Warriors Standing in the Gap

** NOTE: This week's newsletter also includes the lastest Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) USA Newsblast -- scroll down for same!

Fellow Servant-Warriors (aka Servant-Leaders):

The past week has been a tough one for all of us serving in our God-ordained profession and one that adds extra-emphasis to our current theme of having a sense of urgency in LIVING Christ and sharing Him with our families, brother/sister officers, and everyone in general (Matthew 28:19). As many know, we’ve had eleven officers shot in the last two days alone. One of those, Indianapolis Metro PD Officer David Moore, passed away this morning and another’s life hangs by a thread in Oregon (PRAY!).

My good friend and fellow LEO ministry leader Travis Yates (Tulsa PD Captain and Director of Ten-Four Ministries) put these latest events in great perspective in his latest Centurion Papers newsletter. Take the time to read it through at http://thecenturionpapers.blogspot.com/2011/01/11-shot-in-24-hours-time-to-evaluate.html.
While you’re at it, please pray for Travis’s son who was recently seriously injured and hospitalized.

Bottom line is that we are in fact “at war” with sin/evil and those who would otherwise create anarchy. It is for this reason that we must be ever-ready both personally in our relationship with Christ (being right with God) and in our attention to our warrior skills (physical and mental readiness). We in law enforcement are called by God to “stand in the gap” to protect and lead our nation, communities and families from a common enemy -- not just sin itself but Satan's hosts as well. Accordingly, I was strongly led to make “standing in the gap” the theme of this week’s profession-relevant Bible study. If you’re in the Denver-Metro area, please consider joining us this Thursday (tomorrow) at 7:00 PM at Calvary South Denver in Littleton (see below for more). Everyone else will have to wait for the recap article that I’ll post in both next week’s e-newsletter and here on our website.

Speaking of…

Message RECAP: Isaiah – a Cop’s Story!

Last week’s profession relevant study centered on the biblical prophet Isaiah as detailed in the Old Testament Book of Isaiah as well as passages in II Kings and II Chronicles. The outstanding resource GotQuestions.org has a short article on Isaiah that lays out a superb biblical foundation: http://www.gotquestions.org/life-Isaiah.html.

Of particular relevance to us in law enforcement is Isaiah 6:8 which reads, Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me!” Another great partner in law enforcement ministry, Georgia Deputy Dale Henderson of Centurion’s Faith (http://www.centurionsfaith.org/), wrote a super article on the subject of Isaiah being both a great cop and an powerful role model for all of us. The article served as a powerful resource in my own teaching -- please read it through at http://centurionsfaith.org/app/download/2031035204/ServantWarriors2.pdf.

In concluding his article, Dale wrote, "Nearly three thousand years ago, God looked out over a sea of humanity, sin, lawlessness and depravation and asked a question, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” Isaiah said, “Here I am. Send me!” Today, it’s the same question, “Who?” My answer, “Here I am send me!” I will gladly Answer The Call. Furthermore, I ask, “If not me, then who?” Well said Dale!

I have a most relevant quote from Isaiah as part of my own email signature: The LORD will go forth like a warrior, He will arouse His zeal like a man of war. He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry. He will prevail against His enemies. Isaiah 42:13. While the Bible says nothing of how Isaiah’s earthly life ended (Jewish tradition holds that Isaiah was sawn in half by his enemies -- followers of an evil king --- whilst trapped inside a hollowed-out tree) which strongly implies that for him – as for us – it is not how he died that matters, but how he lived and served in this life. Similar words adorn the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC: "It is not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived." Let that be OUR call as well…let’s LIVE and serve Christ NOW with all our might and -- like Isaiah -- with boldness and without compromise!

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PRAYER REQUESTS!

I've posted a new set of prayer requests in the following post here on our website (including some very late-breaking ones). Many are in need of "cover" so please join us and check back frequently for the latest updates.
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FCPO-Denver News ("stuff" for metro-Denver locals and visitors)!

(1) I've just confirmed our forthcoming monthly meeting (aka “Cop Church” service) at Calvary Chapel Aurora! The first outreach meeting there has been set for Thursday, February 17th at 1900 hours. Like Calvary South Denver Pastor Gino Geraci, Calvary Aurora Pastor Ed Taylor is a huge supporter of law enforcement (his own son is a Colorado State Patrol Trooper) and this is a way to reach more of our brethen in the east metro area (aka "Kansas"). I'll have more details in the coming weeks. We will of course continue to meet weekly as normal but we're simply moving one of those weekly meetings from Calvary South Denver to Calvary Chapel Aurora each month. No, you absolutely do not have to be a Calvary regular to attend (more than half of our "regulars" attend other churches).

(2) Our own Matt Wallenburg led our "cop church service" worship last week. Those who have not been blessed by Matt's music are indeed missing out!

(3) We've had a great response to our first-ever law enforcement baptism service and we're looking at making it an annual event. Pics have been posted on our website and Facebook pages.
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To date in 2011, fifteen of our fellow warriors have “given all” serving and protecting with us here in the United States (see http://www.odmp.org/), not to mention our brothers and sisters who’ve given the "full measure" serving in the military against aggression overseas. We've also lost a Canadian brother and many more around the world (ours is an international brotherhood). Sadly, others will follow in their footsteps. Let’s keep the families and colleagues of the fallen in prayer while at the same time honoring their memories by boldly living for our Lord in the here and now. Finally, be sure to put on both the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) along with our physical body armor as we stay the course and finish strong in Christ!
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FCPO-Newsblast!

Happy New Year!
We pray that you had a safe and exciting New Year celebration. In an effort to keep you informed, connected, and encouraged in 2011, check out these upcoming FCPO events!

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Mission Trip to Moldova: June 24-July 3, 2011

If you are ready for a mission trip that utilizes your profession as well as your faith, this trip is for you! It will be led by Sheriff Jim Hammond (Hamilton County, TN Sheriff and FCPO Board Member). Jim has been involved in foreign missions on several continents - including three years as Chief of Training for Iraqi police cadets - and is well-prepared to deal with cross-cultural differences. His expertise will add greatly to your overall satisfaction with being a mission team member. Jim is looking for a few good officers to be a part of the team. It will be a life changing experience and a blessing you will never forget.

MOLDOVA: An Eastern European country between Romania and Ukraine. For more, visit the Wikipedia Informational Site on Moldova.

PURPOSE: To share both your law enforcement knowledge and your Christian faith with Moldovan Police personnel.

COST: A $100 non-refundable deposit is due by March 1st. Total cost is not expected to exceed $2,500. Most team members will raise much of their support through their churches, friends, and family members. All gifts are tax-deductible.

FOR MORE INFO: Contact Jim Hammond at fcpo2@hotmail.com or the FCPO National office in Chattanooga, TN at fcpo@fcpo.org.

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Full Armor of God LE Conference (Central Florida)

FCPO - Central Florida is hosting a law enforcement conference in conjunction with Calvary Chapel of Melbourne, FL (Space Coast). The conference is February 4-5, 2011, and more information is available on their conference announcement page.
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FCPO - North Florida (Jacksonville)
One of our newest FCPO chapters invites everyone to check out their new (and still developing) website: http://www.northfloridafcpo.org/! Help them spread the word to any contacts you may have in their area.

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Facebook Roll Call!

Stay connected by checking out these great FCPO chapter and affiliate ministry pages. Be sure to become a fan by "liking" each page, and spread the word! If there's not a chapter near you, consider starting one today. Contact FCPO-USA for more information about starting chapters.

FCPO-USA
FCPO - Central Florida
FCPO - Dallas/Fort Worth
FCPO - Denver
FCPO - Houston
Mike "MC" Williams & The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry
Covered Law Enforcement
Mike Dye of Peacekeepers
The Centurion's Faith (Forsyth County, GA)
Code 4 Ministries (Holly Springs, GA)

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The New Year will bring with it many exciting opportunities for ministry within the law enforcement profession. The release of two movies, Courageous (09-30-11) and The Grace Card (02-25-11), will present exciting opportunities for reaching our lost brothers and sisters. Visit our website, Facebook page, and affiliate ministry sites often for updates and new resources that will strengthen your walk with Christ and equip you for ministry!

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Spread the Word!

Got event information, pictures, or other announcements that would benefit others and that you would like to share? It is our hope that this FCPO Newsblast will improve communication and create a stronger sense of community. It will supplement the quarterly newsletter, and include other relevant information, pictures, and links. We welcome your submissions by emailing fcpo@fcpo.org.

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Stay safe out there!