Experiencing a Taste of God’s Unfailing Love at Warrior Getaway

Double Purple Heart recipient Peter Strauch has suffered to protect the freedom of all American citizens. From 2004 to 2012 he served in the Army as a paratrooper. After experiencing combat during deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Peter returned home struggling with post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries, and stroke-like symptoms.  

Since Peter’s return to civilian life, his wife Christy has served as his full-time caregiver while also caring for their three daughters, Neima, Neelah, and Olivia, who has autism. Like many Veterans, Peter has faced daunting challenges in his transition from combat to life at home. Navigating a “new normal” he and his family found that many hardships followed him from the battlefield. 

For Christy the responsibilities involved with caring for her whole family can prove overwhelming. Often her own health concerns and needs fall by the wayside as she prioritizes her husband and children. Too often she feels not only exhausted but isolated.  

Friendship, Hope, and Healing at Warrior Getaway 

Families like Peter and Christy’s need the love of Jesus and a place of warm acceptance in the body of Christ. This is why Joni and Friends created Warrior Getaway, to create spaces for healing, fellowship, and encouragement for U.S. Veterans and their family members, all of whom suffer from visible and invisible wounds from military service. 

When Peter, Christy, Neima, Neelah, and Olivia came to Warrior Getaway, they discovered a community that understands the unique set of challenges they face every day.  

“Warrior Getaway is the best respite, healing, fellowship and fun we’ve had together as a family in years,” says Christy. 

At Warrior Getaway, Peter and Christy both found the friendship, hope, and healing they needed. The week helped them see that they are not alone.  

Finding Strength in Jesus 

The supportive community at Warrior Getaway offered Peter, Christy, and their children a taste of God’s unfailing love. And through Bible teaching, worship, support groups, and encouragement from other Warrior families, Peter and Christy’s family deepened their faith in Jesus, the only source of love and strength who never fails. 

“I learned how to rely on the Lord. And that our strength doesn’t come from ourselves. My strength comes from the Lord,” says Christy. 

You Can Support Those Who Serve and Sacrifice! 

Veteran families too often face the struggles of disability in isolation and discouragement. But you can invite these families to taste the goodness and healing of Jesus at Warrior Getaway! 

“Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11