Since 2001 our U.S. Forces, both active and reserve, have been deployed multiple times. It is not uncommon for a young Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine or Coast Guardsman to have five or more combat tours. Our chaplains report significant increases in counseling as families adjust to returning veterans. Marriage and family conflict, suicidal thoughts, and post-traumatic stress have taken their toll on military members and their families for more than 10 years.
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod's (LCMS) Ministry to the Armed Forces has a duty to recruit, instruct and support chaplains. Our LCMS military chaplains continue to have a tremendous reputation for excellence as they follow orders to spread the Gospel wherever they are stationed.
You are a vital contributor to this valuable ministry. Your gifts, your prayers and your encouragement lift the spirits of all who serve our military.
As you consider your gift to the LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces today, please also consider celebrating Armed Forces Sunday on May 19, 2013. Resources for your congregation's worship service on that day can be ordered here, while supplies last. Thank you for honoring and supporting our troops and the chaplains who tend to them.
God bless you and God bless America,
Mark J. Schreiber
CAPT, CHC, USN (Ret.)
Director, Ministry to the Armed Forces
PS. To watch a video about LCMS chaplains and the heroes they serve, visit http://www.lcms.org/thosewhoservevideo.