Baptist Press: Jerry Shacklett's ministry has taken him far from his old Kentucky home -- around the world to a naval base in Kuwait.
Shacklett, pastor of Irvington Baptist Church in Irvington, Ky., serves as a chaplain for the United States Army National Guard's 1/487th field artillery unit in Kuwait.
Shacklett was deployed in early January and is learning to deal with situations as a chaplain that are more difficult than anything he has experienced as a pastor in the United States.
In the Middle East he provides religious support to soldiers, sailors and airmen from various military branches as well as to civilian contractors. He coordinates daily worship services and Bible studies on the base, while overseeing other religious activities for various sites in the area.
He also counsels those under his care. Military families face tremendous stress during deployments, with great burdens placed on both the stateside and the overseas spouse.
