Later this month, American soldiers all over Iraq will be listening to Christian Music, thanks to the generosity of the industry's labels and the efforts of Captain Mark Johnston and his wife Julia, who work for the American Forces Network, based in Frankfurt, Germany. It is a story that attests to the power of individuals to make a difference and embodies the Gospel Music Association's mission to expose the Gospel through music, said John W. Styll, president of GMA.

"What started as a friendship made during GMA Week has blossomed into an amazing testimony to the kinds of things our industry can do to impact our culture. It's possible that many will hear the message of the Gospel for the first time through these CDs," said Styll who just returned from a business meeting in Europe where he had the opportunity to visit the Johnstons.

Mark is the chaplain for AFN, and he and his wife Julia co-host Praise Patrol, AFN's weekly, two-hour broadcast to our uniformed services. Two years ago, the Johnstons met then volunteer Missy Zahn (now Executive Assistant to Styll), and they struck up a friendship that carried through to GMA Week 2003. It was during this GMA Week that the Johnstons and Zahn discussed ways the Christian Music industry could help the military, especially those serving in Iraq.

Early this summer, Zahn sent out an invitation for companies in our industry to donate CDs and other product to be donated to the American troops.

"There were several companies that were eager to help. Through this I found we have many people within our own industry who have family members involved in the war. It was amazing to watch the response. It started out with a few boxes trickling in and then within a couple of weeks our mailroom was full! Our industry was more than happy to help out and they were very generous with their donations!" said Zahn.

Twenty-five boxes, representing more than 1,500 CDs, were shipped to the Johnstons, who have organized their distribution to Iraq. Through contact with the senior chaplain in Iraq, the Johnstons will be sending each chaplain in Iraq a box of CDs that they in turn will give to their troops. The first shipment is due to go in with the Army Chief of Chaplains, Major General David Hicks, in the next two weeks. He is slated to deliver them to General Sanchez, the ground commander in Iraq.

"The GMA's effort behind these CDs has affected each of us with a message that you love and care for our brave men and women who are serving in harm's way," said Mark Johnston. "The fact that this hostile desert will soon receive a wide variety of Christian music seems prophetic, as though living springs of water have suddenly appeared in that spiritually arid place. Amidst the awful noise of war will be heard the songs of praise to our God! And this will bring hope and peace as nothing else can!"

Source: gospelmusic.org.