February 2015 – The Armor Bearer
We are hopeful this letter finds you well and experiencing our Lord’s richest blessings. We cannot thank you enough for your trust and faith in our ministry. We work everyday to bring glory to our Lord as we earn that trust.
Among our ministries, the servicemen center working under a local church pastor has the ability to reach our troops at very vulnerable times. We all know young people are going to do something with their off time. Holidays and long weekends off are particularly hard for our young heroes. They miss their families and friends. These are the times when many of them find trouble.
Thankfully, these are also the times when our servicemen centers are at their best. A meal, coffee, a little loving care and a Bible Study are awaiting them. The Lord uses this combination often to soften their hearts, convict them of their sins, and graciously save them.
Today, we have servicemen centers in three countries. Their testimonies always encourage us. It’s great to meet these servicemen at Bible Colleges preparing for the ministry. This past May I received eight invitations from servicemen center alumni to their graduations. It’s wonderful to see how the Lord changed their lives.
Our Fort Dix/McGuire center has fallen upon hard financial times. It’s the Lord’s way to give us an opportunity to trust Him and allow all of us to be used by Him. The monthly debt is around $1,200. We currently have the funds to run for the next three months. Also, Missionary Jon Gorman is calling former and prospective supporters trying to increase our monthly support while raising funds on hand to continue this outreach to our heroes.
One veteran sent me the following testimony “I was longing for something in my life other than clubs, dating sites and the negative influence of the barracks. I went to visit the bowlingalley and found aChristian Servicemen Center. Slowly and carefully I was fed and loved. Without knowing what I was missing, the Lord convicted me through thetestimony of amissionary named Jim, he shared the Gospel, and I accepted the Lord. My life has never been the same. Last May, I graduated from Bible College and two days later I later married the love of my life. Thank you for caring….” ~Sam, former USAF McGuire AFB.
I personally have spoken with two families of servicemen who lost their lives after being saved at the center. Many heroes have stayed in touch testifying how the center helped them through a tough time in their lives. One soldier found biblical help for an ailing marriage and they are now happily expecting another child.
Even with all of the testimonies, we need your help through prayers and support. Quite frankly, you are among a few faithful supporters and warriors who understand military missions. If possible, would you prayerfully consider monthly support and/or a one-time offering to help us get back on our feet?
If you would like, Missionary Jon Gorman would love to provide information for your church or family about the center. Feel free to contact him at (609) 850-1906.
AFBM has two families who are finishing the process to join our missionary team and head out on deputation. Our missionaries on deputation are gaining steam and we feel this may be one of the best years we ever had. Please pray for these faithful families.
We had our first PTSD Group Leader Workshop in January. We had prayed for ten students and the Lord gave us fourteen. Among the students were combat veterans and nine people who had suffered from PTSD. It was a blessing to see the Lord use all of our circumstances to prepare us to help those with a Wounded Spirits.
As we broke out for case studies we dealt with issues, such as suicide, anxiety, fear, rape/incest, apathy, avoidance, nightmares and flashbacks. We were amazed how the Lord led us directly to verses and situations to help people. It became very clear to all of us that the Lord was guiding the ministry and lighting a path for us to follow.
With that in mind, an opportunity has arisen for us to professionally tape a workshop at a church in SC. The dates are February 26-28, 2015. Please pray for students and the necessary funds.
Thank you again for your prayers and support. May the Lord bless your faithfulness.
Doug Carragher