We all remember where we were when we heard the terrible news that airliners had flown into the Twin Towers in New York's Manhattan Island. Most of us were in front of our television sets, staring in disbelief as skyscrapers collapsed into a heap of burnt steel.

Pastor Tom Balli of Calvary Chapel went to New York just two weeks after those Towers collapsed.

"We went to meet the needs of the people and serve the firemen and policemen. We brought food and coffee and love--yet the people of New York showed us a kind of love we will never forget."

Balli went with the Billy Graham group called The Samaritan's Purse. "Rev. Graham was a very caring and humble man," Balli confided. "He kept reminding us to thank the sanitation and utility workers who worked double shifts to restore the city."

Balli also helped the Salvation Army and Horizon Church from San Diego which has a sister church in Manhattan.

"We had prayer and Bible studies with the Manhattan Horizon church every day and took shifts of going out into the community to share God's love and the Gospel. Our team saw about 80 people come to Christ. And it's still going on."

The devastation from the attacks put people in a very vulnerable state--contemplating life and death--and they were open to praying with a stranger.

At Ground Zero, Balli and a few others worked with the Red Cross by serving food and coffee--and with the Salvation Army by counseling and prayer.

"We were in the thicket of it all," Balli remembered.

He was literally at the spot where the buildings had collapsed, and he could see steel rods bent in the shape of a cross. The tremendous amount of dust, ash, and powder covered all the workers, making them one race, one people.

"Cement, glass, paper, and hazardous materials such as jet fuel were everywhere. Our lungs hurt even with the protection of a mask. And the smell--that can't be explained, " Balli declared. "The Manhattan Health Department still calls me to see if I'm having trouble breathing."

The buildings were heaps of debris, yet in one pile about 50 feet high Balli saw a silver coffee pot right in the middle, untouched. Some of the metal beams were 100 feet high, and it was hard to imagine that bodies were still buried under them.
Some buildings had all the glass broken out of their windows, and the buildings that weren't damaged were covered with soot. People would go back to their rooms to wash off the ash.

"I remember the faces of people," Balli added. "Because I was in the middle of Ground Zero and looking out, I could see the faces of people with tears in their eyes. If I could get to them, I would ask them what they were thinking. They would look at me and say 'I lost my brother,' or 'how quickly things can change.'"

Balli pointed out that it was strange to see New York, which usually goes so fast, slow down and even stop to ponder what had happened.

"It's hard to picture how large an area was affected by the fall of those towers. The vehicles around the building were destroyed or damaged--even some of the fire trucks that showed up early."

One midnight shift Balli was in a Starbucks Coffee house close to Ground Zero. God laid it on his heart to pay the tab for a fireman and his party. The fireman later thanked Balli and asked what he was doing there.

"I'm here to help," Balli replied.

With tears in his eyes, the fireman said, "Thank you for coming all this way to show your love for us."

Balli asked him if he wanted to talk about God, but the fireman said he wasn't ready.

"But please pray for my family," he sobbed. "I lost my brother who was also a fireman."

The next day the morning crew reported that the same fireman--a big Irishman named Michael O'Brien--prayed to accept Christ into his heart.

Another story was about a big Italian policeman named Anthony who couldn't stop trembling as he prayed for Christ to come into his life and give him hope.

"I think going to New York in 2001 reminded me that Christ gives us hope and eternal life, even if we have to face a terrorist attack, a tsunami, or a hurricane. I have been forever changed by Ground Zero. There are pictures in my mind right now--and feelings and smells--that are as clear as they were four years ago."

Pastor Balli ended his memorium with a favorite Bible verse:

"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit,
but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better
than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own

interests, but also for the interests of others.
Let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus,
who being in the form of God, did not consider it
robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself
of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant,
and coming in the likeness of men . . . He humbled
Himself and became obedient to the point of death,
even the death of the cross." (Philippians 2:1-8)

Many of us mothers had our children with us last Sunday for Mother's Day. We probably got flowers, crayon drawings, or lunch at our favorite restaurant--our children sitting beside us. But this year thousands of mothers were missing their sons or daughters who are serving in the Armed Forces overseas. One such mother is Diane Boone, a brave local woman who waves the flag for her daughter, Sergeant Rebecca (Boone) Iacolino.

Rebecca (Becky) has a very dangerous and challenging job as a Refueling Specialist for the Army's First Armored Division. Becky drives a huge refueling tanker. She has been in Iraq since last September and will probably be there at least until this September. She joined the Army four years ago, was previously stationed in South Korea, Texas, and Germany, and recently became a Sergeant.

"The internet has become a rare thing here now, so I am grateful to get an encouraging note! I pray all the time while I am on the road, and keep my weapon on my lap. I think of you all and know I must make it back to see you all! I miss you . . . I would greatly appreciate your notes and a package. Anything you can do will be appreciated," Becky recently wrote in an email.

No wonder her mother Diane sets up a patriotic booth outside her church (Calvary Chapel, the mountains). Diane decorates the booth with Teddy bears in military fatigues; U.S. flags; red, white, and blue remembrance bracelets; and photos of Becky with her fellow soldiers. Diane asks for donations of helpful items like shampoo and snacks (there are few personal care items available for the soldiers in Iraq). Diane also asks for something even more important--notes from the homefront--and prayers.

"When our mountain friends heard that my husband Bill and I were shipping boxes of supplies over to Iraq, they immediately pitched in to help," Diane explained. "With help from local families, churches, and organizations like The Rotary Club, the Lioness Club, the Post Office, and a local Inn, we were able to mail 50 boxes containing sample-size toiletries, hard candies, and other treats that Becky and her team have distributed to the troops. An Army Chaplain even distributed hard candies at Iraqi orphanages."

The Boone family has lived on the mountain for over 40 years, and both their girls graduated from Rim of the World High School. Diane and Bill are now retired and spend much of their time as volunteers for such organizations as their church and the school district (Bill is a Student Mentor). Diane is a certified Aquatics Instructor for The Arthritis Foundation and teaches water exercise at The local Inn's pool. She has a number of physical challenges but keeps busy, working with HopeKeepers (a Christian support group for people with chronic illness or pain). A retired chef, Diane also works Online with Christian Chefs Fellowship.

You can help collect items for the many shippings that Diane has planned over the next few months. Here is a list of needed items:

Money for Postage, Baby wipes (refill packages), Dental Floss, Beef Jerky (individual pkg.), Tooth Paste, Q-tips (small boxes), Trail Mix (individual pkg.), Tooth brushes (soft), Lip Gloss, Pretzels (individual pkg.), Deodorant Sticks, Eye Drops, Wrapped hard candies, Body Lotion, Bar Soap, Breath Mints/Gum, Moisturizing body wash, flea collars (for duffel bag openings), Band Aids, Cold/Cough Medications in tablet form, Aspirin (Excedrin, etc.), Foot Powder, Antacid tablets, Pepto Bismol, Tablets, Metamucil, Anti-Diarrhea tablets, Shampoo/Conditioner, Shower Gels, Waterless hand wash, Deck of Cards, Word Search Books, Note paper & envelopes, Magazines/Paperback books (Be sure they reflect positive values and view of USA, because they are passed on to Iraqis), Small Travel Games, AT&T Calling Cards (only ones that work there), Disposable Cameras, Ketchup, Mustard, Hot Sauce, Salt, Pepper (in little individual packets), Socks (Men or Women's THICK), sample-size items for our Christmas Project.

Diane says, "It is really best for us to collect the items and mail the packages so that we can space out shipments. We have had cardboard boxes and tape donated. We hope to mail at least 1,000 love packages for our lonely soldiers this Christmas. Thanks to all our generous volunteers, prayer partners, and financial supporters.  We continue to need your help and prayers."

This is Diane's theme poem, which she puts on her emails and signs:

We wait . . . We cry . . . We worry . . . We send letters . . .
We cry more . . . and We worry more,
But We PRAY, PRAY, and PRAY MORE . . .
We are . . . MILITARY MOMS!

You can email Becky at REBECCA718@aol.com.

Some of you readers may have been following Diane and Bill Boone's ongoing efforts to support the U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Boone's grown daughter Rebecca helped inspire the beginnings of what used to be called "Christmas in Iraq" when she was stationed over there for a year, driving fuel trucks through Baghdad with a rifle on her lap. Rebecca noticed that the troops on the front lines had little personal necessities like clean socks, Band-Aids, shampoo, soap, or insect repellent.

When Diane heard this, she jumped at the chance to support the troops with sample-sized items that they could put in their uniform pockets. "Christmas in Iraq" was born three years ago when Sgt. Rebecca began sharing her home-sent packages with her unit. She got requests for more packages, and soon many soldiers were getting not only socks and shampoo, but also soap, conditioner, toothbrushes and toothpaste, paperback books, playing cards, hard candy, chapsticks, Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, skin cream, little notebooks and pens, small Christmas gifts, and letters from people back home.

As time progressed and the number of troops who needed support increased, the Boones changed the name of their organization to "A Touch of Home," which is currently obtaining its tax exempt status so that people can give and receive tax credit for their gifts.

Still as enthusiastic as ever, Diane and Bill man their information table at various locations. They display photos of their daughter Sgt. Rebecca, big "camel spiders," scenes from Iraq, wooden artifacts from the area, photos of soldiers in the field, a handmade teddy bear, many thankful letters from Commanding Officers and various soldiers whose morals were lifted by their gifts from home. Diane also has a list of items needed for the ongoing shipments of "A Touch of Home."

"Becky is currently in Virginia and will go help the survivors of Hurricane Katrina," Bill Boone explained. "Then she is scheduled to go back to Iraq in June."

"At the current time we are supporting 2500 military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan," Diane stated. "Mountains Community Hospital has been allowing us to buy toothbrushes and toothpaste at cost or anything we don't get donated."

"Wal-Mart has been the biggest corporation to donate items (especially pens), and Montana Cattle Company recently donated beef jerky," Bill added.

"And there are ladies in Idaho who are making blankets for the troops," Diane declared.

The biggest need at Touch of Home right now is money. They need to buy socks from Costco--and money for shipping costs. They could also use a donation of boot socks, and playing cards from local Indian Casinos. But many are waiting for "A Touch of Home" to get its tax-exempt status before donating large amounts of items.

"We support all the branches of the United States Armed Forces. We support the forward-support battalions, not the ones who have relatively comfortable situations. We have a Board of Directors now, and we meet on Wednesday mornings to pack up the items for shipping. We need more people to help us do this--out of my garage--so all are welcome to come help wrap white socks around a plastic bag full of goodies, from 9:30 a.m. until we're done at around 1:30 p.m.," Diane confided with a smile.

"We have new drop-off sites (boxes) at various places. One wonderful thing that recently happened is that we are getting military-type camouflage Bibles from the American Bible Society. Each soldier has the choice to take one or not!" Diane exclaimed.

"Each time you go on vacation, bring back sample-sized shampoo, conditioner, soap, hand lotion, etc. I can give you fliers, and maybe the hotel will donate more," Diane concluded. "And thank you very much for all of your support! One platoon sent us a box back, full of bronze camels and other wonderful things. We were very touched."

"And don't forget to write our soldiers letters (unopened, please). You could have a pen-pal from Iraq! Bill concluded."

Pastor Patrick Lowthian of First Baptist Church recently joined the Army Reserves as a military Chaplain.

He did not make this step without deep thought for his family and congregation.

He and his wife Marcy are proud new parents (daughter Olivia is 17 months old). The historic white wood church on Springy Path is thriving, especially their children's ministry called Kids' Connection. Marcy heads this program which offers a free dinner to about 70 local children at 5 p.m. on Wednesday nights. After dinner, the kids split up into Elementary or Junior High/High School groups. The younger children spread out in smaller groups throughout the Sanctuary, and the older ones enjoy the newly renovated Teen Room.

"Last summer we offered various activities to the children such as a four-week photography class and a cooking class," Pastor Lowthian explained. "We also took 60 kids to Soul Survivor Camp in Newport Beach."

The church Sunday School program has also grown over the past three years since Lowthian became pastor. It went from a couple of kids to over 20 (babies enjoy the well-equipped nursery, and preschoolers through Junior High age meet in the various classrooms).

First Baptist's Sundays begin with Adult Sunday School at 9 a.m. followed by the Sunday Service at 10:15. The children stay with their parents until worship is over, and then they go into their Sunday School classes.

"The children from Wednesday nights are starting to bring their families with them on Sunday morning," Lowthian said. "We're getting young families here."

The church is also doing a "Sermon on the Mount" project where groups of 3 adults work through Jesus' famous sermon (from Matthew Chapters 5-7). This involves personal Bible study (reading a passage, answering questions about it, and writing journal-style insights), meeting together to discuss what they learned, and then listening to Pastor Lowthian speak about the passage on Sundays.

"These Triad groups help connect people together," Pastor Lowthian stated. "I'm getting a lot of positive feedback about the 'Sermon on the Mount' project. When you read that Bible passage, you realize that Jesus is teaching us how to live. When we follow that, our lives will be transformed."

His desire to serve others is the main reason Pastor Lowthian joined the Army Reserve as Chaplain of the 419th Quartermaster Battalion.

"I signed up for a three-year tour of duty. I have the rank of First Lieutenant," Lowthian described. "My Battalion provides drinking water for the troops in Iraq. We have a massive water purifying system and drive large water trucks where needed."

The 419th Quartermaster Battalion has about 500 soldiers divided into three Companies. Their headquarters are in Los Alamitos, and they drill once a month and for two weeks in the summer. They recently spent several days of field training in Northern California where they lived in tents and practiced water purifying and convoy driving.

Lowthian serves as Chaplain for all the men in his Battalion. He holds weekend Chapel services, but most of his job is called "ministry of presence"--just being there. He works right along with the soldiers and is always available for counseling, prayer, and moral support. The soldiers respect him and appreciated his presence.

"Over 100 soldiers attended the Chapel service on Saturday night," Lowthian declared.

Chapel services are held outdoors, in tents, gyms, or church buildings (if available). The soldiers sing a song or two, hear some helpful teaching, and get free Bibles and counseling.

"During field training we wear our Kevlar helmets and Flack jackets. As a Chaplain, I am not allowed to carry a weapon, but I have an Assistant who carries a gun in order to protect me if necessary," Lowthian said. "Those are the rules of the Geneva Convention, which also says that Chaplains should not be shot. Not everyone follows the Geneva Convention, though," he added.

"I also serve on the Commander's Officer Staff, and I keep the Commander informed about the morale of the troops, ethical issues, etc. I've talked to Chaplains who were stationed in Iraq, and they told me they are busy all the time, constantly ministering to the troops. Sometimes they go out during a battle--not in the front line--but not far behind."

The Chaplaincy was created during the Revolutionary War and exists in all divisions of the military (navy, marines, air force, army, etc.). With a long and honored history, the Chaplaincy has seen some of its members killed in battle. There are different types of Chaplains, such as Protestant Christians, Catholic Christians, Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu. The Chaplain wears a Cross, Star of David, Crescent, or other unique insignia on his uniform.

"I might need to minister to a Catholic who is dying," Lowthian conjectured. "I could not give him Last Rites since I am not a Catholic Priest, but I have a list of prayers for each religion so that I can help various people. It is a cross-denominational ministry environment."

If a soldier dies, a Chaplain might perform a Memorial service. Then he will council the soldiers who lost their friend. Much of a Chaplain's duty is in critical incident stress debriefing, suicide prevention, and post-traumatic stress issues (helping someone cope after a near-death encounter, an injury, battle fatigue, or the loss of a friend).

"The Chaplain must keep his finger on the pulse of his unit," Lowthian revealed. "He's always talking to soldiers, getting a sense of where they're at and offering any necessary help."

What does a Chaplain do if he feels stressed or overwhelmed? He can seek counseling from other Chaplains in the chain of command.

Chaplain Lowthian has a good chance of going to Iraq. First he has to finish his thirteen-week Officer Basic Course at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and additional Chaplain training classes.

"If the Army assigns you a job, they teach you how to do it, and they teach you well. I will know how to be a good Chaplain, and I will also learn how to fix a Humvee or run a water filtration system. That way I can identify with the soldiers better."

Once Lowthian is assigned to Iraq, he could be in any Unit--a tank unit, an airborne unit--wherever he is needed (the army calls this "cross leveling"). He would probably be stationed there one year with only a two-week "leave" period.

When asked why Lowthian decided to become an Army Chaplain, he explained that a variety of things helped him make up his mind. He saw the need for military chaplains. It is a wonderful ministry opportunity. His father was in the Army Reserve and retired as a Lt. Colonel.

"I remember him shining his boots. Previous generations saw many men and women serving in the Armed Forces, and my generation saw very few. It is a privilege, honor, and opportunity."

When he was in seminary, he met a Navy Chaplain who showed him around Newport, Rhode Island where the Navy trains their chaplains. Most of all, he felt God calling him.

"I can go out into the field like I did last week and bring God into the lives of people who--most of their week--don't even think about God. It's a way of reaching out. Sometimes in the church we get cloistered into our own thing, and it's hard to reach out past these white walls."

While in the Army, Lowthian gets good pay, medical benefits, and top-knotch training. If he stays in for 20 years, he can get a decent retirement.

"The Army recently sent me to Atlanta for five days and trained me in a marriage enrichment program. They encouraged me to take what I learned back to my church and apply it, so I'm hoping to have a Couples' Retreat soon," Lowthian added.

Every year the regional chaplains meet for support and additional training. Lowthian's regional full-time Chaplain is a Lt. Colonel, a West Point graduate who is retiring after 30 years in the Service.

"When I wear my uniform in public, children come up and ask me if I'm a soldier. It's an honor to represent my country," Lowthian concluded.

Lowthian was sworn in March 16 at Los Alamitos Army Base. He laid his hand on a Bible and swore to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, bear true faith and allegiance to the same . . . and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter, so help me God."