A Marine now in Afghanistan recently wrote his parents: "Thank all of those others who are praying. Daily I see the results out here. Our Marines continue to be safe, despite a very complex environment, and the prayers for my Sergeants have had a direct impact, as I see some who were struggling improve and those doing well do even better.

 I was reading recently that prayer is not so much about getting God to do something or changing our circumstances, as it about changing me to conform to our Father's intent. This has really struck me, as so often I catch myself trying to get God to fit in the mold that I want, rather than seeking to surrender myself to His plan, which is so much better and provides so much more joy than my way does. 

I see how effective these prayers are, so I am not shy to ask for Close Prayer Support. God continues to be so good and provide for our Marines out here.  Please tell those who are praying for us that their prayers are genuinely making a difference, as we have been taking the fight to the enemy successfully so far.  One item I would like to as for very specific prayer about right now is IEDs.  This issue has caused a lot of stress for me and my company."