Our church has joined Operation Pray Me Home.  A mission to adopt US soldiers, and pray for them and their families while in battle.  It has developed into much more for both the soldiers and us.

One of the soldiers lost his life in the battle last month and the host family from PSM was invited to the funeral ceremony.  Check out this amazing story from our members: Sylvia and her son, Ryan.

As part of the adopted family, we were invited to Ft Hood for the Memorial Service on July 22nd.  I feel that God was at the center of our whole time we were there since at every step we were asked to sit with the family during the service and sit with the parents during the reception.  At one point, Craig, Frank’s dad, held Ryan and said that although he had lost a son he felt that he had gained a son too. They greeted Ryan with a gift and we in turn gave them the last picture taken of Frank.  It was the picture taken at Ft Hood with Ryan.  Ryan was also given a unit coin.  These coins makes you a member of that unit.  (we shared tears). Frank enjoyed golfing at Innisbrook, an elite golf course in Florida.  His dad, Craig, carried a golf coin in his chest pocket near to his heart.  He took it out and gave it to Ryan. (more tears of joy and love).

After the reception, we were invited to the Hall of Remembrance where pictures of fallen soldiers are hung.  This usually is a private ceremony for the immediate family.  During this ceremony, the family is given a pin which is given only to families who have lost an immediate family member in combat.  Since Frank’s sister was not able to attend, an extra pin was given to the family for her.  I saw Mrs Gross whispering to the staff and then she walked over to Ryan and presented Ryan with one of these pins.  (more tears).

Even though Ryan and I went through an experience we hoped we wouldn’t, we have definately found a larger family through Operation Pray Me Home.  God does have a way of showing us a bigger picture when we pray.