A Home Away from Home

Alone and far from home. You have no connections. No established friend group.

This is the experience of many first-time Air Force airmen and Space Force guardians who walk through the doors of the ministry center at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The pivotal transition into the military feels vulnerable, emotional. Regardless of military branch, the story is often the same: they are searching for a sense of home, community, purpose, and truth.

At the ministry center, fondly named “Gravity,” Navigators Jamie and Kelli Karmann are creating such a home for these young military personnel. Hosting Bible studies and ministry nights, the Karmanns have watched as the Lord has worked powerfully in the lives of those on base.

Meili and Alex’s Story

The Karmanns relocated to Albuquerque in the thick of the COVID pandemic, hoping to respark The Navigators ministry at Kirtland Air Force Base. Though everything was shut down at the time, the Karmanns started their ministry with prayer, asking the Lord to work in the hearts of airmen on base.

The Karmanns started to engage with airmen at the ministry center, watching as the Lord answered their prayers. Soon, they had a Thursday night Bible study going, which was full of nonbelievers who were looking for community.

It was at this Bible study where Kelli first met Meili. Newly stationed at Kirtland and just out of high school, Meili was struggling to find her footing — professionally, spiritually, and relationally. Overwhelmed, Meili came to Gravity one night, where she was encouraged to keep attending Bible study to get to know more people and build a support system.

Jamie and Kelli kept spending time with Meili, inviting her into their home, taking long drives together, and even going camping. Despite not growing up in church, Meili kept attending the Karmanns’ Bible studies. Though life was challenging, she was open to learning about Jesus, and Kelli could tell that she was in a process of seeking answers.

Over the year, Kelli kept pursuing Meili, even though their relationship was not always easy. Meili often asked Kelli why she cared so deeply for others. This opened the door for Kelli to share about Christ’s love and truth, citing 1 John 4:19: “We love because he first loved us.”

“She started sharing with me what was going on with her soul,” Kelli says. “We would spend hours and hours driving around, talking. It was clear she was hungry for knowledge and for growth.”

One evening, Meili was talking with Kelli, and she expressed a desire to be called a Christian — even though she didn’t have all the answers yet. A soccer player in high school, Meili compared it to calling oneself a “soccer player” without being a professional. That night, she surrendered her life to Christ. Meili was baptized, and Kelli continued to disciple her until Meili recently left the military.

“She knew the military was not for her,” Kelli says. “But then she started saying things like, ‘What if the only reason I came here was to meet Jesus? What if the military wasn’t my calling, but it was simply my calling to meet Him?’”

Meili’s story didn’t stop with her own transformation.

While Meili was attending Bible studies, she started inviting her suitemate, Alex*, to join along.

“This helped me,” Meili said. “Maybe it would help you too.”

Slowly but surely, Alex’s heart began to open to the truths of Scripture. She asked insightful questions, started memorizing verses, and shared that while she wasn’t quite ready to commit, she felt the Word changing her.

One evening, as Navigator staff-in-training Zach Sullivan shared The Bridge to Life illustration, Alex started to break down in tears. Jamie felt the Holy Spirit prick his heart to say to the group, “Does anyone want to cross this bridge tonight?” Still crying, Alex raised her hand.

Jamie prayed with her as she trusted in Jesus as her Savior. Zach’s wife, Jessica, began meeting with Alex weekly for discipleship, and Alex continues to grow in her understanding of and love for Jesus.

Connection and Faith on Base

Meili and Alex’s story is just an example of how the Lord is moving in military bases across the country, bringing men and women to Christ through genuine and patient relationships.

As the Karmanns labor to create a safe, loving place for these servicemembers in need of a home away from home, and they’ve watched God answer their prayers, meeting and gently drawing these young adults to Himself and welcoming them into His family.

“People are coming to military bases, and they don’t know what they are seeking,” Kelli says. “But they want connection. They want faith. The Lord has created a place at Gravity where they can come and discover and be loved no matter what.”

Learn more about how God is working through The Navigators in Albuquerque.

Discipleship Tip:

It took time and intentional relationship over months and months until Meili gave her life to the Lord. Maybe you are feeling discouraged by the time it takes to plant seeds and bring someone to Christ — but remember, God has a plan in His ultimate timing! If you are struggling with a season of waiting, ask the Lord for patience and trust in His timing, knowing that He is the one that saves and softens hearts.

*Name changed for privacy

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) visual information does not imply nor constitute DOD endorsement.