Military Outreach
Tessa Cruz didn't want to be married to a military man. She didn't want a military family. She didn't want to lead a ministry to military families. But she was outgunned.
Tessa saw needs at every turn. After all, Tessa Cruz lives in a Navy town right next to a Marine base and a Marine air station. As a Navy wife, she knows firsthand the fears of wives whose husbands are deployed; the loneliness of unmarried sailors and marines, with no one to welcome them home; the tedium of stretching small paychecks and juggling home and work.
She decided she had to do something.
She launched an outreach to the military through her church, the Rock Church in San Diego. "We basically gather up all kinds of different people, active duty, military people, spouses, civilians, and even retired military. And we find ways to minister to the people who are in the military people now and the people who have gotten out of the military," says Tessa. “We’ve broken it down men’s group, women’s group, and our Do Something team.”
They meet marines at the airport; hook families into counseling; serve sandwiches at the USO; and mentor younger military wives. Once a month they have "Turn In a Friend," where someone nominates a friend who needs extra help but hasn't yet asked for it. A group throws them a baby shower or helps them move or whatever is needed.
If this interests you, then check out specific “how-to” information here on how to start a similar ministry.
Then go out and DO Something!
Comments
Military Ministry
I watched the Military Ministry Video
and I am wondering if men volunteers minister to men deploying and
women volunteers minister to female spouses and children-
who ministers to the female active duty that deploy and to their
male spouses and children?
Should this be a 4th and 5th catagory of Military Ministry?