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Joshua Byers, killed in Iraq, called '110%' in career & faith - PRAYER REQUEST
BPNews ^ | 25 JUly 2003 | By James Dotson

Posted on 07/26/2003 4:51 PM PDT by LTCJ

Prayer Request - Joshua Byers, killed in Iraq, called '110%' in career & faith

Joshua Byers, killed in Iraq, called '110%' in career & faith
Jul 25, 2003
By James Dotson

Missionary son Joshua Byers, 29, killed July 23 in Iraq, was a U.S. Army captain who "always did everything 110 percent, and that's how his walk with God was too," said his brother, Milam Byers, lead guitarist for the Christian rock band Bleach. Byers was the son of North American Mission Board workers Lloyd and Mary Byers.

ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP)--U.S. Army Capt. Joshua T. Byers, son of North American missionaries Lloyd and Mary Byers and a committed Southern Baptist lay leader, was killed in action the morning of July 23 in Iraq.

Byers, 29, was the son of Lloyd and Mary Byers, who have been missionaries of the North American Mission Board since January on the U.S. territory of Guam. Lloyd Byers, director of missions for the Guam Baptist Association, previously was a church planter/pastor of Foothills Community Church in Mt. Airy, Ga., and earlier served as a pastor and church planter in South Carolina, Nevada and Georgia.

Joshua Byers also was the older brother of Milam and Jared Byers, lead guitarist and drummer, respectively, for the popular Christian rock band Bleach.

Joshua was most recently a company commander assigned to Headquarters Troop, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, based in Fort Carson, Colo. He was the only person killed when a remote-controlled exploded on the side of the road east of Baghdad as a military convoy of about 50 vehicles was passing by, according to Mary Byers. Seven others were injured in the incident, she said.

Byers is survived by his wife, Kim, who lives in Fountain, Colo., just outside Fort Carson. A 1996 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, he previously served as aide to the commanding general at Fort Carson, Milam Byers said.

The was confirmed by the U.S. Department of Defense about noon July 25, but no further comment from military officials was immediately available.

Mary Byers said she and her husband were flying from Tokyo to Atlanta July 23, and got the news from their sons when they arrived in Atlanta.

"We're just really in shock, but we certainly appreciate the prayer support we've already heard about through the North American Mission Board and all Southern Baptists we've been in contact with," she said.

Robert E. (Bob) Reccord, president of the North American Mission Board, was among those expressing condolences.

"Just as Lloyd and Mary serve Christ knowing there may be a high price to pay, their son Joshua served our country and a cause he believed in," Reccord said. "We grieve with the Byers family during their time of loss. They can be comforted in knowing Joshua is with his Lord and that he was serving a just cause in Iraq. Our prayers and thoughts go out to them."

Byers was a committed Christian who pursued his faith in God with the same passion he pursued his military career, said Milam Byers, reached by phone in Nashville where the family has gathered.

"His whole life, this was all he wanted to do," Milam said of his brother's military career. "He worked hard to get into West Point, and when he was at West Point he worked hard to be the best there. ... He always did everything 110 percent, and that's how his walk with God was too."

Joshua accepted Christ at age 7, Milam said, and never seemed to go through the phases of rebellion that often accompany adolescence.

"It always seemed like when there was a decision to make he always made the godly one," Milam said. "He was very consistent in that. He took every aspect of his life very seriously. As young as middle school he always had a head to think that was much older than he was."

Joshua also was a gifted communicator, according to his brother, with a gift for preaching that he would use during visits home on vacation and leave.

"He wanted to take advantage of that time," Milam said. "I think in the back of his head I really do believe he was called to lead people, but in this season of his life he just knew God wanted him to be a leader in the Army and minister that way."

It was during one visit with friends in Hartselle, Ala., while he was attending West Point, that he had an opportunity not only to preach but to meet his future wife, Kim. The daughter of Jack Redfearn Jr., pastor of West Harselle Baptist Church, she was about five years younger than him. But they kept in touch, and four years later a deeper relationship developed, Milam said. They married in 1998.

Joshua also was a gifted writer, Milam said. "He wrote poems. ... His letters were always amazing. He always wanted to write a book, and he always kept a detailed journal."

Joshua and Kim both were involved heavily as volunteers in the youth ministry at their church, Heart of the Springs Church in Colorado Springs, Milam said. He remembered how Joshua would sometimes call him and his other brother from youth group meetings on Sunday nights.

"Some kids in his youth group were big Bleach fans, and he loved the fact that he could tell them that those were his brothers," Milam said.

During the war with Iraq, Milam said his brother understood the risks but was ready to do whatever was necessary to achieve victory.

"We kept hoping that the war would be over soon. I know that just recently he had written and said that he was worried that people over there had forgotten about them -- because the media had been hailing that the war was over and we had won. ... But actually the last couple of months he said we had taken more hits than in the first couple of weeks in the war when it was covered so well."

A memorial service for Joshua Byers is scheduled for 1 p.m. July 30 in Fort Carson, Milam said. The funeral and burial tentatively are planned for Saturday, Aug. 2, at Lisbon Presbyterian Church in Mountville, S.C. Memorial gifts may be made to the Guam Baptist Association, PO Box 326008, Hagatna, GU 96932-6000.
--30--

It is with deep sorrow that I post this report. I attended church with Josh and Kim when they were stationed here at Ft Stewart. As the article states better than I could ever hope to, Josh was a fine young man, fellow soldier, and brother in Christ. I can't remeber seeing him without a smile on his face. He will be truly missed.

Please take a moment to lift up his wife Kim and the rest of the family in your prayers. For those of you in the northeastern Georgia or northwestern South Carolina areas, consider attending his funeral next Saturday.

1 posted on 07/26/2003 4:51 PM PDT by LTCJ
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It would have been an honor for any soldier to have served in his command...
What a loss for his family and the US Army
Prayers to his family...he is with the Lord Jesus who purchased him with his blood
May the Lord grant his family His peace & comfort and the knowing that they WILL be re-united

2 posted on 07/26/2003 4:59 PM PDT by joesnuffy (Moderate Islam Is For Dilettantes)
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Joining you in prayer, LTCJ ... "When 'Welcome Home' I shall hear Jesus say, O that will be glory for me ..."

3 posted on 07/26/2003 5:01 PM PDT by Pegita ('Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His word ...)
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I am humbled by this young man's sacrifice.

4 posted on 07/26/2003 5:04 PM PDT by What Is Ain't
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God bless him and keep those he left behind well.

Prayers and thanks from Army vets in Ct.

5 posted on 07/26/2003 5:04 PM PDT by jwalsh07
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Very sorry to hear this. Prayers for him and his family.

6 posted on 07/26/2003 5:08 PM PDT by livius
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Fallen comrade ping.

7 posted on 07/26/2003 5:10 PM PDT by LTCJ (Godspeed, Josh. See you at the rally point.)
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Seems like a fine young man. Prayers.

8 posted on 07/26/2003 5:13 PM PDT by mtbopfuyn
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What a terrible thing! God bless his family, I am broken up over this. It's important that we never get blase about the deaths of such gifted and wonderful people. I pray that the violence against our soldiers abates. I pray that Iraq becomes a country of prosperity and peace.

I also send my condolences to you. It's clear you're very sad to hear this news. I wish I knew him too. He sounds like he was a fine man.

9 posted on 07/26/2003 5:25 PM PDT by faithincowboys
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Sad to lose such a fine young man. This article bothers me though in that there's far too much about his parents and their accomplishments. This is not the time or place for them to be listing everything THEY'VE done. It really should have been all about Josh and Kim, not mom and dad. I had to keep going back and rereading to try to just find the facts on HIM. If it were my son, I doubt I'd even be able to think of all the stuff I've done in my life. It almost struck me as them trying to upstage him.

10 posted on 07/26/2003 5:28 PM PDT by holyscroller
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11 posted on 07/26/2003 5:29 PM PDT by AntiGuv (™)
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I know that just recently he had written and said that he was worried that people over there had forgotten about them -- because the media had been hailing that the war was over and we had won. ... But actually the last couple of months he said we had taken more hits than in the first couple of weeks in the war when it was covered so well.

We will continue to pray, Captain... we haven't forgotten. May God comfort the family of this fine man; we trust that the Lord has welcomed another good and faithful servant to his home.

12 posted on 07/26/2003 5:38 PM PDT by edskid (When self-congratulatory schadenfreude becomes aiding and abetting the enemy, it's time to shut up.)
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It almost struck me as them trying to upstage him.

Please understand that the article was taken from a mission support web site. His parents are the link and the common thread in that sense.

Josh lived to serve and advance the cause of his Lord and Savior. It in no way diminshes his memory.

13 posted on 07/26/2003 5:40 PM PDT by LTCJ (Godspeed, Josh. See you at the rally point.)
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Prayers for Joshua, his family and friends.

14 posted on 07/26/2003 5:48 PM PDT by 4ConservativeJustices (Dims, living proof that almost everywhere, villages are missing their idiot.)
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The following was taken from an e-mail notice from our church. I'm sure Josh and Kim would have us focus on the reminder in the last paragraph.

Josh and his wife, Kim, were part of Southwest Community Church when they were stationed here several years ago. Many of us knew them and loved them. We mourn the loss of this fine, young Christian man. We rejoice in the fact he is now home with God.

Pray for Josh's family as they grieve the loss of their loved one. Pray for God's grace and comfort. If you would like to send a note or card, we can get you their address.

Pray for the rest of our troops and their families. There is still over 140,000 men and women in that combat arena doing what Josh was doing - answering the call of their country to protect the liberty of the rest of us. Let's do our part. Pray!

15 posted on 07/26/2003 5:54 PM PDT by LTCJ (Godspeed, Josh. See you at the rally point.)
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Dear God it is horrible when we lose anyone, but such a fine young man makes the loss especially sad. What a leader this man was and would have been. This Nation needs many more like him. May God Bless and Comfort His Family. May we never forget!

16 posted on 07/26/2003 5:57 PM PDT by RAY
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Prayers for his family and friends. I thank God that men such as him grace our world.

17 posted on 07/26/2003 5:59 PM PDT by AHerald
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Capt. Joshua T. Byers, a grateful nation salutes you, and mourns your death.

18 posted on 07/26/2003 6:03 PM PDT by Luis Gonzalez (I am la Cuba libre.)
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Prayers for this soldier and his family.

19 posted on 07/26/2003 6:04 PM PDT by Salvation (†With God all things are possible.†)
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prayers

20 posted on 07/26/2003 6:27 PM PDT by fightinJAG
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LTCJ, thanks for sharing this with us. Condolences to you, your church family, and Josh's earthly family in your loss.

21 posted on 07/26/2003 6:38 PM PDT by Amelia (It's better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness)
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Prayers for Kim and the family of this fine young man.

22 posted on 07/26/2003 6:56 PM PDT by shezza
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May the L_rd carry him and comfort his family.

23 posted on 07/26/2003 6:58 PM PDT by dennisw (G_d is at war with Amalek for all generations)
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Many thanks to his family for raising such a selfless American who was willing to give his all for us.

24 posted on 07/26/2003 10:40 PM PDT by risk
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A true American who will be missed. God bless him and his family.

25 posted on 07/27/2003 7:25 PM PDT by rageaholic
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Prayers for the family.

26 posted on 07/27/2003 7:30 PM PDT by Davea
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Prayer sent for Joshua and his family.

27 posted on 07/27/2003 9:49 PM PDT by RJL
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God bless him, his family and you. This brave young man paid the ultimate price for freedom. We're saddened, yet extremely grateful.

28 posted on 07/28/2003 5:52 AM PDT by Coop (God bless our troops!)
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Thank you all so much for your kind replies. The more I read them, the more I realized just how hard his loss had been hitting me. I can’t imagine what Kim is going through. My heart breaks for her.

Yesterday at church, several of us were talking about Josh and swapping stories. It was especially poignant because a young lieutenant of our congregation was three-days-fresh back from Iraq and standing right there with us (although he hadn't known Josh). I had forgotten the story that someone told – it was just so typical of Josh that it was lost among my other memories of him: when he was stationed here and went out into the field, every morning his tank crew would gather together and he’d lead them in a Bible study.

I thought I’d share with you something that our pastor read yesterday at the end of the morning service. It was taken from an e-mail that one of our other pastors had received from Josh before he shipped out to Kuwait. I've taken the liberty of highlighting a portion that particularly struck me.

Here is the excerpt from the letter Josh sent out before he left:

Let me assure you -- I am well-trained in my duties as a soldier and a leader - I have trained hard, both individually and collectively with my units, on all of the tasks that I must perform in combat for the last 11 years (right along with many of you receiving this e-mail!). Everything I have done since my first day at West Point in 1992 has been to prepare me for this challenge. I and my fellow cavalry troopers are ready for this.

I am at peace with the knowledge that I am in God's will and firmly believe that it is better to be shot at in God's will than to be drinking margaritas on some gorgeous beach out of it. God has shown me this time and time again throughout my life - so much so that to believe anything other than that my Lord protects me and will be right beside me every moment of this deployment would be irrational!

I cannot tell you in all honesty that I feel no fear - I do. Fear is healthy when rationed in increments that keep my awareness keen. But as a Christian warrior, I am confident that God is in charge and fully in control of all of the things that are beyond my control - I can give all of that to Him and drive on, focusing on what I can effect!

I will talk to you all when I return home! In the meantime, please send me letters! Mail is worth more than gold to a deployed soldier! I will also give names of soldiers to Kim that don't receive as much mail as others so you can all adopt an extra pen-pal or two, if you'd like.

My address in Iraq will be:
CPT BYERS, JOSHUA T.
HHT, 2/3 ACR
APO ....

Don't send any packages (just letters) to this address for a few weeks. Kim will have the latest information on what kinds of things we need over there via packages from home.

God bless each of you and God Bless America.

Your obedient servant,
Captain Josh Byers
2nd Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment

Philippians 4:13

 

---

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Phil 4:13

29 posted on 07/28/2003 10:18 AM PDT by LTCJ
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I will also give names of soldiers to Kim that don't receive as much mail as others so you can all adopt an extra pen-pal or two, if you'd like.

Sounds like a fine officer and a class act - the world is a little worse off with his passing.

30 posted on 07/28/2003 10:34 AM PDT by Coop (God bless our troops!)
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God Bless this young man. May he rest in peace. Prayers for his family and friends.

31 posted on 07/28/2003 10:39 AM PDT by MoJo2001
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A Christian Warrior

Too bad a lot of Christians think the term is an oxymoron

32 posted on 07/28/2003 10:40 AM PDT by VOA
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33 posted on 07/28/2003 10:43 AM PDT by LindaSOG (Get behind our Troops or get in front of them.)
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Deeply felt prayers for Josh and his familiy.

34 posted on 07/28/2003 10:55 AM PDT by BOBTHENAILER (One by one, in groups or whole armies.....we don't care how we getcha, but we will)
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PING FOR A FALLEN WARRIOR

LTCJ: May God Welcome Josh Home and comfort his family and friends.

LTCJ: Thank You for your service to our country.

35 posted on 07/28/2003 11:03 AM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (Thank You for Josh for ensuring our Freedom)
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36 posted on 07/28/2003 11:35 AM PDT by beachn4fun (Rest in Peace Mr. Hope. Thanks for the joy.)
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As a old former 11th ACR trooper myself I understand his patriotism, devotion to duty, and esprit de corps for his unit. I have one son still over there myself. I can only imagine their loss. My heartfelt prayers go out to the family.

37 posted on 07/28/2003 11:39 AM PDT by ladtx ( "Remember your regiment and follow your officers." Captain Charles May, 2d Dragoons, 9 May 1846)
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This was a fine young man. LT, I grieve with you. Will pray for his wife and family.

Josh, my brother, you are a hero proved in liberating strife. We know you are resting in peace, and I look forward to meeting you.

38 posted on 07/28/2003 11:54 AM PDT by Mr. Silverback (This tag silent in honor of Bob Hope.)
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Your post reminds me of a couple of lines from a Geoff Moore song:

How I long to see the hour
When I will hear that trumpet sound
Rise to see my Savior's face
See Him smile, and say "Well done!"

39 posted on 07/28/2003 12:00 PM PDT by Mr. Silverback (This tag silent in honor of Bob Hope.)
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Roger that!

40 posted on 07/28/2003 12:06 PM PDT by Mr. Silverback (This tag silent in honor of Bob Hope.)
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Seven others were injured in the incident, she said.

Prayers for the other good guys. Some were probably biting hard on the bullet
before the medics arrived.

This article is just to remind us where America's REAL "Best and Brightest" are.

41 posted on 07/28/2003 12:11 PM PDT by VOA
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"This article is just to remind us where America's REAL "Best and Brightest" are."

Truer words could not be said. May God be with all of the men, women, and families of our Armed Forces.

42 posted on 07/28/2003 12:14 PM PDT by PigRigger (Send donations to http://www.AdoptAPlatoon.org)
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Father hold his family in the palm of your hand. Please give them the peace Josh now rests in with you.

43 posted on 07/28/2003 12:21 PM PDT by WestPoint90
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Thanks, TGYC and LTCJ.

Rest in peace, Joshua Byers.

44 posted on 07/28/2003 12:21 PM PDT by MeeknMing (Bu-bye Dixie Chimps! / Coming Soon !: Freeper site on Comcast. Found the URL. Gotta fix it now.)
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In defense of our freedom our service men and women have paid the ultimate price and I am forever in debt. A song I wrote re. a particular solidier's story is posted on my website but applies to all who are serving and all who have lost a loved one. It can be found at
www.seanjsasser.com
All Freepers are encouraged to forward this song to those who might need hearing it during their time of grief.

45 posted on 07/28/2003 12:38 PM PDT by sasafras (sasafras)
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In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me:
As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,
While God is marching on.

46 posted on 07/28/2003 12:46 PM PDT by TomHarkinIsNotFromIowa (Feindhammer!)
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To fallen soldiers let us sing
Where no rockets fly nor bullets wing
Our broken brothers let us bring
To the Mansions of the Lord

No more bleeding, no more fight
No prayers pleading through the night
Just divine embrace, eternal light
In the Mansions of the Lord

Where no mothers cry and no children weep
We will stand and guard though the angels sleep
Through the ages safely keep
The Mansions of the Lord.

47 posted on 07/28/2003 1:00 PM PDT by Dick Bachert
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I'm so sorry. Please tell the family we grieve for them; what a beautiful smile he has.

His heart was more beautiful. We am not worthy of such devotion, for beautiful young men and women to die for our freedom. It is the imitation of Christ. God, make us at least try to be worthy; let us remember that every time we worship You in peace, or speak our minds in freedom, it was bought with the blood of men such as these...

48 posted on 07/28/2003 1:06 PM PDT by dandelion
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I am so sorry about this young mans' death. Prayers for his widow and his parents.

49 posted on 07/28/2003 1:21 PM PDT by bentfeather
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Very nice. I listened to the song and followed the words along via your PDF file there.

Thanks !!

50 posted on 07/28/2003 1:23 PM PDT by MeeknMing (Bu-bye Dixie Chimps! / Coming Soon !: Freeper site on Comcast. Found the URL. Gotta fix it now.)
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