In a significant but under-reported story, the Associated Press highlights the faith of the military family at home:

Faced with long periods of separation and worry over the next combat tour, a group of wives…are drawn together weekly to seek spiritual support to bolster the strength of their marriages…

“The military, because of the complexities of the deployment, can have more uncertainties,” she said. “The reason God is the answer is because scripture says that He has never changed. From the beginning of time to the end of time, He is unchanging.”

Mya Parker, wife of an Army aviator and a former Soldier herself, started the non-denominational “Lantern” Bible fellowship.  They meet in small groups to support each other in faith, and in life:

“We don’t sugar-coat it and say, ‘Oh, it will be great, it will be fine. This deployment is going to fly by.’ To be honest, it’s hard and you have good days and bad days,” said Mandy Costello…These wives speak the same language that is peppered with military acronyms as they share advice for keeping marriages intact, when sometimes months go by without kisses or hugs from their spouses.

The military life can be tough on individuals, marriages, and families back home.  Faith and fellowship are important parts of surviving — or thriving — during deployments and separation.  There are actually quite a few resources for maintaining relationships during deployments or other TDYs, though it takes a little searching.  Chaplains and military ministries are good places to start asking.  The separations themselves can vary from “hardship” trips to Las Vegas or year-plus long separations to combat.

Groups like these exist for military spouses and those on active duty throughout the world.  If you can’t find one, you can always start one.  Unit spouse groups and chaplains are often willing to help — as well as participate.

Via ArmyChaplaincy.com.