by Jocelyn Green
Since this Web site was “born,” I’ve heard from so many women that they have been encouraged by the blog posts and by the book which started it all, Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives. But sometimes, we need someone to actually talk to about what we’re going through, a real live person to pray for us and give us hope.
If this sounds like you, I’d like to point you to a few phone numbers you can call to speak to someone who would love to talk to you, and to listen to your story.
Focus on the Family: 1.800.A.FAMILY
Military Ministry’s Rapid Response Center: 1-800-444-6006
Focus on the Family offers counseling over the phone, while the Rapid Response Center staff pray with you and point you to helpful resources that will provide you with ongoing support.
I had the privilege of visiting Military Ministry headquarters in Newport News, Virginia, just a couple weeks ago. (Thank you to Linda Montgomery for letting me stay with you!) I met some of the women who work in the Rapid Response Center, answering phones and praying with people. They are so genuine and caring. When they talk and pray with people, if the caller gives permission, the prayer requests are then printed in a prayer sheet that is distributed to all the staff so people can really be praying for them. The requests are also displayed in a running loop on a big screen TV in a special prayer room that has a living room feel to it (leather couches, coffee table, etc). Staff go in there to pray regularly for the people who call in to the RRC. I was so blessed to see this. These people are warriors in the army of the Lord, for sure.
Another option is that MilitaryOneSource helps arrange a certain number of free (Tricare pays) off-base counseling sessions, and you can request a Christian counselor in your area. Their number 1-800-342-9647.
These phone numbers are available for free at any time. But if you have the chance, I would also highly recommend attending a retreat or conference for Christian military wives, such as
- Wings for Women Military Spouse Conferences
- When War Comes Home Don’t Retreat (especially for wive of combat veterans)
- Wives of Faith Retreat
- Any PWOC event (Protestant Women of the Chapel)
- Local events in your area.
FamilyLife (another branch of Campus Crusade for Christ) also offers military discounts for their Weekend to Remember conferences. Click here for details. (To read a personal story of a broken marriage redeemed–and yes, the Weekend to Remember conference helped!–click here.) PLUS they also offer a fantastic service called eMentoring. Check this out here, or click the image on the left to read the brochure.
