OTHERS ADOPTED SOLDIERS TOO

While battles are waged in the political, social and military arenas in regard to Iraq, the spiritual camp has taken up arms too.

At Concord Baptist Church, members have used prayer and the postmark as their means of defense.

What these Christian soldiers defend are the souls and morale of the Missouri National Guard 235th Engineer unit, currently serving with the 4th Infantry Division in northern Iraq.

Since May, more than 50 members of the Ike Skelton-based unit have been adopted by Sunday School classes, families and individuals, ranging in age from 5 to 81.

The soldiers receive boxes of goodies, letters and e-mails. But the church members believe the greatest gift they can offer the soldiers is prayer for their safety and spiritual growth...

The soldiers were excited to be adopted, Marsh relayed from her husband.

"At first the packages were all the rave ... But it's the letters now that are the more cherished."

The first-grade Sunday School class sent their soldier 17 questions in their letter.

The soldier responded, "It is kind of nice to know that there are people out there besides family who care about you at home."