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Kent with care package received from the kids at Grace. 


Oct. 2009, letter from Kent in Iraq

Hello Grace Community Chapel,

I just wanted to take a few minutes to write and thank all the
members of my church family for their continuing support and
prayers. I have been very fortunate to have good access to a
computer and Gayle and I are able to communicate just about
every day. She has kept me informed about all the activities at
church (including the “Name above all Names” conference –
great job everyone!) and about the upcoming “work day” to load
firewood at our house. It means a lot to me that the members of
GCC have offered to help Gayle and I with this chore. Not only
will the firewood provide additional heat for our home, but it also
allows me to concentrate on my job here (and not be worried about
when and if the firewood gets loaded). For this I am truly grateful.

As for me, I am still keeping busy and working hard to make this
airbase better for the next round of airmen, soldiers and American
civilians. My work involves surveying and mapmaking and I have
learned a lot in my 3.5 months here. I have also enjoyed
participating in several activities with the base Chapel, including
bible studies and the praise and worship team. Although there are
around 1000 people within the walls of this airbase, I also feel
blessed to be part of the Christian Community within the base. I
often find myself associating with these good people of faith, similar
to our church community in Maine. Many are truly remarkable in
their devotion, knowledge of scripture and willingness to help others
(again, like the members of GCC).

I hope and pray that the Lord will use this opportunity to help me
get to know Him better and to be able to return safely to all my
friends and family in Maine and beyond. Thank you again for your
prayers. May the Lord bless all of you.

In Christ,

Kent

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6/29/09 - Our worship team bass player, Kent Nelson, has been
deployed to Iraq for the next 6 months. He would appreciate it if
he could hear from our church members during his deployment.
He writes as follows:

Thanks to everyone for their support during my deployment
overseas. Here is my mailing address if you would like to corrospond.

The best thing to send is "glimpses of home" (ie., letters, relevant
newspaper clips, etc.) and of course your prayers. Perishable items
are not needed, as we have everything we need in terms of food.

I really appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness to me and my
family during this time.

MSgt Kent Nelson
447 AEG/CES
APO AE, 09321

Here is Kent & Gayle at BIA and an article in the BDN.