Bridgeway Christian Church

I was traveling from Sacramento to New York for business recently. At the airport I saw a few soldiers checking in and getting on my flight. Our first stop, Dallas. At the gate, there were hundreds of people, some getting on the flight, as well as families of the soldiers, all in the very small, cramped space. It was complete chaos, loud (with babies crying), no room to stand, and a sense of urgency; but this is what they were given to say goodbye to their loved ones before their deployment. As we were called to board, some soldiers said goodbye to their family immediately to get the painful departure over with and then got on the plane. I noticed others who sat there silent with their wife or girlfriend until the final minute before the gate shut. 

I watched one particular family nearby. A female soldier, in her mid-20's, had to say goodbye to her baby daughter, no more than 3 or 4 months old. I guessed that the sister, mother and grandmother, who were all there, were pitching in to take care of the baby during the mom's deployment. This soldier mother was in tears, trying to say goodbye to her daughter but not being able to let go. It was heartbreaking to watch. First, for a new mother to be taken away from her newborn daughter. Second, because she is doing this for us, our country, and all that she values. If I wasn't a Marine, I'd admit that I got a little teary-eyed. It was hard to watch - and I know everyone else in the terminal saw it too. You couldn't be there and not notice the situation.

I only saw day-one of their pain and sacrifice. But it continues today and the tomorrow's as we go on with our daily life - our somewhat easy, uncomplicated lives. I wished so much that I could say something, or better yet, DO something. This is who Reveille is and it is what we do. Reveille means to get up and begin our duty, so standing around is not our nature. I did not know where this Army unit was from, but I do know that we here at Bridgeway, are engaging with units at Beale AFB more and more, and building more relational ties with the base. I hope you will earnestly join us in our mission. With more active bodies, we can reach and support more troops and their families. We can love them with God's love that He has given us to share with others. 

As I write this, Saturday, April 10, 2010, it also marks the one year anniversary of a deceased troop in our local area, Elk Grove. He was KIA in Afghanistan. We will be sending his parents a bouquet of flowers and a note on Saturday. Please keep this family in your prayers - that God will give them peace, comfort and show His love to them. 

I’d love to see you at our next Sunday meeting. 

Regards, 

Dave Winter, Reveille Ministry Team Leader