Foreword
'Religion is a crutch, a prop for old age,' argued the young infantry man. He went
on, 'It is a good thing for old men, old women, and young girls.'
In front of his captive audience in the barrack room, he was stating the age old
concept of why Christ has no part to play in the life of a vigorous young man serving
in the ranks of the Armed Services.
This little book has been written to refute that argument, and to advance the
counter argument, that The Lord Jesus Christ is the soldier's best friend; whether he
be serving in the tension laden streets of Ulster, or the comparative calm of the
barrack room.
The subject of our book is Jim Hill, a bomb-disposal officer, who has been
decorated twice for gallantry by
H.M. the Queen. Jim is a brave man, admired for his professionalism as a soldier,
and accepted by all as a 'man amongst men.' He is known also as a committed
Christian, serving the Lord Jesus Christ in all that his Saviour would require of
him. He is a man who has proved God at the sharp end of war. As he pulls on his body
armour and helmet he prays; as he advances towards the explosive device, he asks the
Lord to concentrate his mind on thwarting the evil designs of the terrorists; as he
stoops over the bomb, he has the assurance that 'standing somewhere in the shadows is
Jesus.'
Friend, read Jim's story. It is from the battle front where God confronts Satan
and his cohorts. It is also a story which encourages the Christian and begs the
question, yet again.
'Who is on the Lord's side? Who will fight the foe?'
Soldier or airman without Christ, what is your answer?
Jim Moore, Northern Ireland.
Editor's Note
Jim Hill is the fictitious name for the hero of this booklet. His real name is
withheld for security reasons.
Acknowledgements
The editor wishes to thank Mr. Samuel Hutton, B. A. for designing the cover of
this booklet and his help in both preparing the material for printing and directing
the publication.
Contents
Chapter
1 Danger Ahead
2 An Important Childhood Decision
3 Marriage and Children
4 Pressures Removed
5 Victory Over Fear
6 Tale of the Unexpected
7 Blessings in Bessbrook
8 At Buckingham Palace
9 The Way to Peace
Chapter 1
Danger Ahead
Crossmaglen!
The very name spells danger to every soldier in Northern Ireland. Not far from
there I was engaged in a life and death situation as a bomb-disposal expert, on my
second tour of duty in the Province. News had reached us that there was a bomb in the
railway station in a little village.
When my team arrived we found that the train had been pushed out of the railway
station, and several of the carriages were ablaze. It was our job to prevent more
damage by defusing any bombs on the train.
'Right Sir. I've discovered that we've got a situation
where three bombs have exploded and we don't know if there are any more,' I told
my boss when he arrived. I'm letting the fire-brigade deal with the blaze remotely.
Then we can go in and see what's happening.' That's fine,' agreed my boss. A short
time later I was informed that two more bombs had been found in one of the carriages
not on fire.
I reported this to my superior officer, I'm going in to deal with those two bombs.
Trouble is, because of their position I can't get my remote equipment into that
carriage, so I'm going to do it manually. I don't expect anything untoward because
someone has been in and spotted them. They're inside two duffle bags lying in the
luggage department.'
'Carry on,' replied my boss.
The previous bombs had been incendiaries, so as a double precaution I put on both
flash and anti-bomb kits.
It was necessary to walk up the steep embankment to board the train. My only worry
was how to clamber onto it with all my heavy, cumbersome kit. 'I've got to get in
there and get the job done properly. Just give me the strength to do it,' I prayed
inwardly.
Somehow I managed to get myself and kit into the carriage where there were two
bombs. One was just in front of me and the other on my right. I attached the kit to
the one in front of me and went to do the same to the second bomb. As I did so, it
partially began to function, that is, to explode! The dreaded moment had come! I knew
it would go off in a few seconds, because of the way it was functioning! My instant
reaction was, 'I don't want this bomb to go off on the train, because that's what I'm
here to prevent.' So I seized hold of the device and threw it off the train with all
my might.
It only partially exploded. It turned out my decision had been the right one for
the bomb was an incendiary device. Had it gone off on the train it would have caused
a fire ball which would have burned ferociously and created great damage.
Lying on the embankment I made the two bombs completely harmless. The
nerve-racking ordeal was still not over as it was necessary to go back on the train,
this time feeling tired and exhausted, to search for more bombs. Thankfully, there
were none.
Chapter 2
An Important Childhood Decision
I have been asked. 'Did you feel afraid when doing those nerve-racking jobs?' Yes.
I did have fear. Not of death, as I will explain later, but of the pain my death
would have caused my wife, family and comrades. This would have unsettled them. That
fear was not with me on the job, when my mind was completely occupied with what I was
doing and for which I had received intensive training. I spent several years in
bomb-disposal work, nine months of which were continuous, so I had plenty of time and
many occasions to learn how to overcome fear. That is why I am writing this booklet,
that others may share this secret.
To put it in a nutshell, it came to me through seeing God take a hand in my life
and learning, bit by bit to know and obey him.
It is possible to contact God at a very early age. For me it happened when I was
eight and my brother nine years of age. Something happened then which had wonderful
and far-reaching consequences.
My father was in the Army and that is the reason I have been all over the world.
My mother is Italian and my father an Ulsterman, so it is not surprising that in
nineteen fifty nine when I was eight and my brother nine, we found ourselves living
for some months with our grand parents in Belfast. We went regularly to church with
them and were taken to Sunday school.
We were also sent to the mid-week meeting for children. One night a visiting
speaker made it clear to us, that we can get to know God, the Creator and Sustainer
of the Universe. This God is a holy God who hates our sin but loves us. He came into
this world in the Person of Jesus Christ. He was crucified, taking the punishment for
our sins, because of his great love for us. All we have to do to go to heaven is to
thank him for his suffering and death for us, be sorry for our sins and promise with
his help to do them no more. We must ask him to take control of our lives.
We didn't understand all he was saying, but in utter sincerity we asked Jesus to
be our Saviour. All I can recall after that is going home jumping up and down for joy
and running along the Shankill Road and saying. 'We're saved.'
'A childish emotional experience,' you may think. Yet the fact is, with hindsight,
I can trace God's hand upon me for good right from that time. The timing of all the
major events in my life, from then on all pointed in the right and best direction, as
my story reveals.
Chapter 3
Marriage and Children
I joined the Army as a lad of fifteen and went to Chepstow to train. This was
followed by two years in Germany as a regular soldier and then two years in England.
There I married and eventually we had a daughter we named Rachel. I was then Acting
Staff Sergeant and was expecting to be posted to Germany.
The fact of becoming parents made a moral and spiritual impact on us, as we
realized our responsibilities towards bringing her up in the best possible manner. To
this end we had her christened in the camp Anglican Church, even though I was far
from living a Christian life myself. Yet we both knew that this one act would do
neither her nor us any good, and thought we ought to do more about going to church.
Not long afterwards we were posted to Germany and for a time we forgot all our good
intentions.
In Germany three incidents affected our lives and my later intention to give my
life completely over to Christ's control. Again I could look back and see the hand of
God directing my life.
The first was a letter from my brother which I received the Christmas before
nineteen seventy seven. He was then a Staff Sergeant in the Royal Engineers in Hong
Kong. He wrote that he had got in touch with some Christian people there. He asked,
'Jim, do you remember that feeling of joy we had going down the Shankill Road, after
we both decided to follow Christ? I've got it again. I've found Christ as my
Saviour.'
Recalling my childhood's spiritual experience, I began to want the joy he
obviously had. Thoughts of God were generated again.
Another incident in which I saw the directing power of God was when some Mormons
knocked on our door. Only my wife was home. By this time both of us were really
seeking God. She declined to talk to them because I was not at home. They didn't
return.
I am sure that had they done so we would have accepted their faith. At the age of
eight I had trusted my life to God and he had prevented me from taking a wrong
turning by adopting one of the many false cults around today.
A third incident occurred which resulted in my wife and I making an important
decision, which changed the whole course and motivation of our lives. It was as a
result of this decision that we both learned the secret of overcoming fear.
Chapter 4
Pressures Removed
Lindsey, my wife used to be in the Army, and one Friday evening her ex Army friend
Anne invited us to a rally (Unknown to us Anne had become a Christian) We agreed to
go, thinking it was a car rally. In reality it was a Christian meeting during which a
talk was given to the children by a missionary from the local Brake Bible School. She
told of the love of Christ for children in China, which made us realize his love for
us as well.
After this meeting we talked to a Scripture Reader with regards to Christianity
and found him a very sympathetic and gracious person. We made arrangements to go to
the Sunday afternoon meeting with S.A.S.R A. (The Soldiers' and Airmen's Scripture
Readers' Association), to see what they did, which was to tell the good news of
Christ.
On Saturday night, Lindsey realized her need as a sinner and asked the Lord Jesus
Christ to save her from sin and its eternal punishment.
Then I started going to Bible Studies and realized my life style was not
compatible with Christianity. So, at the age of twenty-six, repenting of my sin, I
gave my whole life over for him to control. From that time my life had purpose. The
directing hand of God could be seen more and more clearly in my life.
I was then an ammunition technician looking after storage of military ammunitions,
and part of my job was bomb-disposal.
Not long after this I was due for a tour in Northern Ireland to do bomb disposal.
I should have been sent over earlier, as prior to nineteen seventy eight, I was
overdue a tour. The timing of this tour was important, as if I had come over earlier
I would still have been in my unsaved state. This probably would have meant I would
not have had the moral strength to withstand all the pressures of being away from
home, and being engaged in dangerous work
Leaving a wife and family to come for a torn in Northern Ireland, involves al!
sorts of problem-Soldiers were being killed. Others found the pressure of work was
wrecking their marriages. We would have had a double pressure. Lindsey would have
been worried as to whether or not I could have been killed and also worried in case I
would not want to return to her.
But once we had both committed our lives to Christ all such pressures were
removed. There was earthly human worry, but Lindsey knew that if I were killed I
would be waiting for her in heaven. If I came back it would be to continue life with
her because marriage is biblical and lasting
Not only were pressures removed but I grew in the knowledge of God. through
reading his Word the Bible. If you doubt the truth of the Bible, just trust in what
it says. Obey it That is what I did and found it to be utterly reliable as a guide to
life. A godly Scripture Reader gave me such a grounding in the Bible, that when I was
isolated in Omagh on my first tour, I could find my own way through the book, and
found strength, direction and comfort.
At that time I was in communication with a fellow bomb-disposal man in Germany. He
was a believer in the 'Divine Light Mission.' but he wrote to me enquiring about the
Christian faith. In order to answer him I had to search the Bible which gave me
greater knowledge and encouragement. Through our discussions he realized this cult
was corrupt and stopped being a follower. Only this year he and his wife became
Christians.
Not only did I learn at that time to search and obey thy Bible. I also learned why
I should pray or talk to God and how to do it. Daily I read the Bible and prayed
while in camp. Although well trained to do my job, I knew I needed God's help, being
always apprehensive, fearing the unknown more than anything else, never knowing what
the terrorist would do next. To cover every eventuality I relied upon my training.
The worst part of my job was travelling to the bomb and during the R.S.P. (Render
Safe Procedure), when the bomb was neutralized.
On the way to an incident, I prayed all the time. On arrival the usual procedures
were gone through. In any spare moments, such as rest periods, I would also commit
the job to God. On its completion it was a real pleasure to thank him for his help
and protection!
I also prayed for my team and the other guys out on the ground, who were at more
risk than we were. If the alarm were false, we were at no risk at all, but those out
on the cordon could have been shot at, if the device had been placed merely to lure
them into danger.
One particular nerve-racking incident made me realize more than ever how good it
was to be able to pray and have the presence of Christ with me through his Spirit, at
all times. I knew then how great must be the loneliness of those who face death
without him.
Chapter 5
Victory Over Fear
In this particular incident the terrorist had laid five devices in a little
village. None of them had functioned, so it was our job to defuse them all. One was
in a position where we couldn't use our remote equipment, so it was necessary for me
to walk up to it. The imminent danger helped me to concentrate my mind on the
job.
I knew the bomb could have been different from what was normally expected. In that
case I could have been killed. It turned out to be the standard device. I was
safe!
This incident made me think a lot about my fellow bomb-disposal men, who, having
put on their special suits, walk forward and are totally on their own. It was a great
comfort to me to know I would never have to face such isolation. God was always with
me and I believed his Word which promises. 'And we know that all things work together
for good to them that love God, . . .' (Romans 8:28). This is a fact of life I have
proved over and over again.
It was natural to be worried as to whether something unexpected would happen.
However, my main worry was that if the bomb exploded, would sufficient evidence
remain to ensure that the next man would not be killed by the same kind of
device?
I had no fear of death itself knowing I would go to heaven, and it was comforting
to know my wife shared my belief.
Supposing I were injured? Well, I've seen so many Christians handicapped in
various ways, yet God is still helping and using them. I knew he could do the same
for me.
There are times when I question my role in the Army. 'Why am I doing this? Is it
worth while? Am I just another bit of cannon fodder?' These are very natural
reactions, but I know in my heart it is better for a Christian to be out there
defusing bombs, than for a man totally unprepared to face his Maker.
From Northern Ireland I went back to Germany, and there I learned how to overcome
a different form of fear.
Chapter 6
Tale of the Unexpected
Two incidents happened which showed how God can change people, and also how the
devil, or Satan tried to trip me up to ruin my Christian character. I know many
people do not believe in the personality of Satan.
However, Christians do, for they feel his power to tempt them. Others, calling
themselves Satanists actually worship him.
The first incident happened just after I became a Christian. In the sergeants'
mess there was a Christmas draw every year. From about June the men bought tickets in
order to have a splendid function. At that time, I was a W.O.2. (Warrant Officer
Class 2)
Christianity and gambling are not compatible. Buying tickets for a draw is a form
of gambling, for the principle behind gambling is to get something for nothing at the
expense of others. It is also a form of pleasure that ruins the lives of many people.
So I decided not to take part in the draw as a help and example to others.
This decision led me into difficulties! I knew the only way I could not take part
was to obtain permission from the Regimental Sergeant Major. (R.S.M. W.O.I.) There is
a big gap between my rank, which was W.O.2. and his.
'If I can only find him on his own. I might be able to persuade him,' I thought,
praying that this would happen. On opening his door, there he was with two
clerks!
This is it, I thought, knowing that such men never like to lose face in front of
others.
'What do you want9' he asked.
'I want to talk to you about the Christmas draw tickets Sir.'
'OK, what about them?'
'Well, I'm a Christian and I don't believe in gambling.'
'I'm a Christian too!' he argued.
'I'm a practising Christian,' I said. 'I don't believe gambling or draw tickets
are conducive to my way of life.'
'Oh! See the treasurer. You don't have to take them.' That was certainly an answer
to prayer, and showed God changing the man's attitude. He was normally such a
vociferous man, and would usually not have responded like that.
When I came across to Northern Ireland in nineteen eighty six the same situation
arose in Lisburn. In that camp was a formidable Garrison Sergeant Major, a W.O.I. As
this was then my own rank, it was just a case of going down to see him, to get out of
the draw. At first I felt tempted to buy the tickets and not put them in. but decided
against this, God upholding me and showing me to be open and honest in all things. To
my surprise he merely said, 'It's all right Jim. I know all about you. You don't want
Christmas draw tickets. You don't have to buy them. Just see the treasurer.'
Had I not approached him, he would have wondered if I had dropped my Christian
faith. Behind the whole incident. I could plainly see Satan at work trying to destroy
my witness to others of my faith in Christ.
My wife and I also declined to take strong drink. because of its evil consequences
to those who take too much or spend more than they can afford on it
Chapter 7
Blessings in Bessbrook
After being on various tours in England. Germany and the Falklands, I was sent
back to Northern Ireland on a second tour. This time I was stationed in the village
of Bessbrook.
Conditions there were not pleasant but there were great compensations One was the
Army Scripture Reader who would travel all the way from Belfast on the off chance of
seeing me. He never knew whether or not I would be in, or even if I would he Called
out while he was there, because I was on duty twenty four hours a day, seven days a
week. He did all this just to share Christian friendship with me. At that rime the
only other Christian friendship I had was with two Christian policemen and a
Christian medic.
It was at this time and in this area that I was delivered from the dangerous fire
bomb situation, which I have already described.
In spite of the obvious dangers of such situations, it was imperative that I
should sleep at night. This I did manage to do because of my training to cover every
eventuality and because I looked on my job as every day work.
I found it a great responsibility looking after the men in my team, and tried
whenever possible to talk to them of their sin and need for salvation.
They listened, I think people are very open to Christianity in the Province when
death is staring them m the face, but once removed, they forget all about it because
death is not so imminent. Yet it could come just as quickly through a car accident or
heart attack!
One of my men. my chief clerk, did commit his life to Christ. One day we discussed
Christ, sin and salvation in depth.
'All you have to do to become a Christian is to follow a few simple steps.' I
explained to him. 'Pray a simple prayer by confessing your sins and accepting Christ
as your Saviour. I'll pray it for you and you can pray it after me.
We did this, kneeling by his bed. I felt great because I was leading someone into
a life of peace, direction and satisfaction through faith in Christ.
This is fantastic.' he said. The load has been lifted off my back.'
Chapter 8
At Buckingham Palace
After being in Bessbrook I returned to Germany for a short time. I was then posted
to Lisburn for another tour where the daily running of the bomb-disposal teams in the
Province became my responsibility. I found a great burden to speak to all the
operators specifically about Christ, giving them helpful publications such as 'Right
with God.' and 'The Reason Why'
While still in the Province I received news that I was invited to Buckingham
Palace to be decorated for gallantry. (The editor has asked me to include an account
of this incident).
As a family, we were naturally honoured and delighted at the prospect of meeting
the Queen and receiving the award.
I was glad to receive the awards at Buckingham Palace as a reflection on God's
people, and to show that a Christian soldier could achieve and perform as well as a
non-Christian.
My wife and father were with me on my first visit to the Palace. I was overawed by
its splendour and felt humbled that I should be decorated by the Queen.
The first award was not really for my conduct in any one incident, but for the
amount of work in which I had been involved. In the late seventies I arrived in
Northern Ireland at a time of heightened work. There were more bombs around, and I
appeared to be doing more work than the guys before me.
As I spoke to the Queen I wanted to tell her only of my purpose in life, to serve
God and in so doing, serve her.
It was a remarkable occasion matched only by my second visit, when my wife and two
daughters were with me. Her Majesty expressed her pleasure at being able to present
the award again, and I was very much aware of my duty as a Christian and ambassador
for God in that situation.
The second award was given to me for much the same reasons as the first, that is,
facing more danger because of more work.
Chapter 9
The Way to Peace
Today I am a Commissioned Officer on the administrative side of the Army, and no
longer in direct contact with bomb-disposal men. but I am being used by God to help
with the work of S.A.S.R.A.
I've never once had any regrets about being a Christian. It was the best thing
that happened to my wife, many of my relations and me.
My message to soldiers is that Christianity is not a crutch to lean on. but is a
way of life that is compatible with soldiering. Being a follower of Christ will make
a man a better soldier. Working for Christ will make a man an even better worker for
his Commanding Officer. It is not necessary to be a hard-swearing, hard- drinking man
to be a first-class soldier. Not only does his Commanding Officer get the best, but
Christ gets the glory.
If you are a Christian, always make it known. In time you will win the respect and
even the hearts of your comrades. There is some pressure from non-Christians, but
there is now more openness to Christianity in the barracks.
Wholeheartedly, I would encourage any soldier to become a Christian, for it is
certainly the best decision I ever made in my life and my wife is in full
agreement.
For our marriage, our common love for Christ has united us. The pressures that
would have been there without Christ, are absent. We have this unity, that should our
human side fail we can rely on Christ to help us. Any separation is reduced, because
we both pray to the one God and we found this unity even when I was in the
Falklands.
To rely on Someone other than money, is security. It is victory over all fear. It
is a victory which can come to any soldier who will commit his life to Christ.
Through accepting Christ as your Saviour you can receive eternal life. How do you
think God will act towards you if you reject his Son and refuse to accept his great
gift? You will be separated from him and happiness for ever, and such separation is
hell, which Christ described as eternal fire. (Luke 16:23-26)
You matter very much to God. He loves you, died for you and wants you to receive
eternal life as it states in his Word, the Bible, 'For God so loved the world,that he
gave his only begotten Son,that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but
have everlasting life.' (John 3:16)
If you want to know more, find a bible and read John's Gospel. If you wish to
repent of your sins, and give your life completely to Christ, pray. 'Lord Jesus
Christ, I am sorry for the wrong things I have thought, said and done and for the
right things I should have done, but didn't. Please forgive me and take over my
life.'
To live a successful Christian life, read the Bible, pray and get to know other
Christians. Tell others you are now a saved man.
You will find members of S.A.S.R.A. only too willing to help you along the
Christian pathway.
If you are a Christian and a civilian, join a lively Bible believing church where
salvation through the death and resurrection of Christ is preached.
Christians reading this story, please pray for our soldiers. You have seen their
need.
