INNOVATE MINISTRY

The number of visitors to our now five-year old blog is nearing 100,000. One regular visitor shared how a very unique ministry unfolded in the USA Central Territory.

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 aries for 4 yrs. My arthritis had become so painful, I needed a change from all the meetings we were required to sit through, and the many weekend engagements, youth councils, etc. We asked for a change in appointment, and were asked, “what would you like to do”? We indicated we would be honored to finish out our career in Pastoral Care. TSA leaders thought it was a perfect fit for us, knowing our educational background. And, we had been around so long, having been in the youth department for 12 yrs...a record...and then administrative, DC, Program.....folks knew us....and fortunately, they trusted us. We had entre to almost every officer. I believe we only had one officer who turned us down for a stop in visit!  Not bad!

My husband has a BA in psychology and I have background in studies of early childhood disorders..no degree, just 44 years of practical ministry among children. I believe Commissioner Baillie felt our years of ministry to the territory. Our knowledge of their families, was key in our ministry to them.

My appointment was designed specifically for me. No one else had held the title in our territory...so I basically created my own brief. My focus was on the families and the children, in particular.

I tried to do the usual:

• ·      the birthday cards
• ·     holiday notes
• ·      cards when they were ill.

I also sent gifts to the children (from my own money, many times) My son in law was an exec at Sears in the music dept., so he gave me all the latest movies, cd's, etc. that came into his office for prevue. So...free gifts.

One other issue that came up was schooling. Officers move into areas where the schools are less than desirable, and need to consider private schooling, again, situations where we could help intervene.

We had several families who had special needs children. I kept in touch with them in many ways. One assistance I tried to provide on a limited basis was doing research on medications/prescription meds. We had parents who had young adult children living at home without coverage. I researched pharmaceutical companies for assistance with meds, such as Abilify...very expensive. We were successful in this venture!

We were able to provide valuable support system to these families; some felt alone and needed encouragement.

I also tried to research information on many areas; schooling, tutors, counseling help available to them, names of counselors, etc. We were working on getting these officers together at a Congress, or a camp setting but we simply ran out of time!

We were busy and loved it. If a child was going into the hospital, we made an effort to be there with the parents, if they did not mind. Sadly, we also attended the funeral of one of our sweet Down's Syndrome children. She was an angel to us.

We also sent notes to the children who were moving. And, once they arrived, we sent another note. If I had the time, I wanted to contact officers and secure pictures of the various quarters. It was our plan to send a picture of the house and school to the children...again, our retirement sneaked up on us.

We tried to intervene with leaders for corps officers also. We had an officer whose child’s treatment involved daily trips to the hospital...an IV at home...it involved a lot of time for this officer mother who also had several other children. She needed some encouragement from her administrative staff, so we were able to intercede on her behalf.

We also interceded for officers who were being dismissed. Some were told they could not work for the Army...one young man had done nothing wrong...so we interceded with THQ for him, and they were able to consider his case and change their decision.

It was a pleasure and blessing to pray with them and with the children.

We have four children. Michele, 46, is incredible! She writes for numerous magazines, on many subjects, some hilarious, others are about children and parenting skills. She has her Master's. She is married to a great Swede, an attorney.

Christopher is 45 and works for the government...Ft. Leavenworth in the College for Officers; he is a computer tech.

Jody, 42, is a nurse and has chosen to stay at home for now. Her hubby is an executive with Staples, so she doesn't need to work. Their son, Jordan, is in his second year at Notre Dame! We're so proud of him.

Lisa, is 36, and also has her two degrees...has worked for Prudential for 15 years. Can you tell I'm a proud mama? 

Sven, when you think that my father, who was born in 1895, could not read or write! And here are his grandchildren excelling in life...and a great grandson at Notre Dame, with two others at U of Kansas and U of IL.

My father met the SA at a hut in the Argonne Forest in WW I, and he never forgot their kindness to him. Years later when he married and bought property in Rushville, IN, the SA was just around the corner and he allowed us to go there. All because of a few faithful Sallies allowed us to go there. All because of a few faithful Sallies in France.  I was so grateful for God's amazing care, from protecting my father in a horrible war - his brother was killed right in front of him, and he was wounded a month later, but he stayed there. Never underestimate the power of a donut!

Sven, and FSAOF members, my husband and I both have a passion for ministry to former officers. We believe so many have been hurt, we receive emails or calls weekly from those leaving or those who have been hurt. It is a quiet ministry we give, assuring them that someone really does care. I was blessed by Com Jim Knagg's recent blog about offering apologies for hurt caused by our organization. it's a step! We need our leaders to be more loving and kind to officers; it is shocking how many are treated. Just another gem God has allowed us to share.

Jan Walker McCarty

Major (Retired)

SEE PRIORITY SPRING 2012 for a feature story on how Jan's father met TSA.