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Saying good bye to Chaplain Walker

A little over three years ago, a Chaplain in the United States Army, and the local Station Manager/Host of American Family Radio 91.7 and 91.1, sat in the studio on North Foster Street, dreaming about a ministry that would connect the soldiers with the community, but yet help to instill the value and worth God places within ourselves as a child of God, something that seems to be shadowed from today's society, especially in young people. From that brainstorming session "Value Driven Ministry" was conceived.  Based on the vision of, then co-host, Chaplain Mackberth Williams, Debbie Irby and Mack developed what is now a one hour program, every Saturday at noon on 91.7FM. It is heard locally, and internationally by soldiers and their families via the internet, and has reconnected friends and family all over. Most recently, VDM is currently being broadcast LIVE from IRAQ!

For the past nine months we have shared amazing stories of what God has been doing in and through the lives of our soldiers, as told by the soldiers living in the very heart of the conflict. While visiting Iraq, the Chief of Chaplains, United States Army's 22nd Deputy Chief of Chaplains, encouraged all chaplains to tell our story by thinking outside the box. "Tell the soldiers story".  And that's  what we've been striving to do. The program consists of Debbie and Mack talking about the topic of Mack's devotional shared during the last segment of the program, as well as lively discussions and interviews with the soldiers, most from the Wiregrass area! We have heard bagpipes, solos, and the divine sound of the Westside Chapel Choir singing praises that Debbie says "lifts her off her feet" right there in the studio. Can you imagine God's presence over there through their music and praise!  We have even had a chance to speak to born again Iraqi citizens, interpreters, and pastors, all sharing the same story of God's grace and power at work in their country. While on RNR, we traveled with Mack to ST. Croix US Virgin Islands, Brazil, Mississippi, Kuwait and Iraq and even the airport in between, what an adventure it has been!

Recently, members of the 1203rd returned to the US from Iraq and Debbie and her eight year old son Matthew, rose early in the morning (2am!) to welcome them back at the airport. These were soldiers and chaplains that she has spoken to while over in Iraq, and it was incredible to be among the first to say "Thank You"... and welcome them home.  Lt. Col Tom Vickers was among those returning. So was Chaplain Collins, and Spc. David Sims, emails have been received from these soldiers thanking AFR for lifting the spirits, supporting the troops, and giving the troops "a tremendous morale boost" and something to look forward to. What they don't know, or don't see, are the tears, and the pride, that Debbie has, as she connects, and takes her part in sharing the "Soldiers Story". "What an awesome privilege it is to serve God, and serve our
troops, simply by giving an hour, or whatever, each week to connect with these guys, who can sometimes feel so disconnected from their homeland and families...it's awesome".

Currently Value Driven Ministries is sponsored by Mr. Charles Nailen of GGG Foods, Inc. Taco Bell/KFC. We so appreciate his support of AFR and the troops, and his love for the Lord. Blessings abound to all who serve. In every area.

Debbie Irby is a member of First Baptist Church, Dothan, Alabama. Special Notice: VDM is not sponsored by the US Army or any branch of the US Military or Armed Forces. It is the personal ministry of Mackberth Williams.