Andrew Rawling RN, padre for 40 Commando Royal Marines, writes from Helmand province, Afghanistan

We are now just over halfway through our tour here in Sangin. It’s been tough and relentless – 14 Royal Marines killed, and many more injured, some very seriously. I know that many of the marines have been turning to God as a source of comfort and hope, in some very dark situations. There are numerous stories here of “miraculous” escapes, but obviously one death is too many for the loved ones. We have been very well supported with “welfare” parcels, and I know from feedback that support at home from the churches has been beyond expectations. We really appreciate it. Knowing our families are being looked after helps us remain focused on the job here.

I would value your prayers for peace. We are participating in the suffering that is present throughout the world, and sadly will continue. However we have a moment here to focus our prayers on Sangin, because 40 Commando are drawing our attention there. In the last few days in Sangin an old man blew himself up in the middle of a patrol, fortunately only injuring two of our marines. A marine was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED). An insurgent blew himself up, accidentally killing a local child and seriously wounding another. There have been gunfights and attacks on our patrol bases, with more IEDs. This is a fairly typical week, which exposes the marines to experiences and images which are often horrifying. Please pray for peace: body, mind and spirit, for the marines and all the soldiers serving here.

This is an extract from the September 2010 issue of Reform.

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