Update on Wounded Officers + Meeting Announcement

Fellow Sheepdogs:

MEETING REMINDER

As scheduled, our next meeting will be this Thursday, August 20th, 1900 hours, at Calvary South Denver in Littleton. Don’t forget to bring your spouses if possible and to pass-on this newsletter to those around you. This week’s meeting will be an opportunity to share testimonies, prayer requests, ministry needs, and the upcoming benefit for our wounded brothers at Craig Hospital. Please join us and pass the word on to your colleagues and friends.


BIBLE STUDY RECAP

We had an awesome time “in the Lord” at last Thursday’s Centurion Ministry meeting. To recap for those who missed it and/or are outside Denver Metro, we dug into God’s direction in terms of how we are to relate to those in authority above us (for those of us in law enforcement, our sergeants, lieutenants, captains, chiefs, etc.) as stipulated in 1 Timothy 6: 1-8. Pastor Sam Park taught on the subject at a recent “Tuesday Night Dialogue” service at Calvary South Denver in Littleton and many – myself included – were convicted to the core.

Bottom line is that LEOs are generally amongst the biggest malcontents (gripers and far less attractive -- if not more descriptive -- words) of any profession. Given Paul’s teaching, it is clear that this is in fact SIN! Instead, we are to give even our unbelieving “masters” (supervisors/management) all honor and respect, including when we feel it is undeserved. Moreover, the same passage of Scripture tells us that we are to strive for contentment even under adverse conditions.

Note that I am not suggesting that we don’t try to right wrongs or that we have to maintain a negative status quo. On the contrary, we should in fact exercise LEADERSHIP but always from a biblical perspective. I’ve also repeatedly stated that the best way for us to correct the wrongs in our own agencies and our country in general is to pray for management and those in authority – to commit them to the Lord and ask Him to do the changing. Moreover, we need to seek Christ in all things and walk in obedience ourselves so that we will be a positive example as opposed to a stumbling block.

I encourage everyone to read/meditate on this passage of God’s word while asking the Holy Spirit to reveal our Lord’s truth and direction to us. This is by no means an easy command but it is a command nevertheless and, since it comes from our perfect Commander-in-Chief, we can trust it is the PERFECT order. Let’s be obedient while asking our Lord to fight the battle for us when it comes to this difficult area.


UPDATES ON CHICAGO P.D. OFC. DENSEY COLE AND MAHNOMEN (MN) DEPUTY CHRIS DEWEY!

Englewood PD Officer Jason Pearson and I have been visiting and praying with both Densey and Chris. Reference the latter, we had been given incorrect information that Chris did not want LEOs to visit. This is NOT the case! On the contrary, Chris’s wife Emily does in fact want us to visit. While both improved enough to be moved back to Craig Hospital today (PRAISE GOD and thanks to all who have been in prayer), these severely injured warriors and their families continue to need our prayers and support. In addition, Jason has been working diligently to put together a benefit for both officers that will be held on Saturday, September 5th. PLEASE pass-on and, if you are a local or are visiting, join us on the 5th.

In addition to my own visits, Jason has made both Craig and Swedish hospitals part of his regular patrol beat and is providing me with daily updates. Splendid behavior Jason!

Speaking of Ofc. Pearson, he sent this today in regards to the September 5th event:

“Liberty Waste Management of Engelwood is sending a fully air conditioned trailer with bathrooms and running water for $100 (normally $1,500) as well as a wheelchair accessible porta-pottie for $45.00 (normally ($95.00). They can also provide a generator and water system if we need it. Englewood will provide EZ-Up portable shelters, and the Fire Dept. and Police will provide mega-size coolers. We may also obtain a giant, commercial sized BBQ from the City of Englewood. I will work on getting food next....this is gonna be a great party!"

Additional information on Dep. Dewey: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey (be sure to sign Chris’s guest book).


PRAYER REQUESTS

(1) Continue to pray for Densey and Chris along with the success of the upcoming benefit for them. Also pray for their wives and families.
(2) Continue to pray for CPS Trooper Scott Hinshaw (anyone know how Scotty is doing??!!).
(3) As many will remember, we’ve come alongside Englewood PD Officer Shane Ellison’s 4 y.o. daughter, Tayler Ellison, who has been battling brain cancer. She has an MRI scheduled for Wednesday and the family has requested prayer in reference to same. Let’s “run to the battle” for Tayler!
(4) My wife will be flying out to NY and CT in the AM for training. Pray for safety and protection.
(5) I am investigating a very sad situation involving an alleged sexual assault on a minor for which I am asking God’s intervention. I can’t say more at this time for obvious reasons but just pray – God knows what we are seeking here.


EMAIL REMINDER

Just wanted to again remind everyone how our email distribution works. Currently, I send out our weekly (+) emails to five separate groups since I’m still using Yahoo instead of Outlook. While I include email addresses to encourage networking, please DO NOT use the lists for non-approved (by me) activity. Thanks for your understanding.

Stay in the fight and keep your armor on (Eph. 6:1-10)!