For families
Do you know someone who serves in the Armed Forces? Are you looking for a way to provide support and encouragement to a family member or friend who is serving their country? Whether it's a heartfelt card, letter, or care package, your gift can mean a lot to someone as they live and work far from home. Check out the list below for ideas of what you do for your loved ones.
Devotional booklets, issues of Forward in Christ magazine, and copies of sermons are appreciated. Service personal registered with WELS Military Services receive Meditations booklets free of charge.
Pictures of various and familiar things are always great, especially pictures of friends or family members, perhaps holding signs with an encouraging message such as, "Thanks for your service!" or "God bless our troops!"
Care packages are always a welcome treat. Following are some items to include:
| PERISHABLE | NON-PERISHABLE | |
| Beef jerky | Lotion, lip balm, and sunscreen | |
| Hard candy | Bandanas and hair bands | |
| Cereal and instant oatmeal | Face and body wipes | |
| Dried fruits | Shaving items | |
| Tea and instant coffee | Magazines | |
| Microwave popcorn | Books | |
| Microwavable soup and macaroni | CDs and DVDs | |
| Nuts and sunflower seeds | Calling cards | |
| Power bars and granola bars | Calendars | |
| Chips, cookies, and crackers | Disposable cameras | |
| Gum and breath mints | Pencils, paper, and envelopes | |
| Ice pop quick-freeze juice packets | Frisbees, balls, and outdoor games |
Do you or someone you know serve in the Armed Forces? Family members can receive devotions and other spiritual help materials in the mail or by email. Please complete the online referral form.
Looking for a gift for your loved one serving in the military? Get them a spiritual deployment kit, which contains a pocket-size New Testament Bible and two devotional books. Kits are available for purchase at Northwestern Publishing House.
Want to do something for a military family in your community?
- Send thank-you cards to spouses or parents.
- If the family has young children, volunteer to babysit so the spouse has some personal time.
- Invite them to your family outings. Weekends and evenings are the hardest times to be apart from loved ones.
Two women find a connection through their husband's service in Afghanistan.
A military chaplain's account of meeting the widow of soldier who was killed in duty.
