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In 1862, Rev. Friedrich W. Richmann volunteered to serve the 58th Regiment of the Ohio Volunteers in the American Civil War. By doing so, he became The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod's first military chaplain. The world has changed dramatically since then, and so has our nation's armed forces. But the ministry initiated by Richmann is one that still holds great purpose in serving the many special needs of United States military personnel serving around the world.
Men and women serving in the United States armed forces face times of separation from their families, homes, and churches. There is also stress from frequent moves, fear of combat, and loneliness.
To support military personnel as they provide for our nation's defense, the LCMS established Ministry to the Armed Forces to: provide military chaplains to serve on the field; provide chaplains for veteran's hospitals; maintain records of pastoral acts; work with pastors and civilian congregations to provide for the spiritual welfare of their members in uniform (see Operation Barnabas); and to provide spiritual resources to LCMS members serving in the armed forces through a "Ministry-by-Mail Program."
Today, LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces endorses and supports 215 chaplains, including: 71 active duty military chaplains, 93 chaplains serving Reserve and National Guard units (22 of which are mobilized and serving in the United States, Iraq, and Afghanistan), 22 Veterans Administration chaplains, 25 Civil Air Patrol chaplains, and four chaplains for Federal Bureau of Prison ministry.
Support of LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces can be sent to:
LCMS World Mission
Ministry to the Armed Forces
1333 S. Kirkwood Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63122
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