Good news loves Military members and their Families

As followers of Christ, we honor those who preserve our freedom of religion. Good News Church is committed to honoring and supporting military members and their families.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Commitment to Love and Support our Military

Jesus deeply loved and respected military members and their families. He commended the Roman Centurion for his great faith, saying “I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.” —Matthew 8:10. Our Church views the military as moral standard bearers, selfless servants of their nation, and guardians of religious freedoms. We recognize that military service is an honorable calling that can impact military members and their families for generations. Our church is committed to proactively support military members and their families by educating our members on the military experience and developing programs that positively impact the lives of these heroes.

Support to Military Members and their Families

We earnestly seek to support currently serving military members, veterans, and all military families. Whether it’s a deployment that means the military member will be gone for months or a military experience that continues to impact lives, our Church stands ready to support. Our pastoral staff has completed Military Cultural Awareness training that enables them to understand the impact of the military experience. We stand ready to provide counseling and other services not only from our staff but through our Small Groups. At Good News Church we believe the best way to promote spiritual growth, provide pastoral care, and pursue lasting life change is by joining a small group. Small groups take care of their members in times of joy and need. These groups are available for adults, students, and kids and many have members with a military affiliation. More information on small groups can be found here: https://www.goodnewsloves.com/small-group

OTHER RESOURES

Good News Church recognizes there are times that military members and their families may need support beyond what our Church can provide so we have connections to other important resources.

The Veterans Administration provides supportive programs to veterans of all eras and can be reached at 800-698-2411 or via the button below.

Mission United of Northeast Florida is a community network connecting Veterans and their families to critical health, human and social services through case management. Case Managers have access to resources specifically designed for veterans and their families. To contact Mission United dial 2-1-1 or go to their website at https://unitedwaynefl.org/mission-united/

The Fire Watch has established the Northeast Florida Military-Veteran Resource Guide https://resources.thefirewatch.org/#!/ that has over 500 resources for Military Veterans, Military Families, Active-Duty Members and Employers.

Educating our Members on the Military Experience

Many church members, if asked “Are there military members in your church?” would reply, “No.” They answer that way because most think in terms of full time Active-duty personnel. Veterans who have served in past wars, Guardsmen and Reservists who are serving now, and those who have completed whole careers of military service simply don’t show up on the church radar. Every church in America is touched in some way by someone that is serving or has served in the military. Each of our members can support military members and their families by understanding their experience and making these heroes know you are ready to stand in the gap for them. Go beyond “Thank you for your service” by taking the actions outlined below:

Review Military 101 Enhancing Knowledge of the United States Military and Veterans • This document provides an overview of the United States military and can be accessed below.

Watch 15 Things Veterans Want You to Know • This course video below was created by PsychArmor to educate anyone who works with, lives with, or cares for our military Veterans. Learn the basics of the military experience and how this understanding will help you support our heroes.

Become a Fire Watch Watch Stander to fight Veterans’ Suicide • https://www.thefirewatch.org/watch-standers The Fire Watch Council was established to address veteran suicide prevention in Northeast Florida. The foundational premise is that solely depending on veterans to help other veterans with the challenge of suicide is not enough. Veterans comprise less than 10% of our nation’s population so 90% of the population have no military experience but the majority want to support military members. The Watch Stander Program was designed to “Reach the 90%” with training that makes them aware of the signs of suicide and helps them to be comfortable in intervening. Each of us can “Stand Watch” for the veterans in our lives by investing an hour to learn how we can support them. Get off the sidelines and become a Watch Stander!

For more information, please contact Brigadier General (ret) Mike Fleming below.