Joni and Friends has many Warrior Getaways coming up in different parts of the country and need more volunteers. Help share the peace of Christ with these precious families who have sacrificed so much for the country. Visit joniradio.org for more details.
SHAUNA: Hi, this is Shauna on Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope. You know, Joni, those of us who are not in the military, can’t fully understand the impact war has on the family, can we?
JONI: Oh, that’s exactly right. You know, I’m thinking of something that Brittany, whose husband, Edward, protected our country as a Marine for 14 years. Brittany said that “Soldiers go to war. But the whole family deals with the aftermath of war.” And you know, Brittany continued to experience that aftermath because Edward re-enlisted—but this time [not as a marine] but in the Army. Throughout Edward’s military career, he was deployed seven times including tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia. Edward’s service goes back a long way; he’s a Desert Storm Veteran who explains matter-of-factly that “War is a different world altogether.” Now, there’s a reason he says that. Because Edward now lives with a spinal cord injury and a traumatic brain injury, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder, high anxiety, and almost no short-term memory. His brain injury impacts his balance, and so Edward has to use a cane. And his PTSD shows up through flashbacks, fear, and anger.
Now, when I learned all this, it took my breath away. Yes, during his tours of duty, Edward was fighting for peace. But when he returned home from the war? He was needing the kind of peace described in John 16, where Jesus says, “… in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” And Edward, with all his medical issues and disabilities, is only one among thousands. Today, our U.S. military heroes suffer unimaginable hardships due to war-induced challenges, including suicidal depression—and their families are being left in the wake of trauma upon trauma. Brittany told us that “Edward doesn’t sleep well,” she says. “He is restless and has nightmares. And his anxiety has worn off on me, for sure.” Oh my, this family needed to come to one of our Joni and Friends Warrior Getaways. These are retreats that provide a wide range of accessible activities, worship, really great speakers, Christ-centered fellowship with other Veterans. And believe me, we wasted no time in inviting Edward, Brittany, and their kids to a Warrior Getaway. After attending this hope filled week? Brittany told us, “Joni and Friends has definitely helped Edward manage his PTSD. Coming to Warrior Getaway [has given him] camaraderie with his fellow Veterans. We can’t find this type of support with any other organizations. Warrior Getaway has helped us 100%.” …our family [has become] stronger.”
And that’s not all. Edward, even with all his disabling conditions, found that peace he was fighting for. Peace that is real and lasting. The kind of peace described in John 16. The peace of Christ that, yes, can even help a wounded warrior like Edward move forward into life. In fact, Edward told us [and this is a quote he says], “Here at Warrior Getaway, our family takes part in activities that help us grow, get stronger, and move forward. And it’s because of Christ that we are all here.” Oh, praise God for the peace that comes through Jesus Christ. And we need you to be the hands-on help that offers that peace, right Shauna?
SHAUNA: That’s right Joni. We have lots of Warrior Getaways coming up in different parts of the country and we need more volunteers.
JONI: Yes.
SHAUNA: You can help share the peace of Christ with these precious families who have sacrificed so much for our country. Just visit joniradio.org today where we’ve posted a link to our Warrior Getaway page. And there you will find a lineup of our upcoming getaways and all their locations. So, find a getaway where you can serve Jesus by serving our veterans at joniradio.org.
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