Ministering to Soldiers and Their Families

The Need:

Due to overseas deployment of Minnesota military personnel, thousands of Minnesota children have been without one or more parents for more than a year. Thousands of families have been without the support of a spouse in the home. Their deployment was recently extended for another four months. Most will have been gone from home for 22 months when they return in August. Their families, which include more than 7000 children, are exhausted emotionally and physically.

Churches can show Christ’s love by assisting a soldier serving in combat and their families as you would any family in crisis. A gentle ministry of presence that walks beside them through the long days and nights of separation, would be a tremendous comfort.

Implementation in Your Church:

The Minnesota Family Institute and the Greater Minnesota Association of Evangelicals are strongly encouraging you or your church to take advantage of this essential ministry opportunity. If you are not a pastor you could:

1. Volunteer to head this ministry in your area or church.
2. Find someone else who would be wiling to head up the ministry in your area or your church.
3. Share this information with your pastor and encourage them to find someone to head this ministry.

Not sure what you can do? Visit our webpage for ideas and resources to minister to soldiers and their families. Also, you can look for additional ideas at First Lady Mary Pawlenty’s website of Military and Family Care initiative.

If you start up this ministry or already have a ministry to military families in your church please let the Minnesota Family Council know that you are participating and what activities you are doing, by completing our on-line form. You can also let us know by e-mail at caryl@mfc.org or by phone at 612-789-8811.