How Samaritan's Purse is Ministering God's Love and Healing to Wounded Heroes and Their Marriages

Aimee Herd/SamaritansPurse.org : Jul 10, 2012
Samaritan's Purse/Operation Heal Our Patriots

Thousands of military personnel return home suffering from physical and emotional pain. Many may receive care and counseling for their immediate medical needs. But the road to recovery is long. Husbands and wives encounter intense challenges along the way. Operation Heal Our Patriots focuses on mending these marriages with God's healing love.

Franklin Graham's Samaritan's Purse organization has been involved in humanitarian relief for a long time; not only meeting practical needs but also spiritual ones as they minister the love of Jesus in all kinds of difficult circumstances.

Recently, I became aware of one of Samaritan's Purse's latest projects—a much needed one—bringing some peace into the lives of US military members and their spouses who've been wounded in service.

Below is information on Operation Heal Our Patriots, from the website of Samaritan's Purse:

According to the Department of Defense, over 48,000 U.S. service members have been wounded or injured as a result of combat actions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere in the global war on terror since the 9/11 attacks. For these patriots, the road to recovery is long. Military couples in particular encounter intense challenges along the way.

Operation Heal Our Patriots, a ministry project of Samaritan's Purse, focuses on bringing spiritual refreshment, physical renewal, and marriage enrichment to wounded and injured U.S. military service members and their spouses. To thank these brave men and women for their service and sacrifice, we offer programs uniquely developed to strengthen the marriage relationship and build hope for the future through the transforming power of God's Word.

Samaritan Lodge Alaska
Samaritan Lodge Alaska stands peacefully within the great wilderness of America's last frontier. It is here, among mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife that we minister to the needs of America's own victims of war. Military service members and their spouses have the opportunity to stay for one week, including travel time.

Each day, our on-site staff chaplain leads devotions and our Marriage Resiliency Workshop. This weeklong course offers couples time away from daily pressures and distractions to study the primary dynamics that have the greatest impact on a marriage. The workshop concludes with a worship service, which affirms and celebrates couples' relationship with God and one another, amid the marvels of His creation.

The first group of wounded military personnel and spouses to visit Samaritan Lodge Alaska enjoyed fishing, hiking, and the beautiful Alaska scenery. Most of all, they appreciated the opportunity to get away for a week and to spend time with each other. They had the opportunity to grow closer as a couple while attending marriage enrichment classes. Throughout the summer, Samaritan's Purse will share God's healing love with more heroes who have been wounded or injured while fighting to keep us free.

Seminars at the Cove
Samaritan's Purse also sends military couples to The Cove, a retreat center nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. Weekend seminars feature Bible teaching designed to encourage, equip, and empower husbands and wives who want to grow and deepen their faith. Whether exploring the vast network of trails or relaxing in quiet locations such as the Chatlos Memorial Chapel, visitors to The Cove enjoy an environment built for fellowship, Bible study, prayer, and worship.

Aftercare
What military couples learn and experience through Operation Heal Our Patriots gives them a solid Biblical foundation upon which to build a Christ-centered marriage. Helping them live it out at home is what leads to their long-term healing. That is why our ministry includes aftercare services that include:

• Area military chaplain referrals
• Local church follow-up
• Additional resources for spiritual growth

For more info, follow the link provided.