Workshop Launched Operation Barnabas in the Michigan District2 min read

In April, Operation Barnabas was kicked off in the Michigan District at Christ Our King, Saline. Rev. Dr. Colonel (retired) Gary Danielsen was the presenter from The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Ministry to the Armed Forces. He gave a wonderful look into this great and much needed ministry.

Operation Barnabas is a network of care to our nation’s military members, both active and retired, and their families and extended families. Barnabas was St. Paul’s companion, who helped him in his missionary journey. Barnabas means “son of encouragement.” Called by Christ’s love, Operation Barnabas engages, empowers, and equips LCMS faith communities to provide hope, healing, and support to military-connected persons.

The event had around 40 people from at least six different congregations in the local area and further. There were several local businesses that came and showed great interest in assisting with this ministry as well. Everyone who came was given an excellent presentation as to what extent this ministry is needed throughout Michigan and beyond. Many members of the Reserve community live across the country in locations that are not near a military base. This means that these soldiers do not receive much of the same services and support as active duty soldiers when they return from a tour of duty. However, most have a Lutheran church in their community. What an opportunity to touch Reservists and their families with Christ’s love! There is a great need to assist all these men and women who have given so much for the freedoms we enjoy.

Col. Danielsen imparted a lot of information on how congregations can participate in this great work through becoming a chapter of Operation Barnabas. Through this wonderful care ministry, relationships can be built with active, reserve, and retired military men and women, their immediate families, and their extended families. In this new relationship, Operation Barnabas chapters will bring ways of assisting with both physical and spiritual needs of these individuals. Becoming an Operation Barnabas chapter is a wonderful way for congregations to reach out into their communities and make a difference in the lives of people for the kingdom of God.

For more information, or if your congregation is interested in hosting a workshop, contact Rev. Randy Johnson, Michigan District Congregation Mission & Ministry Facilitator – North Zone, at 313.522.6424.

_{Photos courtesy of Christ Our King, Saline}