “It makes my office a central hub in our unit, which works to create a comfortable feeling towards the Religious Support Team. I believe it also breaks down the barrier of [the soldier] looking weak [to his or her peers] should they need to see me for serious counseling. As there are a number of reasons one might come into my office, there is less likelihood of speculation as to the well-being of the soldier.”

By having a regular flow of people through his office who are looking for movies and books, Zachary is able to get to know more soldiers than if it were simply a typical chaplain’s office. Often, the more he sees them, the deeper the relationship becomes. If a situation arises where they need spiritual or emotional help, the chaplain is there for them.

“Every encounter is not a great evangelistic moment, but it’s all about a ministry of presence,” he said. “My soldiers know that their chaplain is concerned about more than just whether or not they are ‘saved.’ I want to know if they are having some down time with a good movie or book. I want to provide them with an unexpected snack in their busy, monotonous day. And I want to be the one who says, ‘Hey, why don’t you send your wife, your mom or your child a card just to tell her you love her? Hey, here’s a free card.’”

However, as one might expect, Zachary’s library is limited. He doesn’t have enough movies to meet demand.

The BGCT is encouraging congregations to support the chaplain’s ministry with the soldiers by sending him additional films. Any digital video disc will be appreciated, Zachary said, but cartoons, comedies, action and Western flicks are the most popular. He tries to keep the selection positive and upbeat to help the troops.

“I love my job,” Zachary said. “I walk shoulder-to-shoulder with American sons and daughters who have given up their lives to help a foreign country find some stabilization. Most of the time, it’s not very fun. Sometimes it’s downright discouraging.

“So, if I can provide a couple hours of sanity or temporary relief through a movie or a good book, I think I’ve done something to contribute to the health of my soldiers. It’s kind of like preventive medicine. I’m helping them get a little down time up front to keep from seeing them later with some serious anger-management or depression issues.”

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