I remember when my brother was in Iraq. The fear that gripped the hearts of so many friends and loved ones when their sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers left their homeland to fight in a foreign land filled with danger and unknown struggles. Being the apolitical type, I don't get terribly involved in the policies of war, nor do I have passionate arguments about who is winning or losing, whose fault it is, or when the troops should come home. Still, I rejoice in knowing the last US troops are leaving Iraq after many years of war, which resulted in the death of many soldiers and civilians alike.
I am not naive enough to believe that there will be no more conflict in Iraq or anywhere else in the world, nor do I think that there are not a hundred more places to which many of these soldiers will be sent. We continue to pray for the soldiers and their families as they serve their country, along with those responsible for leading and making decisions. My oldest brother, Bruce, will retire from the United States Marine Corps on January 13, 2012. Just less than a month from now, this man who has given his life to the protection and service of his country will be without a job for the first time in years. However, leaving the active service does not mean forgetting what you live for. Of all the former service members I have met in my years, I have never met a "former Marine". I am reminded of a friend's grandfather, in his late 80's. Ed still flies a Marine Corps flag at his home, and decorates his vehicle, hat, and much more with the USMC insignia. Ed is not a former Marine, though he served over 60 years ago. Ed is a Marine until the day he dies.
On a more spiritual note, I don't believe that soldiers for Christ ever really retire either. Sara and I read a book last night written by Jim and Sharon Fleming. This couple served the Lord for years overseas and now live back in the United States. This very helpful book shares how people on the home front can be involved in the work of the Lord, in prayer and correspondence, and many other ways. On the specific side of missions, there are tons of great ideas for your family, small group, or the whole church to put some thought and effort into getting to know the needs of a missionary family. You could take most of these suggestions for encouraging missionaries and also apply them to encouraging soldiers who are far from home
This book is just 64 pages, with quite a few of the chapters/ideas being 2 pages or so, a quick read during your family devotional time. Most of the suggestions in this book, updated in 2009, are either free or very inexpensive to implement, yet can impact lives across the world from the comfort of your home. The publisher's description of the author confirms that a soldier never really retires, as this couple who faithfully served the King of Kings still have a heart for those in current service, and in fact are serving the Lord still today. I might add to the publisher's introduction that Jim and Sharon Fleming will be soldiers and ambassadors for Jesus Christ until the day they die. I pray that each one of us maintains the outspoken loyalty for our Savior that Ed has for the Marines.
This book is just 64 pages, with quite a few of the chapters/ideas being 2 pages or so, a quick read during your family devotional time. Most of the suggestions in this book, updated in 2009, are either free or very inexpensive to implement, yet can impact lives across the world from the comfort of your home. The publisher's description of the author confirms that a soldier never really retires, as this couple who faithfully served the King of Kings still have a heart for those in current service, and in fact are serving the Lord still today. I might add to the publisher's introduction that Jim and Sharon Fleming will be soldiers and ambassadors for Jesus Christ until the day they die. I pray that each one of us maintains the outspoken loyalty for our Savior that Ed has for the Marines.
An Evening in Mingouwee By Jim Fleming & Sharon Fleming / ECS Ministries Jim's current ministry is that of International Coordinator for Emmaus Correspondence School, a division of ECS Ministries, where he has the goal of seeing these Bible study courses used to give Bible training to even more people around the world. In 2008 they relocated to Dubuque, Iowa from where they continue the international Emmaus correspondence school work with frequent trips overseas. Although their hearts and minds remain on the mission field, they believe that, for the time being, God’s purpose is for them to be close to parents and college-age children. |
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