Mobile soldier killed in Iraq

[trof]

Are we, by some people's reasoning, actually in a religious war?

Mobile soldier killed in Iraq
Thursday, November 30, 2006
By NADIA M. TAYLOR
Register Staff Reporter

Baker High School graduate Chris Mason wasn't afraid of dying in Iraq because of his faith in Jesus Christ and his belief in the importance of helping others, his family said Wednesday. That's why when his family learned that the soldier had been killed Tuesday by an improvised explosive device in Iraq, "it was sad, but it's not a tragedy," said Garland Mason, Chris Mason's brother.

"He was very passionate about Christ, and because he was so in love with Christ he was able to give his life away for other people," Garland Mason said. "He was OK with the possibility (of death) because he was so satisfied with Jesus Christ. ... Faith was what pushed him to make the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Knowing that if he died, that death did not steal anything from him; that death gave him more of that which is infinitely good for him, more of Christ."

The soldier had come home from Iraq for a brief stint in October. He spoke during his homecoming to the Life Church of Mobile, where he talked to his family's congregation about what he and other soldiers were doing in Iraq. His speech was videotaped by the church. "There's 160,000 American soldiers kicking tail over there, boom! And wherever freedom goes the gospel's soon to come right after," Chris Mason said in the video, posted on WKRG-TV5's Web site.

"But folks, you just got to dig down deep, and when things get tough for you, you got to remember, you're in a war, you're in a battle for your soul, people. You hear me? And it's no joke ... but just know that good things are happening over there, folks, and the men that I fight with are glad to be there, and there's no other place they'd rather be," Chris Mason said in the video.

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/116488213612730.xml&coll=3

[jody]

1. Sad but some/many Christians like Mason are just as devout as some/many Muslims. n/t

[Botany]

2. We already tried this ....

..... And wherever freedom goes the gospel's soon to come right after," Chris Mason said in the video,

it was called the Crusades. It did not work out real well.

But I wish his family and friends peace and share their sorrow.

[saigon68]

3. "BRING EM ON" shouted the AWOL CHIMPANZEE

"There's 160,000 American soldiers kicking tail over there, boom! And wherever freedom goes the gospel's soon to come right after,"


LOOKS LIKE DUDE GOT A

"ROSE PETAL PARADE"

[brentspeak]

4. With all due respect for Garland Mason, I have to say that this is a tragedy.

[w4rma]

5. Yup. It is a tragedy. Another good and honorable man dead. (nt)