In Jesus Name

Operation Iraqi Freedom is a controversial subject in America. From what I have seen I would not refer to it as an operation, but call it by its true name; War! From the outside looking in it seems to me like most things in our culture this War and its soldiers are not talked about like they should be. It has been regulated to quick blurbs by most national news stations which has frustrated me lately. No matter what you believe about this War you probably are concerned for the well being of the soldiers, and you should be!

As a Desert Storm Veteran I wish I could explain what War actually does to someone, but they would be mere words. Time spent in combat changes a person in ways that they do not immediately recognize. You are living with the same people everyday, wearing the same clothes, eating the same things every week, and fearing for your life most of the time. During this time of "sameness" a persons psyche begins to wear thin. It is a life of complete stress and focus on survival and accomplishing the days mission. Some have mental breakdowns , and some become hardened by what they experience. No matter what a persons age or gender are there is one surety of War for every soldier; They will forever be changed by their experience. You might not want to think about it, but it is an undeniable fact. The unfortunate thing about the American Soldier in our Country is that we do not have a process for them to go through to find healing. We also do not have a process for the parents and spouses of the Soldiers to help them cope with the burden of their loved ones being gone to War.

I have decided that it is time for the Church to step up and get to it! I have decided to start a support group for the parents and spouses of Soldiers overseas to help them deal with the gamma of emotions that they experience everyday. We need to be doing ministry in different ways and need to be reaching out in the context of our culture. This is a need that fits into the context very well. Imagine parents and spouses of soldiers interacting with other parents and spouses. Imagine these parents and spouses leaning on one another and praying with and for each other. It is the type of ministry that Jesus invites those who are His apprentices to do. We do it for His glory and honor and in His Name.


The Soldiers are going to continue to leave and by the grace of God continue to come home. The parents and spouses of these soldiers are going to remain with us in the meantime and they will continue to wait everyday of their lives. They will wait for a letter, e-mail, or phone call just to let them know that their loved ones are still alive. While they are waiting the Church should be stepping up to help them through this difficult time. If we learn to do this right now then we will be more apt to minister to the American Soldier once their tour is done. In Jesus Name I hope and pray that the Church will carry this burden.