Imagine you are standing in a gravel parking lot. The sun has long gone down. You’ve spent hours sitting in a “saddle” or handing out water and sports drinks. You are tired but anxious as you await your turn to tell what God did today.
This was the scene as we met for devotion. We just can’t explain the atmosphere. God is truly ministering through this team, every day, using each person!
One chaplain told the story of a female veteran who served for 14 years. She was gang raped by service men. She sought emotional help; instead, she was dismissed from the military. Full of bitterness towards our nation, the military and God, she received ministry through prayer. Three different team members have prayed with her, shared God’s love and encouraged her to find a church when she gets home.
One Chaplain laid a necklace around the neck of a Viet Nam Veteran three years ago as a gift of gratitude. This Veteran is literally being eaten alive from Agent Orange. It starts as a small “pimple” but continues to eat away at the skin until there is a large hole in the body. He came to see us at a previous Run For The Wall after being released from the hospital for trying to commit suicide. He rededicated his life to Jesus two weeks later. A few months after that, he sent the Chaplain a medal he wore in Viet Nam. This year, he asked his wife to drive him 1.5 hours to Jackson to see the Chaplain again. When they saw one another, there were hugs and warm greetings. The veteran pulled out a ribbon medal for Good Conduct and said, “Wear it for me. That way, I go where you go.” Words can never express that feeling.
One Chaplain was almost hit by a tow truck while helping a biker. Miraculously, it stopped some 10 – 12 feet away. We believe the devil can’t take us out until the Lord is through with us!
One Chaplain had the privilege of escorting and praying with a Congressional Medal Recipient for his outstanding heroism during the heat of battle. He rode a motorcycle in the Missing Man formation with only one arm – truly inspiring.
One Chaplain was notified there was a man slumped into a small pile in the parking lot, crying uncontrollably. He went to the man and lifted him up by praying over him.
There is a pastor on the run with us who prayed with vice president of a bike club earlier this week. Members of his club were present at one of our gas stops just to honor the veterans.
During one of the biggest ceremonies we have in Jackson, MS, one of our Chaplains was asked to pray. He shared that he had never felt nervous praying before; standing between military Generals and in the presence of Congressional Medal Recipients was an honor but he was extremely nervous. He said, “I just wanted to say, Jesus Christ my Lord in the midst of these men!” AND HE DID!
Many great things continue to happen on this year’s run. We covet your prayers and support. Please continue to share these reports with your church, and take time to honor the veterans in your congregation during the upcoming Memorial Day holiday.
Pastor Billy hands Pastor Wes a thank you letter. It was personally addressed to Pastor Wes.
A few minutes later Chaplain Wes was in tears with deep appreciation for the love and support he has received. He served in the Desert Storm War and still has many memories of his experiences.
A chaplain takes part in the “laying of the wreath” ceremony to honor a fallen soldier.
I have enjoyed reading your daily updates. I wish I had found them while you were actually traveling to DC. It was a great pleasure and honor to get to see you in Jackson, MS. This was our 3rd year to be able to join in the festivities there. Keep up the good work and God bless each of you as you travel home.
#MSnamvetswife→ Thanks for the kind words. As the webmaster, I, too, only really get to see what’s going on through updates and conversations with M25 leaders and ministers. So, it’s nice to hear from someone who experienced the ministry the M25 leads to touch our veterans, and the least of these in the Kingdom of God.