Outskirts Press, INC.

In the Midst of a War Zone, Hers is a Holy Mission of Love and Peace

She led sermons under threat of mortar fire, prepared Easter communion on the tailgate of an armored vehicle. But the biggest threat for Chaplain Gladys Lanier wasn't an RPGit was spiritual apathy.

No Greater Love: Staying Alive 365 Days in Babylon is her account of being embedded with American forces fighting in Iraq from 2004 to 2005, during some of the fiercest combat of the war. Lanier, a chaplain in the Reserves, is ripped from her civilian life as a teacher one day when she receives news that she's been mobilized and is being sent to the war zone. Charged with ministering to warriors under the most extreme circumstances, Lanier shares the glory of Jesus' word on convoy missions, in hardened encampments, and on the battlefieldall the while knowing that for some seekers, it would the last time she saw them.

This powerfully written memoir follows her and her soldiers' journey through the deepest sorrows and soaring summits. It chronicles her tireless efforts to provide spiritual succor for America's armed forces, and her ongoing fight for soldiers' right to receive it. In the process, No Greater Love expresses the power of God's message of love, mercy and forgiveness to provide peaceeven amidst enemy fire.

I discovered that a young marine had just finished his tour and was on his way home, but he received a “Dear John” letter and was overcome with grief. There was no one there inside the chapel tent to offer comfort, and he surrendered to his own demise. A statement popped into my mind: When there is no chaplain, there is no church, and there is no one to catch you when you fall.

It was hard to imagine that something like this could happen. Yet death by causes other than enemy fire would become more common than the military liked to admit. At last, a new chaplain arrived who would now become the primary caregiver for those arriving in Kuwait and departing into Iraq. The chaplain was much older and had a Santa-like appearance. His face was cheerful and pleasant, with squinty eyes and a warm smile punctuated by rosy cheeks. His sermons could get the hairs on your arm to stand up when he preached about the heavens opening and our entering the presence of mighty angels.