PROBLEM:
Post
Traumatic Stress
You've
heard the old retort, "it takes one to know one," used in various
connotations. Positively speaking, that ability to claim personal identification
with the woes of someone in need is one of the most effective tools in helping
the hurting.
Many war veterans are suffering today from Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder. PTSD is a new name for an old story . . .After the Civil War it was
nostalgia, for WWII and Korea it was called combat fatigue. No matter what the
term, the symptoms are the same, and most veterans who suffer with it will only
identify with another veteran who has had like experiences.
Unlike
other victims of traumas, war veterans carry scars that few humans ever
experience. While the ministry of Point Man is helping veterans “make peace
with their past,” we still must consider these devastating results:
*
292,131 Americans died in WWII, which lasted only 4
years. Of the 800,000 who saw direct combat, 37.5 percent became serious
emotional casualties.
*
Most Korean veterans still feel unacknowledged for
their sacrifices, and many have been plagued with readjustment problems over
years. 25 percent of the 198,380 who were in combat suffer from emotional
debilitation.
*
Between 40 & 60 percent of all Vietnam veterans
have persistent problems with emotional adjustment. While only 58,000+ died
during the 16 years of the Vietnam war, more than 150,000 have committed suicide
since the war ended.
*
The suicide rate for Vietnam veterans is 33% higher
than that of the general population.
*
Stress from the Gulf War is now surfacing.
According to the VA, “The war, although short, posed distinctive dangers of
Post Traumatic Stress because of the people who fought it. Female troops, called
to active duty with little warning, parents of small children and etho-cultural
minorities are all at increased risk of PTSD.
*
50 – 75 percent of veterans are involved in drug
and alcohol abuse problems.
*
Unemployment of vets is twice the national average.
*
Estimates are that 50 Percent of the
homeless population are veterans.
A
Ministry By Vets For Vets
Point Man International Ministries, a non-Profit Christian organization formed in 1984 to bring spiritual and emotional healing to veterans and their families suffering from “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder” (PTSD). The organization was initially established to support Vietnam veterans, but has since expanded to reach soldiers and veterans of all wars and era’s. Join a ministry of veterans who have found healing only through Jesus Christ, who are taking the message of freedom, hope, and healing to their brothers in arms, through education, one-on-one counseling, support groups, retreats, workshops, and conferences. Building Relationships
Identification and availability are two key elements in effective interpersonal communications. Experts have shown that these two elements, when present in communication exchange, are the icebreakers, the bridge through which relationships are connected. After all, that’s a key reason Jesus Christ became man. The Christian veterans in Point Man Ministries have found that bonding, sharing, and forgiving are the vital steps to a recovered life.
Point Man Vision
An International network of small support groups, or “outposts,” of Christian veterans meeting and praying for one another, and evangelizing vets in their own communities throughout the world. Developing Ministry Tools
As the ministry continues to grow, and needs are identified, Point Man stands in the gap. Publishing efforts include multiple tracts for use in ministering to veterans and their families; targeting known felt needs of those still struggling with PTSD and other war related problems. Restoration of Families
The strategy for healing Point Man has found effective in dealing with the veteran is now being offered to the wives and children through the companion outreach program: HOMEFRONT. Homefront strives to bring peace to the home through cooperative ventures with the Outpost, and support groups, retreats, conferences, and workshops. Growth Continues
The
primary reason for our tremendous growth is that Point Man is meeting a need
untouched by Vet Centers or the VA. Moreover, because so many in the church do
not understand the problems, or the spiritual implications of PTSD, POINT MAN
has become a welcome addition to many church outreach programs.
Point Man is a
faith ministry. It receives no government money, or any denominational support,
nor does it currently receive income from grants or foundations. Since it’s
inception, Point Man has existed solely on gifts from friends and veterans
across the country. A current financial statement, budget, and tax return are
available upon request.