C R U M I L I TA R Y:
PTSD battle rages
A ministry brings a spiritual response
The epidemic of PTSD
creates a lingering
emotional war within our
brave warriors and
veterans. This war can
give way to peace with
spiritual guidance and the
great power Christ gives.
Cru Military, the military ministry
of Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ
International) is on the front lines of
this freedom here in Military City USA.
The ministry's origins were during the
Vietnam War in 1965. It all began when
a U.S. Air Force colonel didn’t want any
soldier going into harm’s way without
the opportunity to be saved by Christ.
Cru Military is a global ministry
serving near military communities and
bases. They partner with chaplains and
churches to present the gospel, provide
Bible studies, marriage support and
spiritual guidance. They invite active
duty military members, veterans and
families to small groups, seminars and
online content.
In San Antonio, Steve and Karen
Dorner lead Cru’s efforts to provide
specialized support addressing the
epidemic of veterans suffering from
post-traumatic stress disorder, combat
trauma and other wounds of war.
Steve and Karen walk small groups
through issues dealing with grief,
moral injury, forgiveness and
Christ-centered solutions to begin
healing. They also assist spouses in
becoming whole and spiritually fit. “It
helps the veteran to recover when their
family is doing well, too,” says Steve.
Steve and Karen host REBOOT
Combat Recovery, a 12-week course for
veterans and family members. Together,
they explore healing the soul to
recover from combat trauma. When
participants graduate the class, the
Dorners provide ongoing support,
follow up and discipleship material to
those who wish to continue their
healing. “We work with singles,
married couples, active, retired. And
veterans from the Vietnam era and
current conflicts. It’s a mixed group,”
says Karen.
As a combat medic with the U.S.
Army in Vietnam, Steve grappled with
his own traumas when remembering
the people he could not save. Today he
wants to help reduce the number of
soldiers lost to spiritual warfare and
emotional wounds. “I feel like I’m still
losing people,” he says. “This spiritual
darkness is leading 22 veterans a day
to commit suicide and over 80 percent
of combat veterans getting divorced,”
says Steve. “By mobilizing the church
to help in their local areas, they can
make a real difference.”
The church plays a major role in the
Steve and Karen can equip your
church group to launch a ministry
to vets.
ministry’s mission. Many churches
provide support for military families
but tend to steer clear of a ministry
related to combat trauma, which is
often misunderstood.
Over half of our veterans are
National Guard or Reserve, which
means they are not based in military
communities, but in their hometowns.
“There is still a need. God is calling our
churches to be a healing hub in every
little town,” says Steve. “Whenever
someone calls, we want to provide
them with multiple people, places and
‘Doc’ Dorner, age 19, serving as a Combat Medic with
the 25th Infantry in Vietnam, 1969.
October / November 2019 www.saBeacon.com 7
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