Deployment, Departures and Reunions
The MFRC-NCR provides support to the families of Regular Forces and Reservists who are deployed both within the country and overseas. We are there through all stages of deployment—pre-deployment, deployment, and reunion.
Deployment can introduce some additional stresses for Canadian Forces families. We can arrange counselling sessions or meetings with our social workers, or can refer families to other resources as necessary. Be assured that confidentiality is of utmost importance to us.
For more information, don't hesitate to contact us.
For further resources on deployment, please click here.
Upcoming event: Transitioning after Deployment
If your loved one has recently returned or is expected to return shortly from a deployment, we invite you to take part in our Coming Home: Transitioning after Deployment workshop. A light supper and child care will be available. Parents, partners and CF members are welcome to attend.
Next workshop: Early Sping (exact date TBD)
This information and interactive session is designed to assist families to understand and manage the transition and reintegration of their loved one. To register, please contact Angela Matzigkeit at (613) 998-4888.
Padre's Corner - February 2012 Message
Psalm 91: Praying for God’s Protection Over Your Deployed Loved One
American actor Jimmy Stewart is perhaps best known for his role in the movie, “A Wonderful Life.” In this fictional film, his brother is a WWI war hero, but what few people know is that in real life, Jimmy Stewart himself was a decorated WWII war hero. Stewart enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1941 and by war’s end he had served as a Combat Pilot and Bombardier Trainer, and finally as a Chief of Staff, 2nd Combat Wing, 2nd Division, 8th Air Force. The following story is told in the book, Psalm 91: God’s Shield of Protection, by Peggy Joyce Ruth, (2007), pp.145-146.
When Stewart went off to war, his father was so emotionally moved and choked up that he could not speak aloud the farewell message that he wanted to impart to his son. So he wrote it down in a note instead, slipping it into Jimmy’s hand as he embraced him. On board ship Jimmy Stewart read his father’s note which included a hand written copy of Psalm 91. (The words of Psalm 91 are included below.)
My dear Jim-Boy,
Soon after you read this letter, you will be on your way to the worst sort of danger. Jim, I am banking on the enclosed copy of the 91st Psalm. The thing that takes the place of fear and worry is the promise of these words. I am staking my faith in the words. I feel sure that God will lead you through this mad experience. I can say no more. I only continue to pray. Goodbye, my dear. God continue to bless and keep you. I love you more than I can tell.
Dad
P. J. Ruth recounts that “during the height of battle Jimmy Stewart said the he learned to lean on the words of his tattered copy of Psalm 91.” This Psalm, when read and believed and trusted, offers the sure promise from God of His presence and protection even in the worst of danger. Stewart himself testified, “What a promise for an airman. I placed in His [God’s] Hands the squadron I would be leading. And, as the psalmist promised, I felt myself borne up.” We know that anything can happen in war – but when we entrust our loved one -- and ourselves -- to God’s promised protection, then a peace from God comes where before there was fear and anxiety. The promises of Psalm 91 remain true today for all who will take God at His word. I invite you to read this psalm, reflect upon what God is saying to you, and respond personally to God’s promises. I invite you to use the words of Psalm 91 and make them your own as you pray for God’s protection of your loved one. Perhaps, like Jimmy Stewart’s father, you will want to share a copy of Psalm 91 with the one who is dearest to you.
Psalm 91:1-16 (Good News Translation)
1 Whoever goes to the Lord for safety,
whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty,
2 can say to him,
You are my defender and protector.
You are my God; in you I trust.
3 He will keep you safe from all hidden dangers
and from all deadly diseases.
4 He will cover you with his wings;
you will be safe in his care;
his faithfulness will protect and defend you.
5 You need not fear any dangers at night
or sudden attacks during the day
6 or the plagues that strike in the dark
or the evils that kill in daylight.
7 A thousand may fall dead beside you,
ten thousand all around you,
but you will not be harmed.
8 You will look and see
how the wicked are punished.
9 You have made the Lord your defender,
the Most High your protector,
10 and so no disaster will strike you,
no violence will come near your home.
11 God will put his angels in charge of you
to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
to keep you from hurting your feet on the stones.
13 You will trample down lions and snakes,
fierce lions and poisonous snakes.
14 God says,
I will save those who love me
and will protect those who acknowledge me as Lord.
15 When they call to me, I will answer them;
when they are in trouble, I will be with them.
I will rescue them and honour them.
16 I will reward them with long life;
I will save them.
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