“The War Within: Finding Hope for Post-Traumatic Stress”

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“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” — John 14:27

The war footage on the DVD really brought back memories of the 1960s and 70s—after all, I had lived through those days. With friends, family and husband off at war in Vietnam I had watched the nightly news (no 24-hour news channel then) for the latest information and visual images of this much-debated and hard-fought war. So when I recently watched “The War Within: Finding Hope for Post-Traumatic Stress” I was reminded of what seemed long ago—and somehow only yesterday. Strange how time is like that.

And for many of our returning veterans from Vietnam, those memories are still horror-filled and all-too-fresh. They might even say, “I was in Vietnam just last night, in my dreams.” Who better to help our returning military members today, struggling with PTSD? After all, the Vietnam vets should know.

I have seen Vietnam vets, mostly unappreciated when they returned from war, reach out to those returning from Iraq & Afghanistan with open arms of compassion and understanding. I have seen them at the airports manning the “Welcome Home” events. I have seen them at funerals, guarding the families’ privacy with their motorcycles. I have seen them volunteering their time for “Honor Flights” making sure that WWII veterans get to go to Washington, D.C. and see the WWII Memorial. I have seen them work at the V.A. Hospitals, help at patriotic events—ever solemn during the playing of the National Anthem. After all, the Vietnam vets should know.

So you shouldn’t be surprised that two of these Vietnam vets have worked with Day of Discovery of RBC Ministries to chronicle their story on video—in hopes that it will bring just that—HOPE—to our present generation of fighters and PTSD sufferers. Mike Wilkins, former Army airborne infantry, and Phil Downer, former Marine machine gunner, are the two brave men who returned to Vietnam with a group called Vietnam Battlefield Tours to visit the places where they fought.

This was a difficult journey for them, but they were clear about why they went—to help you. Step-by-step the video team walked with them through the rice fields and hills, studying map coordinates and GPS headings with their Tour guides. The goal was to pinpoint the exact battle locations and sites of some of their most-vivid memories.  Along the way they spent time with the villagers—and especially enjoyed their time with the now-happy children of this much-changed country.

Both Christians, Mike and Phil have a story to tell and faith to share. As Mike Wilkins, now a seminary professor, states, “When I found out about Jesus it radically changed my heart . . . What I have experienced in Jesus is what is available to any veteran who has experienced the trauma of war.”

And much of the documentary is the story of their wives because, as Phil Downer states, “I came home to another war—I wounded everyone around me.” But his wife, like Mike’s wife, wants you to know: “There is hope . . . and I think back on all those years that I didn’t think there was any hope. . . but there was and I’m so so grateful that I didn’t give up. . . that I persevered because—he can change! Phil has changed—God changed him!” Susy Downer quotes 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” Phil went on to become a lawyer but now leads Discipleship Network of America (DNA)—a ministry which serves in training for evangelism and discipleship.

Both of the wives tell of the anger that their husbands experienced after the war and the violent damage that was done in their homes. Even though the wounds of war in some ways remain, the violence is gone. There is peace from God. There is joy in their hearts and in their homes. There is purpose in life, and a higher calling to share. There is hope.

“The War Within,” a 90-minute DVD, is available for order from Day of Discovery. But you don’t even have to order it to begin watching. All four episodes are available here online.

I particularly appreciated the “Bonus features” on the DVD—interviews with Phil & Susy Downer and Mike & Lynne Wilkins. If PTSD is a challenge in your life—in your marriage—perhaps in your family, these Vietnam vets know and understand. They want you to know that there is hope. After all, the Vietnam vets should know.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” — Romans 15:13

Questions to Share:

1. Psalm 147:3 reads, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”  How does God heal?

2. One of Mike Wilkins favorite verses is Matthew 6:33, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” What would that verse mean to a PTSD sufferer?