The Outpost is the basic foundation of the ministry of Point Man International Ministries. The outpost in its simplest form consists of a veteran with a telephone who is available for Christ-centered counseling and assistance. The next level is the outpost meeting. This consists of a group of veterans that meet regularly for mutual support and encouragement in a neutral non-threatening environment. Sometimes other non-veteran supporters, family or friends may attend. What you can and should expect is understanding, compassion and spiritual support. We know from Scripture that when the Apostles Peter and John were confronted by the crippled beggar for a handout, they replied, "Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have I give to thee, in the name of Jesus rise up and walk."
That is what the Outpost is really about, not a Band Aid fix or handout, but rather a long-lasting permanent solution to the problems that have plagued veterans and their families for so long. It is time to "Come Home" and stop searching for the right answers in all the wrong places. Expect to be presented with the gospel as the solution to all your needs and begin a lasting relationship with JESUS as your guide. Having said that, you can also expect not to be beat over the head with the Bible. Our goal is to present you with practical advice and an atmosphere where you can come and be comfortable being yourself . You will meet others who have been there before and have a sympathetic ear to unburden the things that have held you back for so long. Please contact us at (541) 386-2263 anytime.
Larry and Gail Mennenga have been outpost/homefront leaders there since 1993. They have chosen a unique way of spreading the hope and healing of Jesus through Point Man Ministries. Several weekends a month they travel to gun shows, fairs, pow-wow's, bike rallies, festivals, etc. And set up their booth with hats, pins, books and other military memorabilia. The proceeds from the sale of these items all go back into the ministry so that they can continue to reach the veterans in their region with the good news of healing and peace. Their biggest outreach every year is the 12 days they spend at the Oregon State Fair, with the help of some of our other Oregon Outpost Leaders.
"Point Man Ministries" has been established in the Coos Bay area since 1988. Our local "Outpost" is an outreach to Veterans of all conflicts as well as active duty personnel. Our target area is the entire South Coast region.
Due to the current political atmosphere, Point Man in Coos Bay has decided to begin reaching out to current active duty personnel via a letter writing campaign as well as providing "Care Packages" to those on duty overseas. We know how good it felt to be recognized while we were in the service and want to reciprocate by honoring our current soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines from the South Coast.
Both the Coos Bay and North Bend Safeway Stores, as well as the Coos Bay Wal-Mart, have joined with us in this venture. All (3) stores will be displaying an "Enduring Freedom Photo Display" of our active duty men and women from the South Coast.
How can you assist us? 1) Provide us with names/addresses of your loved ones who are serving. All personal information will be kept confidential. 2) Spread the word of our activity. 3) Volunteer to be a letter writer. 4) Donate needed supplies/stamps for the project. 5) Contribute a financial donation to our "Care Package Fund". Point Man is a 501(c)3 organization so we can provide you with a tax-exempt receipt. We are committing 100% of all donations to the project. Please send your names/donations to: PMM, P.O. 1045, Coos Bay, Or 97420 or call Terry: 396-3346 - Mike: 267-4755 or Larry – 347-5139.
Perhaps you can interest your school, office, church, business, club, etc. into accepting the challenge to team up with Point Man in this project. All of our coastal and inland towns are being affected by current events. Let’s join together as a community to reach out to those from our South Coast region who are defending our Nation’s freedom. Your gift will bring warmth and joy to a loved one serving in a foreign land or on a vessel at sea.
Point Man meets every Tuesday at 7 PM at the "GREEN SPOT" located at 181 Anderson
in downtown Coos Bay.
We also have two weekly Bible Studies:
Coquille: Monday at 7 PM - Emmanuel Baptist Church
Coos Bay: Tuesday at 5 PM - Foursquare Church
If you are a veteran or on active duty feel free to come fellowship with us.
Bond was in the Army, in a Brown Water Riverine unit, and today is committed and deeply cares about vets who are hurting and is willing to listen. Bond always helps at the State Fair at the Point Man Booth, reaching out to vets. He meets with his group every Tuesday at 7:00 pm at Potter's Tire & Auto. He also meets weekly with the Vietnam Vet's for their coffee get together and is the vice commander of the DAV in Florence.
Michael Bates served for more than 2 years as the outpost leader in Grants Pass. He was raised a pastor's kid, but by the age of 14 was beginning to rebel, dropped out of school and by age 15 or 16 was pretty much on his own. At the age of 18 he joined the Army, in November of 1965. He was sent to Viet Nam in June of 1967. After seeing every kind of hell there, he was met at home with complete indifference. In the ensuing years, he experienced another kind of hell, which led to 3 marriages, numerous jobs and constantly moving from place to place. But in 1995 he began attending a few Point Man meetings, which led to he and Debbie attending church again. Michael says, "This time I was prayed for and told that the Lord was now enlisting me in HIS ARMY and HE WOULD BE MY COMMANDER IN CHIEF for the rest of my life." The Lord has given him purpose and stability and a way of reaching out to other vets through Point Man Ministries.
Now, God has sent Michael and Debbie on the road and they are living and traveling in their RV, helping other outposts, lending a hand at various activities, sharing about Point Man and the Lord, giving out literature and doing good wherever they land.
Tom Birdsong serves as the Outpost Leader in Salem. His Outpost meets each Thursday evening at 7:00 pm at the old Mecleay Firehouse next to the Mecleay Bible Church and is growing and adding new people each week.
Dan served two tours in Vietnam in the Marine Corp. He is a highly decorated veteran and was severly wounded in his second tour when his helicopter was shot down. Dan's amazing strength, energy, and dedication is an inspiration to all who meet him. Dan's meetings are held every Thursday evening at 7:00 pm.
Jerry found Pointman to be an excellent way to serve the Lord and help veterans at the same time. Jerry has experience as a substance abuse counselor, a family advocacy counselor and a mental health counselor and PTSD counselor. He has facilitated marriage enrichment seminars and been a leader of men. Although his outpost is also in Washington, he serves as an outpost close to the Portland/Vancouver area. Jerry served with Naval Support Activity, Danang and with the 3rd Marine Division in Viet Nam in 1968-69. He served in the Navy for over 26 years, retiring as a Master Chief Petty Officer. Jerry currently serves as the Chaplain for the Vietnam Veterans of America in Salmon Creek, Wa. and says he has a soft spot in his heart for Veterans. This outpost meets every Wednesday at 7:00 pm.
Skip leads a very active outpost in Hermiston/Umatilla with the help of Danny and Dan. They meet every Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm at the AGAPE HOUSE at 500 Harper Street in Hermiston. Hope to see you there!
Jeff grew up in a broken alcoholic family, struggled in school and by age 15 had developed his own drinking and drug problems. After graduating high school and roaming the US for a year, he joined the Army in 1985, fearing it was his last hope. He strived in the military and things seemed to come with minimal effort. His first duty station was Korea. But Jeff eventually started drinking constantly, attempted suicide, and was finally released from the Army in 1996, It was back to drinking and drugs, divorce,and bankruptcy. Then he met his current wife, Kristi. She prayed for him for over a year. In 1999, Jeff was again thinking of suicide, couldn't work and was homeless, fearing he might snap and commit murder or just go insane. One night when Jeff was alone, he thought about the fact that Kristi and her relentless prayers. Jeff broke into tears and said, "God, I just want what Kristi has. She said it was You. She said you love us, and I haven't done anything that can't be fixed. Lord, if that's true, please, please help me." He can't explain it, but his thoughts of suicide were gone, he's never had a desire to drink or have anything to do with drugs since. The Lord delivered him that night. He instantly took away Jeff's addiction and fear. Those things were replaced with a desire to go to church and be a part of God's family. Today the Lord is the center of Jeff's life and his marriage. Contact Jeff if you are interested in meeting weekly in the Lebanon area.
BEAVERTON, OREGON
Harry Faulkner
Beaverton, OR 97008
503-641-3329 (home)
503-644-9104 (work)
HFaulkner@BeavertonFourSquare.org
Harry says that he was an alcoholic, a teacher and a professional musician before he came to know the Lord on July 7, 1979. He explains that an old Army buddy led him to the Lord over a long distance phone call and Harry was immediately delivered from alcoholism at that time. Since then, he married Anne in 1983; they have 2 daughters and Harry entered full-time ministry in 1982. He has served with the same church for almost 27 years. Harry served as a full-time youth pastor for 17 years and has participated in missions outreaches to El Salvador and Guatemala. Harry heard about Point Man Ministries through friends and decided this was the time to get more involved in reaching out to his fellow veterans.
