ROSWELL, Ga. (ABP) — Ministering to soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan can be as simple as a conversation and a cup of coffee, according to a long-time military chaplain.
Battle takes a toll on soldiers, said Bob Vickers, former director of military chaplaincy for the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. When they leave a war zone, emotional scars can remain, he said.
“Post-traumatic stress is eating these people alive,” said Vickers, who has a chaplaincy endorsement from the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
Churches can help healing take place by listening to returning soldiers, Vickers said. The latest generation of soldiers is more likely to be looking for a place to express emotions.
This is especially important for reservists who return from the battlefield, Vickers continued. Enlisted soldiers have support avenues on their respective bases. Reservists largely have to fend for themselves.
Reservists live in many parts of the country, not only around military bases, said Vickers, now associate pastor at First Baptist Church in Roswell, Ga. Churches across the nation can create soldier support groups, and members can be intentional about listening to soldiers they know.
Above all, returning military personnel are looking for people who care about them, Vickers said.
“Those folks really need to hear the Word of God and feel a caring touch,” he said.