Class, It was a pleasure to serve the soldiers with you last week. This Saturday, August 3rd (Tomorrow!) is another opportunity to minister the gospel to the soldiers. This time the program will be held at St. Matthews Baptist (3515 Grandview Ave.). Arrive by 7pm to counsel and for more information contact Keith at oa_keith@hotmail.com.

In case you weren’t able to join us, Wade has written a helpful summary of the evening. This will give you a sense of what to expect should you participate in the future…

Many of you have heard about Operation Appreciation, the ministry to the soldiers of Fort Knox. Our friend, Keith leads the ministry. Maybe you have considered volunteering on a Saturday night, but you are not sure what to expect. Honestly, when Rebecca and I first decided to volunteer, I was a little nervous about counseling soldiers. I did not know what to expect myself. I had a great time though, and I enjoyed sharing the gospel with the soldiers.

Based on my experience, I offer the following summary of what you might expect at Operation Appreciation. After arriving at the church, you will meet Keith and the other volunteers and you will receive some simple instructions about the plans for the program. When the soldiers arrive a little later, the fun begins. Keith opens things with a humorous time of entertainment to relax the soldiers. After the program that lasts about an hour, the group will move to the sanctuary for a time of worship. During the service, a civilian will share their testimony, and the soldiers will have an opportunity to share words of testimony with their ‘battle buddies’. Keith will close the service with the gospel message and an opportunity to respond. The soldiers who respond will go into a room with a man who will pray with them, and the rest of the soldiers will go back to the gym for fellowship and refreshments.

The man who prays with the soldiers will divide them into three groups for individual counsel. The first group is those who want to trust Jesus Christ and follow Him as their Lord and Savior. The second group is those who have already accepted the gospel, yet feel a need to recommit themselves to Christ. The third group is those who would like to talk with someone about things that are burdening them. If you counsel, you will probably find an opportunity to share the gospel with soldiers no matter which group they place themselves in. I have found that soldiers are eager to talk as well as listen. After praying with the soldier you are counseling, Keith has a simple form that he needs you to fill out so that he can report decisions accurately for the ministry. Afterward, you and the soldier can join the others in the gym. As you talk with other soldiers in the gym, you will probably find opportunities to share the gospel. Also, Keith has a great book table set up where soldiers can get quality Christian literature.

So, at an Operation Appreciation event you can expect to find many ways to help and to share the gospel. If you have considered helping Keith out on a Saturday night, I hope that you will. It is a lot of fun, and it is a great way to minister to our soldiers. If you would like a friend to join you, give us a call. We would be glad to go.

Wade Mathis