UPDATED EVENT SCHEDULE:
* Thursday, August 5th, 7:00 PM, Calvary South Denver in Littleton (see http://www.calvarycsd.org/ for directions).
* Thursday, August 12th. Same time/place as above. Erv Meyer will be teaching a special profession-relevant message based on Caleb.
* Saturday, August 14th. 1st Annual Centurion LE Ministry BBQ at our place in Highlands Ranch. Come to a meeting for details or shoot me an email for details.
* Thursday, August 19th. NO MEETING
* Thursday, August 26th. Same time/place as detailed above (Calvary South Denver in Littleton).
UPDATED (08/04/2010) PRAYER REQUESTS -- I will be updating this post throughout the week as new requests arrive. See the 7/27 post for additional.
* Pray for our own Matt Wallenburg as he tests for a local agency in the morning.
* Pray for Bob Chacon, son of a Lt. Juan Chacon in NM: that he will hear God's word and calling on his life, turn from his sin, and accept Christ as Lord and Savior.
* A local PD sergeant (Candace, LTPD) writes,
Please keep retired Colorado Springs PD & El Paso County S.O Homicide Detective Lou Smit in your prays as he battles terminal cancer. Lou is the best detective I have been blessed to have known in my 30 plus year career. Lou often had his victim's picture in his wallet, while trying to find justice for them. Lou is one of the nicest people I have ever met and I pray that God will be with Lou and his family .
* Pray for my sergeant ("Rob") who is recovering from surgery to correct a duty-related injury.
* From a colleague with GJPD: Pray for the son of a Pueblo police officer who is in critical condition after a crash in SW Colorado. The officer is Cody Purvis and his injured son's name is Nick.
* Pray for Ofc. Tony Rodriguez in Wyoming as he forms a FCPO chapter there.
* Pray for the family and colleagues of an officer (Ron) who took his own life in the wake of a family tragedy (now compounded).
* From U.S. Deputy Marshal Rob Moore:
(1) For a Deputy US Marshal brother in Dallas who's wife has recently been diagnosed with extensive cancer. Apparently it started out as breast cancer, but by the time it got found it has become wide spread. They would appreciate our prayers and yes, they are believers.
(2) In Denver, a Marshal's wife has been declared in need of immediate spinal disk fusion or disk replacement. Apparently this is a result of an accumulation of many things, but the diagnosis has put them into shock. Once again, they are both believers. They too would appreciate our prayers.
(3) Another Marshal in Denver has a mother (Marianne, another believer!) who has been afflicted with severe gout, due to loosing a kidney awhile back to cancer. Her gout is in addition to already debilitating arthritis, so the pain is constant and the bones of the hands and feet are deforming. Prayer for pain control is appreciated.
* Pray for a local officer ("Jason") who is suffering from debilitating headaches (the "rushed to the hospital" kind).
* No new news on Dep. Chris Dewey. Check back frequently and feel free to check his Caring Bridge website for the latest: www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey. Emily and Chris both need our ongoing prayers.
* This past Sunday, Colorado Bureau of Investigation SAC Frank Vanecek and I visited the four wounded officers who are currently being treated at Craig Hospital in Englewood. Please keep them in prayer (and keep Frank's daughter and family in prayer as well). They wounded officers are:
(1) Carbon County (WY) S.O. Lt. Kyle Rosentreter. Kyle was critically injured when his unit was hit head-on by a PU that lost control and swerved into Kyle's lane while Kyle was responding to an emergency on July 4th.
(2) Mineral County (CO) S.O. Dep. Scott Warrington. Scott sustained a severe head injury when he was thrown from a horse he was mounting at a 4th of July parade (on-duty).
(3) Polk County (WI) S.O. Dep. Mike Severson was shot in the line of duty some years ago and is back at Craig due to complications from those wounds.
(4) Brownstown (MI) PD Ofc. Max Faistenhammer was severely injured in a motorcycle crash.
* Pray for Jordan -- salvation, healing and grace to overcome Asperger's syndrome, and more...(God knows the needs).
More as I have it...
Showing posts with label Chris Dewey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chris Dewey. Show all posts
Monday, August 2, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Strength & Honor!
Greetings, fellow Warriors! This week's newsletter is ready for your review -- enjoy.
WORSHIP (a great way to start both our studies and the weekly e-newsletter):
Check out this great video of Mark Schultz’s awesome new song, “He Is!” Very uplifting way to get into this week’s newsletter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1dElIkD3hU.
Speaking of worship, we hope to have our own Matt Wallenburg back soon to open our fellowship with some awesome worship music!
UPCOMING MEETING SCHEDULE:
3/4/10 1900 Calvary South Denver in Littleton (http://www.calvarycsd.org/), Rm. #7.
3/11/10 1900 Same place/time as above.
3/18/10 1900 NO MEETING
RECAP from last week and PREVIEW of tomorrow’s study:
Last week we continued our current series on leadership by taking a hard look at an example of a leader who had “super” potential but failed miserably due to lack of integrity. In Samson (Judges 13:24-16:31), we see a “leader” (Isreal’s final judge) who had incredible God-given gifts of physical strength yet was taken down by his overt disobedience (SIN) in the areas of pride, lust, arrogance, ungodly anger, deceit, lack of wisdom, and being unequally yoked to an unbeliever (to name just a few). Moreover, Samson was a warrior who personified the “Lone Ranger” mentality. Sound like any of us (hmmm)? Finally, when utterly broken and defeated, Samson called on God to strengthen him only to carry out personal vengeance (more sin) instead of truly repenting for the right reasons. See http://www.rayfairman.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=62&Itemid=9 to get the full picture of a leader to whom God gave every possible gift to effectively serve and protect the people of Isreal but who in the end died utterly defeated and alone.
This week we’ll take a short detour from Col. Fairman’s leadership series to explore what it means to lead a truly value-centered life – one of godly “strength and honor!” Please join us and invite a friend or colleague.
NEW LAW ENFORCEMENT BIBLE STUDY GROUPS in Metro Denver!
God has been answering prayer by continuing to raise up leaders who are starting new LEO Bible study groups right here in Metro Denver! This is a big area and, clearly, not everyone can make the drive down south to our meetings on a regular basis. A big part of our “mission” is to pray for godly servant-leaders willing to say “yes” to Christ reference our mandate to share the Gospel with our brother and sister officers. Here is what I know about so far (please contact me if I’ve missed something):
(1) Denver PD Ofc. Derek McCluskie has started a group that meets at 1100 hours on Wednesdays at Panera Bread (yum – good choice), 3700 E. Quebec Street in Denver (Stapleton area). Derek's email address is dmccluskie@gmail.com.
(2) Pastor and DPD Chaplain Lonnie Trujillo of Legacy Christian Fellowship in Westminster (http://www.legacychristian.org/) continues to meet with officers at 1230 on Tuesdays at Brooklyn’s near downtown Denver. Email Lonnie at legacychristian@mac.com for more information. Lonnie rocked at the IACP conference!
(3) Finally, our own Officer Jason Pearson is being called to help lead the “Iron Men” (As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17) Men’s Ministry group at Creekside Bible Church in Castle Rock. Jason is also healing well from his recent knee surgery – thanks to all who prayed for him!
If you have a law enforcement Bible study going in your area, please let me know and I’ll post it here and on our website. Speaking of same, see the links to various other Christian LEO groups meeting all over the country (FCPO, POFCI, etc.).
Speaking of godly law enforcement leaders and warrior-relevant Bible studies, Deputy Mike Dye’s (author of The Peacekeepers: A Bible Study for Law Enforcement -- found at http://www.christiancop.com/) latest blog has been posted and highlights some great truths on the dangers of legalism in the Church. The post also served to teach me a new synonym for the proper application of police discretion: GRACE! Check it out: http://christiancop.blogspot.com/.
TRAINING CORNER:
PoliceOne has posted a great article about a female sheepdog who stayed in the fight and won. Outstanding behavior!
http://www.policeone.com/close-quarters-combat/articles/2007023-Pa-cop-fought-for-her-life-before-shooting-suspect/
PRAYER REQUESTS! Lots to put out this weekend – please take the time to read and pray:
(1) Dep. John Reynolds with the Fresno County (CA) Sheriff’s Department sent the following:
“Prayers are requested for the families and colleagues of Fresno County Sheriff's Deputy Joel Wahlenmaier and Reedley Police Officer Javier Bejar. Wahlenmaier lost his life and Bejar has been taken off life support following a gun battle last week with a barricaded suspect in eastern Fresno County. The suspect later took his own life. Deputy Mark Harris received injuries in the exchange of gunfire and was released from the hospital. There are many individuals that were involved in this fierce gun battle that are "heroes", although they may not feel like it right now. Their names have been kept quiet from the public, but the Lord knows who they are and they too need our prayers as they cope with the loss of one of their own and recover from the effects of the incident.
This brings up the point that "we" should know where those in our sphere of influence stand with God. Whether they are believers, unbelievers, seeking or whatever, we should have them all triaged and pray and/or witness to them accordingly."
Well said John…well said!
(2) Pray for former Chicago PD Officer Louise Cole (mother of wounded CPD Officer Densey Cole) who is battling cancer. Keep Densey in prayer as well (both healing and that he will come to Christ on Christ’s terms rather than his own).
(3) From fellow Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) board member Chuck Urgo in Chicago regarding the line-of-duty death of CPD Sgt. Al Haymaker (please keep his family and colleagues in prayer):
For those who may have missed the local news on Friday, here is a link to the ABC Chicago report on the funeral of our brother in Christ, Sgt. Alan Haymaker --
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=7299372
(4) From fellow State Investigator Jimmy Wattles (of Gangland fame):
"Please continue to pray for my fellow State of Colorado investigator, who just underwent a second surgery to repair a leg injury. He suffered a complex compound fracture of his left leg during a jet ski accident in August. There were also other internal injuries, and he spent 12 days in the hospital. Earlier this month, he underwent a second surgery on his leg, which removed plates and a piece of bone that had died. He now has 5 pins holding the bones apart and is scheduled for yet another surgery on March 5th, so put a rod in his leg and to take bone from his pelvis and fuse it in his leg. He had complications after the previous surgery from the spinal epidural and infections following the first surgery. Please pray his next surgery goes well and the healing process can begin."
(5) Englewood PD Officer Shane Ellison’s 5 y.o. daughter Tayler continues to battle brain cancer and is home again after a recent emergency situation. Please, please join us in praying for this little warrior! Go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/taylerellison for more (password is “taylerellison”)
(6) Pray for a Christian prosecutor in NM who has been dealing with ungodly, poor leadership in the DA’s office. As God to show her HIS perfect will for her life and career.
(7) The son of a Colorado chief whom I know well has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Please pray (healing and other issues)!
(8) From Vito Ancona with FCPO in Maine:
"My wife’s mother has gone home to be with the Lord – very peacefully with almost no medication to help her on her way. Please pray for my wife and family (it's been a hard 5-1/2 months with the loss of my father's sister, my father, and a month later my wife’s mother)."
(9) As many of you know, Mahnomen County (MN) Deputy Chris Dewey is now back in Minnesota. Sadly, there have been some complications concerning the new rehab hospital. Please pray for Chris, his wife Emily, and her family as they seek God’s will and direction as it relates to Chris (and Emily’s) future and care.
See http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey for more.
(10) Sgt. Keith Adams of the Cary (NC) PD is asking for our prayers concerning Franklin County (NC) Dep. James Williamson who was critically injured in an assault. See http://news14.com/charlotte-news-104-content/video_stories/622681/franklin-county-deputy-seriously-injured-in-fight?ap=1&MP4 for more.
(11) Pray for a NM officer who is undergoing some pretty severe testing/trials as she deals with poor leadership in her agency.
(12) Finally, please be in prayer for the family of one of our regulars (Michelle): they are dealing with what can only be described as “Job-like” issues. Pray for healing and strength. More issues here but God knows what is needed. Our course is to pray and support!
Our Lord could come for us at any time. Are YOU ready? Do you KNOW where you will spend eternity? You can! Don’t be “left behind” (see http://www.gotquestions.org/left-behind-rapture.html). Let’s stay the course and finish strong with honour!
WORSHIP (a great way to start both our studies and the weekly e-newsletter):
Check out this great video of Mark Schultz’s awesome new song, “He Is!” Very uplifting way to get into this week’s newsletter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1dElIkD3hU.
Speaking of worship, we hope to have our own Matt Wallenburg back soon to open our fellowship with some awesome worship music!
UPCOMING MEETING SCHEDULE:
3/4/10 1900 Calvary South Denver in Littleton (http://www.calvarycsd.org/), Rm. #7.
3/11/10 1900 Same place/time as above.
3/18/10 1900 NO MEETING
RECAP from last week and PREVIEW of tomorrow’s study:
Last week we continued our current series on leadership by taking a hard look at an example of a leader who had “super” potential but failed miserably due to lack of integrity. In Samson (Judges 13:24-16:31), we see a “leader” (Isreal’s final judge) who had incredible God-given gifts of physical strength yet was taken down by his overt disobedience (SIN) in the areas of pride, lust, arrogance, ungodly anger, deceit, lack of wisdom, and being unequally yoked to an unbeliever (to name just a few). Moreover, Samson was a warrior who personified the “Lone Ranger” mentality. Sound like any of us (hmmm)? Finally, when utterly broken and defeated, Samson called on God to strengthen him only to carry out personal vengeance (more sin) instead of truly repenting for the right reasons. See http://www.rayfairman.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=62&Itemid=9 to get the full picture of a leader to whom God gave every possible gift to effectively serve and protect the people of Isreal but who in the end died utterly defeated and alone.
This week we’ll take a short detour from Col. Fairman’s leadership series to explore what it means to lead a truly value-centered life – one of godly “strength and honor!” Please join us and invite a friend or colleague.
NEW LAW ENFORCEMENT BIBLE STUDY GROUPS in Metro Denver!
God has been answering prayer by continuing to raise up leaders who are starting new LEO Bible study groups right here in Metro Denver! This is a big area and, clearly, not everyone can make the drive down south to our meetings on a regular basis. A big part of our “mission” is to pray for godly servant-leaders willing to say “yes” to Christ reference our mandate to share the Gospel with our brother and sister officers. Here is what I know about so far (please contact me if I’ve missed something):
(1) Denver PD Ofc. Derek McCluskie has started a group that meets at 1100 hours on Wednesdays at Panera Bread (yum – good choice), 3700 E. Quebec Street in Denver (Stapleton area). Derek's email address is dmccluskie@gmail.com.
(2) Pastor and DPD Chaplain Lonnie Trujillo of Legacy Christian Fellowship in Westminster (http://www.legacychristian.org/) continues to meet with officers at 1230 on Tuesdays at Brooklyn’s near downtown Denver. Email Lonnie at legacychristian@mac.com for more information. Lonnie rocked at the IACP conference!
(3) Finally, our own Officer Jason Pearson is being called to help lead the “Iron Men” (As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17) Men’s Ministry group at Creekside Bible Church in Castle Rock. Jason is also healing well from his recent knee surgery – thanks to all who prayed for him!
If you have a law enforcement Bible study going in your area, please let me know and I’ll post it here and on our website. Speaking of same, see the links to various other Christian LEO groups meeting all over the country (FCPO, POFCI, etc.).
Speaking of godly law enforcement leaders and warrior-relevant Bible studies, Deputy Mike Dye’s (author of The Peacekeepers: A Bible Study for Law Enforcement -- found at http://www.christiancop.com/) latest blog has been posted and highlights some great truths on the dangers of legalism in the Church. The post also served to teach me a new synonym for the proper application of police discretion: GRACE! Check it out: http://christiancop.blogspot.com/.
TRAINING CORNER:
PoliceOne has posted a great article about a female sheepdog who stayed in the fight and won. Outstanding behavior!
http://www.policeone.com/close-quarters-combat/articles/2007023-Pa-cop-fought-for-her-life-before-shooting-suspect/
PRAYER REQUESTS! Lots to put out this weekend – please take the time to read and pray:
(1) Dep. John Reynolds with the Fresno County (CA) Sheriff’s Department sent the following:
“Prayers are requested for the families and colleagues of Fresno County Sheriff's Deputy Joel Wahlenmaier and Reedley Police Officer Javier Bejar. Wahlenmaier lost his life and Bejar has been taken off life support following a gun battle last week with a barricaded suspect in eastern Fresno County. The suspect later took his own life. Deputy Mark Harris received injuries in the exchange of gunfire and was released from the hospital. There are many individuals that were involved in this fierce gun battle that are "heroes", although they may not feel like it right now. Their names have been kept quiet from the public, but the Lord knows who they are and they too need our prayers as they cope with the loss of one of their own and recover from the effects of the incident.
This brings up the point that "we" should know where those in our sphere of influence stand with God. Whether they are believers, unbelievers, seeking or whatever, we should have them all triaged and pray and/or witness to them accordingly."
Well said John…well said!
(2) Pray for former Chicago PD Officer Louise Cole (mother of wounded CPD Officer Densey Cole) who is battling cancer. Keep Densey in prayer as well (both healing and that he will come to Christ on Christ’s terms rather than his own).
(3) From fellow Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) board member Chuck Urgo in Chicago regarding the line-of-duty death of CPD Sgt. Al Haymaker (please keep his family and colleagues in prayer):
For those who may have missed the local news on Friday, here is a link to the ABC Chicago report on the funeral of our brother in Christ, Sgt. Alan Haymaker --
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=7299372
(4) From fellow State Investigator Jimmy Wattles (of Gangland fame):
"Please continue to pray for my fellow State of Colorado investigator, who just underwent a second surgery to repair a leg injury. He suffered a complex compound fracture of his left leg during a jet ski accident in August. There were also other internal injuries, and he spent 12 days in the hospital. Earlier this month, he underwent a second surgery on his leg, which removed plates and a piece of bone that had died. He now has 5 pins holding the bones apart and is scheduled for yet another surgery on March 5th, so put a rod in his leg and to take bone from his pelvis and fuse it in his leg. He had complications after the previous surgery from the spinal epidural and infections following the first surgery. Please pray his next surgery goes well and the healing process can begin."
(5) Englewood PD Officer Shane Ellison’s 5 y.o. daughter Tayler continues to battle brain cancer and is home again after a recent emergency situation. Please, please join us in praying for this little warrior! Go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/taylerellison for more (password is “taylerellison”)
(6) Pray for a Christian prosecutor in NM who has been dealing with ungodly, poor leadership in the DA’s office. As God to show her HIS perfect will for her life and career.
(7) The son of a Colorado chief whom I know well has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Please pray (healing and other issues)!
(8) From Vito Ancona with FCPO in Maine:
"My wife’s mother has gone home to be with the Lord – very peacefully with almost no medication to help her on her way. Please pray for my wife and family (it's been a hard 5-1/2 months with the loss of my father's sister, my father, and a month later my wife’s mother)."
(9) As many of you know, Mahnomen County (MN) Deputy Chris Dewey is now back in Minnesota. Sadly, there have been some complications concerning the new rehab hospital. Please pray for Chris, his wife Emily, and her family as they seek God’s will and direction as it relates to Chris (and Emily’s) future and care.
See http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey for more.
(10) Sgt. Keith Adams of the Cary (NC) PD is asking for our prayers concerning Franklin County (NC) Dep. James Williamson who was critically injured in an assault. See http://news14.com/charlotte-news-104-content/video_stories/622681/franklin-county-deputy-seriously-injured-in-fight?ap=1&MP4 for more.
(11) Pray for a NM officer who is undergoing some pretty severe testing/trials as she deals with poor leadership in her agency.
(12) Finally, please be in prayer for the family of one of our regulars (Michelle): they are dealing with what can only be described as “Job-like” issues. Pray for healing and strength. More issues here but God knows what is needed. Our course is to pray and support!
Our Lord could come for us at any time. Are YOU ready? Do you KNOW where you will spend eternity? You can! Don’t be “left behind” (see http://www.gotquestions.org/left-behind-rapture.html). Let’s stay the course and finish strong with honour!
Monday, January 25, 2010
A Leadership "Briefing"
Brothers & Sisters:
It has been an interesting week for many of us who have been called to serve in our God-ordained profession. That said, one of the main issues I deal with both as an officer and as a police chaplain continues to be the subject of leadership and the lack of true servant-leaders in our profession. Accordingly, we’ve begun our second major series on the subject of leadership as it applies law enforcement and the military (based loosely on Col. Ray Fairman’s work, Are you Destined to Lead? A Biblical Examination of Leadership). What makes this new series unique is that I’ll be able to share a significant portion of each discussion with everyone who receives our newsletters or checks our website. Starting today, I'll include a web link to each chapter as posted on Col. Ray Fairman’s website, www.rayfairman.com. Accordingly, last week we introduced our new series by discussing a number of important points Ray makes in his forward: see http://www.rayfairman.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=54&Itemid=9.
This week we’ll be tackling Chapter 1: Leadership Briefing. Don't miss this special opportunity to develop and/or enhance your leadership skills while at the same time deepening your faith and walk with Christ.
Of course, those outside the Denver metro area will miss out on the spirited exchange of ideas, my own unique take on each lesson, and a great time of "warrior fellowship" and prayer.
That said, a series such as this combined with (for example) Deputy Mike Dye’s The PeaceKeepers Bible Study (http://www.christianlawenforcement.com/index.html) provides outstanding material for other Christian law enforcement fellowship groups. Indeed, we are in fact purposely encouraging all law enforcement personnel to become active in a profession-relevant Bible study/fellowship. The Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO -- www.FCPO.org) and Mike's website both list study locations around the country and, if none can be found in your area, we strongly encourage you to prayerfully consider starting one of your own. The FCPO and I have the resources and personnel to help you establish your own chapter. Bottom line: pray, act, and LEAD!
Upcoming MEETING SCHEDULE:
-- REGULAR MEETING (Thursday, 01/28/10, 1900-2030 hours, Calvary South Denver -- www.CalvaryCSD.org, Littleton. We'll meet in classroom #7 unless noted otherwise.)
-- Thursday, 02/04/10: NO MEETING (I will be attending a family event).
-- Thursday, 02/11/10: Regular meeting (same time/place).
"OFFICER DOWN" NEWS:
Our brothers with Ten-Four Ministries have posted a great story written by a LEO from Louisiana who attended the funeral for the four Lakewood (WA) officers who where slain last November 29th. This is a very special "MUST read:" http://www.tenfourministries.org/lakewood.html.
WEBSITE UPDATED:
I've updated our website LINKS section. In particular, check out our ministry page on our "home" church's new website: http://www.calvarycsd.org/bible-studies/centurion-law-enforcement-ministry/. Regardless of your own home church (YES, you should be part of a church fellowship), the Calvary South Denver (CSD) website has a plethora of great resources. It should also be noted that CSD is a VERY "cop friendly" church (Pastor Gino Geraci is also a police chaplain and quite a few officers -- myself included -- are actively involved in various ministries there).
Speaking of being "cop friendly" and the scheduling issues endemic to our profession, I highly recommend Calvary's "Tuesday Night Dialogue" service that starts at 1900 hours. You'll almost always find me there as I'm heavily involved in this unique service/ministry. See http://www.calvarycsd.org/bible-studies/tuesday-night-dialogue/ for more.
PRAYER REQUESTS (as always, send me your requests and praise reports and I'll post them here as appropriate):
(1) PRAISE REPORT! I've received news that a strong Christian law enforcement leader for whom we've been praying has been nominated to be the new US Marshal for Nevada. See http://www.lvrj.com/news/obama-nominates-lv-police-lieutenant-for-us-marshal-post-82236597.html. Let's continue to pray that our country's elected leadership (hmm) will turn to Christ and lead biblically.
(2) Pray for a brother officer whose wife has left him (strength, reconciliation, comfort, peace, etc.).
(3) I attended the farewell party for Mahnomen County (MN) Deputy Chris Dewey last week (bagpipers were awesome) but have just learned that Chris will need yet another surgery. Please pray for Chris and that Emily will stay strong as she stands by her warrior-husband. Emily writes, "Based on the most recent CT scan, as well as consulting with two other neurosurgeons, Chris needs to have another shunt placed. A CSF-filled cyst independent of his ventricles developed. This may be putting pressure on the deeper structures of his brain, and could be why he hasn’t spoken since his crinkliesty. He was also moving his right side a bit prior to surgery, and has since been unable to. We need continued prayers that he has a successful surgery, quick and infection-free recovery, and that this resolves his communication problems. Although there are no guarantees, I am cautiously optimistic that there will be some positive results from this. I’m really trying not to get my hopes up, but if it be His will, improvements will occur. "
(4) PRAISE REPORT! I've received news from Lebanon (NH) Police Chief Jim Alexander that his son Nick has made the US Winter Olympic Team as a ski jumper. How cool is that!
(5) Pray for the Grant Wolf's wife Ruth (illness).
(6) Pray for two brother officers who are struggling with alcoholism and related sin issues: one has already lost his job because of this issue and the other is getting precariously close.
(7) Pray for the mother of a fellow officer (surgery).
(8) Finally, please continue to pray for the people of Haiti and all the police officers and military personnel serving there in the midst of mind-numbing tragedy. God can and will use this for His glory (see also http://www.gotquestions.org/natural-disasters.html). While your at it, please pray for one of our "regulars," Lupe Pruneda (ICE), who will be assisting in the relief effort for the the next month or so.
Virtus et Honor -- "Strength and Honour"-- in Christ (1 Peter 4:11)!
It has been an interesting week for many of us who have been called to serve in our God-ordained profession. That said, one of the main issues I deal with both as an officer and as a police chaplain continues to be the subject of leadership and the lack of true servant-leaders in our profession. Accordingly, we’ve begun our second major series on the subject of leadership as it applies law enforcement and the military (based loosely on Col. Ray Fairman’s work, Are you Destined to Lead? A Biblical Examination of Leadership). What makes this new series unique is that I’ll be able to share a significant portion of each discussion with everyone who receives our newsletters or checks our website. Starting today, I'll include a web link to each chapter as posted on Col. Ray Fairman’s website, www.rayfairman.com. Accordingly, last week we introduced our new series by discussing a number of important points Ray makes in his forward: see http://www.rayfairman.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=54&Itemid=9.
This week we’ll be tackling Chapter 1: Leadership Briefing. Don't miss this special opportunity to develop and/or enhance your leadership skills while at the same time deepening your faith and walk with Christ.
Of course, those outside the Denver metro area will miss out on the spirited exchange of ideas, my own unique take on each lesson, and a great time of "warrior fellowship" and prayer.
That said, a series such as this combined with (for example) Deputy Mike Dye’s The PeaceKeepers Bible Study (http://www.christianlawenforcement.com/index.html) provides outstanding material for other Christian law enforcement fellowship groups. Indeed, we are in fact purposely encouraging all law enforcement personnel to become active in a profession-relevant Bible study/fellowship. The Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO -- www.FCPO.org) and Mike's website both list study locations around the country and, if none can be found in your area, we strongly encourage you to prayerfully consider starting one of your own. The FCPO and I have the resources and personnel to help you establish your own chapter. Bottom line: pray, act, and LEAD!
Upcoming MEETING SCHEDULE:
-- REGULAR MEETING (Thursday, 01/28/10, 1900-2030 hours, Calvary South Denver -- www.CalvaryCSD.org, Littleton. We'll meet in classroom #7 unless noted otherwise.)
-- Thursday, 02/04/10: NO MEETING (I will be attending a family event).
-- Thursday, 02/11/10: Regular meeting (same time/place).
"OFFICER DOWN" NEWS:
Our brothers with Ten-Four Ministries have posted a great story written by a LEO from Louisiana who attended the funeral for the four Lakewood (WA) officers who where slain last November 29th. This is a very special "MUST read:" http://www.tenfourministries.org/lakewood.html.
WEBSITE UPDATED:
I've updated our website LINKS section. In particular, check out our ministry page on our "home" church's new website: http://www.calvarycsd.org/bible-studies/centurion-law-enforcement-ministry/. Regardless of your own home church (YES, you should be part of a church fellowship), the Calvary South Denver (CSD) website has a plethora of great resources. It should also be noted that CSD is a VERY "cop friendly" church (Pastor Gino Geraci is also a police chaplain and quite a few officers -- myself included -- are actively involved in various ministries there).
Speaking of being "cop friendly" and the scheduling issues endemic to our profession, I highly recommend Calvary's "Tuesday Night Dialogue" service that starts at 1900 hours. You'll almost always find me there as I'm heavily involved in this unique service/ministry. See http://www.calvarycsd.org/bible-studies/tuesday-night-dialogue/ for more.
PRAYER REQUESTS (as always, send me your requests and praise reports and I'll post them here as appropriate):
(1) PRAISE REPORT! I've received news that a strong Christian law enforcement leader for whom we've been praying has been nominated to be the new US Marshal for Nevada. See http://www.lvrj.com/news/obama-nominates-lv-police-lieutenant-for-us-marshal-post-82236597.html. Let's continue to pray that our country's elected leadership (hmm) will turn to Christ and lead biblically.
(2) Pray for a brother officer whose wife has left him (strength, reconciliation, comfort, peace, etc.).
(3) I attended the farewell party for Mahnomen County (MN) Deputy Chris Dewey last week (bagpipers were awesome) but have just learned that Chris will need yet another surgery. Please pray for Chris and that Emily will stay strong as she stands by her warrior-husband. Emily writes, "Based on the most recent CT scan, as well as consulting with two other neurosurgeons, Chris needs to have another shunt placed. A CSF-filled cyst independent of his ventricles developed. This may be putting pressure on the deeper structures of his brain, and could be why he hasn’t spoken since his crinkliesty. He was also moving his right side a bit prior to surgery, and has since been unable to. We need continued prayers that he has a successful surgery, quick and infection-free recovery, and that this resolves his communication problems. Although there are no guarantees, I am cautiously optimistic that there will be some positive results from this. I’m really trying not to get my hopes up, but if it be His will, improvements will occur. "
(4) PRAISE REPORT! I've received news from Lebanon (NH) Police Chief Jim Alexander that his son Nick has made the US Winter Olympic Team as a ski jumper. How cool is that!
(5) Pray for the Grant Wolf's wife Ruth (illness).
(6) Pray for two brother officers who are struggling with alcoholism and related sin issues: one has already lost his job because of this issue and the other is getting precariously close.
(7) Pray for the mother of a fellow officer (surgery).
(8) Finally, please continue to pray for the people of Haiti and all the police officers and military personnel serving there in the midst of mind-numbing tragedy. God can and will use this for His glory (see also http://www.gotquestions.org/natural-disasters.html). While your at it, please pray for one of our "regulars," Lupe Pruneda (ICE), who will be assisting in the relief effort for the the next month or so.
Virtus et Honor -- "Strength and Honour"-- in Christ (1 Peter 4:11)!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
UPDATED: Meeting Reminder & Late-Breaking "Officer Down" News
Just wanted to get out a quick reminder that, as previously, announced, we will NOT be meeting tonight in deference to The Centurion Law Enforcement Fellowship's (TCLEF) participation at this weekend's Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) annual conference at Glen Eyrie in Colorado Springs. Please keep me in prayer as I will be teaching/speaking all three days and our own Matt Wallenburg will be leading worship. Our next regular meeting will be Thursday, 11/19.
Finally, pray for Mahnomen County (MN) Dep. Chris Dewey who will undergo major surgery at 1030 hours tomorrow to -- as his wife Emily wrote -- put his head back together (crainioplasty). Please pray for complete recovery and no complications (infection, etc.). He will be at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood over the weekend before being moved back to Craig where he continues to rehab. I had the honor of visiting and praying with Chris, Emily and her father yesterday. Let's keep it going folks! Emily provides regular (daily) updates through their CaringBridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey.
I'll have more in next week's newsletter -- stay tuned and stay the course!
Secondly, and as most are no doubt aware, at least a dozen persons were shot and killed today and another thirty or more wounded in the carnage at Ft. Hood (TX) today. One of those killed was also reportedly a police officer. Most know that I include law enforcement under "Armed Forces" and feel strongly that many military personnel, and those being deployed in particular, are every bit the sheepdogs/warriors we are. Again folks -- PRAY!
Thirdly, I received word today from retired Chicago PD Lt. and current FCPO board member Charles Urgo that CPD Ofc. Densey Cole is back in the hospital. I don't have any details yet but please keep him in prayer.Finally, pray for Mahnomen County (MN) Dep. Chris Dewey who will undergo major surgery at 1030 hours tomorrow to -- as his wife Emily wrote -- put his head back together (crainioplasty). Please pray for complete recovery and no complications (infection, etc.). He will be at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood over the weekend before being moved back to Craig where he continues to rehab. I had the honor of visiting and praying with Chris, Emily and her father yesterday. Let's keep it going folks! Emily provides regular (daily) updates through their CaringBridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey.
I'll have more in next week's newsletter -- stay tuned and stay the course!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
TCLEF Newsletter for Week of 10/11/09
Fellow Servant-Warriors:
This week’s newsletter will be brief as I just got back in town and (as previously announced) we will NOT be meeting tomorrow. Our next schedule fellowship meeting/Bible study will be Thursday, October 22nd. I’ll have a recap of our last study along with details of our upcoming meeting in next week’s newsletter – STAY TUNED!
WOUNDED WARRIOR UPDATE
Denver PD Det. Danny Veith sends the following regarding Chicago PD Officer Densey Cole’s impending transfer back to Chicago: “Officer Densey Cole has successfully completed his rehabilitation regimen at Craig Hospital. Densey is now scheduled to return to Chicago for continued treatment this Friday. It has been an honor and privilege for the Denver Police Department to partner with other area law enforcement agencies in supporting Densey during his recovery. Please join us this Friday, October 16th, at 0715 hours in the 3400 Block of S. Clarkson St. to say good-bye. We will be gathering on the west side of the street, on the south side of Craig Hospital, under the awning of the driveway. Densey will be departing Craig at about 0745 hours. If you cannot make Craig Hospital on Friday morning, Densey will be entering DIA from the departure ramp (Six West) at about 0830 hours. Law enforcement officers, with credentials, will be able to access Concourse B (via the DPD Screening Officer) where his commercial flight to Chicago will depart at 1029 hours.”
I am asking our readers/supporters to continue proactively praying for Densey’s spiritual and physical health. Please also pray for his personal safety and welfare. Trust me when I say that your prayers for Densey and his family are VERY much needed!
Mahnomen County (MN) Deputy Chris Dewey is also making what many see as miraculous progress. That said, both Chris and his wife Emily really need your prayers as Chris faces some important major surgery in the near future. Our ministry will continue to come alongside them and I hope to visit again later this week.
I don’t have anything recent on JeffCo Deputy Art Peterson but I hope to visit him again this week as well and will try to get a status update for you.
FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN PEACE OFFICERS (FCPO) NATIONAL CONFERENCE
The 2009 FCPO Conference is being held at the historic Glen Eyrie Conference Center this year (November 6-8)! Officers and their wives from all over the world will be attending and I am strongly encouraging our readers/supporters to do the same. Yours truly will be in attendance and serving/leading “as assigned.” Go to www.FCPO.org for registration information (deadline is FAST approaching).
PRAYER REQUESTS/PRAISE REPORTS
(1) Thanks for all who prayed for retired Chaplain/Pastor Manny Hays regarding his address/invocation at the IACP conference last week. Things went great (praise God) and I’ll include more on this in next week’s newsletter.
(2) Grand Junction PD Criminalist CJ Wilson attended today’s funeral services for Las Vegas PD Officer Milburn "Millie" Beitel and had the opportunity to pray for/with many of Millie’s colleagues and family members. She reports that Beitel’s partner, Officer David Nesheiwat, is still in serious condition but is expected to survive. CJ reports that many of their fellow officers are still distraught not only by Millie’s death but also by the manner of it (their unit was reportedly engulfed in flames after the crash). Please keep David in prayer along with Millie’s family and all our brother/sister officers in Vegas.
(3) A Denver PD Officer was recently admitted to the hospital suffering from blood clots that required brain surgery. I was advised today that our fellow warrior has taken a turn for worse. I have also been lead to believe that she likely does not know Christ as her Savior. Pray both for healing and salvation.
Finally, I’ll close by sharing the following from “The PeaceKeepers” Bible study author Deputy Mike Dye. I believe it comprises much of what God has called us to do as Christian officers and as a ministry.
Mike writes, “I received the following Facebook e-mail from a cop in the NY area. I don't know him, but he joined my Facebook / Peacekeeper's group. I thought that you would like to read his comment and my response in its entirety. I thought that his comment was something that every cop wonders about. I know that my answer could have gone in any number of directions, and every one of us Christian cops could have added something else, but I instead allowed the Holy Spirit lead me on my response and I pray that it was the right one. Thanks for you are doing to help reach cops for the kingdom of our Lord!”
‘Dear Mike, "The Job" takes me places where I wish I didn't not tread. Whether it's to a bad scene, filth spoken in the station, or my own thoughts that are crazy enough. I hate starting my day and the "female" cops have said the infamous "C" word, "F-bomb," "J -blanking C," and on my way in I just had a good time of prayer with Jesus. I wish I were a pharmacist or an optician some days. I know every profession has its pitfalls, but what is it with coppers??? I wish I worked with good strong bothers in Him. UGH!’
Hey Brother Paul, The tough part of this job is to remember who you are really working for. It's not, your department, chief, sheriff, or even yourself. Your job is your service back to God. You are a Romans 13 officer. You are an officer who has chosen to be a "peace officer" and as such you represent the good that is God here on earth. If only more officers understood their role as God's representative here on earth, sent to do the people good (read Romans 13:1-4) then there would less officers than the one's that you describe. Officers need to understand that we facing a battle of Good vs. Evil and that it is a spiritual battle as described in Ephesians 6:16. Cops hide behind God (and the good) by joining in the evil. Why? Quite simple, it's manly to be evil and wimpy to follow God. However, the exact opposite is true. When you follow God there is power in the cross. Start reading your bible, start praying for your area of responsibility (your beat area, patrol area, or your work assignment) The Bible in Jeremiah 29-7 says "to pray for the peace and prosperity of your city" and that does not mean wealth. It means spiritual prosperity. I could provide you 3 hours of personal testimony of how God has (1) transformed a high crime ridden part of my city into a Godly non-crime area. (2) transformed a school campus from drugs, gangs, and daily fights into a school where the school staff is going "what happened, it's peaceful". (3) How God had provided me great favor in my dept to the point that it scares me. And believe me, I don't work with good strong Christian brothers either. But, the goal is to allow them to see God in you and they will reduce / or change their behavior. Always remember to speak Life (not death) into everyone you see. Co-workers, public, etc. You will begin to arrest your thoughts and frisk them thoroughly to see if they are carrying doubt of any kind. II Corinthians 10:5 says,“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing captive every thought to the obedience of Christ.”If the thought in your mind is not supporting your faith, ‘you don’t speak it!’ Hope this helps, and feel free to write me anytime!”
I echo Mike’s sentiments. As Pastor Sam Park of Calvary South Denver likes to say, let’s stay the course and finish strong!
This week’s newsletter will be brief as I just got back in town and (as previously announced) we will NOT be meeting tomorrow. Our next schedule fellowship meeting/Bible study will be Thursday, October 22nd. I’ll have a recap of our last study along with details of our upcoming meeting in next week’s newsletter – STAY TUNED!
WOUNDED WARRIOR UPDATE
Denver PD Det. Danny Veith sends the following regarding Chicago PD Officer Densey Cole’s impending transfer back to Chicago: “Officer Densey Cole has successfully completed his rehabilitation regimen at Craig Hospital. Densey is now scheduled to return to Chicago for continued treatment this Friday. It has been an honor and privilege for the Denver Police Department to partner with other area law enforcement agencies in supporting Densey during his recovery. Please join us this Friday, October 16th, at 0715 hours in the 3400 Block of S. Clarkson St. to say good-bye. We will be gathering on the west side of the street, on the south side of Craig Hospital, under the awning of the driveway. Densey will be departing Craig at about 0745 hours. If you cannot make Craig Hospital on Friday morning, Densey will be entering DIA from the departure ramp (Six West) at about 0830 hours. Law enforcement officers, with credentials, will be able to access Concourse B (via the DPD Screening Officer) where his commercial flight to Chicago will depart at 1029 hours.”
I am asking our readers/supporters to continue proactively praying for Densey’s spiritual and physical health. Please also pray for his personal safety and welfare. Trust me when I say that your prayers for Densey and his family are VERY much needed!
Mahnomen County (MN) Deputy Chris Dewey is also making what many see as miraculous progress. That said, both Chris and his wife Emily really need your prayers as Chris faces some important major surgery in the near future. Our ministry will continue to come alongside them and I hope to visit again later this week.
I don’t have anything recent on JeffCo Deputy Art Peterson but I hope to visit him again this week as well and will try to get a status update for you.
FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN PEACE OFFICERS (FCPO) NATIONAL CONFERENCE
The 2009 FCPO Conference is being held at the historic Glen Eyrie Conference Center this year (November 6-8)! Officers and their wives from all over the world will be attending and I am strongly encouraging our readers/supporters to do the same. Yours truly will be in attendance and serving/leading “as assigned.” Go to www.FCPO.org for registration information (deadline is FAST approaching).
PRAYER REQUESTS/PRAISE REPORTS
(1) Thanks for all who prayed for retired Chaplain/Pastor Manny Hays regarding his address/invocation at the IACP conference last week. Things went great (praise God) and I’ll include more on this in next week’s newsletter.
(2) Grand Junction PD Criminalist CJ Wilson attended today’s funeral services for Las Vegas PD Officer Milburn "Millie" Beitel and had the opportunity to pray for/with many of Millie’s colleagues and family members. She reports that Beitel’s partner, Officer David Nesheiwat, is still in serious condition but is expected to survive. CJ reports that many of their fellow officers are still distraught not only by Millie’s death but also by the manner of it (their unit was reportedly engulfed in flames after the crash). Please keep David in prayer along with Millie’s family and all our brother/sister officers in Vegas.
(3) A Denver PD Officer was recently admitted to the hospital suffering from blood clots that required brain surgery. I was advised today that our fellow warrior has taken a turn for worse. I have also been lead to believe that she likely does not know Christ as her Savior. Pray both for healing and salvation.
Finally, I’ll close by sharing the following from “The PeaceKeepers” Bible study author Deputy Mike Dye. I believe it comprises much of what God has called us to do as Christian officers and as a ministry.
Mike writes, “I received the following Facebook e-mail from a cop in the NY area. I don't know him, but he joined my Facebook / Peacekeeper's group. I thought that you would like to read his comment and my response in its entirety. I thought that his comment was something that every cop wonders about. I know that my answer could have gone in any number of directions, and every one of us Christian cops could have added something else, but I instead allowed the Holy Spirit lead me on my response and I pray that it was the right one. Thanks for you are doing to help reach cops for the kingdom of our Lord!”
‘Dear Mike, "The Job" takes me places where I wish I didn't not tread. Whether it's to a bad scene, filth spoken in the station, or my own thoughts that are crazy enough. I hate starting my day and the "female" cops have said the infamous "C" word, "F-bomb," "J -blanking C," and on my way in I just had a good time of prayer with Jesus. I wish I were a pharmacist or an optician some days. I know every profession has its pitfalls, but what is it with coppers??? I wish I worked with good strong bothers in Him. UGH!’
Hey Brother Paul, The tough part of this job is to remember who you are really working for. It's not, your department, chief, sheriff, or even yourself. Your job is your service back to God. You are a Romans 13 officer. You are an officer who has chosen to be a "peace officer" and as such you represent the good that is God here on earth. If only more officers understood their role as God's representative here on earth, sent to do the people good (read Romans 13:1-4) then there would less officers than the one's that you describe. Officers need to understand that we facing a battle of Good vs. Evil and that it is a spiritual battle as described in Ephesians 6:16. Cops hide behind God (and the good) by joining in the evil. Why? Quite simple, it's manly to be evil and wimpy to follow God. However, the exact opposite is true. When you follow God there is power in the cross. Start reading your bible, start praying for your area of responsibility (your beat area, patrol area, or your work assignment) The Bible in Jeremiah 29-7 says "to pray for the peace and prosperity of your city" and that does not mean wealth. It means spiritual prosperity. I could provide you 3 hours of personal testimony of how God has (1) transformed a high crime ridden part of my city into a Godly non-crime area. (2) transformed a school campus from drugs, gangs, and daily fights into a school where the school staff is going "what happened, it's peaceful". (3) How God had provided me great favor in my dept to the point that it scares me. And believe me, I don't work with good strong Christian brothers either. But, the goal is to allow them to see God in you and they will reduce / or change their behavior. Always remember to speak Life (not death) into everyone you see. Co-workers, public, etc. You will begin to arrest your thoughts and frisk them thoroughly to see if they are carrying doubt of any kind. II Corinthians 10:5 says,“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing captive every thought to the obedience of Christ.”If the thought in your mind is not supporting your faith, ‘you don’t speak it!’ Hope this helps, and feel free to write me anytime!”
I echo Mike’s sentiments. As Pastor Sam Park of Calvary South Denver likes to say, let’s stay the course and finish strong!
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