CPT Jill Radunzel's recently deployed to Haiti with 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division as a Company Commander. CPT Joel Radunzel followed shortly after ensuring all the necessary logistics were "squared away" back here at Bragg. I recently read a message from Joel that said he enjoyed the Super Bowl under the Haitian sky with 700 other Paratroopers and that it was the best Super Bowl ever. Let his comments not be deceiving though, Troopers are still living off of 2 Meal's Ready to Eat (MRE's) a day and only recently got running water.
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Amidst all of this, however, God never ceases to amaze. Jill was selected by her Battalion Commander to be the liaison to Samaritan's Purse, who, "for over 35 years have followed Christ's command by going to the aid of the world's poor, sick and suffering."(1) Her new Army job is to interface with this non-profit organization in order to provide any needed military assistance that would allow Samaritan's Purse to provide more effective relief. Samaritan's Purse serves the church worldwide to promote the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. If that isn't God's amazing hand working, I don't know what is. I daresay neither Joel nor Jill could have predicted this incredible all expense missionary trip just a few short years earlier when they were deciding how they wanted to serve Jesus -- choosing the Army as their mission field. It is amazing to see how God provided this opportunity through their decision.
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Back at Fort Bragg, Betts and I have had the wonderful privilege to co-labor with the Radunzel's since November of 2007. At that time Joel, Jill and I had just returned from being deployed for 15 months. Joel and I started up a small group Bible study within the Navigator ministry. Two years later God has raised up many a follower of Jesus Christ through that group and both Joel and I are humbled to be a part of His might work. Joel, its been a blast brother. I would say hurry back, but I think you and Jill are right where God wants you. I'll flush the toilets in your house for you every once in a while. Our prayers are with you.
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(1) Luke 10:30-37 and http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/Who_We_Are/About_Us
