Nothing speaks more clearly of First Baptist’s call, and response to that call, to minister to soldiers and their families than did our own Desert Shield (1990) and Desert Storm (1991) initiatives.

When President George H. W. Bush issued the order that authorized American troops to join an international coalition in the war against Iraq, Fort Hood soldiers engaged. As did First Baptist Church of Killeen.

Two members, Linda Sholly and Robin Root, bolstered by deacons and a host of volunteers, sprang into action. Psalm 91:4-5 became their battle cry. They organized prayer teams, created teams of spouses of deployed soldiers and trained counselors, assembled and mailed countless care packages, and developed a crisis intervention plan that proved to not be needed. Thank God from Whom all blessings flow!

As soldiers prepared to return home, volunteers shifted into overdrive and morphed into fix-it teams, completing odd jobs around the homes of our military families, hoping to minimize the “honey-do” list awaiting returning warriors.

Then, On May 23, 1991, the church hosted an all-church celebration of thanksgiving and remembrance for all that God had done for us throughout both operations, Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Testimonies from soldiers, their families, and our volunteers were the highlights of the celebration.