TO OUR WARRIORS IN AFGHANISTAN
The Price of Freedom
At the present time the United States has troops deployed in Afghanistan fighting for the freedom of their people. America has long fought for and defended freedom in our country and around the world, beginning with the Revolutionary War and continuing up to the present. Many other times since then, our country has fought for democracy and against tyranny. Over the last 200 years many countries around the world have been released from oppression because American troops were willing to pay the price for freedom. We have helped liberate millions of people.
The Fight Against Oppression and Poverty
Our country became involved in the Afghanistan struggle shortly after the events of September 11, 2001. The United States sent troops to Afghanistan to capture Osama bin Laden and other high-ranking members of the Al-Qaeda terrorist network. The United States is also striving to break the yoke of the Taliban in that country. American troops defend and support the people of Afghanistan in their struggle against oppression and poverty.
Service and Sacrifice
Our troops have killed or captured many terrorists since the War on Terror began. Americans should have great pride in the valor of our military personnel in Afghanistan. Quite often we encounter our brave troops dressed in camouflage in airports, restaurants, and other public places. At these times we should express our appreciation to them for their service and sacrifice. The fight for freedom has a high cost. Many of our courageous soldiers have suffered injury during combat in Afghanistan. Many of our soldiers have lost their lives in the conflict there. They have paid the supreme sacrifice for freedom.
The Ultimate Sacrifice
Over 2000 years ago the ultimate sacrifice was made for mankind. A great victory was won to provide freedom for each one of us. It was the victory over sin and death. Jesus Christ sacrificed His life when He died on the cross and rose from the dead to set us free. Jesus was more than a hero. He was the Savior of the world. The Bible reveals that we are all sinners (Romans 3:23), and sin prevents us from having a relationship with God. The penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23).
Our brave men and women in the military die to save fellow soldiers and fight to set people free. Jesus Christ died on the cross to save us from sin and death. He sacrificed His life for us on the cross.
We will all remember the brave men and women in the military who have sacrificed their lives for our country and to set others free in Afghanistan and around the world. But Jesus Christ sacrificed His life to free us from sin and death so that we might have peace and everlasting life. Will you place your trust in Jesus Christ today and receive Him as your Savior from sin? You can pray a prayer like this:
Dear Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I ask you to forgive me of my sins, and to grant me the gift of everlasting life. I now trust in you as my Savior.
American Tract Society (ATS)
