Remember, don't exclude anyone. Or to put it positively, Include everyone
who is open to UMT ministry.
When conducting any visit you should aware of the following constraints:
o
The person being visited must indicate a willingness to receive a
visit. If you observe resistance upon initial contact:
-
don't push yourself on them,
-
but instead, politely recede, assuring
them
that
the
UMT
is
available when they desire.
o
You should be positive in your approach and you must avoid any
negative comments about the Army, the post, the command, the mission,
or other persons, etc.
-
If they express negativism, don't argue or agree with them. But,
instead politely listen with understanding and move the
conversation to other issues when appropriate.
o
You most likely will be required to conduct visits on the battle field
as part of your mission.
However, this will only occur as the unit
mission permits or dictates. Remember:
-
Don't force your visits during a time when silence is critical.
-
Employ common sense so as not to violate security (i.e. don't
turn on your lights during a black out to read scripture).
-
Don't expose the UMT or any person to undue risks.
Getting
someone killed due to neglect on your part will not help your
future ministry, and a dead UMT member can be of no help to
anybody else.
Identify a Person to Visit.
1.
As part of your mission with the UMT, you should be able to identify
persons for whom a visit would be appropriate. A visit to a soldier
in your unit is desirable in the following situations:
o
If they indicate a desire for a pastoral call.
They may just
approach you and say they would like to talk.
o
If a soldier in your unit shows signs of:
-
stress,
-
battle fatigue, or
-
some other crisis in life.
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