Afghanistan Chaplain Seeks Donations
Cornelius Muasa was sworn in to the chaplaincy by Rev. Herm Keizer, Jr.
Pastor Cornelius Muasa, a Christian Reformed Church Army chaplain in Afghanistan, has asked people to donate a variety of goods that he can distribute to soldiers serving with him at Bagram Air Force Base.
Although the soldiers are given a variety of routine goods by the military, there are still many items that they would find helpful as they continue to serve in the war effort.
Muassa, who grew up in Kenya, says he would especially like people to donate banners from their churches that can be used in chapels in Afghanistan. These banners are especially welcome as significant additions to the worship experience, he says.
Besides banners, he is asking for other donations as well.
“My troops could use plain white socks. (No logos and covering over the ankles.) In addition, if you have people interested in sending care packages, I have a good number of soldiers who like sunflower seeds, popcorn and chips (different varieties), powdered drink mix, jerky, nuts, shaving cream, razors, deodorant for both men and women,” he says.
“I have 946 soldiers total but whatever you come up with I will distribute accordingly. I have my office stocked with these supplies and we have a constant flow of soldiers into my office.”
Hand crafted cards from the children would be welcome as well, he says.
Those churches interested in donating banners, funds to purchase items, or that may be able to send boxes of items themselves are asked to contact the CRC is office of Chaplaincy and Care Ministry.
“I am collecting items here to send to him. If I get a cash donation, I will go buy socks or whatever is listed,” says Virginia Mauchmar of the Chaplaincy and Care Ministry office.
Packages will be sent out regular mail. She currently has one box of banners to ship.
Individuals can put together their own package that they could send via USPS.
CH (CPT) Cornelius Muasa
HHC 157 CSSB, Task Force Chain
BAF APO AE 09354
Chaplain (CPT) Cornelius Muasa, who was ordained at Woodlawn Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Mich., was deployed 11/1/2012 and should return home in about one year.
Now a permanent resident of the US, Muasa went to high school and college and was ordained a pastor in Kenya before coming to the United States to attend Calvin Theological Seminary.
While in the US, he met his future wife, Lauren, who was attending Calvin College at that time.
His interest in chaplaincy began in Kenya when, already ordained as a pastor, he worked as a chaplain at a boarding school for high school students.
Muasa says he found the work challenging and satisfying, especially being able to talk one-on-one with young students about their problems and how they could find solace and answers in the Lord.
