Ministering in difficult places: A chaplain’s call

More than 600 "enemy combatants" of the United States are being held by the military at the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Because of intense scrutiny from the media and international community and the fact that the war on terrorism has no end in sight, life at the prison for those who serve there can be stressful — especially for chaplains since one of their own was charged with breaching security last October.

But where others might crumple under pressure Assembly of God Army Reserve Chaplain (Maj.) Daniel Odean, the Joint Detention Operations Group chaplain at Guantanamo, is flourishing. The reason for his success, he reluctantly suggests, is the fact that he is only doing what he signed on to due: serve those in his charge.

Recently, Assemblies of God US Missions spoke with Odean about serving as a chaplain while negotiating difficult and stressful circumstances. Following is our exclusive interview with him.

U.S. Missions: What are your main responsibilities?

Odean: I serve as a chaplain for Joint Task Force (JTF) Guantanamo focusing primarily on the Joint Detention Operations Group (JDOG) that consists of service members from all branches.

The JTF conducts operations for detaining, securing, sustaining and worldwide escort operations of suspected terrorists to Camp Delta (the prison camp at Guantanamo Bay) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Global War on Terrorism.

I also serve as an advisor to the commander on religious, moral, ethical and morale issues.

As the JDOG Chaplain I minister to more than 1,000 troopers, but also ensure that appropriate free exercise of religion is maintained throughout Camp Delta.

This is done through advising command, communicating with the Military Police and ensuring that the detainee population has the religious items they are allowed to have and which are approved.

Finally, I conduct worship services. I pioneered the "Soul Survivor" program, which is a contemporary spirit-filled worship experience. The JTF Command has supported it and the response has been great. God is using "SS" to touch the JTF!

U.S. Missions:How do you respond to critics who say you, as a Christian chaplain, cannot meet the needs of Muslim captives?

Odean: I am responsible to carry out the Commander’s Religious Support Program and intent. At Camp Delta, the Commander is concerned with the Military Police’s ability to maintain a high standard of military professionalism and excellence.

I serve the Commander by advising on issues and concerns [regarding the detainees] that have been communicated to me while I am interacting with the MPs.

This is all part of military ministry; it also creates opportunities to establish rapport and credibility that opens doors for ministry.

U.S. Missions: In what ways do the detainees turn to you for help?

Odean: I help manage detainee religious issues and promote religious sensitivity. I do not want to lead anyone to believe I have a counseling type relationship with the detainees. But I assist the Military Police with mission focus and by remaining firm, fair and consistent toward the detainees.

U.S. Missions: At times you must feel that those you serve and the media scrutinize anything you do as a chaplain — how do you deal with such pressures?

Odean: This is a highly visible mission and the pressure, which that brings doesn’t really bother, effect or intimidate me. However, I am very aware of it. I have to rely on God’s wisdom and direction.

I am supporting the mission by ministering to the spiritual needs of America’s troopers while at the same time, ensuring that the detainees are able to exercise the essential basics of their faith.

U.S. Missions: What do you say to those who say Guantanamo Bay is just another example of the United States being at war with Islam?

Odean:U.S. Policy is that we are not at war with the religion of Islam; we are at war with terrorism. We are at war with the enemies of freedom. We are defending freedom here at Guantanamo Bay. America and the world are safer places because of missions such as this one and many others our military are involved in.

U.S. Missions: How do you stay spiritually fit?

Odean: I deal with pressures by spending time in prayer and studying God’s word. I seek God on how to speak life into situations here. I pray for God to hover over this place and that He would stir the hearts of people. I also have a great Church Family here at Guantanamo Bay, which provides support.

U.S. Missions: In doing your service how is Christ evident in your life?

Odean: I make Jesus evident by being positive, understanding, willing to listen, supportive, steady and consistent in all things.

When troopers speak to me about problems, issues or concerns, I try to focus them on the bigger picture of life while applying the Scriptures and asking if I can pray with them. I try to let them know they don’t have to do this on their own, but with God’s help and strength, they can accomplish all things.

U.S. Missions: What lessons have you learned by ministering at Guantanamo?

Odean:God has a purpose in all things and I’ve learned to trust Him more. I have had to trust Him to watch over my family. It is not easy to minister while separated from your loved ones, but one learns what commitment and sacrifice are all about.

Deployments like this stretch people. Sacrifice and selfless-service are expected and cherished in the military. I have learned that America is a better and safer country because of those who are committed to serving in our nation’s military.

U.S. Missions: What has been the toll on your family during this deployment?

Odean: Brenda, my wife, is a strong person. She is understanding and supportive. I could not be effective in military ministry without her unselfish support and her holding things together on the home front with our three kids. She has a harder job than me any day! She’s my hero!

U.S. Missions: What would you say to someone who is contemplating becoming a chaplain?

Odean:We need more spirit-filled military chaplains. Yes, it is challenging and demands sacrifice, but the Kingdom of God is to be advanced and freedom needs defending. It’s time to step up to the plate and allow God to use you in mighty way.