Eyes and Hearts Opened
to Christ in Alaska

Dear Friend,

Operation Heal Our Patriots got off to an incredible start this year in Alaska. Our first two planeloads of military couples arrived mid-afternoon on the Sunday before Memorial Day, and before the sun went down that evening one husband and wife turned their lives over to Christ.

Army Staff Sergeant Chad Hindal received the Lord Jesus Christ as His Savior, and his wife, Emily, rededicated her life to Him as one of our chaplains shared the Gospel with them. Chad is still in the Army Reserves and did two tours guarding convoys in Iraq, serving as lead gunner to ensure there were no IEDs or snipers ahead of the group.

Chad was grateful that our chaplains had served in the armed forces and understand the challenges that military couples face. The couple admitted their marriage was in real need and look forward to applying all they've learned in Alaska back home in Minnesota.

This is what Operation Heal Our Patriots is all about. Many wounded veterans and their spouses arrive in Alaska with broken lives. Some are really struggling: dealing with addictions, suicide attempts, anger, and unforgiveness. A few have already taken steps toward separation or divorce, and they're desperate for one last chance.

Couples are looking to heal their marriages, and our chaplains explain how that process begins with a right relationship with Almighty God. He gave us marriage between a man and a woman, and in His Word, the Bible, He tells us how we should live. Knowing Christ is the key—understanding the Good News that God so loved the world that He sent His only Son to die for our sins. He rose from the dead on the third day, and in Him we have eternal life.

ON THE GROUND: For 17 weeks every summer, military veterans and their spouses are invited to Operation Heal Our Patriots for a week-long marriage retreat. Kristy Graham takes listeners behind-the-scenes to experience what these military couples do day by day, immersing them in what life is like at Samaritan Lodge Alaska. Hear how the Lord transforms marriages through Biblically based marriage classes, excursions in the beautiful Alaskan wilderness, and intentional conversations with chaplains, staff, and volunteers.

In addition to daily classes that help the couples communicate with each other and point them to Jesus Christ, they spend time fishing, hiking, and watching wildlife together. They love being on our boat, the Jay Hammond, named after the late governor of Alaska who lived on the shore of Lake Clark. Our staff and volunteers do a great job of making their time with us special. For instance, couples don't go through a chow line, our team graciously serves their meals—and they always get great food with desserts like ice cream and apple pie, my favorite.

One of the soldiers I met during our first week was Jason Morse. He served three deployments in Afghanistan and deals with post-traumatic stress—he tried to take his own life at one point. On the way to Alaska, he told his wife, Biby, that he was going to "fake" his way through the week, just to go fishing. But, it didn't turn out that way. "After listening and listening, you can't fake it," he said.

After talking for hours with one of our chaplains, Jason came to Christ late one evening. Biby was there too and rejoiced that her prayers of the past 12 years were answered.

"This place was a real eye-opener to me," Jason said. "I have a lot more to learn. One day at a time."

I thank God that Jason and Chad were among five people we saw baptized in the bone-chilling waters of Lake Clark during our first week. Seven of the 10 couples also renewed their marriage vows as we gathered around the camp firepit.

It's always an honor for me to meet these husbands and wives who have served our nation so well. Please pray for the more than 180 couples who are coming to Alaska this summer with our Operation Heal Our Patriots. We want them to leave here knowing Christ as their Savior and Lord who loves them and cares for them.