USA (MNN) – Warriors Set Free is partnering with military veterans and first responders to battle the enemies of suicide and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Steve Prince with Set Free says, “Jesus said that He offers a peace that surpasses understanding. So when we lead warriors through ministry, we have them tell their story, apply biblical principles (to) confess, repent, forgive, and we get to watch God help them unpack the pain from their past, and then they’re more fit to walk through life in freedom.”
The ministry works with men and women through one-on-one conversations called “freedom appointments,” connecting them with leaders who can reach these groups.
“Unless you’re following Jesus, chances are things aren’t going well. So we ask the question, ‘Is what you are doing working?’ ‘If it’s not working, let’s try something else.’”
Warrior Battle Camp offers a unique opportunity for the ministry to continue this work in a weekend camp setting.
Participants walk through key steps to freedom in Christ, using the acronym “TRIP” to focus on Truth, Relationships, Identity, and Purpose. Over the weekend, attendees are discipled, transformed, and relive a missing sense of camaraderie.
“We present the gospel. We baptize people. If they want to get baptized, confess, repent,” says Prince. …the principles of victory are living the way God commanded us—to walk in His ways, be obedient, and love others.”
When people learn what living with Jesus looks like, lives are changed.
“We have wives who are shocked when their husbands come home and they notice the difference from day one. And we encourage (the) guys, don’t go home and tell your wife that you’re different—live it out, be present, love your wife, spend time (together), serve.”
When veteran Jeremiah’s relationship with God changed, it transformed his relationship with his son too.
Jeremiah had struggled with a poor relationship with his son. But at Warrior Battle Camp, he accepted Christ and spent four days praying for his son. Then, seemingly out of the blue, or more likely out of his prayers, Jeremiah’s son texted him.
Jeremiah received a painful message from his son, accusing him of not being a good father and not being present. Because of his newfound faith, Jeremiah was able to respond humbly: “You’re right. I was wrong.”
His son had expected Jeremiah to make excuses, lie, and point fingers, but because of the change that occurred in Jeremiah, their relationship was restored.
If you have a veteran in your life who is hurting, the ministry invites you to first pray for them and then see if they’re willing to connect for a freedom appointment.
The ministry is expanding and hopes to push into more big cities.
Please pray that the ministries will meet the needs of these first responders and that the right leadership will be able to guide them through the discipleship process. Pray also for the financial resources to do this work as the organization seeks to grow and reach people.
Photo courtesy of Warriors Set Free
