It’s a Tough Road in Basic!
Posted in: Community, Newsletter
Photo By: Lance Cpl. Khalil Ross. The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visuals does not imply or constitute a DOD endorsement.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
The basic building block of our military is boot camp. It’s where the tip of the spear begins to sharpen.
To those who have never been in the armed forces, “boot camp” conjures up images of unbelievable physical hardship and discipline. Those who have been through it can attest that those images hold true.
Of all the areas in which Cru Military serves (and we serve in military academies, every basic training site, operational locations, and in 33 countries around the world) our work among recruits in basic training is perhaps the most crucial.
That very first week of training can be the worst for many recruits. Being homesick, loneliness and the tremendous stress of being thrust into such an intense environment can wreak havoc emotionally and physically. Many begin to question whether they’ve made the right decision.
But as their fear and confusion mount, our Ministry Team leaders are ready and able to reach out and walk them through some of the toughest times they’ve ever faced. Whether it’s the standard eight-week boot camp or the Marines’ twelve-week marathon, we are there every step of the way, tirelessly sharing the love of Jesus with everyone who will listen.
Every Sunday, we share special Introduction to Christianity lessons. We provide Bible studies and ongoing discipleship for those who accept Christ. And we’re seeing Jesus work in mighty ways!
At Lackland Air Force Base, just one of the 8 Basic Training locations we serve, 2,900 recruits have already made a decision for Jesus Christ in the first half of this year.
One young trainee who had tremendous struggles early in camp began coming to our studies and accepted Jesus. For him, it was life-changing! After completing his basic training, he shared this with our staff –
“Coming here to the Air Force and Bible Study has made me accept Jesus Christ. Before, I was lost, depressed, suicidal and this has completely changed my life. Thank you, Cru Military, for coming to us.”
This is just one of the thousands of changed lives we’re seeing through God’s grace and mercy.
Yes, basic training is tough. It needs to be. It’s the way young men and women can acquire the strength and determination they need to become the “tip of the spear”. Their training strengthens them both physically and mentally.
But only Jesus can fill and build their most critical need – the spiritual need for a relationship with their loving Father. It’s a relationship with Jesus Christ that will see them through all of their toughest days ahead.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visuals does not imply or constitute a DOD endorsement