As Week Two closes, a Marine couple trusts Christ
The second week of Operation Heal Our Patriots marriage retreats in Alaska came to a close Friday, June 13, with new-fallen snow on Tanalian Mountain and a renewed commitment to God and each other made by three military couples.
Each week, couples are given an opportunity to participate in a marriage rededication ceremony led by a staff chaplain. The ceremony points to Ephesians 5:21-33 as the model for a Christ-honoring relationship between a husband and wife.
Retired Marine Sergeant Richard Massimino was injured by a mortar blast in Iraq and has lasting issues.
The exchange of vows emphasizing grace and forgiveness was particularly meaningful to the Massiminos, who each prayed to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior earlier in the week.
“They saw that the person of Jesus is who brings restoration and healing,” said Jim Fisher, supervisory chaplain for Operation Heal Our Patriots and a retired Navy officer.
Operation Heal Our Patriots, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, extends God’s healing love to wounded military personnel and their spouses. During 15 weeks this summer, a different group of 10 couples is scheduled to be flown in to Port Alsworth, Alaska, for a week-long faith-based marriage retreat. Outdoor adventures, marriage enrichment training, and daily devotions offer participants spiritual and physical refreshment while there. Once they return home, our aftercare program follows up with couples for long-term ministry.
Please continue to pray for participating couples this summer and for Operation Heal Our Patriots staff in Alaska and at Samaritan’s Purse headquarters in Boone, North Carolina.
