The Soldiers’ and Aviators’ Scripture Readers Association (SASRA), a missionary organisation that takes the gospel of Christ to the British Armed Forces, reports that it has helped prevent ‘multiple’ suicides.
The organisation reports: ‘Alongside sharing the gospel, Scripture Readers, together with Chaplaincy and the Welfare Service, walk with military personal and their families who are struggling through a variety of mental health and wellbeing issues.
‘A Reader was recently told by a soldier: ‘If it wasn’t for you and the Padre, I would probably have taken my own life.’ This is not an unfamiliar story to many Readers; the impact of their work is incalculable, both spiritually and materially.
Another recent story from a SASRA Reader demonstrates this: ‘One soldier approached me, explaining he had low moods, was depressed and was having suicidal thoughts. I suggested that he connect with the Medical Officer as soon as possible. I asked if I could connect him with his unit Chaplain, explaining the benefit that would be to him. He agreed to both, but also asked to meet with me. He got the practical support he needed, and we connected over coffee once a week. During our chats he showed great interest in my faith, so I invited him to a Christianity Explored course I was running. After some sessions, he told me that he knew Christ as his Saviour. This soldier is now back in work at full capacity doing better than ever.’
A recent report gave the statistic that one in eight (12.5%) UK Armed Forces personnel were seen by military healthcare services for a mental-health related reason in 2021/22.
