PORTAGE, Wis. -- The faith of a Portage church is being put to the test as an important member of their congregation is serving with the Wisconsin National Guard's 32nd Infantry Brigade in Iraq.

Pastor Jonathan Robertson is a chaplain for soldiers of the 32nd Infantry Combat Brigade. Members of his congregation at Faith Baptist Church say that Robertson is always present in spirit.

"He felt a strong desire to serve God and country," said Robertson's wife, Hope Robertson. "I believe that in counseling and helping keep the soldiers strong, that is emotionally helping our country."

But, Pastor Jonathan Robertson's family and church is finding that technology can overcome distance.

One recent Sunday, Robertson reconnected with his congregation at Faith Baptist Church via Skype, for the first time in nearly a year.

"We're just excited to communicate face to face with Pastor Robertson today," said Pastor Daniel Gaschke.

"It's amazing for how far away you are that the picture is here and that you're able to see us as well," marveled Deacon Kevin Harris.

One of Robertson's roles is to prepare soldiers to return to civilian life.

"One of the things I keep telling them and reminding them is sometimes good soldiers have to make adjustments to be good civilians," said Robertson. "We've been in this role now for several months and now we've got to adjust to make the adjustment back."

Robertson told his congregation he revels in the small comforts he can find in Iraq.

"They have ice cream so I make sure to only eat ice cream on days that end in Y," he joked.

Skype technology even allowed the pastor and his church to sing a hymn of praise together.

"Looking forward to see you all soon in person," said Robertson.

The church plans to connect with Robertson on Skype at least one more time before the end of the year.

His family uses the same technology to talk to Robertson nearly every day.

"The number four child would actually associate just the computer with daddy and goes in and points at the computer and says daddy," said Hope Robertson.

She said her children are finding ways to patiently wait for their hero to return.

"We put a penny in a jar every day he's gone and at the end we're going to apply that toward a giant ice cream party," she said.

Robertson is expected to return home in January.