Standing Strong Against Evil

Lots to cover this week so please read through and join us this Saturday if you can (and pray for us if you can't).

MEETING REMINDER!

As announced previously, this Saturday’s (3/14) meeting will take place at in Aurora as part of our ongoing effort to reach others who might not otherwise make the drive to our home base at Calvary South Denver in Littleton . Calvary Aurora is located at 18900 E. Hampden Avenue (E. Hampden just East of Tower). Special thanks to Pastor Ed and Darrel for allowing us to use their space! We’ll meet downstairs in the Café at 0900. Note that they will be holding their monthly men’s prayer breakfast starting at 0800 and we’ve been invited to join them (just come an hour early if you are interested). Also check out their really cool website at www.calvaryaurora.org. Don’t forget to pass the word to your colleagues and friends.

Why are we moving things around a bit? I am feeling led and encouraged to continue to step out of our “safety zone” and begin going to those we need to reach instead of simply waiting for them to come to us (meaning meeting at various PD’s for our Bible study/meetings from time-to-time). Please join us in seeking God’s direction for this ministry and that doors will be opened so that we can better minister (serve) to our fellow officers.

To recap, last week’s study centered on the biblical model for leadership. God’s leadership model is expressed through the life and ministry of Jesus and we take the radical view that Christ came into the world to demonstrate the character of God. In doing so, our Lord demonstrated the highest form of leadership, to wit, that of a servant (more to the point, a “bond servant”): one who presents himself to another in servitude. In fact, Scripture indicates that the very nature of God is that of a servant (Philippians 2:1-7 and verse 6 in particular). Jesus Himself expanded on this in Matthew 20:26-28 and 23:11-12 (look it up – it is right to the point).

So what kind of leader are you? Brothers and sisters, you don’t need stripes on your sleeves or bars/stars on your collar to be a leader. Rather, the very nature of our CALLING as LEOs is one of leadership. If you do hold rank, are you SERVING those in your charge? If not, it is not too late! If you already know Christ as Saviour, seek His forgiveness and guidance as you begin to serve from a biblical perspective. If you have not made that all-important step, then I encourage you to do so NOW. Click on the “How to Know Christ as Savior” link to your left. Better yet (if you are a local or visitor), join us on Saturday and we’ll help you in person.

This week we’ll expand on this concept by exploring the characteristics of a biblical leader. Please join us for this important study!

CARNAGE IN ALABAMA

As everyone is most certainly aware, a gunman went on a rampage in Alabama and took a host of lives before killing himself (law enforcement response most certainly stopped him before he could do more damage). What some may not know is that deputy lost his wife and child before this madman could be stopped. His second daughter was also hit and, at last report, was undergoing surgery for same (see http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29623587 and http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=12433473&ch=4226713&src=news for more). To that end, Chief Dave Gottschalk of Fairplay (CO) PD has put up a $100 donation to assist Geneva County Sheriff’s Deputy Josh Myers in dealing with this unimaginable tragedy. More importantly, Dave, who is from Alabama , is challenging others to do the same. Donations can either be sent to us at The Centurion Ministry for disbursement to the Joshua Myers Family Fund or directly to that fund at any Alabama Telco Credit Union. In the meantime, please be in prayer for Josh , Alabama LEOs, and all those affected by this terrible event.


YET ANOTHER CHURCH SHOOTING

If the Alabama incident wasn’t enough, we've been rocked with yet another church shooting (see http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29603504/). While we must pray, we (LEOs) must also be prepared to act. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of carrying off-duty and that includes church. Better yet, work with your church to implement security and disaster plans (let me know if you need my assistance). Don't attend? Stop being disobedient and start! Folks, I truly believe that we are in the last days (subject of an upcoming study) and the proliferation of evil is symptomatic of same. Let’s be vigilant at all times! That said, kudos to the two “sheepdogs” who acted and stopped the gunman from inflicting more damage. Both were hurt in the process so please keep them in prayer. One does not have to carry a badge or wear a uniform to be a true servant-warrior.

There was a common theme in both of these incidents – what I call “Mayberry Syndrome” -- people, including cops, who continue to have a "it can’t happen here” mentality. Folks, time-and-time again it DOES happen “here!” This type of thinking is detrimental to our mission and has no place in our warrior ethos! Prepare and pray!

PRAYER REQUESTS

(1) Please continue to pray for four year-old Tayler (daughter of Englewood PD Officer Shane Ellison) and her family. I don’t have any updates on Tayler condition but here is more about her: http://scottpantall.com/2009/01/25/shave-a-dispatcher-save-a-girl/comment-page-1/#comment-25. Donations are appreciated.
(2) Please pray for a brother who lost his job over a duty-related incident. Pray that God will grant him mercy in terms of potential repercussions and provision for his future and that of his family.
(3) Take time to pray for your/our supervisors: that they will truly lead from a biblical world view and with a servant’s heart.
(4) Pray for our brothers with Houston (police shootings, police suicide, etc.) and Corpus Christi PDs (see http://www.policelink.com/news/articles/100162-lieutenant-struck-killed-while-deploying-stop-sticks) reference recent events there. While you are at it, prayers are requested for HPD Officer Rick Salter (http://www.policelink.com/news/articles/99770-officer-shot-in-face-still-fighting-for-his-life) who was recently shot in the face and is fighting for his life.
(5) Jefferson County (CO) Sheriff’s Office Investigator/Chaplain Ralph Gallegos has advised that a Minnesota Deputy who was shot in the head is undergoing intense therapy here at Craig Hospital . Donations and assistance are appreciated as are our prayers/support. Please email Ralph rgallego@co.jefferson.co.us for further details.
(6) A C/O and fellow Believer who is struggling with some personal demons has requested our prayers (healing/recovery).
(7) Decorated Denver PD officer and author (A Bulletproof Life) Gregory “Todd” Gentry and his wife are expecting their first child on March 14th. Pray that the delivery goes smoothly and that both mom and baby will remain in good health.