Faith Through the Fire

In March of 1948, Steven McGru was born and raised on a small farm in Kentucky, the oldest of eight children. Life was simple but demanding, and by the time he finished high school, his path took a dramatic turn. In 1968, at just 19 years old, Steven received his draft letter to serve in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

After basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and deployment from Fort Polk, Louisiana, Steven was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. He quickly learned he was heading to the front lines.

“I didn’t even know why I was there,” Steven recalls. “But my country said go, and I went.”

Each night in Vietnam, soldiers dug foxholes to protect themselves against relentless attacks. It was in those moments of silence and fear that Steven leaned heavily on prayer. He saw firsthand the truth of the old saying, “There are no atheists in foxholes.”

While advancing up a hill under heavy fire, Steven was shot in the foot. Though wounded, he remained with his unit rather than being sent home. Only days later, he faced an ambush that changed his life forever.

A 37mm rocket exploded just feet away, throwing Steven out of his 90-pound rucksack. When he regained awareness, he discovered his body had been wrapped in gauze from head to toe—his right arm the only part left untouched.

Steven spent 39 days in seven different hospitals before finally returning to the United States. The physical wounds eventually healed, but the invisible scars of war lingered. Like many combat veterans, Steven faced the challenges of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Over the years, with support from the Veterans Administration and the unshakable foundation of his faith, he has seen healing. Today, his condition is measured at 30%, but his outlook is stronger than ever.

Through it all, Steven credits one thing for carrying him through the darkest valleys and steepest mountains: his faith in Jesus Christ.

“My faith in Jesus Christ alone has got me through,” he says. “It’s a peace I have and a joy within that He gives. That’s the only way I get through these things—day by day, one day at a time.”

Steven’s story is more than a soldier’s tale of bravery and sacrifice. It is a testimony of hope, perseverance, and the sustaining power of faith. From the rice paddies of Vietnam to the quiet moments of prayer at home, his life is a reminder that no matter the battle, peace and strength can be found in Christ.