Thanks!
ChristianDefender
Posted on 10/04/2005 10:49:51 PM PDT by SandRat
CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq (Oct. 4, 2005) -- Clapping, singing, and even dancing sounds like something that would be taking place in the halls of a huge musical auditorium, but for service members here, it is inside of a plywood building where their celebration occurs.
The Camp Taqaddum gospel band, made up of 15 service members from the Marine Corps, Army, and Navy, performs in front of a respectively large crowd of worshippers every week at the Taqaddum chapel.
Members of the band believe their role plays a huge part in laying the foundation of an enthusiastic worship environment for attendees, said Army Sgt. Alphadel McKee, an infantryman with 112th Infantry Division, and Killberg, Texas native.
“I think it plays a big part because everyone loves music, and everyone can relate to music,” McKee said.
Their combination of musical instruments and singing is something they believe relaxes service members, said Marine Sgt. Marcus J. Peet, the maintenance section non-commissioned officer in charge of Communication Squadron 38, 2nd Marine Air Wing.
“Whether it is healing or problems on their heart, it is our music and the word of God that will help them,” Peet said.
For Army Spc. Nagaris T. Johnson, an infantryman with 112th Infantry Division, playing the keyboard is a way to rejoice in his devotion to God and celebrate his faith.
“Some people clap, some people sing, we play our instruments and that’s how we worship,” said Johnson, a Denton, Texas native.
Some of these service members, such as Peet who has been playing the piano during church since he was a child, brought their talent straight from home, while others such as Johnson only began playing during services when he arrived here.
“I enjoy being able to play for God, and I’ve always loved playing the piano during church, even as a kid,” Peet said.
“My mom always wanted me to play gospel at home,” said Johnson. “It wasn’t until I came to Iraq, I started to play gospel and it took off from their.”
The members of the band search for musical selections which relate to the experiences faced by service members here on the war front.
“We know how it is to be in Iraq and go through the same trials and tribulations that Soldiers and Marines go through,” said McKee. “The songs we pick deal directly with this.”
The service members of the group get together three times a week to practice for the service on Sunday, and even compose their own songs.
“Someone can walk past me humming something and God will have me put it to a song,” said Johnson, the keyboardist and main music writer for the group. “I will bring it to practice and put it in the service.”
The appreciation for the band is evident by the reaction it receives from the members of the church community.
“It helps me get ready for the spirit and gets me ready to pray,” said Army Sgt. Warren K. Moore, an infantryman from the 112th Infantry Division and Denton, Texas native.
Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen get that Ol Time Religion.
Thanks!
ChristianDefender
God Bless them all!
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