BEARING BURDENS TO RECOVERY

November 2024

Desmond Doss was a United States Army corporal who served as a combat medic with an infantry company in World War II. His regiment was assigned to the Tenth Army for the battle of Okinawa, the bloodiest mission in the Pacific Islands, which resulted in over 50,000 Allied and 100,000 Japanese casualties.

Corporal Doss saved the lives of more than 100 wounded infantrymen atop an area known to the 96th Division as Hacksaw Ridge, despite being wounded four times himself. These American soldiers had been injured by the enemy and left for dead by their company. Yet, because of Doss’s bravery, he scoured the battlefield, locating those who were still alive. Risking his own life, he carried them one by one through hostile territory, lowering them by rope down the ridge to safety during the night. For his heroic actions, he was awarded two Bronze Star Medals for exceptional valor in aiding wounded soldiers under fire.

Many missionaries feel helpless and hopeless on distant battlefields across the world. Unresolved stress from traumatic experiences associated with their missionary service brings internal conflict both personally and within their families. We are not content to let them suffer in silence. GFF is doing all we can to help shoulder the burden of carrying wounded missionaries to safety as God gives us divine appointments.  We run into the battle ready to aid missionaries with “wounded spirits” who need someone both willing and able to help bear their burdens to recovery, thus fulfilling the law of Christ (Prov. 18:14; Gal. 6:2).

While the number of “new soldiers” enlisting in service has dwindled, our ministry to those wounded in the field has skyrocketed. Many have expressed deep gratitude for helping them to recognize and resolve many of their struggles. Thankfully, many also feel refreshed and ready to redeploy back into full time missionary service. Though we protect their stories for confidentiality’s sake, please pray for their spiritual stamina to continue serving.

To learn more about our services, visit https://mending.care/.

Serving with gladness,     

 

 

 

GFF General Director