Info on Returning troops

[justanobserver]

Got a question: is there any information/books/web sites/etc that deal with churches that have returning soldiers from war in their congregation?

Been going to this church near me the past couple weeks and found out there are troops from that church over in Iraq and some are coming home soon after a year in-country. One family will have their only son back home this week

Was talking with the pastor today on a different issue and afterwards I brought up this subject about was he and/or his staff ready or knowledgeable to deal with the veterans (if and when needed) when they return?

So, I thought I would post a request here to see if maybe there is a book or something (if any) out there that can be recommended to help the pastors, church leaders, etc to help with the troops when they come home from war and try to re-adjust to being home.

thank you.

 

[ChristianMilitaryWife]

I'm not aware of any books geared towards a church or pastor. There are quite a few avalible for families thou and some of those may have helpful info in them. I would say that the biggest thing they could do to help is to not crowd the Soldier, let him readjust on his terms and time frame. Don't intrude unless asked to and just be there to listen if and when needed without being judgemental.

I also wanted to tell you that I think it's wonderful that you've started going to church again. I pray that you can find what you are seeking and that the Lord will bring you the peace that you're seeking and needing in your life.

 

[justanobserver]

I'm not aware of any books geared towards a church or pastor. There are quite a few avalible for families thou and some of those may have helpful info in them. I would say that the biggest thing they could do to help is to not crowd the Soldier, let him readjust on his terms and time frame. Don't intrude unless asked to and just be there to listen if and when needed without being judgemental.

I also wanted to tell you that I think it's wonderful that you've started going to church again. I pray that you can find what you are seeking and that the Lord will bring you the peace that you're seeking and needing in your life.

I wasnt sure if someone had written something by now to help the churches and thought maybe if so, I would try to get a copy for the pastor.

Myself, l know what its like to be politely left alone because folks just dont know what to say or dont think they should say or not sure what to say at all besides the polite smiles and the "glad your back" when all you want is folks to accept and treat and be as they would with anyone else.

I suggested to the pastor about thinking maybe to get a "support group" or ministry in the church made up of christian veterans for those who maybe want to get together and talk, share, deal with others who may understand better, in a church enviroment.

I got 2 big "causes" or passions so to speak (besides my kids) - things that are dear to my heart - one is recovery (I am a recovering alcoholic/addict) and veterans (to include active duty/reservists).

And I thank you for your kind comments about my maybe finally finding a church to call home. Right now, its "baby steps", doing my recon before I jump in hip deep. this church has a Celebrate Recovery program thats great. been to one years ago and enjoyed the experience. in fact I found out about the one in this town thru a new member on this site!

aint that somethin!

 

[brotherChristian]

That's a great idea, observer.

While it's true that some want to be given a little space (who doesn't at one point or another), one of the biggest problems for a lot of guys (and gals) is everybody acting like nothing is different. Slipping right back into family and social life with all the same routines as if you've just come back from vacation can be very misleading, there is a bunch of baggage which hangs around.

Almost all of my MP's have noticeable personality differences, and sending them out to deal with civilians here in Germany without talking to anyone about the experiences of being in a war-zone has had some near disasterous results. And it's not just Soldiers who are affected; Family Members have to do a lot of adjusting, too. We just redeployed a BCT here and everyone's got issues, wether they were injured or not.

Anyway, a great resource would be the nearest military installation. See if your Pastor can contact the Chaplain section and get some advice on useful publications, counseling techniques and other methods of ministering to combat veterans.

God bless you for your involvement and concern. It really is needed.

 

[BoazB]

An excellent thought, and excellent posts all. I remember coming back and everything had changed - the park where guys used to celebrate Guy Fawkes had houses built on it. It was like I had been in a time machine and everything had changed, and nobody noticed that I had been gone.

Civilians don't know what to say to you, and it would sometimes seem, don't want to hear or are not really interested... the guys who do relate are the other veterans.

For me I wrote down a lot of stuff as therapy (Unfortunately my mom got hold of it and read... and was horrified.).

Working with animals helped with aggro-management.

For serious PTS counselling, a Psychologist friend had written on the net in "The Bad Guys", and the material used by South African Forces was based quite strongly on material used by the Israelis. It's on that website, "The Bad Guys" ... somewhere, just not exactly sure where.

 

[justanobserver]

That's a great idea, observer.

While it's true that some want to be given a little space (who doesn't at one point or another), one of the biggest problems for a lot of guys (and gals) is everybody acting like nothing is different. Slipping right back into family and social life with all the same routines as if you've just come back from vacation can be very misleading, there is a bunch of baggage which hangs around.

Almost all of my MP's have noticeable personality differences, and sending them out to deal with civilians here in Germany without talking to anyone about the experiences of being in a war-zone has had some near disasterous results. And it's not just Soldiers who are affected; Family Members have to do a lot of adjusting, too. We just redeployed a BCT here and everyone's got issues, wether they were injured or not.

Anyway, a great resource would be the nearest military installation. See if your Pastor can contact the Chaplain section and get some advice on useful publications, counseling techniques and other methods of ministering to combat veterans.

God bless you for your involvement and concern. It really is needed.

There's no bases near here but you gave me an idea about web surfing for chaplains/chaplain corps and see if I can pose the question to someone.

thanks!

 

[justanobserver]

An excellent thought, and excellent posts all. I remember coming back and everything had changed - the park where guys used to celebrate Guy Fawkes had houses built on it. It was like I had been in a time machine and everything had changed, and nobody noticed that I had been gone.

Civilians don't know what to say to you, and it would sometimes seem, don't want to hear or are not really interested... the guys who do relate are the other veterans.

For me I wrote down a lot of stuff as therapy (Unfortunately my mom got hold of it and read... and was horrified.).

Working with animals helped with aggro-management.

For serious PTS counselling, a Psychologist friend had written on the net in "The Bad Guys", and the material used by South African Forces was based quite strongly on material used by the Israelis. It's on that website, "The Bad Guys" ... somewhere, just not exactly sure where.

hey Boaz! hows things? I did a google on the Bad Guys up to page 35 but didnt see anything that i could tell was what your talking about.

Gonna check some other thoughts and see what and if anything is out there on this.

thanks for the thoughts and reply!