Praying For The Armed Forces - Prayer Alerts
April 2012 Protection for British Personnel and Troops in Afghanistan On Sunday 15 April there was a Taliban strike across Afghanistan in a 'spring offensive'. They targeted foreign embassies, including the British, Nato's HQ and the Afghan parliament as well as other areas in Afghanistan. A rocket-propelled grenade was also fired at a house used by British diplomats. Two Afghan security force members and a further 17 Afghan police officers and nine civilians were injured. On 21 April, Afghan security officials foiled a huge attack in the capital Kabul, after the seizure of 10 tonnes of explosives. This amount of explosives could have caused large-scale bloodshed. Please pray: Our servicemen work closely with Afghan police and security forces in many regions in Afghanistan including Kabul. Please pray that God will protect our Embassy staff and Military personnel at all times and help them remain vigilant. (1 Peter 5:8)
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Previous Prayer AlertsMarch 2012(1)British Armed Forces in Afghanistan With the tragic loss of six soldiers and the awful killing of Afghan families, our servicemen and women continue to be extremely vulnerable. The six monthly changeover of personnel has started. This period of change goes over several weeks and can be a difficult time.
Please pray: For safety for our service personnel; that they will remain vigilant at all times. That those coming home will adjust back quickly into home life and a normal routine; that any damaging memories will be healed; and if they struggle with being back at home that they will seek professional help. That those commencing deployment will settle into their new roles quickly; for their safety, and mental as well as physical protection. (Ps 91)
March 2012 (2)British Military in Afghanistan On Sunday, 25 March, a member of the Afghan National Army opened fire at the entrance gate to the British headquarters in Lashkar Gar city, killing the two British service personnel and injuring a third. On Tuesday, 27 March, 11 suicide jackets were seized inside the ministry of defence in Kabul and 18 people arrested including some Afghan National Army soldiers. This puts incredible pressure on our personnel, in areas which should be ‘safe’. Our servicemen work closely with Afghan police and troops but these attacks serve to make our personnel more fearful. Please pray: That God will protect our service personnel and help them remain vigilant at all times. That He will guide them through the long hours on duty and that wherever they are, they can rest in the knowledge that the Lord is covering them. (Ps91)
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Febuary 2012Increasing Tensions over Falkland Islands 30 years since the Falkland War, tensions between Argentina and Britain have risen again. Argentina continues to argue over the sovereignty of the islands and plan to make a “formal complaint to the United Nations about British ‘militarisation’ around the disputed Falkland Islands”. The UK Foreign Office has issued a statement that said; "The people of the Falkland Islands are British out of choice. They are free to determine their own future and there will be no negotiations with Argentina over sovereignty unless the islanders wish it." Please pray: For peace for the Falkland Islands and for the wishes of the Islanders is taken into account. Pray against any attempt of the Argentinean government to deflect attention from domestic issues. Pray that the UK Armed Forces will not be involved in yet more conflict. (Ps 147: 13 – 14)
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January 2012Chaplains of the Armed Forces There are over 450 Service Chaplains both full and part time attached to ships, units and stations, at home and abroad, ministering to Service personnel and their families. Some deploy to operational theatres such as Afghanistan and other areas of the world, others remain based at home. They spend time with service personnel and their families wherever they may be. They all offer spiritual and moral support and guidance, they live in the same conditions and share the same dangers and stress as all service personnel. They visit the sick, injured and bereaved and spend time with those who may have been involved in a variety of traumas. The demands on the Chaplains continues to increase and yet at the forefront of the ministry is prayer and worship.
Please pray: For Chaplains in what can be a demanding and increasingly busy and challenging role. For spiritual wisdom, guidance, the right words, encouragement and that the Holy Spirit would continue to refresh and replenish them. For civilian clergy to offer themselves for ministry in the Royal Navy, Army or Royal Airforce. (Col.4:2-6)
December 11Armed Forces 'Notifying Officers' and 'Visiting Officers' for Service War Casualties The Casualty Notifying Officer is the person, usually from the regiment, who tells the next of kin of the death of or injury to a soldier. A Visiting Officer is also appointed from the regiment to offer practical help and support during this difficult time and give guidance and advice when necessary. This officer will explain what help is available and can be contacted as often as needed. Many of these officers are young Lieutenants and Captains and although trained for this particular role some could be involved for a long time, 12 months or more. Please pray: For these officers in this extremely difficult role. Pray for God to give them wisdom beyond their years and sensitivity and compassion in handling the bereaved.
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November 11British Soldiers returning from Afghanistan More and more soldiers are returning from Afghanistan and suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Many are not coping and drinking heavily, some leading to violence and wife beating. Many have suicidal thoughts. This is becoming a big problem and is affecting Christian families as well as non Christians. Marriages are suffering and the children are distressed and need protection from witnessing the ugliness of the situation. Please pray: That the government would recognise this problem and bring in compulsory post operation counselling for all soldiers. That the Lord will heal memories and restore these service men and women. Please pray for the families and the healing of relationships.
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October 11Wednesday Afghanistan Prayer Meetings Every Wednesday at 2000hrs Afghanistan time, prayer meetings are held in Camp Bastion and other military bases in the region. Christian troops on operations are asked to add their prayers at that time if they are able. A growing number of Christians in various parts of the world are now 'attending' these prayer meetings as 'virtual' members.
Please consider joining this band of supporters, the UK time for the prayer meeting is 1630hrs.
July 11Members of the Armed Forces Being deployed can focus the mind on the fragility of life and on eternal matters. A number of members of the Armed Forces have recently given their lives to Christ; some have been baptised and have had the opportunity to give their testimonies in front of their friends. Please pray: For all those deployed that they will be challenged to consider the gospel and give their lives to Christ. Pray for those who have been baptised that they might walk out in faith in intense conditions and witness to those around them. Pray that they will continue to walk in their faith when they return home. (3 Jn 1:2-4)
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June 11Those at Headley Court recovering from injuries. The Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court admits Service Personnel, many of them recovering from injuries sustained whilst deployed on operations. The aim of rehabilitation is to restore a patient’s lost function and maximize their capacity and independence. DMRC Headley Court has extensive gardens and orchards and a large greenhouse. A Christian physiotherapist Major has obtained permission to use a small part of this area for horticultural therapy. The Headley Walled Garden project seeks to broaden and diversify the rehabilitation already on offer, creating a space where physical, psychological, cognitive and neurological rehabilitation can occur in synchrony. Please pray: For courage and energy for the patients as they work to return to ‘normal’ life; for their families as many have to adjust to life with a severely disabled family member; that through the gift of creation and growth, God’s message of hope will speak out to the patients involved in the Walled Garden project. (Is 40:31)
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April 11Chaplains of the Armed Forces A total of about 300 Uniformed Service Chaplains are attached to ships and units of all 3 Armed Services around the world. 15-20 of them are deployed in Afghanistan at any one time. Theirs can be a dangerous, demanding, fulfilling and rewarding role as they live and work with other deployed servicemen and women. For an insight into what their work entails, visit the website below. Please pray: For all Chaplains in whatever unusual and unique pasturing situations they find themselves. For spiritual wisdom, guidance, the right words, encouragement and that the Holy Spirit would continue to refresh and replenish them. (Col.4:2-6)
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March 11UN Resolution on Libya The UN Security Council has passed a resolution authorising "all necessary measures" to protect civilians in Libya from pro-Gaddafi forces. Please pray: For the safety of our RN and RAF personnel as they deploy in response to this resolution and for restraint by our politicians as they decide on courses of action. For the people of Libya that they might live in peace and security, and that a just and honourable government will be established. (Rom 13:1)
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January 11Financial Crisis affects MOD. Following the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR), the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is about to conclude an extremely challenging further savings exercise in order to correctly balance military forces with the finances available. This will involve some very difficult decisions affecting people’s careers and military capabilities. Key decisions are likely to have to be made on 25 January 2011 and 10 February 2011 by the Defence Board. Please pray: Urgent & persistent prayer for senior leaders in defence especially the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) and the Permanent Under Secretary for Defence (PUS) and Service Chiefs that they might have wisdom to make the right decisions for the benefit of defence and the nation. Also, for clarity over the way ahead for the future of Servicemen and women, and MOD Civil Servants. (2 Chronicles 7: 14)
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December 10Soldiers killed on Active Service The continuing loss of life of our Armed Forces in Afghanistan is distressing but when it is allegedly due to “friendly fire” it becomes more poignant. Each soldier’s life is precious, but needless accidents, including for example road traffic accidents, are more difficult to comprehend Please pray: For the safety of our troops deployed in Afghanistan and for the families of those killed and seriously injured. (Ps 29: 10 – 11)
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October 10Military Christian Organisations (MCOs) There are a number of Christian organisations supporting the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom and working closely with the Service chaplaincies. These organisations include the Armed Forces’ Christian Union; others can be seen in the web link below. All these organisations work together to encourage Christians serving within the Armed Forces, to pray for them, evangelise, provide Bible teaching and studies and Christian resources, to support marriages and family life and to encourage discipleship and spiritual growth. There are also links to Christians of other Armed Forces, through Military Missions International (MMI). There are 120 Military Christian Fellowships (MCFs) worldwide so far and it is hoped to encourage the formation of more MCFs to support and equip Christians in Armed Forces around the world. Please Pray: For the work of all these MCOs in the service of our Armed Forces. For unity of Spirit and like-mindedness and to further the Kingdom of God. Please also pray that Christian men and women of other Armed Forces will have the courage to form new MCFs in their countries.
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August 10British Forces Training Teams in Afghanistan British Forces training teams are on target and have just finished training 1000 Afghan soldiers. The recent conference on Afghanistan has endorsed President Hamid Karzai's goal that Afghan forces should lead security operations across the country by 2014. Hopefully this will encourage a new determination for peace and unity. Please Pray: For the families of the 3 soldiers from the training teams who were murdered last week and for supernatural intervention to bring about real peace and unity in Afghanistan.
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July 10 (1)Chaplaincy to the armed forces 150 years ago the Methodist Church purchased land in the garrison town of Aldershot to provide a place of worship for the men stationed in the camp. The Methodist Conference has celebrated 150 years of this ministry, which has provided support to military personnel and their families throughout more than 15 conflicts, from British colonial rule in South Asia to the ongoing war in Afghanistan. Revd Stephen Hancock, an army chaplain from Abingdon, said; ‘From the centurion at the Cross to chaplains serving today in the UK or overseas – Navy, Army and Air Force – little seems to have changed. People still need to experience the love of God in places where war is the norm. It is not always pleasant, not always fun, not always rewarding, but it is part of the Great Commission to ‘go’ and we few who serve today press on in the hope that we can direct people to the Son of God.’ Please Pray: For all chaplains working in places of war that they will be safe and that they may hold the Gospel message as a light in a dark place. (Jn.12:46)
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July 10 (2)Cortege of seven servicemen The families of seven servicemen killed in Afghanistan joined thousands of well-wishers yesterday evening as their coffins were driven through Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire. It was the largest single repatriation since the bodies of eight soldiers were returned to RAF Lyneham last July. Family members placed flowers on top of the hearses as they paused for a minute's silence next to Wootton Bassett's War Memorial. Many relatives wore T-shirts bearing the name of their family member. The hearses carried on to a hospital in Oxford, where post-mortems are due to take place. Among the many former service personnel attending was Lance Corporal Mark Barber, 22, of the Household Cavalry, who knew two of the dead soldiers, Isaac and Halliday. ‘The way they died was just terrible. We've come here to pay our respects,’ he said. Please Pray: For the families of those who have died in this conflict and for those who place their lives at risk daily. (Mt.5:4)
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June 10Conditions in Afghanistan for the British troops are hot, dusty and strength-sapping. Long hours of work in difficult conditions far from home and family can lead to servicemen and women becoming tired, distracted, homesick and demoralised. Whilst this is far from the norm, but one mistake can be life-threatening for individuals and their colleagues, since much of the work requires them to remain alert and pay great attention to detail. Please Pray: For the safety of all those searching for roadside bombs and other explosive devices and all top cover and other sentries that they may be diligent in their duties.
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May 10Now the new Government is formed, the members of the Cabinet and their staffs will be selected. (1 Tim 2:2) Please Pray: For the new Secretary of State for Defence, the new Ministers of State for the Armed Forces and Strategic Defence Acquisition Reform, together with the Under Secretaries of State. Please pray too for good relationships between the Armed Forces’ Chiefs of Staff and the new government.
April 10British Armed Forces Roulement in Afghanistan Servicemen and women are coming to the end of their deployment and are being replaced on a gradual changeover in Afghanistan. This is a vulnerable time for service personnel. (Heb 13:17) Please Pray:
March 10British military offensive Operation Moshtarak continues in Afghanistan. We thank God that the Government warnings of possible large numbers of fatalities in Afghanistan have so far proved pessimistic, although last weekend saw the 5th soldier killed in under a week. The number of injured soldiers is hardly ever mentioned in the media, but official statistics show that in the period 1st January to 15th February there were 64 wounded in action. The continued toll on the Medical teams is immense from evacuation by helicopter to the Field Hospital, onwards to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham and then rehabilitation at Headley Court. Please Pray: For the safety of our troops and that there will be minimal loss of life; for the Chinook pilots who fly troops into the operation, and those evacuating the injured often under fire; for the Medical teams at every stage in the care of the injured. Please pray that the work-load will be manageable for these Medical teams and that soldiers continue to get the best possible care. Please pray for physical, emotional and psychological healing for these injured soldiers as they come to terms with and learn to cope with the changes to their lives. (Pr 3: 5)
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February 10British troops to take part in a huge military offensive against the Taliban. It has been announced that a strike force, composed of British, US and Afghan troops and police, is planning to storm into some of the most dangerous areas of central Helmand in a series of daring raids as part of Operation Moshtarak (meaning “together”). NATO troops, supported by special forces, will simultaneously attack several Taliban enclaves within the notorious “Green Zone”. Allied commanders had hoped that the Taliban would have abandoned these areas but intelligence reports suggest that they have laid hundreds of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and are preparing to stand and fight. Once cleared of enemy fighters, Afghan security forces will attempt to bring security and stability to civilians who have spent the past few years living under Taliban rule. Villagers in the path of the fighting view the impending assault with apprehension and hope that once free of the Taliban there will be peace at last. Please Pray: For the safety of our troops and that there will be minimal loss of life on all sides; for the Chinook pilots flying the troops into the operation and for those seeking out and defusing the IEDs. Give thanks for the courage of our troops. Please pray for safety of the local population in the middle of the fighting; that the operation is successful and that the Afghanistan troops and police will be able to bring security and stability to Afghanistan in order to bring nearer the day our troops can come home for good.
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January 10Afghans working with the British Army. British forces in Afghanistan make extensive use of Afghan workers to assist them in their peace mission. One important role is as interpreters who talk with local people and officials. Interpreters accompany the British patrols and face risks from bombs and firefights, but they and their families also face threats from the Taliban for so called ‘collaborating’ with NATO troops. These very brave individuals take on a huge risk every day. One interpreter said that the locals know he had worked for the British and he must now constantly move to avoid reprisals. Please Pray: In your prayers for the British troops, please remember to pray for this very difficult situation, as these Afghans are a vital link in the peace process in Afghanistan. Please pray for their safety when working with the British forces and back in their home villages and thank God for their amazing courage. (Pr 3:5)
November 09The families of those killed on active service. This is the 81st year of the Field of Remembrance outside Westminster Abbey where a record 60,000 crosses have been planted, each one with a dedication written to a loved one or friend killed in battle. There is a special plot of crosses to mark the losses of those 411 men and women who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, including five crosses planted to mark the death of five British troops who were killed in Afghanistan on Monday 3 November 2009. Please Pray: For war widows and their children and the parents of those killed in action. Pray that they will be supported and comforted, that they will be given the help, financial and otherwise, that they are entitled to without undue bureaucracy, and that they will seek and know God’s loving presence in their time of grief. (James 1:26-27)
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October 09British Soldiers working with Afghan National Army (ANA) There are a number of small teams (8 or 9 men) of British soldiers who work operationally with the Afghan National Army (ANA). These teams can work with anything up to 80 ANA and most communication, even on the battlefield, being done through an interpreter. Most of the junior Afghan soldiers are illiterate, cannot read a map and lack the discipline of British soldiers. Nevertheless, they are not without courage, dedication and good humour. Please Pray: For safety for both the Afghan and British troops involved. Pray for good relationships between the British soldiers and their Afghan counterparts. That the British soldiers will be sensitive to Afghan culture and that they will be successful in building good relations with the local inhabitants where they operate. For the interpreters who play such a key role.
September 09The following was written home to his friends by a young soldier in Afghanistan: “As I write this, in the last 48 hours two soldiers from my Battle Group have been killed – one who is survived by his fiancée and three children. Perhaps what is worse for the second soldier is that he was worked on so very hard by the excellent Combat Medical Technicians we have in the Army. Whilst I cannot release the details surrounding the incident, I can confirm that herculean efforts were expended into keeping this boy alive. It was heartbreaking to all involved when we found out he did not make it. I know – I was in the next room. Yet all of us here go through this regularly, and with much greater trauma to our minds and souls besides, and yet we mostly don’t even leave Camp Bastion. Imagine it for the poor soldier who is at the front of a convoy with little but a metal detector to stop him being blown into oblivion (it does not always work, and what’s left afterwards is not often much). The bravery they show day in and day out is truly humbling. “So my friends, my prayer requests are as follows. Obviously, MANY prayers for the safety of every single soldier (of every nationality) who has to work in this exceedingly dangerous place. Please pray for their worried families and loved ones, who do not understand why we are here and only want their precious ones back”. Please Pray: “For the souls and minds of the soldiers under the greatest pressures, who have seen many things that no man can see without being marked permanently. Also pray for the leaders of Great Britain, that they give proper attention and support to the people they are demanding so much from. Please pray for the people of Afghanistan, who mostly only want to have a country where they won’t be blown up by a landmine that the Russians left there a generation ago, or shot by a Taliban who only takes what they want. Only our Lord God can truly win this war, and it is on Him we must, as always, we must place our hopes and prayers.”
August 09 (2)Chaplaincy Team at RAF Lyneham RAF Lyneham is the Air Force station that receives the servicemen killed in action in Afghanistan, as well as the two hostages recently murdered in Iraq. It is currently a difficult time for all the staff at the base and in recent weeks it has been particularly busy. The chaplaincy team of three find themselves under considerable pressure and stress as they support all the staff involved in the repatriations as well as conducting the repatriation services themselves. The Chaplains also offer support to the grieving families who come to RAF Lyneham to witness the repatriation of their fallen loved ones. One of the difficulties of ministry in the RAF is that the Chaplains do not have the support of the faithful parishioners praying for them daily, as they would have in a parish ministry.
Please Pray:
That God would comfort and support the Chaplains and staff at RAF Lyneham in their difficult task. That the Chaplains
may be strengthened as they continue to offer Christian compassion to the grieving families. Pray that through these
difficult and busy times, the Chaplains may continue to witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 1:4)
August 09 (1)Injured Service Personnel Injured Service Personnel are evacuated from medical facilities in Afghanistan by UK based medical teams and returned for treatment at University Hospital Birmingham (UHB). These medical teams work exceptionally long hours as they fly out to Afghanistan, pick up the patient and then return to the UK, monitoring and providing essential care to these critically ill patients. At UHB, NHS personnel together with their military colleagues are responsible for the care of the injured soldier. With the principle cause of injury resulting from blast / IED, most injuries are complex and involve many specialties throughout the hospital. Consequently, the increase in the numbers of injured troops coming back from Afghanistan is having an impact particularly in Trauma, Surgery and Intensive Care. Timely clinical decision making and prioritization is vital in these circumstances. The pressures are also being felt outside the clinical areas. For example, the staff coordinating the movement of patients both in and out of the hospital and the Welfare service, which plays a vital role in attending to the needs of the patient and their family. Then there is the patient who has to cope with the conflicting emotions of having survived a serious incident, against the boredom of lying in hospital and the possibility that their injuries can mean life may not be the same again. Please Pray: For skill, wisdom and insight of medical staff as they treat the injured; opportunities for rest for each as they have need, giving them the strength and energy to continue this vital work; for those service personnel confined to a bed and stripped of their independence; thank God for the quality of care given to the patients, the dedication of the medical staff and for many lives saved as a result.
July 09 (2)Urgent Prayer for our Armed Forces The Armed Forces urgently need all our prayers not only for their safety and protection in Afghanistan but for recovery from the traumas of the last week. These soldiers on the front line are physically, emotionally and mentally drained. Those killed and wounded in the last few days have shocked and saddened the remaining soldiers adding to their stress. One soldier writes; “Some of my colleagues who are further forward are working phenomenally hard at the moment, past the point of endurance. WELL past the point of endurance in fact. So my prayer request is for a bit of peace to give my colleagues some desperately needed rest and for healing, recovery and swift recuperation for all members of our Battlegroup. Also continued prayer for those who have lost their loved ones recently - I know you will be joining the prayers of everyone who knows Christ here in theatre, and many who don't know Him too!” (Ps. 23).
Please Pray:
Please pray for peace, rest and recuperation for all those on the front line; for healing from the traumas they are
experiencing; for soldiers to be energised and strengthened to continue the work that is required of them. Also for
continued prayer for the families and friends of those lost and injured in this conflict.
July 09 (1)Prayer from a Serviceman recently arrived in Afghanistan “I am safely settled in and things are running along nicely now. However, last night at about 9pm local time two of our soldiers were injured in a mine strike in Afghanistan - one with bad head injuries and one with shrapnel wounds to the legs. Neither are in any mortal danger thankfully, but prayer for a swift recovery and the Lord's blessing and comfort to their families would be immensely helpful. Alas I can't give names without their own personal consent unless it's published in the media; sorry. Aside from that, prayer for the coming weeks would be much appreciated and for endurance for all involved so far, and continued safety for ourselves and of course for the locals in Afghanistan. None of them have been having an easy time of things.”
Please Pray:
For safety for our service men and women who are continually in danger of attack and for the local Afghanistan people, especially those who support the British in the work in Afghanistan.
June 09Withdrawal of British Troops from Iraq British Troops are currently withdrawing from Iraq which hopefully will be completed in July. As they hand over their responsibilities to the American troops, it is important to consider their safety at this final stage - safety from any further hostile action against them, as well as any accidental injuries as they pack up and withdraw their equipment from the county. The Iraqi peoples in those areas where the British are leaving will now have to adapt to the American ways. This may not be easy and the Americans will need wisdom and understanding to ensure the continued stability in those areas. There also still needs to be more national reconciliation, especially with the Sunni community. There is a great deal that needs to be achieved in reconciling the ethnic groups to the government and this is critical if Iraq is ever to stand a chance of unity and cohesion and, ultimately, a future without sectarian violence. It is also important at this time as the British forces withdraw to remember those soldiers who have lost their lives or those who have been injured during this conflict and to give thanks for their bravery and ultimate sacrifice. (Jn 15:13)
Please Pray:
For the safety of the British troops and wisdom for the American and others troops left in Iraq. Pray for justice for
the Iraqi people – pray that any further violence will cease and the fledgling democracy will flourish and that the
Government of Iraq would do more to encourage and provide for national reconciliation, especially with the Sunni community.
Give thanks for the courage and loyalty of our troops in these conflicts.
May 09Praying for the Royal Air Force Helicopters & their Crews The Royal Air Force flies Chinook, Merlin and Puma helicopters in various operational theatres. They are in particularly high demand in combat areas such as Afghanistan. Astonishingly, given the high work rate and the threat they face each day, there have been no major incidents or accidents involving loss of life, despite the high intensity of operations and the testing and hostile environmental conditions in which they operate.
Please Pray:
For the safety and well-being of the crews and ground support staff, for skill, good judgment and courage, and for timely and sufficient supplies of equipment. (Is.40: 31b)
April 09 (2)Chaplains of the Armed Forces Uniformed Service Chaplains are attached to ships and units of all 3 Armed Services. There are a total of roughly 300 chaplains and they are stationed around the world ministering to Service personnel and their families. They also deploy with their ships or units to operational theatres such as Iraq and Afghanistan. They offer spiritual help and guidance to all and live in the same conditions and share the same dangers as the sailors, soldiers and airmen. They spend time with people wherever they may be - on patrol, in guard posts, in the welfare areas, in canteens and so on. They visit the sick and injured and spend time with those who may have been involved in a variety of traumatic incidents. They have the privilege to pray with people and to leads acts of worship in a variety of different locations. Please Pray: For Chaplains in what can be a demanding and lonely role. For spiritual wisdom, guidance, the right words, encouragement and that the Holy Spirit would continue to refresh and replenish them. (Col.4:2-6)
April 09 (1)Praying for the Service Families on Changeover of Deployed Forces March and April is the main changeover period of Service personnel to and from Afghanistan and Iraq and it can be a very difficult time for them and their families. They can be away from 6 months to over a year. This puts enormous pressure on marriages. For the serving person, deployment can be exciting and is the culmination of his military training. He switches his attention away from his family and onto his fellow soldiers who become his first priority – his life line. This camaraderie becomes a focus and he will often enjoy this time of being ‘single’ again. The spouse on the other hand, is alone, often overseas, and is left to cope with all the boring day to day routine situations of running the home. She is expected to manage, and also to be the mother and father to their children. Unlike the soldier’s close military relationships, the wife can find herself isolated, struggling to cope with all the demands and the loss of her best friend and companion. She is likely to experience anxiety for the safety of her loved one and fear for the future should he be killed or return seriously injured. Families may find themselves feeling constantly on edge. By the time the deployment comes to its close, the couple may have become two separate individuals. Added to this, the soldier may well return with post-traumatic stress. A couple re-uniting at the end of deployment can find the experience a nightmare and their marriage could be under severe threat.
Please Pray:
That God would protect marriages within the Armed Forces and keep relationships alive whilst apart. That God would enable smooth
reunions and the ability for both partners to recognise each other’s difficulties so that conflict can be resolved quickly. Pray
that God would be invited to be the third strand in the marriage. (Ecc.4:12)
March 09:Praying for the Deployed UK Joint Force Medical Group (Tri-Service) For deployed Medical staff, as with most Service Personnel in Afghanistan and Iraq, the working day is about 14 hours with no days off – so it is exhausting and dangerous. Retrieval teams - a Chinook helicopter and its crew and a Medical team, extract the injured from the front line, frequently under fire and rocket attacks. The injured include not only our soldiers, but local men, women and children and sometimes the Taliban as well. It is vital to start treatment immediately, getting fluids into the wounded, and using clamps and tourniquets to stop bleeding of those who have lost limbs. All treatment requires concentration, accurate calculation, meticulous record keeping and a calm level head in situations that can resemble scenes from a horror film. Invariably injuries are not isolated to one person and so there is considerable pressure on the staff and resources in coping with and prioritising casualties. Alongside the injured soldiers may be a child (frequently newly orphaned), as well as the friends of those who have died or have sustained horrific injuries, and the staff must cope with them all.
Please Pray:
For the physical and psychological protection of our serving Medical staff and retrieval teams; for stamina and skill to do their jobs well and for the Lord’s calmness in these times. Please pray for the difficulties with communication with the locals. Praise God that despite being under considerable stress, Medical teams are saving many lives. (Eph.3:16 - 21)
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