Wisdombuilt Books

Safest Place in Iraq tells the stories of men and women who experienced God during the war in Iraq, demonstrating the truth that Christian military chaplains are still allowed to openly share Christ and provide pastoral ministry, if they do it right.

Even on good days, living for Christ is a challenging, risk-laden endeavor. One way to make the task a bit easier is to see how other Christians have successfully navigated their temptations and struggles. Safest Place in Iraq aims to do just that, by peering behind the curtain and showing how one military chaplain handled the various dangers, people, and circumstances he encountered during his war-time deployment in South Central Iraq. The result is a story that ranges from death and destruction to friendship and faith, and from temptation and torment to redemption and revival. Colonel Paul Linzey US Army Chaplain (Ret.) identifies the broad themes that everyone―both Christian and non-Christian―has to deal with when the going gets tough. He also shows by example what it takes to overcome life’s obstacles, whether dodging mortars in the desert, or fighting fear, loneliness, and temptation at home or at work. And in the process, Safest Place in Iraq shows that it is possible to remain true to one’s values and calling as a person of faith in a hostile world.

I wish I had had something like it when I was a young chaplain.
Active Duty Military Chaplain

I just finished reading your book and wanted to thank you for taking the time to write it. When I retired in 2006, I became the endorser for the NAE. If I was still in that position, I would make your book mandatory reading for any chaplain candidate and junior chaplain. It was excellent. Thanks for being transparent and honest about your own struggles and for showing your willingness to work with and encourage other faith traditions. Job well done!
Chaplain (Colonel) Paul L. Vicalvi, US Army, Retired
Former Commandant of the Army Chaplain Center and School
Previous Chaplain Endorser for National Association of Evangelicals

These amazing experiences provide a powerful textbook for anyone desiring to know what a military chaplain does in war.
Brigadier General Doug Lee, Retired Army Chaplain

This is a book I highly recommend to my students working toward their Master of Divinity to become military chaplains.
Dr. Keith Travis, Professor of Chaplaincy at Liberty Divinity School

As a former active duty chaplain and denominational endorser, I especially recommend this book for military chaplains and those training to become military chaplains. A true masterpiece!
Colonel Scott McChrystal, Retired Army Chaplain

Gripping . . . compelling . . . the story of a calling from God and the indelible mark of true faith. Having known Chaplain Paul Linzey since his first day in the Army, he tells his remarkable story of finding God’s grace in the midst of war in Iraq.
Chaplain, Colonel, Ronald A. Casteel, US Army Chaplain, Retired

The book proves to us that even in war, God is still there and not silent, doing miracles and using relationships to change lives, reminding us that He is not only relevant in the pew, but also on the battlefield.
Bill Hartman, Pastoral Care Coordinator at Deltona Alliance Church, Deltona, FL