Xulon Press Salutes the Troops

“Less than one-half of one percent of our nation wears the uniform of the armed forces, and even fewer bear the weight of direct combat.  George Washington once said that, ‘a nation will be judged by the way it treats its veterans.’ If this is true, then those of us who are concerned with the care of souls have no greater responsibility than to stand with them on their journey with their God.”

Chaplain (Major) Brian Koyn, 75^th Ranger Regiment

Here at Xulon Press, we’re embracing all things American in July. We’ve debated the nuances of self-publishing historical and political writing, but we’d be grossly remiss if we didn’t recognize the individuals who protect our right to pen those opinions so freely. Today, Xulon Press would like to express our deep gratitude for the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.

In June, a fantastic manuscript was passed my way entitled Tending the Warrior Soul by author Louis D. Harrison. As a chaplain with Cadence International, Harrison has spent almost 50 years ministering to our troops— abroad, in places like Vietnam and Thailand, and at home near bases like Camp Pendleton and Fort Drum. Although we receive our uniformed sons, daughters and spouses back to our neighborhoods with grand parades and the glitter of fireworks, Harrison contends that their deepest needs lie hidden underneath the brave, camouflaged surface. It was summed up well by retired Colonel Mike Hoyt, Chaplain, U.S. Army:

 “War is, in fact, hell…Listening to the anguish of a guilt-ridden battle survivor or hearing the despair of a haunted sniper is unparalleled. Teaching people to sort through the reality of God while sifting through the ashes of soul, spirit, and mind burned in the consequences of war is not ‘routine’ business.  Ministry to warriors is transformative.”

As we prepare to welcome some 34,000 troops back home in 2013 (with more to follow in 2014), we will each find ourselves ministering to these warriors as they rejoin our churches and communities. Harrison’s book is more needed than ever. I gave Mr. Harrison a call to congratulate him on his decision to self-publish, and get more insight on how we can help welcome them back:

BN: “How did your ministry kick off?”

Harrison: “Cadance International launched in 1966 as a civilian ministry to all military branches. My first overseas assignment was Vietnam; we arrived in February 1968, literally as the Tet Offensive was launched. I’ve ministered all over since then, and in recent years to Army Infantry from Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan and Marines at Camp Pendleton. Now we’re ministering to servicemen and their families with retreats in Denver.”

 BN: “What inspired you to write a book?”

Harrison: “I was making notes as I was working and learning. A chaplain friend read my notes and said, ‘You should turn this into a book.’ I laughed, because I was kind of embarrassed, but it was his coaxing that finally pushed me to do it.”

BN: “What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned during your career?”

Harrison: “We’ve worked with all branches; we’ve always loved them and opened our homes to them, and that’s been the essence of military ministry. When thinking about it in light of war, the most important thing is to see them as people and love them. Reach out to them with care and friendship, and let God guide in how you support and encourage them.”

BN: “In the book you state: ‘When we want to help we usually try too hard.  We think we need to figure out what we’re supposed to say, and then start talking. Before trying to say something helpful, we’ve got to learn to listen.’ Is that the biggest thing we can do to support our soldiers and their families?”

Harrison: “Yes. Move lovingly in the direction of the military person that you know, and don’t be afraid of listening to what they have to say.”

To the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families, thank you for your sacrifice! You’re in our hearts and our prayers.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 (NIV) 

Tending the Warrior Soul by Louis D. Harrison will be available in late Summer 2013. If you’d like to order a copy, please submit your email address in the “Comments” section below.