See how God worked in the lives of military couples during the sixth week of the Operation Heal Our Patriots summer season
Help Bring Healing to Wounded PatriotsWeek Six of the Operation Heal Our Patriots summer season came to a rainy end on July 11, but the weather could not dampen the joy of those celebrating marriage renewals, baptisms, and salvation found in Christ. Here’s a glimpse into some of last week’s excitement.
Retired Army Sergeant Mark Winkelman of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, is greeted by Samaritan’s Purse staff and supportive residents of Port Alsworth, Alaska. He joined the Army at age 17 and was wounded by an improvised explosive device (IED) in 2006 during his second deployment to Iraq. Subsequently, he has undergone 27 surgeries and has little mobility in his left leg.
Mark Winkelman and his wife, Aileen, were among six couples to publicly renew their vows while in Alaska for a week of marriage enrichment classes through Operation Heal Our Patriots. Retired Navy officer Jim Fisher, supervisory chaplain for Operation Heal Our Patriots, led the ceremony. Jim’s wife, Lori, (background) serves as a counselor for couples as well.
Retired Marine Brigadier General Jim Walker, executive director of Operation Heal Our Patriots, hugs Mark Winkelman following Mark’s baptism in Lake Clark. Mark trusted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior earlier in the week. His wife Aileen had been praying for his conversion for 15 years.
Retired Army Staff Sergeant Josh Schuchhardt and his wife, Ashely, placed their faith in Jesus Christ during the week. They shared their testimony with the crowd gathered to watch them undergo baptism. Josh suffers chronic migraines as a result of a head injury suffered from a blast on Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan.
Josh Schuchhardt raises his arm in triumph after being baptized in Lake Clark.
Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham and his wife, Jane, greet Marine Staff Sergeant Bobby Perez following Bobby’s baptism. The Marine, who was injured while attempting to defuse an IED in Afghanistan, earlier trusted Christ during the week.
Retired Army Master Sergeant Rich Olson and his wife, Stephanie, pray during Week Six’s farewell time around the fire pit. The couple, as individuals, received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior during their Operation Heal Our Patriots experience. “They had an energy and a buoyancy about them that could only come from transformation by Jesus,” said Chaplain Fisher, describing the Olsons on their final day in Alaska.
