You may ask: “Why is it called Operation Barnabas?” Barnabas was Paul’s companion, who helped him in his missionary journey. His name means “son of encouragement.” We hope to encourage our military and their families with the Gospel in action.
Our military has answered our nation’s call to protect and defend us. In every time and place they have stood the watch, far from their families. Our military and their families have borne the burden repeatedly.
In 2007, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Ministry to the Armed Forces began project Operation Barnabas. Through Operation Barnabas:
- We provide care to reserve chaplains, their families and congregations, in the only program of its kind in the nation.
- We provide training and guidance to local congregations to provide care and support to our military members, their families and veterans in our local communities.
- Local congregations across America are providing care and support to military members, their families and veterans who have borne the burden of our nation’s battles.
MMore than 2 million military members have deployed. Of that 2 million, more than 860,000 have been from our Reserve community — many living far from a military base and the support services offered there.
More than 6,000 have made the ultimate sacrifice, which means there are more than 6,000 families who have lost a loved one.
