“Russ, why did you include fundraising in your last post?”
I heard it loud and clear, and my answer is what it’s always been. I believe the work I’ve been doing for veterans is my calling from God, and the two organizations I lead are worthy of support.
But there’s a more personal reason why I’ve given the last twenty three years of my life to Point Man Ministries and Disabled Veterans of America. It’s part of my story that some of you have never heard.
After Vietnam, I was privileged to serve as pastor to several faithful churches in Ohio. I’ll take hundreds of good memories of those times to Heaven with me. But my ministry started unraveling as the the war began to distract me and limit my effectiveness. I thought the leadership of my denomination would offer compassion, but that’s not what happened. I was forced out of pastoral ministry, and as a result I lost most of what I depended on for stability and well-being.
As I went into exile, I found myself in Seattle. How I arrived there can be the topic of another entry. I was wandering through the drizzle of the Pacific Northwest when I was introduced to two programs for veterans who were struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress and accompanying disabilities and maladies. I was welcomed with open arms and not treated as the pariah others had made me think I was. I owe my life to Point Man and the DAV, and I resolved at that time that I would give the rest of my life to assist other military men and women on their long journey home.
So in this, the darkest time of the year, I ask all of you to remember those who gave so much for us. We breath the sweet air of freedom because of the sacrifice of so many of our finest.
Here’s the contact information for a tax-deductible gift:
Point Man Ministries of Central Ohio
3915 Dublin Road
Columbus, Ohio 43221
(Check payable to” Point Man”)
DAV Capital City Chapter #3
PO Box 248255
Columbus, Ohio 43224
Check payable to “DAV Chapter #3.”
Thanks to all. I wish you a New Year filled with many blessings.