This article is the first in a series of articles discussing the "how to" of establishing a Pentecostal hospitality house military ministry.

First of all a Pentecostal hospitality house military ministry is about passion: a passion to obey the mandate of Jesus Christ to make disciples of all nations; a passion to minister to young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 who are serving their country in the armed forces; and a passion that chooses to see the military as a unique mission field. It involves the opening of both heart and home to young men and women who have volunteered to serve in the military and go into harms way to defend the freedoms we cherish as Americans. 

The Apostle Paul described this passion beautifully in
 

1 Thessalonians 1:8

when, speaking about the Thessalonians, he said,

"We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our own lives as well, because you had become so dear to us."

Many young servicemen and women are faced with giving the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country and must be prepared for it. Think of the men and women who have given their lives in places like Somalia, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Iraq; on the USS COLE; and in the many other hot spots around the world. Pentecostal hospitality house military ministry is about developing personal relationships with these young warriors and helping them come to know and develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ; and helping them learn how to share that personal relationship with other military men and women.

For many young adults joining the military was supposed to be an exciting adventure! It was presented as an opportunity to 'see the world' and 'be all that you can be'. Unfortunately, the reality often becomes loneliness, isolation, stress, fatigue, and boredom. Young servicemen and women lacking transportation or familiarity with a geographic area can feel trapped. Many succumb to negative peer pressure and turn to alcohol, drugs, and sexual immorality, to fight the loneliness and boredom.

Young military families that are new to an area and then separated from the service member because of deployment for several months go through loneliness, depression and other difficulties. Their young children may go through behavioral difficulties at home or in school because of feelings of abandonment when the military parent deploys.

Pentecostal hospitality house military ministry involves giving these young men and women, away from their own homes and biological families, a home and family where they can feel loved and cared for; a place they can have fun in a wholesome, family environment. It involves coming along side young married couples and young military parents to provide an 'extended family', often becoming surrogate parents and grandparents.

Again, the Apostle Paul said it well in
 

1 Thessalonians 1:7, 11-12

"...we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children."

"...we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory."

Let me share our experience with you as an example: When Yvonne and I came to Virginia Beach to establish a military ministry we had a preconceived idea of how we would go about doing our work based on the servicemen’s center we were involved with in California thirty years earlier called the Port ‘O Call.  However, while seeking the Lord’s direction for where we were to look for a building, I felt clearly impressed we were not to locate our ministry in a ‘building’ or develop a ‘center’ concept; but minister out of our home.

My reaction was ‘Why?’ I felt we would be tremendously limited in the number of servicemen and women we could accommodate in our home at any given time and in space for our planned activities. But, as I thought about this it occurred to me that the background of young adults entering the military today are significantly different than they were thirty years ago when I came into the service. I came from an intact family with both biological parents; a nominal Christian background; faith in God; and recognized the Bible as authoritative. Many of today’s young people come from broken homes with divorced parents; other dysfunctional family backgrounds; little or no belief in God; and very limited knowledge or understanding of the teachings of the Bible; many never having been to church. What these young men and women needed was a home environment which would provide a loving, comfortable environment where they could see the Christian life modeled in front of them in a family context.

As we began having young servicemen and women in our home we quickly grew attached to them as though they were our own sons and daughters. Many of them began calling us ‘mom and dad’ or ‘ma and pa’. One of the hardest things we experience is when they get transferred to other duty stations. But, with the new information technology available we’re able to keep in touch through email and cell phones. Several of our adopted sons and daughters call us regularly; some even come back and visit. As they get married Yvonne and I attend the ceremonies when we can, sharing the joys and celebrations of their lives; we become extended family – a surrogate mom and dad and later surrogate grandparents.

It's our belief that compassionate caring in the name of Jesus Christ prepares the way for ministry to spiritual needs. Our goal is to encourage Spirit-filled Christians around the world to develop meaningful, redemptive relationships with the military men and women stationed on the bases or posts near them through the establishment of Pentecostal hospitality house military ministries.

Do you have a passion to obey the mandate of Jesus Christ to make disciples of all nations? Is there a passion stirring within you to minister to young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 who are serving their country in the armed forces? Finally, are you willing to develop a passion that chooses to see the military as a unique mission field?

If you answered 'Yes' to these questions continue reading the other articles in this section of our web site. We would love to hear from you; email us and let us know of your desire or intent.