Family tragedy set ministry founder on path

When Brian Strain lost his brother about three years ago, his life goals became clear.

Courtesy photo: Benna Sayyed

Staff Sgt. Terry Chandler, left, tech sergeant Brian Strain, middle, and Airman Jacob Swenson, discuss theology during a Military Mix meeting at First Baptist Church in Portales.

Timothy Strain, living in Germany as a military dependent, died of an accidental overdose on prescription drugs. He was 18 years old.

Strain, 29, a tech sergeant at Cannon Air Force Base, said being around Air Force chaplains and working with Pastor David McFadden at First Baptist Church in Portales helped him recover from his family tragedy.

During recovery, Strain realized he wanted to go into a field where he could help Air Force personnel and civilians spiritually. He started the Military Mix ministry at First Baptist Church in January 2011, and soon began working toward his master's degree in divinity.

Strain is about halfway to the 82 credits he needs for his degree. He is an unordained pastor and will become a licensed pastor this spring.

According to Strain, members of the Military Mix ministry strive to establish a community where military personnel and their families can explore the Christian faith along with other citizens.

He said the group focuses on military but is diverse. Youth from the Baptist children's home and Eastern New Mexico University students also participate in the ministry.

"I think there's a spiritual side to all of us," Strain said.

"I think we need a place to go and ask good questions and explore what we believe and why we believe it. Many of these guys are single airmen. They're away from their families. When they come to our church hopefully they find family."

Strain said he noticed citizens often say there is little to do in Clovis and Portales. He believes military personnel and citizens from other states and countries sometimes have the tendency to feel isolated.

Strain believes the ministry helps military personnel and others not feel as alone and creates an environment where solid, healthy relationships can be formed.

With special permission from the church Strain pastored at First Baptist Church about 10 times, has performed baptisms for military members and has led the church's Sunday school.

According to Strain, the ministry recently grew in numbers. Strain said at the beginning of 2012 it had only three members but now has about 20 members who attend regularly.

Staff Sgt. Terry Chandler, 32, has participated in the ministry for about seven months. Chandler said he fell in love with the ministry during his first meeting.

"When the pastor was reading scripture it wasn't like an aggressive approach," Chandler said. "It was a very welcoming, friendly and informative sermon." Chandler said he thinks the ministry's message comes directly from Bible scripture.

Staff Sgt. Alex Jaeger, 26, has participated in Military Mix for about six months.

"I feel that being part of the ministry has helped me feel more purpose in life," said Jaeger, who plays acoustic electric guitar during praise and worship songs.

What: Military Mix ministry

When: 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Wednesday

10 a.m.-11 a.m., 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Sunday

Where: First Baptist Church, 100 South Avenue C, Portales

Who can attend: Anyone

Cost: Free

Information: 356-6761