ITEMS OF INTEREST September 28, 2009 Issue

ITEMS OF INTEREST

with contributions from G. Jeffrey MacDonald, Chris Kenrick

AS SOLDIERS RETURN HOME FROM IRAQ and Afghanistan, congregations are discovering how spirituality can help veterans afflicted with postwar stress. But many pastors remain unsure how to help when veterans contend with chronic nightmares, outbursts, and panic attacks. Several ministries are trying.

• Since 2007, Campus Crusade for Christ's Military Ministry has helped about 100 local churches launch or expand programs addressing spiritual needs that accompany PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

• Point Man support groups, led by veterans and supported by local congregations, have grown from 219 in 2007 to 250 today. Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans now make up 20 percent of attendees, up from just 1 percent in 2007, says Point Man president Dana Morgan.

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