bible_3.jpgCLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Some young spouses of soldiers at one of the Army's largest posts have spent much of their marriages alone during long deployments.

Now, a growing collection of independent prayer groups is helping them through it with an emphasis on faith and fellowship.

These groups aren't sponsored by any single church or the military. Spouses meet weekly in small, informal groups of eight to 12 people at their homes to study the Bible's teachings and how to apply them to today's military marriage.

Army veteran Mya Parker, 27, says she learned both sides of the strain after four years in active duty, as well as being a military wife. She helped start The Lantern near Fort Campbell for wives and girlfriends of soldiers.