Part 3: Chapter 59: Sunday service

18 August 2019, close to Adamiyah, Baghdad.

At the service that Sunday morning, Major Burger welcomed each person in attendance, with a special welcome towards her. Taking a seat in the row in front of Curt he greeted her, which she returned with a smile.

Two men picked up their guitars and began with a well-known praise song. Sonia's soprano voice complemented the tenors and low-pitched voices in a beautiful chorus as they joined. They sang two more songs before they sat, and the chaplain took the mic. He thanked Private Chris Thompson and Sergeant Thomas Banks for the music.

When it became quiet, Phillip gave Isaiah 58:5, 6 as reference and those with Bibles turned to it.

"5) Is it such a fast that I have chosen? A day for a man to afflict his soul. Is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?