In times of war, local pastors and priests are giving words of comfort and hope to their congregations.

"There is an emphasis on praying for God's guidance, and asking for guidance for the president and government," said the Rev. Don Wilson, pastor of Lebanon Presbyterian Church in Lackawannock Township.

Ten people from his church are overseas on active duty. Rev. Wilson said the church has a support program for service members and their families.

"We published the names and addresses of our service men and women and their families," Rev. Wilson said, "so our congregations can write letters to people, as well as pray for them."

Communication between active-duty military personnel and their families and friends is important, Rev. Wilson said.

"The Navy has been wonderful for one of our soldiers," he said. "His wife is expecting the birth of a child, and even though he's aboard ship, the Navy makes sure they keep in touch."

The Rev. Christopher Merry of St. Joseph's Church in Sharon said he's been leading prayers of peace and also praying for the safety of the soldiers overseas.

"This is the time of Lent," he said. "For us, it is a time of reconciliation. We prayed the nations would set aside their differences as well."

The Rev. Joseph E. Coniglio, pastor of Gentle Shepherd Church of the Nazarene in Hermitage, said that while his congregation also prayed for peace, many understood the need for military action.

"Saddam Hussein is a tyrant," Rev. Coniglio said. "The more you hear, the more you realize his people need our prayers, too. What's happening, needs to happen."

The Rev. Thomas J. Bolling of Second Baptist Church in Farrell said his congregation has been praying for those overseas.

"Last week, I received a card from a young man who is deployed in the Navy, asking for prayers for himself and his comrades," he said. The young man is in the Middle East.

"He said he was on a mission not of his choosing, but that he understood he was there to fight for his country," Rev. Bolling said.

A former serviceman, Rev. Bolling said he understands that war is sometimes "a necessary evil."

"The important thing is not to demoralize our troops," he said. "It's important that they know we support them."

Rev. Wilson said it is important to talk to children about war.

"When children see the war in the media and on television, they sometimes feel as if they are there," he said. "It's important to tell them they are safe."

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Amanda Smith-Teutsch at: ateutsch@sharonherald.com