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  This is (From left to right), David, Natalie, Virginia, and Daniel Branscomb.  This precious family has been a part of WABC for a number of months.  I introduce them to you for a reason.  I want to ask we pray for all of them… specially Daniel.

  Within the next few weeks Daniel will be leaving for Iraq with the United States Army.

  Daniel is 20 years old and is an awesome young man.  He has a deep faith in Christ that has been nurtured by David and Natalie since his birth.  He is extremely intelligent (He made a 32 on his ACT and a 1460 on his SAT) and, if I’m not mistaken, had scholarship offers to several universities.

But instead of furthering his education, he has chosen to serve his country in the armed forces.  That’s impressive!  He chose to forego (For now) preparing for a career to put his life on the line to protect our country and freedom.  It’s rare to see that kind of maturity and desire in young people today.

Now… put yourself in David and Natalie’s place.  Your baby (That’s how we look at all our kids) goes half a world away with people you don’t know in a country that is dangerous to say the least.  I can’t imagine the emotional rollercoaster that accompany that kind of situation! 

And that is where we as a church can be encouragers.

The way we can do this (At my wife Pam’s suggestion) is to actively encourage them by… 1) Praying for them regularly.  2) Getting together “care packages” to send to Daniel ever so often.  3) Send Daniel letters and/or emails to let him know of our care for him, his friends in Iraq, and his family (When we get Daniel’s email address we will let you know).

More will be coming about this in the future, till then tell David and Natalie that you are praying for them.  Also give Virginia a hug because that is her only brother who she looks up to and she will be missing him quite a bit.  They will all need our prayers and strengthening for a while.

Daniel would be embarrassed to know I’ve written this, but I hope if/when he finds out he’ll realize that our motivation is to build up and encourage him and his family.

God bless you Daniel!  Psalm 91:3-8!  “Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.  He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.  You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.  A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.  You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.”  (NIV)