Contemporary Chaplains ROCK the Congregation
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DANGER, TIKRIT, Iraq – A group of Task Force Danger Soldiers, led by two Army Chaplains, celebrated contemporary Christian services recently with music and prayer during a program dubbed Relying on Christ in Kombat or “ROCK.”
Prior to arriving in Iraq, chaplains Capt. Bret J. Gilmore of the 121st Signal Battalion and Capt. Lane J. Creamer of the 4th Battalion, 3rd Air Defense Artillery, held joint services at their units’ Kitzingen, Germany location, where the services were dubbed “ROCK” for Relying on Christ in Kitzingen.
The “K” was retained upon landing in Iraq. Thus, the preaching duo referred to the service as “The ROCK Forward,” even though it isn’t exactly the same. The Danger version has a group of seven 1st Infantry Division band members leading the music. In Germany, the music came from congregation members.
This congregation expanded to include Soldiers from FOB Danger-based units. About 30 Soldiers and some civilian workers attended the service. As many as 50 people have attended the service at one time, Gilmore said.
The contemporary celebration wasn’t like any traditional Christian worship service. About two-thirds of the hour-long session was Christian music. The lyrics were displayed on the theater’s screen, and the congregation helped the band rock the house.
Creamer, the Fort Myers, Fla., native, has told the faithful to “Go after the Lord” during worship. “Don’t worry about the person to your left or right.” The enthusiasm in the crowd proved they listened. Hands clapped and hymns were belted out.
“We’re growing, so the Soldiers must be responding well,” Gilmore said. “As I watch them worship, it seems to me they are enjoying it,” the Walker, La., native added.
“It’s awesome and outstanding,” Spc. James L. Cox Jr., a driver from Headquarters, 1-21 said.
“It’s good,” said Spc. Michael S. Jenson II, a training non-commissioned officer from B Battery, 4-3 ADA.
“Here, we’re able to keep the enjoyment of the music and stay genuine to the worship,” he added.
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