Ministry reaches out
to U.S. soldiers, chaplains
By Edward Terry, The Layman, February 24, 2011
A small gesture can make a big difference in the life of an American soldier stationed overseas. It can also be an effective way to share the Gospel, according to Pat Kellenbarger of the Presbyterian Council for Chaplains and Military Personnel (PCCMP).
Along with lobbying support for the PCCMP, Kellenbarger has been busy in recent years rallying individual Presbyterians and congregations to offer their own time and talents in a way that helps military chaplains minister to American soldiers.
“The U.S. military is the largest young adult youth group in the world,” she said. “The majority of our military have no church affiliation. Many are disillusioned with religion.”
However, they do respect military chaplains because those ministers stand unarmed and shoulder-to-shoulder with the soldiers on the front lines. Kellenbarger said the bonds they are able to develop are unbelievable. Citing their “ministry of presence,” soldiers often prefer speaking with chaplains about personal problems rather than mental health professionals, she added.
Kellenbarger, who is active in the military ministry at Solano Beach Presbyterian Church near San Diego, Calif., is seeking help from Presbyterians across the country to reach the thousands of soldiers serving the United States and their families. The ways individuals and congregations can help are simple.
Kellenbarger has been hosting 30-minute workshops on how to make “Cool Collars” and “Helmet Coolers.” Most commonly used by gardeners, golfers and travelers trying to stay cool, the simple-to-make crafts can make a life or death difference for soldiers in the extreme conditions of Iraq and Afghanistan.
“These two items are known to cool the brain about 4 degrees,” she said. “They fight heat fatigue and help our troops think more clearly.”
In addition to keeping their bodies cool, the hand-made gifts also deliver a message of encouragement. The items include a label thanking the soldier, promising that someone will be praying for them and the text of Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (NIV)
While these crafts are simple to make and something volunteers really get excited about, not everyone is good at cutting and sewing fabric. But there are plenty of other ways that congregations and individuals can reach out to America’s soldiers:
- Pray for chaplains, military personnel and the families they leave behind
- Support the PCCMP financially or advocate for your congregation to support the PCCMP
- Support chaplains in your presbytery by writing them, sending them packages and providing them items such as phone cards to hand out to troops
- Connect with chaplains at military bases or reserve units and ask about volunteer/support opportunities
- Visit patients in military hospitals
- Launch a military outreach ministry. For an example see Military Outreach Ministry at Camp Pendleton, which is supported by several Southern California Presbyterian congregations, including Kellenbarger’s in Solana Beach. Other examples include providing babysitting for a mom’s morning out or a date night for military couples
- Look for additional ideas on the PCCMP Web site
Anyone interested in learning more ways to support U.S. soldiers, chaplains or the PCCMP, can reach Kellenbarger by e-mail at ckellenbarger@cox.net. For more information about PCCMP, call 202-244-4177 or visit its Web site.