God, Family, and Military Life: Faith-Based Resilience

Tyrese and Terry Cook

Life as a military family is filled with constant transitions—PCS moves, deployments, separations, and the unique challenges of being stationed overseas. It’s a lifestyle that demands resilience, flexibility, and an unwavering sense of purpose. Through every season, one thing has remained constant for my family: keeping God at the center.

Being stationed in South Korea has been a transformative experience for us in many ways. It’s given us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in a new culture, build friendships that feel like family, and grow deeper in our faith. Finding a spiritual community here wasn’t just a hope—it was a necessity. And by God’s grace, we’ve found just that.

Faith-Based Resilience in the Midst of Military Challenges

Military life can stretch you in ways you never expected. It teaches you patience when orders change at the last minute, endurance when your spouse is away, and trust when the future feels uncertain. But faith is what anchors us through it all.

One of the biggest challenges military families face is the feeling of instability. Every few years (or sometimes months), we are uprooted and planted somewhere new. While the excitement of a fresh start is real, so is the grief of leaving behind friendships, familiarity, and the community we’ve built. In those moments, I’ve learned that true stability isn't found in a duty station- it’s found in something greater.

Finding and Building a Spiritual Community in South Korea

When we arrived at Camp Humphreys, one of my biggest prayers was to find a strong, faith-filled community. As an introvert, I tend to be thoughtful about the spaces I engage in, but I knew that if my family was going to stay spiritually grounded, we had to be intentional about connecting with other believers.

The military offers many opportunities for spiritual growth, but it’s up to us to take that step to seek them out. For my family, that meant finding a church home on post and getting involved in ministries that align with our values.

One of the most impactful experiences has been worshiping at the Burning Bush Gospel Service. From the moment we stepped into the sanctuary, we felt the warmth and love of a congregation that truly embodies the heart of Christ. The worship is powerful, the messages are convicting, and the sense of belonging is undeniable. My children have flourished in the youth ministries, finding joy in serving and participating in various church activities. These moments remind me that community is so important- because faith is not meant to be walked alone-it grows stronger when nurtured through fellowship. 

How Faith Strengthens Our Family

Faith isn’t just something we practice on Sundays—it’s the foundation of our home. My husband and I have always been intentional about making Christ the center of our marriage and parenting, but being in South Korea has made that even more important.

With the distance from extended family, we’ve had to rely on each other and on God more than ever. We pray together, study the Word together, and teach our children the importance of faith in everyday life. Whether it’s through bedtime Bible stories, worshiping as a family, or getting our children involved in ministry, we want them to know that faith isn’t just something we talk about—it’s action, commitment, and a way of life-the foundation of how we live.

Being part of a faith-based community has also given our children a sense of belonging. They have friends who share the same values, and a church family that loves and genuinely supports them. That sense of community is invaluable, especially in a lifestyle where friendships can sometimes feel temporary.

The Cook Family

Spiritual Resources at Camp Humphreys

For many military families, faith-based resilience becomes the cornerstone that helps them navigate the emotional and practical challenges of life on the move. No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, there are resources available to help you stay connected and grow. If you are new to Camp Humphreys or looking for ways to build your faith or find community, here are some great places to start:

USAG-Humphreys Religious Support Office Facebook: This account is dedicated to informing the community of services of a variety of faith backgrounds, their times, and their locations. 

Chaplain Services – Whether you need guidance, counseling, Bible studies, or are interested in various faith-based programs for military families, the chaplains are here to provide support for individuals and families from all faith backgrounds.

The Military Life Center – A welcoming hub that offers workshops, fellowship, and events that are designed to strengthen families.

PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel) – A women’s Bible study and fellowship group that provides spiritual encouragement and community.

Four Chaplains Memorial Chapel (BLDG 2230):

AGAPE (CONTEMPORARY)  |  First Service, Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

AGAPE (CONTEMPORARY)  |  Second Service, Sundays at 11 a.m.

ROK & CFC  |  Worship Service, Sundays at 1:30 p.m.

JEWISH  |  Shabbat Evening Service, Fridays at 6 p.m.

Pacific Visitors Chapel (BLDG 6360)

PROTESTANT  |  Christ The King Liturgical, Sundays from 9 a.m.

PROTESTANT  |  Church of Christ, Sundays from 11 a.m.

PROTESTANT  |  Spanish Service, Sundays from 1:30 p.m.

PROTESTANT  |  KATUSA Service, Wednesdays from 6 p.m.

ISLAMIC  |  Jumah Service, Fridays from 12:35 p.m.

PAGAN  |  Fellowship, Fridays from 6 p.m.

Warrior Chapel (BLDG 6800)

PROTESTANT  |  Burning Bush Gospel, Sundays from 10 a.m.

BUDDHIST  |  Service, Thursdays from 6 p.m.

HEATHENS  |  HAVA Fellowship, Fridays from 6:30 p.m.

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST  |  Service, Saturdays from 11 a.m.

Freedom Chapel and Family Life Ministry Center (BLDG 695)

CATHOLIC  |  Adoration/Confession, Saturdays from 4 p.m.

CATHOLIC  |  Rosary/Benediction, Saturdays from 5 p.m.

CATHOLIC  |  Vigil Mass, Saturdays from 5:30 p.m.

CATHOLIC  |  Mass, Sundays from 9 a.m.

CATHOLIC  |  Daily Mass, Monday-Friday (except on Eighth Army Training Holidays/DONSAs) from 5:30 p.m.

PROTESTANT  |  Common Ground (Traditional), Sundays from 11 a.m.

LATTER DAY SAINTS  |  Worship Meeting, Sundays from 2 p.m.

No matter where you are in your faith journey, there is a place for you here. If you’re feeling disconnected or struggling to find your spiritual footing in a new duty station, I encourage you to take that first step. If you’re not at Camp Humphreys, check out your local installation’s Religious Support Office to see what is offered in your military community. Get involved, join a study, reach out to a chaplain, and surround yourself with a faith-filled community.

Final Thoughts

Being stationed in South Korea has been a blessing beyond what I could have imagined. It has strengthened my marriage, deepened my faith, and given my children a spiritual foundation that will carry them wherever life takes them. In the midst of the constant change that comes with this lifestyle, God remains my family’s constant. And as long as we keep Him at the center, we can face any challenge with confidence, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. If you’re struggling to find that sense of community or feel spiritually disconnected, I encourage you to step out in faith. “Find a place of worship, get involved, and allow God to plant you where He wants you. You never know how He might use this season to grow and strengthen you.

No matter where the Army sends us, one thing remains true: We are never alone. God is with us, guiding, strengthening, and equipping us for the journey ahead.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

*The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional mental health treatment or to serve as a diagnosis or treatment for any health condition. This article does not establish a client/therapist relationship between the author and the reader. Readers should consult their own licensed medical or mental health providers for personalized advice and treatment for any concerns related to their health or well-being. Always seek the guidance of your qualified professionals regarding any specific questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.