LETTER FROM: CH (CPT) Lyle Shackelford, Battalion Chaplain

As a transportation battalion, my unit will be delivering the votingmachines and the ballots to villages and cities throughout Iraq during theupcoming elections. (January 30/31) Our convoys are prime targets for theinsurgents because they do not want the equipment to arrive at the pollingstations nor do they want the local Iraqi citizens to have the chance tovote; timely delivery must occur so that the elections occur. Encourageyour friends and family members and those within our churches to prayspecifically for the electoral process. Historically, the previoustotalitarian regime would not allow individual citizens to vote.Democracy will not be realized in Iraq if intelligent and competentofficials are not elected to those strategic leadership positions within theemerging government; freedom will not have an opportunity to ring throughoutthis country if the voting process fails. Announce this prayer request toyour contacts throughout your churches, neighborhoods, and places ofbusiness.Those with leadership roles within the local church post this message in asmany newsletters and bulletins as possible. There is unlimited potentialfor God's presence in this process but if we do not pray then our enemy willprevail (See Ephesians 6:10-17). A prayer vigil prior to the end of themonth may be an innovative opportunity for those within your sphere ofinfluence to pray. This is a political battle that needs spiritualintervention. A powerful story about God's intervention in the lives ofDavid's mighty men is recorded in 2 Samuel 23:8-33. David and his warriorswere victorious because of God's intervention. We want to overcome thosewho would stand in the way of freedom. David's mighty men triumphed overincredible odds and stood their ground and were victorious over the enemiesof Israel. (Iraqi insurgents' vs. God's praying people).They don't stand a chance.I will pray with my soldiers before they leave on their convoys and moveoutside our installation gates here at Tallil. My soldiers are at the nervecenter of the logistic operation to deliver the voting machines and electionballots. They will be driving to and entering the arena of the enemy. Thisis not a game for them it is a historical mission that is extremelydangerous. No voting machines or ballots. No elections. Your prayersupport and God's intervention are needed to give democracy a chance in thiswar torn country.Thank you for reading this e-mail.Please give this e-mail a wide dissemination.Thank you for your prayer support for me and my family. Stand firm in yourbattles.Blessings,v/rLyle
CH (CPT) Lyle ShackelfordBattalion Chaplain
HHD, 57th Transportation BattalionBe strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, forthe LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." -Joshua 1:9