Showing posts with label 9/11. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 9/11. Show all posts

Monday, October 28, 2019

When Towers Fall

Getting caught up on re-posting our weekly newsletters and Bible studies here (best way to get these is via email (email me at thecenturionministry@gmail.com and I'll add you) or via my social media feeds (search The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry on FB or GodsCop911 on Twitter).

Here then is our annual 9/11 message:  WHEN TOWERS FALL.

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Remembering 9/11

As always, these newsletters typically appear here a week or so after they go out to our email and social media subscribers (links in the newsletter). However, I post here for information and archive purposes as well. Here then is "Remembering 9/11."

Watch your "six" whilst being bold in Christ!

MC and Diana

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Here's our 9/11 Newsletter -- "God's Wake Up Call"

Our 9/11 remembrance newsletter went out last week to our email subscriber and on social media as well but here again is "God's Wake Up Call."

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

God, Cops and 9/11: A Tribute

Each year I post about 9/11 and this year is no different. Moreover, this day serves as yet another reminder that we must continue to have a "Code 3" (responding emergent with lights and siren) sense of urgency in sharing Christ with others -- especially our brethren serving in law enforcement, fire services and of course the military. Once again, we can't "earn" heaven by our "good deeds" or otherwise "badge" ourselves out of hell. On the contrary, being in a right relationship with God in Christ is the ONLY way unto salvation.

So where were you today 12 years ago? Of the many things that happened on 9/11, the heroism of those who brought down Flight 93 (and Todd Beamer in particular) impacted me the most. As I geared back up to go back on duty after it was clear that we were at war, I remember feeling that I should be doing something...that I should somehow have been sent by God to stand in the gap for my country and His people in Virginia, Pennsylvania and NY. Like Todd Beamer, I wanted to somehow shout "Let's roll!" and lead a charge to stop the carnage. In the years that followed, I finally came to understand that God had me right where I was supposed to be that day -- serving and protecting in our God-ordained profession (despite my backslidden and prideful nature).

Let's honour Todd and the rest of those who decided to DO SOMETHING that day to make a difference by having a "Let's roll!" attitude about how we serve and in sharing Christ with others.

Accordingly, here is this year's post that I hope you'll find useful and will pass on to others: God, Cops and 9/11.


Please continue to be in prayer for the many still hurting these dozen years later, and for the families and colleagues of those murdered in Benghazi a year ago today afterwhich our leadership lied and did nothing. Yes -- they matter -- alot! Pray also for our our fellow military sheepdogs serving in harm's way in the war on terror.

Staying the course under Christ my Captain!

Police Lt. and Chaplain M.C. Williams

Sunday, September 9, 2012

9/11, FCPO Moldova Mission Report and More: TCLEM/FCPO Newsletter

This week's newsletter has gone out to our worldwide subscribers but is also available by clicking HERE.  It includes news about our upcoming FCPO National Conference, a report on our recently completed FCPO mission to the police and people of Moldova, my 9/11 devotional/Bible study and more.  Take the time to check it out and pass it on.

Speaking of Moldova, check out this video of our fearless leader Sean Wallace talking about this year's mission:  Team Moldova Update.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Slaying the Giants

As announced previously, I’m posting this week’s newsletter here on the website only due to the fact that my email got hacked and I’m trying to straighten out the mess. As a cop not being able to “reach out” and snatch the offender in Nigeria or wherever is most frustrating. Like David, I must instead wait on the Lord – always the right move!

This week (TOMORROW, August 18th) we’ll be meeting at Calvary Chapel AURORA where I’ll be teaching a thoroughly warrior-relevant message I’ve entitled Slaying the Giants. What are the “giants” in your life and how can they be “slain?” Please join us tomorrow in Aurora (downstairs entrance – room 144) and we’ll see what the original “Giant Slayer” has to say on the subject via His inerrant word. I’ll of course post a detailed RECAP in next week’s newsletter for the majority of our readers all around the country and world.

Speaking of recaps…

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RECAP: A Cop’s Testimony

Last week’s study and time of fellowship centered on our testimony as Christians/Christian officers. Our primary text was Acts 26:1-29 in which Paul shares his testimony with King Agrippa II and the Roman procurator (governor), Porcius Festus. Paul’s testimony serves as an outstanding template for our own. Here are the main points:

(1) Only a Christian can give a Christian testimony. If you don’t know Christ as Savior and Lord, you don’t have a testimony to share.

(2) EVERY Christian has a testimony (and don’t let anyone tell you different).

(3) Your testimony is not about what you gave up for Jesus but rather what Jesus gave up for you.

(4) There is true POWER in your testimony! See Revelation 12:11 and Acts 1:8.

(5) We should seek to glorify God and make Him known through our testimony: 1 Chronicles 16:8 and Daniel 4:2.
(6) We must be walking in obedience to have an effective testimony! See Ephesians 5:5-6.

(7) How to organize your testimony: Paul’s own testimony provides the answer (guideline):
(a) 40% BEFORE Christ came into your life.
(b) 20% on the conversion experience.
(c) 40% AFTER Christ came into your life (what He has done/is doing).

(8) Our testimony must be honest and authentic. Don’t be like the politician who told voters how important God was in his life and that his favorite verse was John 16:3 when he actually meant to say John 3:16 (Look it up!).

What is your testimony? May I suggest that you go to God, seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance, put your testimony on paper (5-10 minutes is fine), and then ask God to give you opportunities to boldly share it!

See www.gotquestions.org/Christian-testimony.html and related articles for more on this timely subject.

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National NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:

(1) Courageous comes to a theatre near you on September 30th. See www.courageousthemovie.com/ for more!

(2) Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) 2011 National Conference is set for October 7-9 in Chicago. We are strongly encouraging officers and spouses to join us for this exciting, life-changing event. Go to www.FCPO.org and click on the Summer 2011 Newsletter link at the top for complete details and reservation info.

(3) Slain CA Officer’s Last Act (has made national news): www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/44167629#44167629. Did our brother know Christ as Savior?

(4) Responder Life 9/11 Remembrance Weekend!! See https://www.branson.com/responderlife.


Denver-Area News:

(1) Colorado Regional Men’s Conference: I’m encouraging local Christian male officers to strongly consider joining us at 0800 on Saturday, September 10th at Calvary Chapel Aurora for the Colorado Regional Men’s Conference. Come out and be encouraged! More information: Contact CO State Criminal Investigator and Calvary Aurora Men’s Ministry leader Tony Avila at Tony@calvaryaurora.org or 909-660-0114.

(2) Rock the Range (http://rockontherange.com/) event is coming to our area on August 27-28. They are seeking sworn officers willing to volunteer their time to provide uniformed/armed security. Here is what they are looking for:

Kidzfest, Saturday, 27 August, 830am-1130pm, 4-6 Officers
Session # 2, Saturday, 27 August, 230pm-930pm, 8-10 Officers
Session # 3, Sunday, 28 August, 230pm-830pm, 8-10 Officers

Radios will be provided to each two-man team along with a free lunch between sessions. If interested, please contact Manny Hays at mhays@calvarycsd.org. I'll be serving during at least one session.
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That’s it for this week. Check back frequently for the latest updates, prayer requests, announcements and more. Be safe while serving in the confidence, peace and hope that only comes through a personal relationship with the Cop of Cops, Jesus Christ.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers National Conference Report!

Dear Fellow LEOs:

I got back late Monday from the annual Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) 2010 National Conference in Gulfport (MS) and I’m still pumped! What an awesome time in the Lord and in fellowship with other Christian warriors from all over the United States and Canada. This year’s conference coincided with both 9/11 and the five-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. FCPO members responded in force to Gulfport to assist and come alongside both area law enforcement and the community in general. As such, having the conference in Gulfport was a powerful opportunity to reconnect with those we served. I also returned truly humbled after being called to serve as FCPO's new national board Vice President. I’ll brief our locals and visitors during Thursday’s meeting and will post a full recap in next week’s newsletter for all those on our growing world-wide mailing list (don’t forget to pass it on to others on YOUR lists). In the mean time, retired Chicago PD Lt. Chuck Urgo and fellow FCPO board member has posted some pics from the conference on his Shutterfly site: http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/welcome.sfly?fid=3d7856b961a04388&sid=0AZt2Tdw1ZM2TC8A.

Last week the Holy Spirit led me to move in a direction somewhat away from my prepared message. While I still presented a profession-relevant teaching that had a direct correlation to 9/11, I felt strongly that God was calling us to an extended time of prayer and repentance concerning some of the very heavy things we are dealing with both locally and nationally. It was in fact a very moving time in the Lord!

My 9/11 message – entitled “Let’s Roll” -- the battle cry begun by Todd Beamer on United Flight 93 – is a biblical call to action based in part on the heroic response of those who stood in the gap that fateful September day in 2001. Was allowing the 9/11 attacks part of God’s plan? Was Todd Beamer – a solid, non-fence riding born-again believer -- called by God that day for such a time as this (Esther 4:14; see also http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MULx5ORrtdo) on 09/11/01)? The answer is an unequivocal YES!” Todd “ran to the battle” in obedience to God’s plan and purpose for his life. While not a cop by profession, Todd was every bit the warrior that God is calling us – YOU and I -- to be today. Moreover, I believe that 9/11 – what we now call Patriot Day --should be a continual wake-up call to be on our knees for our country in accordance with II Chronicles 7:14 (If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.).

As peace officers, God is also calling us to be prepared physically, tactically and SPIRITUALLY to face evil. Reference the latter, Stacie Ruth Stoelting, in her article, Post 9/11 Generation: Let’s Roll (http://www.cbn.com/family/youth/stoelting_9-11.aspx), gives us seven main points about being spiritually "battle ready" to deal with terrorism -- a perhaps perhaps unintended nexus to those of us serving in the military and law enforcement:

(1) We need to prepare: We need to get ready for our future by staying connected with our churches, Christian friends, and, most of all, Jesus Christ. We need to arm ourselves with the ammunition of the Spirit. (Ephesians 6.)

(2) We need to be wise: For the Post 9/11 Generation, the following verse means a lot: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16, NASB) We need to think like the terrorists (i.e. preventing the recent British plot) and then overcome them with a good plan. Wisdom dictates our battle tactics.

(3) We need to fight evil with good: We need to overcome evil. We need to do what God said, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21, NIV). Through prayer, preparation, and unity, a lot can be done.

(4) We need to focus: In order to do good things, we need to be focused on our God, who is completely good. He is our loving Heavenly Father who is holy, just, and wise. God alone is the One to Whom we submit our life’s finals for grades. It is only through Jesus Christ alone that we’ll get our A+’s on our life’s finals! He deserves our dedication.

(5) We need to rededicate: That’s why this Post 9/11 Generation must rededicate this country to Christ. We need to become lawyers, politicians, entertainers, managers, and founders of missions so that we can infiltrate the entire scope of America’s culture.

(6) We need to worship: After all, our Boss and Leader is our Heavenly Father Who cares for us. Jehovah-Jireh provides for us. With those provisions, we need to work for God and God alone. This is how: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24, NIV). Our lives need to be full of acts of worship as we work for Him.

(7) We need to stand strong for Christ: Only when we stand strong for Christ will we truly stand strong for America. Let’s make our kids and grandkids proud. Let’s teach them not only about 9/11, but also about how our faith-filled lives made America greater. With Christ, we can make America greater. Let’s do it.

What about you? Are you ready? Are you willing? Get right with Christ today and let’s roll in HIS service!

See also: Romans 8:28-39 and “Where was God on September 11th?” -- http://www.gotquestions.org/9-11.html.


ANNOUNCEMENTS: I’ve posted the latest prayer requests and local meeting schedule in the next post here on our website. Check back frequently for the latest! In addition, take a moment to review the following:

(1) In addition to being a Park County (CO) deputy, David “DJ” Hannigan is also both a strong believer and an amazing wildlife/nature photographer. His work has been published in a wide variety of print media and he will email his work for FREE to anyone who asks. Interested in seeing some incredible Colorado wildlife and nature shots? Shoot DJ an email at hannigan_d@msn.com and ask him to add you to the list.

(2) Trooper Glen Hunter Benefit! EPD Officer Jason Pearson sent the following announcement: “Join us on October 2, 2010 for a spaghetti fund raiser dinner for Colorado State Patrol Trooper Technician Glen Hunter and his family. Glen has been receiving several medical treatments since May for a serious health condition. With these treatments Glen has incurred extensive medical expenses. The dinner will be held between 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm in Building 100 at the Colorado State Patrol Academy, 15055 S. Golden Rd. The cost of the dinner is $6.00 per person. Please help to show your support for Glen and his family by attending the dinner. If you are unable to attend, donations can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank under Glen Hunter’s name and account #5053650577. All proceeds will help assist Glen and his family with the medical expenses. Call (303) 239-4538 for additional info.

Let's keep Glen in prayer as well.


ANOTHER L.E. BIBLE STUDY GROUP!

El Paso County (CO) S.O. Dep. Greg Maxwell leads a LEO Bible study in the Colorado Springs area that meets every-other-Friday night. Anyone interested can reach Greg by emailing him at lawenforcement@rmcalvary.org and ask him to add you to his email list.

A major goal of this ministry is to encourage officers to meet for Bible study and positive peer fellowship. See our FCPO site (http://www.fcpo.org/, http://www.fcpo.org/locations.html, and http://www.fcpo.org/links.html) and Dep. Mike Dye’s PeaceKeepers site (http://christianlawenforcement.com/ ) to find a group near you. Not one in your area? Email me at fullarmor911@yahoo.com and we’ll show you how to start your own FCPO chapter!

Finally, this study was a reminder that we need to have a sense of urgency in sharing Christ with our fellow officers, family, friends and anyone else who God brings into our lives. That said, if YOU have not yet made a decision for Christ (what it means to turn from your sin and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior) or have fallen away and want to get right with Him today, please contact me and I’ll help you do just that. Our loving Father has a unique plan for YOUR life now and the promise of eternity with Him in heaven than can ONLY come from a personal relationship with His Son. Don’t wait until tomorrow as there are NO second chances once this life ends.

Let’s take care of each other out there!