Baghdad Bad Boys

"All I really wanna do is go home"

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Baghdad Bad Boys (B3)

"One of our number was at home on leave.  He went to a pickin group that he had never attended before.  With the funny haircut folks kind of figured he was associated with the military.  He told them he was home on leave.  Next question was, "Hey, you ever heard of the Baghdad Bad Boys.  What's up with those guys?"  Apparently they had seen the little video that the reporter from the Fayetteville Observer did on us."          Lt. Col. Greg Rawlings

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"My father is a pastor in Columbus, GA.  Columbus has a large military installation next to it (Ft. Benning).  A young man walked in off the street one Sunday and my dad introduced himself.  The man mentioned that he was in the Army and had just returned from Camp Victory, Iraq.  My dad told him that I was here and that I had begun a bluegrass group.  The guys response, "Yeah, the Baghdad Bad Boys.  I've been over to their jams on Friday nights."           Lt. Col. Greg Rawlings

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Good Morning From Baghdad,

 Each Sunday we repeat a poignant ritual here.  One of the chaplains asks the congregation if there is anyone among us who is worshiping here for the first time.  Soldiers stand; introduce themselves usually telling what unit they serve and where they hail from in the states.  Then he will ask who is there for the last time.  Normally a very happy service member stands and announces to much applause that they’ve reached the end of their tour and will return to family during this week.  Recently a man stopped the chaplain in the chow hall and said, “I’ve really been blessed each week to come and worship at Mayberry.” 

When we heard, all of us older soldiers laughed, enjoying the reference to a long enjoyed television show; a show that, especially here, seems to remind of simpler times.  It was a reference to the music.  As I have mentioned before, the music at the worship service I attend is in a blue-grass style and always has two or three songs from the Blue “Great Songs of the Church” hymnal.  For a congregation far away from home the song service always wraps us in a blanket of comfort and warmth, reminding us that God does not change. 

Soon the men that make up our band, The Righteous Arm of the Baghdad Bad Boys, will pick their instruments for the last time together.  The soothing sounds of guitar, banjo, and mandolin will fade leaving echoes of in our hearts and minds.  Their tour complete they will return, continuing to serve God with their talents in the places He takes them.  For a year or so they served God by comforting and leading His people in this distant land, by the waters of Babylon. 

Like the children of Israel they found themselves cast up on a distant shore, pulled from things normal and reassuring.  They, like all of us, faced a choice.  Would they hang their instruments up stilling the voice of God in them or would they seek out ways to serve Him while here.  Like Daniel of long ago they refused to languish in self pity or depression.  Taking their gift they sought out ways to serve where they found themselves, and we profited.  God blessed their work.  Most, if not all, who came were touched and blessed by this offering of time and talent.  Many eyes grew moist and more than one hand furtively wiped away tear, you see soldiers do not cry…much or in public. 

This morning they announced that next week was the last time they would all be together.  They will trickle out over the next month or so.  They decided, thankfully, to spend the entire service in song; one last burst of the gospel music we all love.  Even though I knew this day would come, I’d hoped they would leave when I leave.  However; I will be here for a month or so after they depart.  Sometimes things just happen that way. 

So, this morning as I sat there looking down at the row of worn dusty combat boots tapping as they played, I could not help but think, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." Isaiah 52:6-8.  Perhaps in this case it could read, fingers. 

In Him In Baghdad, 

Matt