Probably late on the Tuesday afternoon before His crucifixion, Jesus and some of His disciples were spending a little time together on a slope of the Mount of Olives when they asked Him some questions, including, "What shall be the sign of thy coming and of the end of the world?" (Matthew 24:3)

Jesus gave a detailed answer with many components, one of which was, "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars; ... for nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" (Matthew 24:6, 7).

Those of us living in the 21st century know all too well how true Christ's prediction was. It seems we cannot avoid "wars and rumors of wars." Whether we are a Democrat or a Republican or an Independent, or not involved in politics in any way; whether we are "for" the war in Iraq or "against" it, the political strife and international turmoil of our day affects us all.

Many of us have loved ones serving both God and country. When my husband was interim pastor at the Anderson (Indiana) Church last year, we were impressed with church members who supported and prayed for the three young men from the congregation who were serving in the military. Their photos were on the bulletin board in the foyer, and they were prayed for by name from the pulpit. It truly touched our hearts when they included our own son, who is serving in the Navy, with their loving support. As I write this, one of the young men from Anderson has just come home from Iraq, one is preparing to leave for Iraq, another is getting ready to return to the battlefield, and our own son is serving on a submarine patrol.

One of the concerned members at Anderson, Vickie Widing, has a vision for pulling together a support group of Adventist families with military ties. She wants to set up an e-mail network for those desiring communication with others enduring the stress of having a loved one in difficult and dangerous circumstances. Vickie envisions the support group meeting during camp meeting, Sabbath Celebration (a special conference-wide convocation) and perhaps at other times, too. In the past, Vickie has turned to other support groups who have been a "God-send" to her when her son was in Iraq, "but how much more wonderful it would be to have an Adventist support group to sustain one another by their religious faith," she expressed. If you are interested in participating, contact Vickie by e-mail at: vwiding@sbcglobal.net.

My husband and I are now serving at the Glendale Church in Indianapolis where Paulette Taylor, women's ministries leader, has organized an outreach project to encourage the soldiers in Iraq. She has a display table in the foyer of the church where members donate items for our troops. One shipment has already been sent, and they are working on a second one. The members prepare hand-written notes of encouragement and Scripture verses to share the love of Jesus with the troops to be sent along with suntan lotion, soap, stick deodorant, cookies, gum, disposable razors, etc. One church in Mississippi heard what the members at Glendale are doing, and now they are also sending notes and useful items to our troops.

Just last Sabbath during the worship service a Glendale Church elder prayed for our son as he is once again deep below the ocean waters on patrol. May the day soon dawn when the Prince of Peace shall come, when wars shall cease and men shall live together in unity. Until then, let's do what we can to support our troops and to sustain their loved ones within our midst.

Judith Yeoman is the communication correspondent for the Indiana Conference.