Returning Home...

Ben;

Please forgive me for taking so long to respond to your request for commentary. I will be honest; my transition back to my regular life has been somewhat problematic. Family reintegration for me was wonderful; however transitioning back to work was tough. My wife and I experienced very little transitional bumps in the road. This is due largely impart to our relationship with Christ and two other deployment under our belt.

God has been our stabilizer and counselor throughout this reintegration process. Whenever irritation or depression begins to set in God quickly intervenes and reminds me to hold fast to His unchanging hand; and when I obey the results is victory.

Like me many Service Member are returning home to their families after more than a year away in a place of fear and uncertainty. Some are returning to find a loving wife who kept the home fires burning and prepared a welcome home fit for a “King”. Other however will be retuning to a tumultuous relationship that will further throw them into depression and extreme anxiety. Their hearts will brake as they return to divorce papers, infidelity, financial ruin, lies, pressure and hateful words. These are the walking wounded that show no outward sign of battle damage; but inside they are completely destroyed. The have little or no connection to Christ. Many have abandoned their faith in God because their life situation has become so noisy God’s still quiet voice can not penetrate their barrier. Many are lost and consumed with despair. They move through each day like virtual zombies living for the night, and a time when the noise of life will quiet. They self-medicate with drugs and alcohol and seek love from flesh merchants who drain them of their self-respect and financial resources.

They need God “Right Now”. They need hope, acceptance and love from God’s people. They need an outreach program that is working in concert with the Military Chaplaincy. This will provide a network of support for Soldiers and their families that will hopefully connect the dots and complete the circle of support needed.

This is where your organization can help. You currently have media access and a Ministry that is primarily “Outreach” centered. If you can incorporate (at least initially) a Service Member Outreach program it will be a tremendous service to those returnee’s who find themselves lost and alone.

Thanks... Pastor Owen Roberts