Duty or Love?

Ever since I was a young boy, I’ve felt a strong desire to join the military. I want to fight to protect my country and give others the chance to experience liberty. I feel as strongly about this as one might about joining the ministry. I want to be on the frontlines until the last tyrant falls. Throughout high school, I never really thought much about my future marriage, but now that I’m old enough to join, I feel a new desire: commitment to a lasting relationship with my girlfriend. Would it be fair of me to drag another into the world of a warrior? Will I have to choose between duty and love?

—Chris, Kansas City, Mo.

Editor’s Note: Chris raises some great questions. What do you think, Breakaway guys? What advice would you give him?

Katrina’s Not Over

The effects from Hurricane Katrina have not simply disappeared. I went to Biloxi, Miss., on a missions trip. The destruction there was immense—something that will not go away in a matter of months. Thousands of people lost their homes. There were no houses for about two blocks deep along the ocean. We saw foundations and staircases; that was about it. And all those people are living somewhere else now. Even worse, many couldn't even get money for the flood damage, so they have to pay for repairs on their own. They have a hard time doing that because many businesses in town aren't open. And few businesses will be up and running anytime soon. I would like to think of this as a wake up call to keep praying for and helping people down there on the Gulf Coast.

—James, Jackson, Miss.

Learning to Serve

Last summer I went on my first real missions trip and helped at this camp called Joni and Friends. It's a place where people with disabilities and their families can stay for a week and have a real vacation. So for five days my assignment was to serve this kid who had a mental disability—and he wanted nothing to do with me. The first two days I was very angry at my kid. The third night I prayed, God, I know you sent me here for a reason, and I am here to serve. But nothing is going right. What should I do? The next morning it hit me: I was serving Christ and this boy the way I wanted to—not the way God wanted me to serve. God stripped my selfishness away, and I became totally dependent on Him. From that day on, my boy and I became best friends.

The whole week opened my eyes to how watered down my Christianity had become. Just like my self-centered service at the beginning, I live my Christianity around my plans and desires. But that’s not what Christianity is about. It’s about serving Christ wholeheartedly and being a light for Christ. I learned I can’t be a lighthouse if I am serving myself.

—Derek, Hollister, Calif.

Classic Alternatives

Most people don't realize it, but classical music is probably some of the cleanest music around. I know, most guys don't like this style of music; it's an acquired taste. Much of classical is very overtly Christian, such as Bach's cantatas, Handel's Messiah and Mendelssohn's Reformation symphony. Even Mozart's Don Giovanni, a ladies' man who goes too far on countless occasions, is portrayed as enslaved to his “hobby.” He eventually has to pay the price. For those who are sick of certain types of secular music, classical is a far-too-unexplored alternative.

—Nathan, Round Rock, Texas

Get With the TRIBE!

Thanks, Breakaway team, for all the encouragement in each issue. I especially want to thank you for TRIBE: A Warrior's Battles. It is the best book I’ve ever read! Since I was 10, I’ve been addicted to pornography, and I have battled it for years. (I’m now 16.) I’ve always tried to fight it by myself—which is a bad idea. God showed me Tribe, and when I got it, the book began to change my life like crazy! I ended up telling my parents about my struggles, and they are so proud of me! So here’s what I want to say to my Breakaway brothers: If you’re losing a fight with porn, (1) confess your struggles to your parents and (2) get the book. Tribe reveals God’s hope, strength and truth!

—Name Withheld