Russ Lee ministers to US troops in Iraq.

NASHVILLE-BASED artist Russ Lee, and George King, president of Butterfly Group, travelled to Iraq and ministered in multiple cities in November. Invited by the 101st Airborne from Ft Campbell, Kentucky, Lee performed songs from his current album 'The Second Mile' for over 20,000 soldiers in the cities of Mosul, Qayyarah, Tall Afar, Irbil and Sinjar. Lee comments, "Our soldiers know what it means to daily live a Second Mile lifestyle. I want them to know that we are extremely grateful, supportive and prayerful on their behalf."

The visit came amidst an escalation of hostile activity in Iraq, where soldiers are serving under heightened issues of security and morale. "Soldiers are dealing with loneliness, security, relationships and extended length of tour," says Lt Colonel Chester C Egert, 101st Airborne Division Chaplain. Fidelity in marriage is also a big concern. Lee and King had the opportunity to spend time meeting with soldiers one-on-one as well as hosting prayer breakfasts and luncheons. Lee remarks, "I want our troops to know that God is even more concerned with this situation than they are." CR

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