In Afghanistan, he said, he helped soldiers plug into worship services. There was an active gospel choir “that rocked” and a praise band that was “really big” among its followers, he said. Bible studies were well-attended.

With weekly choir practice, Bible study and worship services, John Richards could almost believe he hadn’t left Lookout Valley Presbyterian Church.

But rockets and camouflage betrayed his location.

Richards, assistant pastor of Lookout Valley Presbyterian Church, has just returned from a 10-month mission in Kabul, Afghanistan, as an Army Reserve chaplain with the 94th Chaplain Detachment in support of the 490th Chemical Battalion of Anniston, Ala. The assignment was his first overseas since he served in Desert Storm in 1991.

“The chaplaincy [is] more involved in the lives of soldiers” than it was 20 years ago, Richards, 46, said. “They’re offering more programs. They’re plugged in more with all of the service members.”

The California native said part of his assignment was similar to his job at Lookout Valley Presbyterian. In Afghanistan, he said, he helped soldiers plug into worship services. There was an active gospel choir “that rocked” and a praise band that was “really big” among its followers, he said. Bible studies were well-attended he said.

The soldiers participated and the choirs rehearsed, Richards said, in spite of a difficult workload.

“They’re working such long hours,” he said. “Logistically, everything’s difficult in Afghanistan. Despite that … they were that dedicated. They were willing to set aside time in their busy schedule.”

Richards said he also led training on suicide awareness and assisted with humanitarian missions to hospitals and schools.

A humanitarian mission, such as delivering school supplies, is dear to his heart, he said, because of the interaction with the Afghan people.

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