Christian Records artist Russ Lee has returned from a 10-day trip to Iraq where he ministered to troops in several cities, including Mosul and Tall Afar. Invited by the chaplains of the 101st Airborne of Ft. Campbell, Kentucky Lee conducted prayer breakfasts and chapel services for soldiers stationed in those areas.
“Russ’ tremendous love for others came through his music and message in a powerful way that touched soldiers and encouraged them for the challenging work they’re called to do in Iraq,” says Lt. Colonel Chester C. Egert, 101st Airborne Division Chaplain. “Everywhere he went in Mosul and Tall Afar the name of Jesus was lifted up and people were drawn to Christ. He left us with a deep desire to have more of Jesus Christ.”
Encouraging the chaplains of the 101st Airborne became a top priority for Lee and prompted him to share their story upon his return.
“The Army chaplains that I had a chance to minister alongside are my new heroes,” Lee comments. “They find themselves in all the dangerous places, shoulder to shoulder with the soldiers. They become their friends and encouragers. They walk the bases looking for opportunities to encourage the young mothers and fathers who are so far from home and family. They cry with the friends of the soldiers who die in action. They give God a voice in war rooms, mess tents, command centers, hospitals, battlefields, and chapel services.”
Accompanying Lee was George King, President of the Butterfly Group and Christian Records. Before entering the business side of the recording industry King had traveled to over 25 countries for the USO as a recording artist. Lee describes King’s previous experience touring for the USO as invaluable. “It was really helpful to have my friend George with me,” Lee says. “George’s knowledge of the ropes of military touring put me at ease and allowed me to take my mind off of logistics, which helped me focus on the task at hand – serving our brothers and sisters in Iraq.”
King comments, “I was glad to walk with Russ during this time of ministry. Going to Iraq was a life-changing experience. The vision of the sacrifice our troops are making will always be on my mind and heart. They need our support and prayers.”
Lee will tell his story for a full hour on the internationally syndicated Soul2Soul program over the weekend of December 19-21, reaching a worldwide audience in twenty countries. Shorter excerpts from his interview will air daily December 15-19 on the one-minute news feature, Soul2Soul Journal. Listeners can go to www.s2sradio.com for program schedules.”
Lee’s current album, The Second Mile, is distributed by Butterfly International Distribution for Christian Records.
