A while a go, my pastor asked me to put together a summary of what we are doing at FBCB for our military families. This is what I came up with, and I hope it can help or encourage others to start up their own military ministry at the local church. This is definitely not the “be all, end all” of military ministry, but it is a start and deals with some of the basic needs our military families have. If you have any questions, would like to add your own suggestions, or share what you are doing at your church please leave a comment. Thanks!
Mission: To demonstrate and share the love of Christ with our military community through our service, care, and support.
Purpose: To provide a ministry focused on the unique needs and issues that our military families are faced with. In today’s world of long deployments, frequent training exercises, and a transient lifestyle, military families need a ministry more than ever that understands what they are going through and can give them the support they need and deserve. FBC Belton is committed to support our soldiers and their families as they serve our Lord by their service to our country and sacrifice for our freedoms.
Vision: The FBC Belton Military Ministry is committed to continue being proactive in our ministry to the unique and changing culture/lifestyle of our military families. As a pioneer in military ministry, we are dedicated to help other churches in the Ft. Hood area to realize the need for a focused military ministry, share ideas on how to best support and minister to our soldiers and their families, and equip military families to be missionaries to their military communities.
Current Ministries:
· Military Family Night Out (MFNO)
MFNO is available once per month from 6:00-9:00pm to all active or reserve military families. The purpose for MFNO is to strengthen military marriages by providing childcare for children (NB – 5th Grade) so the parents can enjoy the evening alone. This is also available for spouses of deployed soldiers to give them a well deserved break from their children once a month for 3 hours.
· Veterans / Military Fellowship
Once a month, the FBCB Military Ministry hosts a Veteran’s Fellowship for all who have served or are serving in the military. The fellowships are designed to bring all generations of our military together to get to know each other and support those currently experiencing a deployment.
· Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Recovery Group
FBCB is dedicated to support our veterans who are diagnosed with PTSD due to their combat experiences. With the support of Dr. David Howard, the original group goal was to completely recover from the trauma, and not just suppress the resulting symptoms. The method used is called Etiotropic Trauma Management (ETM) and Trauma Resolution Therapy (TRT). Currently, we are working on ways to incorporate the Bridges to Healing Ministry’s The Combat Trauma Healing Manual into this ministry.
· Adopt-A-Battalion
Through the personal contacts and the help of the AUSA/Ft. Hood website, we have supported to date 3 battalions during their deployment. We recently supported the 2-8IN, 4ID throughout their deployment from 2005-2006, and the 4-227 ARB, 1CD during their 15 month tour in Iraq (06-08). From writing letters, to providing supplies to set up a battalion coffee shop, and lots of prayer, we are making a positive impact for troops in harms way.
· Prayer Support
· Letter Writing Ministry
· Lawn Mowing Ministry for families of deployed soldiers
· Men’s Prayer Group – dedicated to pray for the families of our deployed soldiers
· Chaplain Support – provide childcare, marriage building & financial planning resources
· Single Soldier Support – Partnering with the Belton Chamber of Commerce to provide barracks supplies like sets of towels for single soldiers returning from Iraq or Afghanistan.
· Mentoring for Children of Deployed Soldiers
· Gold Star Family Ministry
· Installation Chaplain Partnership - Providing resources both financial, volunteers, and facilities to assist the Ft. Hood Installation Chaplain with his ministry.
· Spiritual Deployment Kits (SDK) – Mailing packets with spiritual development material to deployed soldiers
Military Ministry Blog – www.militaryministry.wordpress.com
POC: Minister to Military Families
Dear beloved brother
Holy greetings from PASTOR G.RAVI KUMAR, INDIA
While searching in googly,I was found your web site and appealed for us.Since finding your ministry. Iam willing to work under your banner and leading the ministry in the tribal area.I will obey your orders and suggestions. I was wonder about your faith statement in the website.I was informed all the matter to our church believers and we are all praying for you and for your ministry development.
Iam hoping your fellowship begins with our lords grace.Iam believing that our lord may use you in his service greatly.Daily iam visiting various places and preaching the word of God in the streets through hand mike,and distributing the tracts.
I owned a small church in the remote area. Due to the recent floods,it was damaged severely. When you visit INDIA.Please kindly watch our lords service by visiting our churches and area of gospel.We will pleased about your love on us.we hope our lord may encourage you very much in lord.Iam ready to work with you,Please keep your regular prayer. am waiting for your kind reply soon
thank you once again.
IN HIS STEPS
PASTOR,G.RAVI KUMAR
P.O.BOX 78
DANAVAI PETA-78
RAJAH MUNDRY-533 103
E,G,Dt;INDIA(A.P)
Hello my name is LeaAnn Rothacher. My sons and I live in Harker heights area and have for 8 years. Almost 2 years ago my oldest son Rodney was diagnosed with a rare brain disorder name Dandy Walker malformation of the brain. Since then we have had a lot of really bad things happen to us. First thing is that we have been in and out of this state looking for help for him. A lot of people gave us hope and then they just said the same thing all the other doctors told us (we cant do anything) In the process of all this my health began to fail. I have had 2 heart attacks and now lung disease. I wont give up though. I cant! What he has is fatal! I am writing today to ask for help….We are going to be kicked out of our home next week if we don’t come up with the rest of our rent. We still owe 264.00. Anything will hold him off I think but need a good portion of it. Can you or do you know someone that will help us and soon. We tried a place called CAN and the help center and no funds they say. You can call me if you like at 254-245-0697. I don’t own a computer so it is hard for me to check my mail at times. You can call any time. Thank you for listening…..