Combat Buddies

Throughout our lives, we bond with people, friends, classmates, neighbors, coworkers, family, etc.  As a military spouse for many years, I have witnessed one of the strongest bonds, those of soldiers who have served and/or fought together.  I can remember my even grandfather telling his war stories, and it was the bonds that he formed while there that stood out in those stories.

Military bonds were formed during the years I spent as a spouse of a soldier.  Bonds that withstand time. , My husbands military service ended quite a while ago, but the friends that could pick up the phone or walk in our door without missing a beat, the friends we welcomed most warmly, are those with whom he served.  

Photo credit: soldieroffinance.com

The mission field, in a sense, is also a combat zone, especially in countries where spreading the Gospel is illegal and/or heavily penalized.  While what we do as missionaries is not in a physical war, it is a spiritual war.  The enemy - SATAN.  

The past five years, in which I have served full-time on the mission field has produced bonds very similiar to those of combat buddies/service buddies.  There is a sense of trust, and a mutual committment formed that is essential among those who serve together on the front lines against Satan as ground is taken daily for Jesus with the Gospel Message moving steadily forward.  Our mission is to stand together firm against the enemy while clothed in the armor of God (Ephesians 6), knowing that victory is ours IN CHRIST!