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The young soldier is Sam Kaighen, my oldest son.  Here is a video taken at Fort Benning, GA at the graduation of his basic training outfit.  He was honored as the “Soldier of the Cycle” and allowed to lead the “Soldier’s Creed” before the whole platoon.

Not only did Sam join the United States Army this past year and a half, but he also accepted the Lord Jesus as his personal Savior.  He got saved in January 2008, Baptized in March, and joined the Army in July.  All the gusto and enthusiasm and excitement you hear in his voice in this video, as a soldier, is being multiplied many times over in his spiritual life as a Christian.  He has joined the ranks of sold-out Bible-believing Christians who want to take the Gospel to a lost and dying world. 

He followed the Lord in Believer’s baptism in Mineapolis, Minnesota.  My family and I and the good folks at Edinbrook Church watched with joyful hearts as Pastor Ivan immersed Sam.  Sam is now diligently trying to get his friends and loved ones to know the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior.  He has a heart that is hot after God and the will of God. 

God has truly done a work of grace in his heart.  My, what a changed life.  Only Jesus has the power to do somthing like this, and we rejoice.  Oh, if you could only have seen him a couple years ago, you would not recognize him today.  Praise God.  The same life-change that Saul of Tarsus went through has happened to my son.

For all you parents out there that are praying for a soldier son, or are praying for a son or daughter whose life may have brought you many tears and heartaches, take hope!  Keep praying.  Never stop loving.  Keep on bombarding Heaven’s throne room with your constant prayers.  Prayer changes things.  No, wait a minute…  Prayer changes people. 

The person who has had to do the most changing in this true-life story is me.  The dad.  I have received my correction from the hand of the Lord.  It has not been easy.  It has been extremely painful.  But through this last 5 years of tears, I have become a better dad, I hope.  And a better Pastor.

Wehave a merciful God.  The blood of Jesus Christ, God’s son, cleanseth us from all sin.  Bless the Lord.

I have 3 more teenage sons.  I hope that each one of them serves the Lord Jesus with all his heart, like their big brother. 

So to all you terrorists out there:  BEWARE!  There are still a whole bunch of red, white, and blue Americans who love our God and our country.  You don’t scare us.  Greater is HE that is in us than he that is in the world!!!

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