March 24, 2003
In military towns, churches gear up to help families
___By Ken Camp
___Texas Baptist Communications
___KILLEEN--Military families bear the burden of uncertainty as loved ones await deployment, and some Fort Hood-area churches are seeking to minister to these families who have put their lives on hold.
___"It's a roller coaster of emotions," said Joda Weston, pastor of Pershing Park Baptist Church of Killeen. "As a church, we're just trying to be all we can be for all those who are here."
___Some members of the church just returned from a tour of duty in Korea, only to receive word that they should anticipate deployment to the Persian Gulf.
___"Their children have a hard time with that," Weston said. "I've made a deal with some of the children, that every Sunday I'll give them a hug for their daddy.
___"I'll make sure they know I'm not trying to be their daddy. They don't need that confusion. I just want to give them the hug he would give if he were here."
___In some respects, the indeterminate waiting period is as painful as the period of separation during deployment, area pastors said.
___"The uncertainty is hard to handle. We have people who have been on 48-hour call-up for 48 days," said David Morgan, pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Harker Heights.
___The long, uncertain wait has created unusual needs among some military personnel, according to Shane Scott, minister of evangelism and discipleship at First Baptist Church of Copperas Cove.
___"There are some soldiers--particularly the single ones--who have sold their possessions," he said. "Some have let their leases go on their apartments or houses."
___Like many churches in the area, First Baptist of Copperas Cove has a variety of "helping hands" ministries in place to help meet the physical needs of military families when loved ones are away from home.
___"We face deployments all the time," Scott noted. Deacons and others are on call to mow yards, repair cars, provide child care and support to families. "We've also strengthened our care group ministry through our Sunday School," he added.
___The church stands ready to provide ministries when needed, but it ironically finds itself playing the same waiting game as the military.
___"It's an awkward time that can be stressful," Scott acknowledged. "It's hurry up and wait. We're waiting now, just like they're waiting.
___
___
The Baptist Standard
News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.
Contents/ Masthead / Why We're Here / Links / Archive / E-mail us/ SUBSCRIBE!/ Signup for FirstLook
|