Christmas Wishes and A Chaplain's Report From Iraq

Christmas Wishes and A Chaplain's Report from Iraq

We have listened to a lot of bad news from Iraq since the United States entered the War on Terror and for the 14 years earlier while Saddam Hussein kept defying United Nations' sanctions. All the world leaders believed he had weapons of mass destruction (not just the U. S. President).

Chaplain James R. Smith writes "The Good News That Is Often Forgotten," in an article from the United Methodist News Service this morning. Below is a brief report in his words:

"'Peace on Earth' abounds this time of year, as well as prayers of thanksgiving, and Christmas wishes.

"That infamous song about the missing 'two front teeth' could easily be rewritten 'All I want for Christmas is my Daddy home...' (or insert 'hubby,' 'sonny,' 'wifey,' etc.).

"In light of these wishes for peace on earth and prayers of thanks, let me share again my oft-repeated mission: 'The Good News that is often Forgot.'"

"As of June 2005 - despite years of neglect by the Saddam regime, an insurgency intent on intimidating teachers and students, and the damage caused by war - 3,105 schools have been renovated and another 950 schools are currently under rehabilitation.

"Considerable progress has been made in the field of education: 860 secondary school master trainers were trained and passed on training to 31,772 secondary school educators nationwide. More than 8.7 million revised math and science books have been printed and no longer mention Saddam Hussein.

"Health care spending is up more than 30 times its prewar levels. More than 3 million children have received life-saving vaccinations.

"There have been 26,785 new Iraqi businesses established. Construction is under way on 142 new primary health care facilities across Iraq. Sixty-five water treatment projects have been completed, with almost 100 still in progress.

"Since that report, we had a strong showing at the constitutional referendum, and as we approach the election, we are seeing signs that the bulk of the Sunni population - who boycotted the election in January - will be voting this time, as it appears they are becoming convinced that the democratic process holds for them the most hope. Of course there's still a lot of public fussing about conditions here. It's beginning to sound like a pre-election year back home! Not a pretty sight, but democracy at work nonetheless. Even some of the insurgents are trying to get in on the peace train:

"President Jalal Talabani confirmed he had been contacted by rebels wanting to join the political process." (Arab News, 28 Nov.). Insurgent groups are responding to President Talabani's offer to "help" them lay down their arms. It's too early to tell what net effect this new development will have, but it is a wonderful sign of progress.

"While I can't quite be Santa and put every soldier mom and dad in a stocking back home, I am glad to say that your prayers for peace on earth are yielding results, and peace is on the move in this end of the world. We're not all there yet, but we are making significant progress in that direction.

"You keep praying for peace, and we'll keep working for it. And play "(I'm Dreaming of a) White Christmas" for us a few times, would you please?"

*Smith is in Baghdad with the U.S. Army's 111th Chaplain's Detachment. He represents the United Methodist Church's East Ohio and Florida conferences. You will find regular updates on his experiences, thoughts and observations at http://www.chapchats.com/.

News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
********************
United Methodist News Service Photos and stories also available at: http://umns.umc.org