Invited, Now Inviting

The news is littered daily with stories and rumors of war. But there is another war at hand — a spiritual one — and God is winning it one soldier at a time. That’s the story that never makes the news channels or social media: a soldier hearing Jesus’ name for the first time after in-processing onto a post. A soldier once invited to a lunchtime Bible study is now inviting his own neighbor.

I get a front-row seat to this story. My husband, Joe, is an Army chaplain, and together we’ve had the privilege of serving and ministering to soldiers and their families. Our home and assignment change constantly, but one thing stays the same: God is moving in the hearts of soldiers, no matter where we land.

That truth hit home during our most recent move, when the Army Garrison chaplain asked us to partner with an auxiliary ministry, an unusual request, since chaplains typically serve at a post chapel on Sunday mornings. Curious, Joe and I agreed to visit a Wednesday lunchtime Bible study and a Friday evening service to see if our family might be a good fit.

We got our answer the moment we walked into that Wednesday lunch. About 40 soldiers filled the room, eating and studying the Bible together in small groups at the tables. Some were brand new to the faith; others had walked with God for years. What we found wasn’t just a Bible study; it was a community hungry for the gospel and ready to surrender their lives to Him.

When you serve in the Christian community, it’s easy to forget, to take for granted, that not everyone has heard the name of Jesus. One particular Wednesday, I sat next to a young soldier who introduced himself as Mike. He explained that he grew up Catholic but really knew nothing about God. Now, Mike was a young dad who wanted his children raised in a faith-based home.

That day I had the privilege of leading our table’s study, and I encouraged Mike to join us for the Friday evening service. He didn’t come that week, but soon after, Mike showed up for his first evening service, bringing his wife and children. I quickly greeted them, encouraged them to get dinner, explained what the evening would look like, and helped them find a table.

After the service I walked with Mike’s wife back to the childcare area and asked what she thought of the message. She admitted she had no idea who the speaker was talking about in the Bible — the Apostle Paul. I reassured her that it was okay and that she should keep coming.

Mike and his wife have now been attending for several months. Mike still comes to lunchtime study when work allows and to Friday evening services with his family. He recently rededicated his life to Christ, and his wife still comes and is seeking God. Their faith is now overflowing into their own neighborhood. At the ministry’s recent Fourth of July barbecue, Mike and his family invited their neighbors to join the festivities. Mike’s story mirrors so many others we’ve witnessed: a soldier once invited, now inviting his own neighbor. God is moving!

Prayer Points for Military Servicemembers and Their Families

For the Servicemember

• Protection and clarity of mind in training, deployment, and daily duty
• Courage to speak openly about their faith with fellow soldiers
• Soft, curious hearts for those hearing the name of Jesus for the first time
• Healing from trauma, moral injury, and the weight of what they carry
• Integrity and strong leadership, whether they’re being watched or not

For Spouses

• Strength through solo parenting, deployments, and long stretches of uncertainty
• Community — a chapel, Bible study, or a friend to walk with them
• Their own faith to grow, even as they support someone else’s
• Marriages strained by distance and reintegration

For Children

• Stability and a sense of “home” amid constant moves and new schools
• Security in God’s presence when a parent is away
• Faith that takes root early and becomes an anchor through every transition

Support

• Volunteer with a military or veteran organization. 
• Financially support ministries that support and present the gospel to servicemembers.

Questions: 

Who first invited you into a deeper walk with Jesus — and who is God nudging you to invite now?

Please drop the names of singles/couples/families who are in the military so we can pray specifically for your loved ones.

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