Officer Down Update, LE Leadership, & "The Shack" Review

Fellow Servant-Warriors:

This last week has been, to say the least, exceedingly busy. That said, it has also been one that has brought about a plethora of lessons for all of us in the law enforcement profession (as follows).

BIBLE STUDY:
We’re back on schedule for our regular Saturday AM law enforcement Bible study this Saturday from 0900-1000 at Calvary South Denver in Littleton . Please join us for a great time of LEO fellowship, profession-relevant Bible study and prayer.

“OFFICER DOWN” UPDATE:
In the midst of our annual PPCT/defense tactics training in Fairplay this past weekend, I also had the honor of attending the police funeral for Eagle County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Gregory Dean Thompson. Greg became ill and died after coming in contact with a meth lab operation. While I must thank all those LEOs who attended, I was truly saddened by the overall turnout. This brother paid the ultimate sacrifice yet less than a hundred officers attended his funeral. I find it egregious that we only turn out in force when a brother or sister officers goes down from a gunshot, stabbing, MVA, etc. (as if that kind of death is somehow “sexy” in comparison to line-of-duty incident that results in a lingering and painful death). Sad indeed.

As most everyone from the Metro area is already aware, Aurora Code Enforcement Officer and former police officer Rodney Morales was shot to death and his memorial service was well-attended by local LEOs.
Regardless, the deaths of our brothers serve as yet another reminder that we need to be “ready” in terms of our relationship with Christ: service as a LEO does not give us a “get out of jail free card” from hell. Our loving Savior is perfectly clear: HE is the only way in. Are you ready? Do you know Him? See http://www.pofci.org/knowJesus.htm to learn what it means to trust Christ as your Savior and KNOW where you will spend eternity.


LAW ENFORCEMENT LEADERSHIP:
Those who follow my blogs and attend our Bible studies will recall the series I did last year on Christian LE leadership. I recently had the pleasure of attending a law enforcement leadership seminar taught by former LEO Dr. Jack Enter, Ph.D. I’ll have more on this in an upcoming newsletter and on the website but I emphatically recommend his outstanding class. Jack is strong Believer (He gives credit to Christ in the dedication of his book on law enforcement leadership: Challenging the Law Enforcement Organization – Proactive Leadership Strategies) and his presentations are a must for anyone in our profession who seeks to be an effective leader. That Jack could double as a stand-up comic is an added plus (he’s hilarious). As I’ve said in the past, we all know that the real stress in our profession comes not from what we deal with on the street but rather from poor leadership within. Learn more from http://www.jackenter.com/. Thanks to Chief Dave Gottschalk for sending me!

REVIEW OF “The Shack:”
Given the book’s popularity, I’ve had quite a few questions about The Shack (Yes, cops can and do read from time-to-time!!). In brief, let me just say that I cannot in good conscience recommend this book to ANYONE. Quite simply, the “god” of The Shack is most certainly NOT the God of the Bible (heresy). I’ve included the following trustworthy and authoritative apologetic reviews on the book and encourage you to inform yourselves and therefore be able to defend our faith: http://www.insight.org/site/PageServer?pagename=shack and http://www.calvarycsd.org/resources.php?p=87#k87.

PRAYER REQUESTS (as always, send me your prayer requests or, better yet, come join us on Saturday so we can pray for and with you).
(1) Please pray for the families and colleagues of slain officers Greg Thompson and Rodney Morales.
(2) Pray for two local LEOs who are trying to get on with agencies in California (God’s will, provision, etc.).
(3) Continue to pray for a colleague who is dealing with some very tough issues reference his family and finances.
(4) Pray for an Arapahoe County deputy who suddenly lost his mother earlier this week.
(5) Pray for an officer who is in the midst of a deep depression.
(6) Pray for a local officer and his family who are grieving over the suicide of a young family member.
(7) Keep this ministry in your prayers and yes, hold me accountable!

Remember to help us get the “WORD” out by passing on our newsletters and website “411” to others. Hope to see you (locals) Saturday morning!