Why the U.S. military?  U.S. military service members are already seeking to serve a cause greater than self, are willing to lay down their lives for fellow service members and our country, are already accustomed to service to others, and taking on a leadership role.  Yet these same service members generally do not have a clear sense of what drives them, are unsure why and/or what they were created for, and don’t fully understand what really is worth dying for.  I believe the aforementioned is in our DNA.  These are desires God put in each one of us, including those serving in the U.S. military.  What an opportunity for the church to show military service members the way of fully knowing the One that created them so that they might also “go into all the world.”   

As Christians we know that we are all created on purpose, and with purpose, by a God that loves and cares for us.  However, most people don’t know this, and when one’s identity isn’t firmly grounded in this reality, the consequences are significant and the resultant lost or confused identity contributes significantly to the anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and suicide that is so prevalent in our society and in the military and veteran communities.  On the other hand, when we align ourselves with the God that created us and understand where our true identity comes from, our perspective changes, and often much of what causes these negative issues is either minimized or may even disappear altogether. 

Sharing the truth of the gospel with active duty military service members, showing them the source of their true identity, and helping them properly align their lives with the Creator… it’s a dynamic combination that not only addresses the issues that so many struggle with, but has the potential to impact the entire world for Christ! 

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”  Matthew 28:19