The meeting began with a devotion and prayer by Vicar Wirtz. War brings on shock, trauma and drawn-out stress. It’s not always a physical wound that soldiers suffer. Christians can go beyond their suffering with the help of God’s love through Jesus who takes away their burden and brings about healing of the soul.
Those in attendance were Vicar Wirtz, Pastor & Marty, Paul & Donna, Laura & Mike, Bruce, and Dawn.
We reviewed some of the activities that our Chapter was involved in, even though we did not have a formal meeting in December. Several loads of household goods and clothing were taken to Esperanza En Escalante (a housing development by DM Airbase for needy Veterans). We received a $300 LWML AZ Zone Grant for the purchase of Bibles. Those have been purchased and a “thank you” was sent. Faith Lutheran’s Chapter is featured in the December Warning Order for their celebration which honored their Veterans on Veteran’s Day. We referred a Veteran who requested a $60 gas card to Faith’s Chapter for help. He was located closer to their area, and we were grateful that we didn’t have to run all the way across town. It was an emergency situation.
New business includes helping Faith get some booklets that they had requested in a grant, but did not receive. It is entitled, “Whether Soldiers Too, Can Be Saved” by Martin Luther. When we get the information on where to order them, we will assist them.
We plan to support a deployed soldier, Jacob, who is stationed in Jordan. Valentines were written and will be included in a goody box that will be sent soon. We also are supporting Karl who is stationed state-side and is attending submarine school. If any of you would like to write to Jacob, contact the church office. When I get Karl’s address, I will share this through the office too.
There will be two Stand Down’s in March—Pima County March 14 and Pinal County on March 16. Pima County will be held at the old Grand Luxor Hotel on Grant and I-10 and Pinal County will be held at the Florence National Guard Armory. We will be packing 50 adult bags and 15 children’s bags for the Stand Down in Tucson. Faith’s Chapter has volunteered to cover the Pinal County Stand Down with 20 adult bags and 10 children’s bags. We are donating the Bibles, sunglasses, reading glasses, the backpack bags and some extra hygiene items for them to pack.
Vicar Wirtz will need to purchase a uniform for his new assignment in the National Guard as he starts his schooling to become a Chaplain. We plan to help him with this purchase and we encourage him with our prayers.
The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod is requesting an interview of some our Chapter members and their involvement in Operation Barnabas on Radio Station KFUO in April. Paul, Laura and Dawn have volunteered to do this interview.
Future fundraisers were discussed and it was decided to not have a yard sale this spring. It is very work intensive and we need a break. Instead, we hope to have a Thrivent Financial Action Team Event where we make a breakfast or brunch and sell tickets for profit for O.B. We might also work in conjunction with a local restaurant which may give us a portion of sales for our Chapter. Details will follow.
We have two requests from the V.A. to assist two Veterans–one with an application fee for an apartment and another Vet who needs financial support till his housing voucher takes effect.
Our next meeting is February 12 at 11:00 at the Church.
Pastor closed the meeting with a blessing.