Time for change into spiritual recovery

Post Traumatic Spiritual Recovery

Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
January 27, 2020

Maybe you told yourself there is no hope for you. Maybe you convinced yourself that you deserve to suffer from what PTSD is doing to you. Maybe, if you think about it long enough, you will see that what it is doing to you, has more to do with how you see yourself, than the power PTSD should have over you.

Someone must have told you that PTSD has something to do with "what is wrong with you" instead of reminding you that it came because of what is strong within you. The very thing that gave you the desire and ability to risk your life for the sake of others, it what was strongest within you. That is where PTSD entered and that is where you have to fight it.

Among other things, like making you think you are a victim of "it" or "damaged" because of all you survived, it wants you weaken what you know to be true. It wants you to be afraid and hide your wounds, to be silently suffering, masquerading as if you have been untouched by what you lived through. In other words, it feeds off all you have forgotten about yourself, in order to destroy what was, and still is, best about you...that magnificent spirit God sent to this earth for the sake of others.

So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 New International Version (NIV)

He put it within you to want to serve others. You had the courage to risk your life and the ability to endure the hardships that came with your job. He also put within you all you would need to recover from what you had to go through to do everything you had to do.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give
you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version (NIV)

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-8 King James Version (KJV)

If you want to start Post Traumatic Spiritual Recovery, contact Point Man so they can lead you in the right direction.

We do not achieve that thing we want to do without hope

Understand that hope is what keeps all of us going

Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
January 18, 2020

There comes a time when you begin to understand that hope is what keeps all of us going, not just in our time, but since time began.

You cannot read the Bible and not see what it was like for people of faith to struggle in their lives. The thing that all of us need to remember, is that faith means we do not struggle alone. We do not fight our battles all by ourselves.

We do not achieve that thing we want to do without hope, or even try without it.

Corinthians 13:13 GOD’S WORD

So these three things remain: faith, hope, and love. But the best one of these is love.

Think about if what you wanted to do, was because you loved. If it was based on love, like the type of love Jesus had, then you may wonder why you are suffering. You missed the part where Jesus suffered too for not just those He loved, but for all generations to come into this world.
John 11:35-36

 Jesus wept.

 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”

Faith does not mean we will have a great life with no problems at all. It means we are not alone and can hope for better days. If we love, it does not mean that we will not suffer for love, but it does mean that Jesus does understand what we go through and is always by our side.

All of the following came from a time that began with pain, but they clung onto hope.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:

he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Isaiah 40:31

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

John 15:13

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

If you are suffering because of the job you did, willing to lay down your life, not just for your friends, but for the sake of total strangers, then know, you are understood, you are loved and you can heal. What you needed to do your job, was already inside of you and what you need to heal, because of your job, is already in there too.

You did not fight those battles alone then...and you do not have to fight alone now.

This is from the new President of Point Man International Ministries.

When I came home from Iraq in November of 2003 I did not know anything about PTSD. I definitely did not think I was affected by it, but others around me could see that something was very different about me. After I was referred to the clinic that diagnosed me with it, I struggled and things didn’t feel quite real. My wife is actually the one that searched and reached out to Point Man and while I was going through the process of getting out of the Army, one of the outpost leaders here in Oklahoma rode down on his motorcycle to visit with us. He was a Vietnam veteran and I was out training when he made the trip, but his visit planted a seed that would grow. After I got out I became friends with several more leaders through Point Man that were also veterans of other conflicts but they had all been down the path that I was winding my way through, and I realized that we had a common bond that transcended my time in Iraq. They were my friends, brothers, mentors, and they helped me to forge my way through the chaos that was all around me that I was not able to comprehend on my own.

Most veterans are used to working with a team, squad, or platoon; Yet for some reason when we separate from that life we try to take on the struggle on our own. We are not meant to take it on by ourselves, the men and women of Point Man Ministries are here to “walk point” with you whether it’s a veteran with a phone or one of our groups around the country. Point Man outposts and homefronts are here for you and have the desire to help veterans and families dealing with PTSD to find the peace they are looking for.

If you are dealing with PTSD and would like to know more about PMIM, reach out and join us in our journey. We weren’t meant to carry this load alone, and with Christ's help we don't have to. Our nation is grateful for your service and sacrifices. Whenever and wherever you served, welcome home! We look forward to hearing from you!
Marcus King (President of PMIM)

Contact Point Man to find the way toward hope of a happier life. 1-800-877-8387
UPDATE
Benefits of Faith Based Counseling - Enlighten Yourself
By Featured Articles January 18, 2020

(Newswire.net -- January 17, 2020) -- Have you ever heard about the great benefits of faith based counseling? It is a therapy approach, which improves your relationships and mental status, and helps you cope with all kinds of life challenges. Christian counseling combines psychology principles and faith. It encourages Christians to accept God's will, even if it is not their will. Faith based counseling can be quite beneficial, because it aids you go through devastating events like the death of a loved person, health problems, financial troubles or relationship issues. A resilient faith is going to help you get back on your feet, and move on with your life.

Benefits of Faith Based Counseling
Christian counseling provides support for different problems such as mental illnesses, parental challenges, grief and loss. We all know deaths are always heartbreaking, but faith is what makes the grieving period less painful. Christian counseling is also beneficial for various marital problems and addictions. Sometimes people just need a little courage to admit they have a problem. Fortunately, faith counseling can make you take the first step to recovery, and change your life for the better. Now, let's take a more profound look at these enormous Christian counseling benefits.

Accepting Loss and Recovering From Grief
When you lose someone, the grief is excruciating, but this is the right time to lean on your faith. Many people think it is impossible to move on afterwards, but Christian counseling can be the salvation. It teaches people to accept reality and loss, honor and remember their loved one, and eventually heal from the pain.

Dealing With Mental Health Problems
People, who suffer from mental conditions like anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc. usually have low self-esteem and self-love. Christian counseling helps them learn they are children of God just like everybody else. The greatest thing about faith is that it provides you with support, comfort, and solace when you need them most. (click link for more)

We shall begin with what will change the rest of your life with PTSD!

The SOUL mission of healing PTSD

Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
January 8, 2020

There are so many misconceptions about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, that it would take too long to cover. We shall begin with what will change the rest of your life with PTSD!

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version (NIV)

You are not a victim! What tried to kill you lost and you survived, There is nothing to be ashamed of. Having experienced something like that, and being changed by it, it is time to experience healing so you can change again!

Understand PTSD is not a punishment from God, especially if you were willing to sacrifice your life for the sake of others.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13 King James Version (KJV)

Most of the following videos go back to 2006. While some of the numbers are outdated, the message of healing is timeless!

If your job caused the pain you feel right now, you need to know that everything you needed to do your job was in your soul. That is why you felt the tug to do what did, knowing the high price you would pay to do it. The great news is, whatever you need to heal the pain it caused you, is also within you!

If you grieve, then it was because you loved...not just your friends, but willing to lay down your life for strangers too.

If you trusted those you served with, with your life, then understand that while they were willing to die for you too, they will be more than willing to listen to you now! Let them help you come out of the darkness that has trapped you.

You can break through what has you trapped in misery by knowing IT IS POSSIBLE NOW!

Since 1984 Point Man International Ministries has been sharing what we know about healing and how to focus on what is possible.

If you look up Point Man statement of faith and our Mission statement you will find that our mission is based on doing the work that God intended us to do so that veterans know they are loved by Him.

PMIM is a service organization with an evangelical purpose. Keeping Jesus Christ the focal point PMIM acts as a referral service to connect hurting veterans and their families to our Outpost and Home Front system for continued support and fellowship. These support groups are available at no charge, and utilize the gospel of Jesus Christ and Biblical principles to facilitate healing and restoration.

Point Man was started by a Vietnam Veteran working as a police officer in Seattle. He knew they needed someone to listen to them and help them heal their spirits, as well as their minds and bodies.

If you have not received help yet, it is not too late for you to live a happier life, healing your wound. The word "trauma" is Greek for wound.

For female veterans, it is not too late to start over again too!

Isn't it time you started to live for love instead of just being willing to die for it?

PTSD Victim-less More Survivor

Courage to change the things you can

Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
January 3, 2019

Before you wonder, that is not me in the picture. Erica is my favorite boss from Fidelity National Title, when I lived in Florida. She surprised me by taking my T-shirt to Peru and climbed to the top of Machu Picchu wearing it. Erica is one of the most wonderful people you could ever meet. No matter what happens, she accepts what she cannot change while being determined to change what she can.

Most of us think that people like Erica are happy because they have been blessed with an easy life. We never seem to wonder why someone who is miserable became that way. We just assume they were born with a terrible attitude toward everyone else.

The truth is, no one is born miserable and very few actually are born blessed. What they become is determined by what they are willing to accept, as much as what they are willing to expect.

God, give me grace to accept with serenity

the things that cannot be changed,

Courage to change the things

which should be changed,

and the Wisdom to distinguish

the one from the other.

Living one day at a time,

Enjoying one moment at a time,

Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,

Taking, as Jesus did,

This sinful world as it is,

Not as I would have it,

Trusting that You will make all things right,

If I surrender to Your will,

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,

And supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.

Reinhold Niebuhr

When you have PTSD, you have it because of something that happened to you. If what happened was because you decided to risk your life for the sake of someone else, the origins of that pull on your soul was based on having a courageous love.

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:2

Most of the time, you had no control over any of it. What you do control is what you do as a survivor of it. Do you stay stuck as a victim of "it" or do you move forward as a survivor of it?

Isn't it time that someone reminded you of that choice you have? Isn't it time that you became less of a victim and more of a survivor? Why accept the limits others placed on themselves? Why not expect that you can live a happier life by breaking the boundaries you put

You control what came after "it" happened. You are the one who has the power to define your own future. The "it" that happened, or the many "its" lost because you lived, thus you became victorious. Why surrender to something that already lost?

Stop and think about what it took to walk away from "it" and notice the courage you had to move one foot in front of the other. Acknowledge what strength it took to utter the first words from a grateful voice instead of a bitter heart.

You can become "reasonably happy" in life, as long as you seek to change what you can about how you choose to live. That begins when you decide that you are done with being miserable and be willing to take the next step toward becoming hopeful.

Do not turn from God as if He is punishing you. He is the One who put it within you to cause you to be willing to serve others.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version (NIV)

If He put the strength and courage within you to do your job, He also put what you need to heal from what that doing that job did to you. Trust in what you knew to be true before "it" happened, because it is all there. There is nothing that is, or has to be, lesser about you, other than your suffering. Time to become victim-less and more survivor. You can get up there from here, if you have the courage to try to change how you define yourself.

2020 time for veterans to stop trying to be normal when they can be stronger than that

Seeing 2020 through stronger eyes

Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
December 31, 2019

When you hear a number like 20/20, the automatic thought is that someone has perfect vision. After all, that number stuck like glue for decades. Numbers usually do "stick" even if they are wrong.


I took a look at the facts on this at All About Vision by Amy Hellem and Gary Heiting, OD and this was a real eye opener. (pun intended)

If this more inclusive (and accurate) definition of "vision" is used, what most people call "20/20 vision" should really be called "20/20 visual acuity." Realistically, that probably won't happen. For better or worse, the term "20/20 vision" is likely here to stay.

As some have thought that 20/20 was the best, it is actually stronger to have 20/10.

On most Snellen charts, the smallest letters correspond to 20/10 visual acuity. If you have 20/10 visual acuity, your eyesight is twice as sharp as that of a person with normal (20/20) vision.

20/20 may be "normal" but 20/10 is stronger than normal.

Most people have also heard the number "22" referring to the number of veterans thought to have committed suicide on any given day. That number is also wrong. Because so many people simply believed it without looking to see what the reality was, nothing changed. Much like the article on All About Vision, they are blind if that is all they can see.

The single big "E" at the top of most Snellen eye charts corresponds to 20/200 visual acuity. If this is the smallest letter size you can discern with your best corrective lenses in front of your eyes, you are legally blind.

It is time to see how to change what veterans hear, as well as what they can see.

They can heal PTSD if how they see themselves is put into focus!

This video is from 2016 when a veteran I worked with, was willing to do the work necessary to heal. He went to the VA for mental health help, started taking care of his body and we worked on the spiritual needs he had. He was able to see himself as a survivor instead of a victim. The world is better off because he came out of the darkness he had lived with and wanted to share a message of hope to start off the new year!

This is Johnnie. He has survived three attempted suicides and spent time as a homeless veteran. A year ago, he never thought he would be where he is today. He is healing and he wants to make sure other veterans get the message of something worth living for instead of the message spread about suicides. Spend next year healing and let this New Year be the year you begin to change again, only this time, for the better!

That is how you get veterans to change their focus from what others perceive as "normal numbers" and begin to see what is much stronger than that.

Help them to see that they can spend their last worst day on earth and begin to celebrate an alive day by finding hope again.

Coming home after combat should not be more dangerous but it is. Too many veterans committed suicide today. Be alive today to heal tomorrow. You served because you loved this country and those you served with. Live for love now!
UPDATE
This was uploaded on 1-2-2012, long before the reports became headline news. The number back then was 18 a day. Goes to show how little has changed and how all the talk about "raising awareness" has been a lot of stunts and very little progress.

Congress did not invite Point Man to PTSD round table?

One of the first groups working on spiritual healing of veterans, was not invited to table?

Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
December 16, 2019

Definition of point man 1: a soldier who goes ahead of a patrol 2: one who is in the forefront

Any idea how many people will read Congress Holds Forum Discussing Potentials of Faith-Based Programs Helping Veterans Suffering PTSD and actually believe it is something new?

To say I am disappointed right now, would cause God to smack me in the head. He knows how angry I am about reading Congress has yet again, held a meeting with "faith base" groups working on PTDS. Why? Because on of the first groups to do this work, proved it worked back in 1984 and has been proving it every day since then!

Point Man International Ministries

Since 1984, when Seattle Police Officer and Vietnam Veteran Bill Landreth noticed he was arresting the same people each night, he discovered most were Vietnam vets like himself that just never seemed to have quite made it home. He began to meet with them in coffee shops and on a regular basis for fellowship and prayer. Soon, Point Man Ministries was conceived and became a staple of the Seattle area. Bills untimely death soon after put the future of Point Man in jeopardy.
However, Chuck Dean, publisher of a Veterans self help newspaper, Reveille, had a vision for the ministry and developed it into a system of small groups across the USA for the purpose of mutual support and fellowship. These groups are known as Outposts. Worldwide there are hundreds of Outposts and Homefront groups serving the families of veterans.
PMIM is run by veterans from all conflicts, nationalities and backgrounds. Although, the primary focus of Point Man has always been to offer spiritual healing from PTSD, Point Man today is involved in group meetings, publishing, hospital visits, conferences, supplying speakers for churches and veteran groups, welcome home projects and community support. Just about any where there are Vets there is a Point Man presence. All services offered by Point Man are free of charge.

We started working with Vietnam veterans and their families but did not shut the door to older veterans dealing with the same spiritual battle caused by war. We did not cut off the newer veterans from entering into our groups. The current President of Point Man, Paul Sluznis is an Iraq veteran.

Many of us had no idea where to go or who to talk to when we came home from our different conflicts. We had no clue we had PTSD or anxiety. Who thought they would still be clearing their own home 15 years after getting out of the military. I had no idea how to deal with any of these issues till my Bride found out about Point Man Ministries and I haven't looked back since.

Yet during the roundtable, this was said.

“We have been throwing millions of dollars into the military suicide issue, and many other military behavior health issues. The statistics keep getting worse and worse. We are not doing something right. We need to integrate faith-based solutions,” commented retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Bob Dees after the forum. Dees was also the former vice director for operational plans and interoperability for the Department of Defense (DOD). He also asserted that the faith-based solutions are incredibly important to veterans and the military. “I have found as a senior military commander over the many years that is what really works. We have got to heal not just heart and soul, but the very spirit of each one of our men and women wearing our nation’s uniform,” he stated.

They would not have had to throw "millions of dollars" as he mentioned had they actually looked to find groups that were not doing it for money or fame. As for the "millions" it is actually billions per year when you factor in all the groups taking in huge sums of donations.

Three faith-based veteran PTSD programs with successful track records were invited to present their stories and past experiences to the forum. They were Mighty Oaks Foundation, Reboot Recovery, and Operation Restored Warrior.

“A spiritual wound of a war needs a spiritual solution,” said Chad Robichaux, the founder of Mighty Oaks Foundation. He expressed after the forum that “I walked away very encouraged seeing that we have Congressional leaders who share our passion for our warriors, and also share our ideas.”

We don't just have the knowledge and plans in place to do this work, but have proven it all along. Any idea what the outcome would have been if anyone asked us to the table when the reports first came out?

Alabama veteran became homeless and got closer to God

Alabama’s homeless veterans: Army vet says struggle brought him ‘closer to God’

AL.com
By J.D. Crowe
July 7, 2019

“Being homeless is an isolated experience. A close relationship to God makes all the difference.”

“Is that what you want people to know about you?” I asked.

“It’s what I want people to know about the Lord.”

Homeless. Veteran. These two words don’t belong together. How could someone who is willing to die for their country wind up on the streets, kicked to the curb after their service?

How many homeless veterans are in Alabama? I want to draw them all – or as many as possible - and let them tell their stories.

According to an AL.com report in 2018 citing the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development study, there were 339 homeless veterans in Alabama. Of those, 52 were in the Mobile area. So, it makes sense to start locally.

Those numbers are in flux, of course. Thanks to organizations like Housing First, since last July 151 homeless veterans in the Mobile and Eastern Shore area have been identified and transitioned into apartments.

To kick off this project, we talked with four of these Housing First veterans. We hope their stories will inspire more homeless and formerly homeless veterans to come forward with their stories. (See the video in the story below.)

In the meantime, I’m gonna be searching, listening, learning and sketching.
read it here

It is my birthday and I want gifts to go away

Rejoice with me

Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
July 7, 2019

Today is my birthday and I am asking for gifts to be given away.

I know it sounds strange, but since that is how I have spent most of these years, it makes perfect sense to me.

Lily Casura at Healing Combat Trauma posted a reminder on her Facebook page of something I said a long time ago.

I took the gift I was given by Dana Morgan, at Point Man International Ministries so I could keep giving away what I had to give.

So many times I wanted to quit. It got to be too much for me, spiritually draining and depressing. Even with the knowledge of how many lives have been changed, there were times when I did not see any point in continuing this work.

It was especially hard when some families asked me to put together the book The Warrior SAW (Suicides After War) because of the video I had done years before. It was based on research for the post Why isn't the press on suicide watch?

That post and video was not as hard as writing the book. Too many memories came flooding back. Nightmares were draining too.

When you do this work, taking on the pain of others, comes with the territory. It is called Secondary Traumatization but I dealt with it, the same way I did with all the other times. I talked to people I trusted, like Dana.

There were so many other times I needed help because of what I do, and I took comfort in knowing all this provider had to do was ask for help too!

Next month I am going to Buffalo for a conference and a thank you celebration for Dana, who retired as President. It is also to congratulate Paul Paul Sluznis as our new president.

Dana also helped Paul. Years ago, I was at another conference and Paul was giving his presentation. I recorded it while he was talking about having the gun to his head, but his life was saved because of Dana. Paul ended up saving others in Washington.

This is the link to part one but I want to focus on what came afterward in part two.

None of us do any of this for money, or fame, or glory. We sure do not do it for publicity. We do it because we know what pain feels like and what it is like to rejoice again!

So, for my birthday please give to the group who helped me, and so many others, receive so much from!

Point Man Intl. Ministries
14420 SE 13th st
Vancouver WA 98683

The power inside of you is stronger than anything they can say against you

Why give them power over you

Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
July 6, 2019


Do you believe you made the choice to risk your life for others because you were called to do it? Was there a tug to enter into a job you knew could kill you?

There was always something very different inside of you. Plenty of times in your life someone said something proving they did not understand your decision to choose that kind of job.

You did not let them stop you then. They had no power to prevent you from doing what you knew you needed to do. Then why listen to them now when you need to heal because of that job? 

Point Man International Ministries

The only power people have over you, is what you allow them to have. If you hear someone say something stupid because you need help now think about it and you'll see they are not making any sense at all.

First, your job required you to help others and so did theirs. If they are turning against you needing help from them...they should not be on that job.

Next, think about how you would have died to save them and supposedly they would have died on the job to save you too. Would it be too much to ask them to listen to you to save your life now or you to listen to them to save theirs?

Come out of the dark and fight like you served...side by side.

Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version (NIV)

You may feel lost and alone right now

and wondering what you did wrong.

You may think you are now weak instead of strong.

Why believe what others say about you

when you always knew what was true?

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,

 He had plans for you and put what you need inside of you

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you"

He had

"plans to give you hope and a future."

 You had everything you needed to do your job already inside of you and that includes healing because of your job.

Over 7 million Americans have PTSD and most, ended up hit by the one time that could have killed them. You responded to those times. For you it was not one time but the one time too many saving them that hit you the hardest.

You proved you were brave when you took your job and trained hard to be able to do it. What is stopping you now from being brave again so you can train to heal because of your job?

If you cannot find the right words to explain what PTSD is, then you may not understand it totally. Time to learn what it is so you can explain what it is not.

It is because of your job that you grieve

It is not God punishing you

"The Holy Spirit will give you the words to say at the moment when you need them." Luke 12:12 The Voice (VOICE

And when you understand what it is, then you can become a hero after you begin to fight this war against the people who have no power over you anymore.

PTSD Patrol golf cart getaway

PTSD Patrol: Drive time toward divine

PTSD Patrol
Kathie Costos
May 12, 2019

First, I want to say, Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there. We know what it is like to feel joy when our children are happy, and what it is like to grieve when they are hurting.

Right now there is a battle going on all across the country, but you may have only heard about one side doing more harm than good. They may have had good intentions, but much like warning Jesus gave about "fruits of their deeds" facts have proven raising suicide awareness equals what the Pharisees were doing.

Yet, while their intentions may have begun from God speaking to them to act, they chose to seek the glory by publicity stunts, having fun and doing pushups, instead of lifting up the spirits of the wounded and waiting for hope.

Others, like members of Point Man International Ministries have been doing the work God called them to do since 1984, quietly and humbly. Much like the 72 others Jesus sent with his Disciples no one knows our names but those in need see the results of our work.

Yesterday at the Veterans Reunion in Wickham Park I was trying to find members of Point Man and walking around in 90 degrees of heat. Not good for someone like me and I was drained to the point where I wanted to just faint. I had a hard time finding the strength to more one more step.

As I was looking for their tent, I came across some friends of mine with a golf cart. My buddy Jonnie drove me around, but it became clear that I would not be able to find them.

We drove past a tent that caught my eye. I wanted to go and talk to the man in the tent. You know what it is like when you are tugged to do something you may not really understand why you need to, but I have learned to just surrender to that strong pull a long time ago.

Gareth Burkinshaw was speaking to another man, and I looked at the brochures on his table. As I was reading, I thought he was on the right road and passionate about providing the hope that is so desperately needed.  

I pretended to not listen to what he was saying to the man, until he took his hand to pray for him. Couldn't help it, I had a smile take hold of my face.

We talked for a bit and I was even more sure of the fact he was about doing the work of not just offering hope, but helping those in need find a way to heal. I asked Gareth if he wanted to do a video, and he agreed to meet a couple of hours later.
read more here

Vietnam veteran, Pastor tends to all veterans in Holiday

Holiday pastor serves fellow veterans, invites all to spring festival

Tampa Bay Times
Ernie and Regina Bullock
By Sarah Whitman
Times Correspondent
Published March 12

Ernie Bullock served nearly two tours in Vietnam, and survived the 1968 Tet Offensive.

The former U.S. Marine, who also served with the Air Force, returned from war in 1970 a changed and broken man.

He has since dedicated his life to counseling and serving veterans.

Bullock works at the Veterans Hospital in Sarasota and as an associate pastor at Holiday Community Fellowship Church in Pasco. He leads the church’s veteran outreach, a chapter of Point Man International Ministries.

Bullock joined the organization in the 1990s when he became a Christian and led a chapter in New York before moving to Florida two years ago.

The outreach will host a free Spring Festival at Holiday Community Fellowship Church, 5144 Sunray Drive, from noon to 4 p.m. on March 16. Families are invited to come meet firefighters, members of law enforcement and veterans, play games and participate in youth activities. Veterans and their families will serve as volunteers.

“It is essential for children and others to meet veterans and law enforcement and emergency responders,” Bullock said. “People of all ages need to understand these men and women care for others and rise to the call of duty every time they walk through the doors at work. Some of these people have given up their lives to save someone else.”

Last year, about 150 people attended the festival. About 25 volunteers helped organize the second annual event. Many participate in Point Man’s meet-ups at church.

The members form a community with common histories and purpose, Bullock said.

Bullock ministers often to veterans struggling to reconcile their experiences with daily life.

“Many veterans get stuck in grief, but also many are stuck in anger,” Bullock said. “I believe the worst of the anger should be dealt with in therapy groups in VA hospitals. However, churches have a role in recovery, too.”
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Oklahoma GriefShare giving what those left behind need....support

A look at suicide: Van Buren’s GriefShare program offers support

Booneville Democrat
By Scott Smith / Times Record
Posted Mar 3, 2019

An individual’s suicide can be such an unpredictable, hard-hitting shock to that person’s loved ones, often causing an uncomfortable, long-lasting cocktail of feelings for those left behind, according to one area individual.

When someone loses a relative or friend to suicide, that person can be overwhelmed by feelings of confusion, sadness, guilt, anger and more, said LaToya Shepherd, an outreach pastor who oversees the GriefShare support program at Heritage Church in Van Buren. The 14-week, faith-based program employs video presentations, testimonies, a workbook and, if the participants are comfortable enough to participate, opportunities to share to help in the healing process, she said.

“There is a lesson that touches upon suicide in this,” Shepherd said of the program, which is held at 3 p.m. Sundays at Heritage Church, 1604 E. Pointer Trail in Van Buren. “And in no way does this lesson condemn the person who committed suicide or the family of that person. Even with the program being Biblically based, the lesson is very helpful and very hopeful. It’s not condemning at all.”

In addition to outlining the GriefShare workbook for participants, Shepherd is able to use her real-life experience to help others cope with their loss and move through the grieving process.

“My former husband tried to commit suicide but wasn’t successful,” she said. “He lived and is now a certified counselor who works in Oklahoma and is helping people.
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PTSD Patrol: Antique vehicles wanted

PTSD Patrol Turbo charge your healing

PTSD Patrol
Kathie Costos
March 2, 2019

It seems as if everyone is talking about younger veterans with PTSD...forgetting that the majority of veterans seeking help for PTSD are over the age of 50. Unfortunately, that age group are also the majority of the known suicides. What did you expect me to say when they are also the majority of veterans in our country?

OK, so, if you are driving an antique, you know it takes a lot more to keep it running than if you had a new car with all the techno crap you really don't need. 

When you figure out that there is something seriously wrong with your vehicle, you can keep it in the garage, but that does not solve the problem. You ask some buddies what they think could be wrong, but you won't get the right answer unless you are able to mimic the noise that is in the engine.

Often, you will search online, then discover what you think it may be. You may make an appointment with the mechanic (docs at the VA) and get a diagnosis.
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"I just tried to be there,” Chaplain Ron Link explains life as responding to responders

Always on call: Meet the chaplains who assist sheriff's office during crises

Dawson County News
Jessica Taylor
Feb. 26, 2019

Each year they receive 40 hours of training from the Georgia Sheriffs' Association to maintain their certification, which they said reinvigorates and motivates them to keep answering the calls from dispatch.

Dawson County Sheriff's Office Chaplains Ron Link and Dr. Charles Blackstock. - photo by Jessica Taylor 

"I just tried to be there,” Ron Link said as he recounted his first call from dispatch. “I didn’t know what I was supposed to do but it turns out I was doing what I was supposed to,"

Link became a chaplain for the Dawson County Sheriff's Office three years ago, and vividly remembers his first call to a scene: a devastating house fire.

Dr. Charles Blackstock, the lead chaplain who has served in the role for 10 years, was in Atlanta, leaving Link with the responsibility of responding to the call alone.

"I had no formal sheriff’s office training. I just went out there to try to be a help," Link said. "It was kind of overwhelming. It was a really bad scene."

It was a house fire, and someone’s significant other was inside. All Link could do was stand outside with the husband, comforting him as authorities conducted their investigation.

"I didn’t know what the procedures and processes were. I didn’t know who to talk to. All I knew was there was somebody there that was in real, emotional crisis and so I went over and stayed with him until his family arrived," Link said.

It was his first taste of what his new role as a chaplain entailed.

For Blackstock, a pastor at Lighthouse Baptist Church, stepping into the role was a little bit easier. With his ministerial background, he was rather comfortable with providing faith-based support to the sheriff's office staff and the community.

As chaplains, Blackstock and Link voluntarily assist the sheriff's office by delivering death notices, consoling emotional victims at crime scenes and emergencies and supporting the sheriff's office staff through counseling and helping officers cope with traumatic events.

How they go about providing assistance from scene to scene varies with every call.

"You never know what you’re going to get called on to do," Blackstock said.
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Why is this important?

In 2008, I became a Chaplain with the IFOC and received Certification in Crisis Intervention, among other things, plus an award for my work focusing on PTSD prevention for first responders. For the next two years, I trained in many more programs to help avoid the worst results of their service from taking hold. While I no longer wear the badge, I carry the valuable lessons I learned with me everyday.

Why would I do that?
I am a ten time survivor of facing death during traumatic events, including when my ex-husband decided he wanted to kill me, and almost did.

Throughout my life, my family was doing the intervention without knowing it. Sure, I had nightmares, flashbacks, and all the other symptoms of PTSD, but it did not have a chance to take hold because it was addressed right away.

Through the research I had done for a couple of decades, I learned that there is a 30 golden window to battle trauma and take back control of my life. The symptoms had started to go away within the first month, and I was on the road to recovery.

Every now and then, things pop into my mind, but the memories no longer control my life. 

The worst one was when my ex stalked me, ignored the restraining order and every time I heard a muscle car engine rev, it sent a electrical charge through my body and I wanted to run. That went on, even after moving to Florida, far from where he lived, and long after I married my current husband.

When my cousin sent me a copy of his obituary, I stopped freaking out from the sound and began to enjoy the noise again. That comes in handy considering what I do on PTSD Patrol with car shows...although I still do not like my first reaction when I come across a Cutlass. I take a deep breath and move on to interesting pictures to take.

Knowing what all those times did to me, it was easy to understand what it was like for all the veterans and responders were dealing with, and being a family member of a Vietnam veteran, I also understood what it was like on this side of the trauma.

All of this goes into what I have done with my life since 1982, and what I do everyday. So if you find some comfort on this page, gain some knowledge, or decide that you can just copy it, now you know what is behind all of it.

Healing requires what Chaplains do because they are trusted with being able to listen without judging, comfort when needed and let you know that minute you start to address what happened, that is the minute you begin to heal as a survivor of it. 

First I listen. Most of the time, it is over a cup of coffee or at an event when someone sees what I am wearing. A shirt with PTSD Patrol or my Point Man vest, lets them know I am someone willing to listen.

Then I guide them to understanding what PTSD is and let them know how to kick it out of their new normal as a survivor. And then...it is time to work on the spiritual side of healing so they can come out on the other side even better than they were before. You know, like me! 

None of what I do would have worked had I not had the life I had...or learned to become a leader to healing those who risk their lives to save people like me all the time.