Samaritan's Purse hosted the Pences during the ninth week of the Operation Heal Our Patriots summer season.
Former Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, joined Franklin and Jane Graham to support wounded veterans and their spouses at Samaritan Lodge Alaska this past week.
“To be some small part of simply saying thank you, thanking them for their service, but also encouraging them to grow in their faith, to strengthen their marriages, is just an incredible joy for us,” Mike Pence said.
Alongside Samaritan’s Purse staff and volunteers, they thanked God together on Friday as they watched three individuals baptized below the cold waters of Lake Clark. Five couples publicly rededicated their marriages before God earlier that day.
Last week was the ninth week of the Operation Heal Our Patriots summer season. Ten couples participated in Biblically based marriage enrichment, including chaplain-led classes, devotions, and guided excursions into the wilderness of Lake Clark National Park and Katmai National Park.
Former Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, speak with John Barry, retired Navy sailor.
Having the Pences there was a great encouragement to all involved. They too in turn were blessed by spending time with some of our nation’s military heroes.
“I’m grateful to former Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, for coming to Alaska for Operation Heal Our Patriots this week,” Franklin Graham said via Facebook. “It means so much for them to spend time with these military couples and encourage them.”
More than 160 military couples are expected to travel to Samaritan Lodge Alaska this year, over a 17-week stretch ending September 23.
Alaska is just the beginning for couples as Operation Heal Our Patriots has a strong Family Care program in which alumni are followed up for life. Chaplains and staff help connect couples to local churches; provide ongoing care, spiritual counsel, and discipleship; offer leadership, service, and fellowship opportunities; and host an annual reunion for all those who’ve been to Alaska.
