A Cop's CHRISTmas

Here my annual CHRISTmas message -- A Cop's CHRISTmas.

MC

A Cop's CHRISTmas

Here's your 2019 Christmas newsletter and Bible study:  A Cop's Christmas.

MC

Mighty God!

I got a bit behind in my updating here (as always, the best way to get these newsletters/Bible studies is via email (contact me at thecenturionministry@gmail.com to get added to the list) and via my social media feeds (my The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry page on Facebook, for example). That said, getting caught up now with "Mighty God."

Happy New Year!

MC

"Houston, We Have a Problem!"

Yes, there is a powerful CHRISTmas nexus to this as well: "Houston, We Have a Problem."

MC

A Cop's Christmas

Here's the re-post of our final newsletter/Bible study of 2017.  Praying God's blessings and covering over you in 2018.  Here then is "A Cop's Christmas."

Happy New Year!

MC

An Eternal Perspective

With Christmas now just a week away, it is important that we have an "An Eternal Perspective."

Diana and I wish you all a most blessed Christmas!

"From the Manger to the Cross" -- our 2016 Christmas newsletter and Bible study

If you're not already on our email list or following on social media, here again is our 2016 Christmas newsletter and Bible study -- "From the Manger to the Cross."
Have a safe New Year!

A Warrior's Christmas

The CHRISTmas weekend is coming to a close and we're gearing up to deal with all the drug and alcohol-fueled mess headed our way over the New Year's weekend. That said, we pray you had a safe and blessed CHRISTmas and, if you're not already on our email list, here's our CHRISTmas newsletter and Bible study: A Warrior's Christmas.

Blessings!

MC and Diana

A Sheepdog's Christmas

My annual Christmas message is included this this week's newsletter -- A Sheepdog's Christmas -- and includes a plethora of prayer requests, fellow FCPO Nat. Board member Randy Brashears' outstanding article on the Ferguson situation, and so much more. Please take the time to read, apply and then pass it on.

In these perilous and difficult times for us in LE, please keep each other in prayer and have a "Code 3" (lights and siren) sense of urgency in sharing the hope we have in Christ with others.

Diana and I wish all of you a save and blessed CHRISTmas.

A Cop's CHRISTmas

My annual Christmas newsletter and devotional is up -- just click on A Cop's Christmas. Not only does it have my annual Christmas message (the REAL meaning of CHRISTmas) but prayer requests, announcements, resources (including a link to an article that should help true Christians understand the whole Phil Robertson (Duck Dynasty) "controversy."

With that, Diana and I pray that you all have a blessed and safe CHRISTmas.

Don't forget that the Colorado meeting schedules are posted below (and NO, we are NOT meeting on the 26th).


The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry (FCPO-Denver)


** Thursday, January 9th and 23rd at Calvary Chapel Aurora starting at 7 PM in the Agape Room (down stairs just beyond the One Way Cafe).

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Flat Foot Law Enforcement Ministry

Retired cop-turned-chaplain Jim Wattles has started his own law enforcement outreach in the South Denver-metro area. Flat Foot Law Enforcement Ministry will meet on alternating Mondays at Calvary South Denver in Littleton starting at 7 PM. Contact Jim at jwattles@comcast.net for further details.

January meetings: January 13th and 27th.


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Shepherd's Servant

Shepher's Servant is the brand new first responder (fire, law enforcement, EMS) fellowship meeting in the Colorado Springs area. They meet the 2nd Thursday of each month starting at 6 PM at the Woodman Valley Chapel Community Building, 290 Chapel Lane, Room 116, Colorado Springs. Contact Sgt. Jeff Strossner at jas80921@gmail.com or Ofc. Martin Toetz at mtoetz8312@gmail.com for more info.

Their next meeting is set for Thursday, January 9th.

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Men of Courage

Buena Vista (CO) PD Sgt. Dean Morgan has started a LEO fellowship for LEOs in Chaffee County and the surrounding area. Contact Dean at interceptor@policeone.com for more info on the "Men of Courage" meetings.

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Peace Officers for Christ - CO

Retired Denver PD Officer Mark Roggeman writes, "The Thursday Bible Studies are still taking place every Thursday at Brooklyn's Restaurant just south of Sports Authority Field (Broncos Stadium) @ 12:30 pm. Please drop by any Thursday."

Merry CHRISTmas!!

The Holy Spirit laid it on my heart to stay up late so as to be among the first to wish you all a joyous CHRISTmas. I was also led to accompany it with a few requests:

First, many of us will be/are working today. Know that I both honor your service and pray for your safety.

Secondly, our military brethren are standing in the gap for us -- in harms way -- even as I write this. Please pray for them and ask our loving Lord to give them an extra dose of grace and mercy.

Thirdly, I had the honor of once again visiting Polk County (WI) Sheriff's Deputy Mike Seversen on Christmas Eve (see http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mikeseversen1). Mike was shot in the line of duty nearly 20 years ago and has been paralyzed since that time. He is currently at Craig Hospital here in Englewood and we (some of my FCPO-Denver/TCLEM brothers and I) visit regularly. Mike’s devoted friend Dawn Wright took a pic of us today that I’ve posted below (scroll down) Please take a moment to stop by and see Mike if you're in the Denver-metro area. Everyone else is encouraged to post something on his Caring Bridge site. Mike is a true warrior and he maintains a great attitude despite the issues he has been dealing with over the last two decades. He is also a powerful believer (Christian) and a great witness for Christ.

Finally, little Elizabeth Jetton, daughter of Chattanooga (TN) PD Ofc. Sheila Jetton, is spending Christmas in a Texas hospital seeking a lung transplant. Elizabeth, Sheila and her husband Matt need your prayers and support. See
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elizabethjetton/journal.

As I close this CHRISTmas email, may I encourage my fellow believers to adopt a renewed sense of urgency about sharing the truth of Christ with those around you. That we lose a brother or sister officer (two more within the last 48 hours) is bad enough but to lose one for eternity is untenable. We must ALL make the same decision – choose God or -- by default -- the enemy (satan). Is Christ the Lord of your life? Have you asked Him into your heart? Christ is the ONLY way to be saved and that salvation is by no means “automatic.” Please, please -- I beg you: turn ("about face") from your sin (YES -- we are ALL sinners), seek His forgiveness (God is true to forgive all who come to Him in sincerity), and ask Christ to come into your life as your Lord and Savior.

Perhaps you are under the deception that there are many ways to God. Know that this is a lie of the devil! Jesus said, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6) and salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other Name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved (Acts 14:12).

Perhaps you think that you get a "free ride" to heaven because you're a cop and/or are a "good" person. Really? Please go to http://fcpo.org/christian.html and take the "Good Person Test." What say you now?

Again I beg you -- come to Christ today if you do not already know Him. If you do but are living a ROD ("retired on duty") kind of Christian life, then please repent and get right with our Lord today. This is how we can best honor what the Lord did for us more than 2000 years ago -- what we now call Christmas.

As you open gifts with your families this morning, count your blessings and don't forget that it IS Jesus the Christ for which this day is commemorated. Thank Him in prayer -- and pray for those who do not have it so easy today.

Merry CHRISTmas, my brothers and sisters!

Cops and Christmas

Fellow Sheepdog Warriors:

This Saturday marks the fourth Christmas for The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry (TCLEM) and no doubt a great many of us will be working the holiday as sheepdogs guarding the sheep we are called to serve and protect under the direction of the Great Shepherd. Our mission is to preserve “peace on earth” by the strength and grace of our Supreme Chief of Police. That said, it is vital that we have a proper understanding of the holiday we are about to celebrate. Rest assured, God did not send His only Son into the world with the mission of ultimately being tortured and killed on the cross – literally taking the “bullet” intended and deserved by you and I – to see it become a “happy holidays” abomination. So what then is CHRISTmas? In all truth, it is a Cop’s Story, the title of last week’s TCLEM/FCPO-Denver study. As promised, here’s the MESSAGE RECAP:

Our text came primarily from Luke 2:8-20. What does this and all other passages concerning the coming of the Christ child truly mean? Taken as a whole, the true meaning of CHRISTmas is love. Our Lord tells us in John 3:16-17 that He (God) loved us so much that “…he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him." The true meaning of CHRISTmas is therefore the celebration of this incredible act of love -- the celebration of God incarnate coming to us as a human being in the Person of Jesus Christ. Why? Because He loves us and because we needed a Savior! Why do we celebrate Christmas each year? To celebrate and honor our Lord for what He did for us -- to remember His birth in such ways as giving each other gifts, worshipping Him, and being especially conscious of the poor and less fortunate.

Out of His love for us, God provided a way -- the only Way -- for us to spend eternity with Him. He gave His only Son to take our punishment for our sins. He paid the price in full, and we are free from condemnation when we accept that free gift of love. "But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

Moreover, Christ’s story is truly a “COP’S STORY.” “Huh” you say? Read on!

-- Christ’s calling is a cop’s calling: Jesus, like us, answered His Father’s call on His life. Like us, He ran TO the battle instead of away from it.

-- Christ came into the world to battle evil head on and receive the “gunfire” rightfully intended for you and I because of our sin. He personified love in its purest form: Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)

-- Finally, note that Christ not only died for us, but He came back for us (He won’t leave His “true believers” behind).

So in what way can we truly honor and remember Christ’s birth? Our Lord came for one primary purpose – to make a way for you and I to be able to live a truly meaningful existence in this life followed by spending eternity with Him in paradise. Let’s honor His sacrifice by turning (repenting) from our sin and asking Him into our lives as Lord and Savior – what it means to be “born again” (see http://www.gotquestions.org/born-again.html). If you’ve already taken this all-important eternal step but have not been following Him as you should, then seek His forgiveness today and get on fire for our Lord.

Dr. Michael Youseff, a gifted Bible teacher whom I truly respect, taught a short message on the real meaning of Christmas (The Wonder of His Love) that goes right along with mine. Check it out at http://www.leadingtheway.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sto_feature.


FCPO-Denver NEWS

-- Don’t forget that we are NOT meeting this Thursday (Dec. 23rd) but we WILL be meeting for the last time in 2010 next on Thursday, December 30th, starting at 7 PM at Calvary South Denver in Littleton. We will be discussing both where we’ve been as a ministry and where we’ll be heading in 2011. Invite a friend or colleague and join us.

-- Don’t forget to check the latest meeting schedules, prayer requests, and other news and updates posted here on our website.

-- Baptism!! We are planning our first annual baptism event! We’re set to go on Saturday, January 15th, at Southern Gables Church in Littleton. If you’ve come to Christ but have not been baptized since then, please plan on joining us at our January 6th meeting where I’ll be teaching on this act of obedience and going over the details.


TCLEM and COVERED!

Chattanooga (TN) PD officer and fellow ministry leader Jonathan Parker has featured us on his outstanding website! Check it out at
http://coveredlawenforcement.wordpress.com/read-the-blog/. Are YOU covered? Go to http://www.coveredlawenforcement.org/ to learn more.


SPEAKING OF CHRISTMAS GIFTS…

If you’re not made your end-of-year gift to The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry, then let me lovingly and respectfully encourage you to do so. Your offering will do much to help us spread the Gospel message to our fellow warriors who do not yet know Christ as Savior as well as supporting and encouraging those who either fallen away or are seeking the deeper things of God.

Donations can be made out to The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry and mailed to my attention at:
P.O. Box 630854
Littleton, CO 80163

That said, support your church first...and then donate as the Holy Spirit leads you to do so. Thanks in advance for your support. Regardless, please include us in your prayers.


Also on the subject of Christmas and Christmas gifts…

I’ve received the much-anticipated devotional book Stories of Faith and Courage from Cops on the Street and I can’t recommend it enough. Some of our regulars who made it to last week’s FCPO-Denver meeting received a copy as my Christmas gift to them and I’ll have a few more to give out this week (you snooze, you lose). I had the honor of writing three of the published stories and an endorsement to boot. To learn more and order your own copy, go to http://www.copsonthestreet.com/.

The book includes a great story entitled “Cops, Christmas and Honor” written by Malverne (NY) PD Lt. Stan Kid that serves as a great way to close our CHRISTmas newsletter:

Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.

In 1974, when I first joined the police department, I knew there would be special occasions my family would spend without me. Knowing that didn't make the task any easier. The celebrations I missed during those first years depressed me and sometimes made me feel bitter. Working on Christmas Eve was always the worst. It felt like a thankless job. On Christmas Eve in 1977, I learned that blessings can come disguised as misfortune, and honor is more than just a word.

I was riding one-man patrol on the 4:00 p.m. to midnight shift. The night was cold. Everywhere I drove I saw reminders of the holidays. Families were packing their cars with presents. Beautifully decorated Christmas trees in living room windows and roofs adorned with tiny sleighs made me feel even more sorry for myself.

The evening had been relatively quiet. There were calls for a barking dog, a minor auto accident, a false burglar alarm. There was nothing to make the night go faster. I thought of my own family and sank more deeply into depression.

Shortly after 10:00 p.m., I got a radio call to the home of an elderly cancer patient. I stopped in front of a simple Cape Cod style house. First-aid kit in hand, I walked up the path to the front door. As I approached, a woman who seemed about 80 years old opened the door. "He's in here," she said, leading me into the back bedroom.

We passed through a living room furnished in a style I had come to associate with older people. The sofa had an afghan blanket draped over its back and a dark, solid colored Queen Anne chair sat next to an unused fireplace. The mantle was cluttered with an eclectic mix of several photos, some porcelain figurines and an antique clock. A floor lamp provided soft lighting.

We entered a small back bedroom where a frail looking old man lay in the bed with a blanket pulled up to his chin. He wore a blank stare on his ashen, skeletal face. His breathing was shallow; he was barely alive.

The trappings of illness were all around the bed. The nightstand was littered with a large number of pill vials. An oxygen bottle stood nearby, its thin plastic hose, with facemask attached, rested on the blanket.

I asked the woman why she called for the police. She simply shrugged and nodded sadly toward her husband, indicating it was his request. I looked at him and he stared intently into my eyes. He seemed relaxed now. I didn't understand the suddenly-calm expression on his face.

I looked around the room again. A dresser stood along the wall to the left of the bed. On it were the usual memorabilia--ornate perfume bottles, a white porcelain pin case and a wooden jewelry tray. There were also several photos in simple frames. One caught my eye and I walked to the dresser for a closer look. The picture showed a young man wearing a police uniform. It was unmistakably a photo of the man in the bed. I knew then why I was there.

I looked at the old man and he motioned with his head toward the side of his bed. I walked over and stood beside him. He slid a thin arm from under the covers and took my hand. Soon, I felt his hand go limp. I looked at his face. There was no fear there. I saw only peace.

He knew he was dying; he was aware his time was very near. I know now that he was afraid of what was about to happen and he wanted the protection of a fellow cop on his journey.

A caring God had seen to it that His child would be delivered safely to Him. The honor of being his escort fell to me.

Since that night, I have considered it a high honor to be present at the moment of a person's death. As a cop, I have had that honor many times and feel I have been given a very special responsibility: ensuring someone's safe passage home to his or her Father.

I no longer feel sorry for myself for having to work on Christmas Eve. I have chosen an honorable profession. I pray that when my time comes to leave this world that there will be a cop there to hold my hand and let me know I have nothing to fear.


Finally, please take the time to remember and pray for our military brothers and sisters serving in harm’s way this CHRISTmas. Include their loved ones in your prayers as well.

My prayer is that all of you – my fellow servant-warriors – will have a safe and joyous celebration of our Savior’s birth and THE ultimate mission that came with it.
Merry Christmas!

A Cop's Christmas -- Newsletter for Week of 12/5/10

Fellow Sheepdogs and Shepherds (how very "Christmasy"):

Here’s this week’s newsletter as we approach the celebration of Christ’s birth (aka CHRISTmas -- no bogus “happy holidays” silliness here). I’ve included both the humorous and the serious – but all solid info. Hope it blesses you.

The latest prayer requests, announcements and local meeting information has been posted here on our website (next post). Please join us in praying for those who are in need and check back frequently for the updates (changes almost daily).

Speaking of “the Reason for the Season," this Thursday I’ll present a unique Christmas message that applies directly to us in the law enforcement profession -- "A Cop's Christmas." Please join us if you’re in the Denver Front Range area for a great time of warrior fellowship, profession-relevant Bible study, prayer and worship (fellowship is not “optional” for those of us serving in our God-ordained calling). I’ll post a detailed recap in next week’s newsletter for all our other readers world-wide. Speaking of…

MESSAGE RECAP
I entitled last week's Bible study topic, “The Academy of Life.” Here’s the recap – feel free to use/adapt for you own devotions and studies:

The Holy Spirit really put it on my heart that there is an interesting correlation between our police academy (basic training, OCS, etc. fit just as well) experience and the “walk” our Lord intends for a Christian’s life. I broke down our study into five (5) main points:

(1) Acceptance: While the standards we had to meet to be accepted by an agency and just get in to the academy (not to mention “surviving” the academy, field training and probation) were indeed tough, God’s standard is absolute perfection. So how can we possibly get “in”? The answer -- the ONLY answer -- is Jesus Christ (John 14:6)! Sin and its consequence disqualify us from acceptance. In fact, our sin demands nothing less than the death penalty (Romans 6:23). However, God loves us so much that he sent His only Son into the world (what we celebrate at Christmas) to ultimately pay the “price of admission” for us on the cross (John 3:16-18). All we have to do is turn (literally an “about face”) from our sin, seek His forgiveness, and enter into a personal, life-saving relationship with the Savior. More on that in a moment…

(2) Fellowship: No one goes to the “academy” alone. Rather, we are drilled on the fact that we can’t be successful on our own – and we are never to leave one another without “cover.” That is what fellowship is all about – and a big part of why we meet on a regular basis. Having a “relationship” includes regular fellowship with one another and – even more importantly – with God (1 Corinthians 1:9, 1 John 1:3). We simply cannot and must not go it alone (no such thing as a one man SWAT unit – and no “I” in “team”). See Acts 2:42-47 and Hebrews 10:25.

(3) Training & Discipline to stay the course and finish strong (includes the FTO – “field training” phase) are essential facets of “academy” life: Hebrews 12:1-11; Philippians 3:12-14; Proverbs 3:11-12; 1 Timothy 4:7-10 and more. Moreover, just as we study manuals and statute books in the academy, we have the ultimate “manual” for our walk with Christ in this life – God’s perfect, inerrant word, the Bible. God communicates, disciplines and teaches us through His word (note that this “class” is not an “elective”). Finally, training and discipline also include holding one another lovingly accountable: Titus 2:11-15; Matthew 6:33.

(4) Probation (evaluation) Phase: Our life in Christ on this Earth – one of “trials and tribulation”, victories and defeats, sadness and JOY – is a time that we should be growing in obedience and godliness. That said, understand that we are NOT saved by “works” (Ephesians 2:8-9, Acts 15:9-11) and the true Christian can’t be “booted” out, but there should in fact be good evidence (what the Bible calls fruit – a changed, Christ-centered life) in our walk as Christians – 1 Cor. 15:2-6, Matthew 13:23, Galatians 5:22-25, and more.

(5) Graduation for the Christian warrior only comes when this life – the “academy” – ends. The “reward” is the “badge” (gift) of eternal life with our Lord and Savior. There will in fact be a graduation ceremony and the “speech” we’ll want to hear from our “Chief” will be a short and perfect one: “Well done, good and faithful servant…” (Matthew 25:23).

So where are you today? Have you been accepted into the “academy” of life and are you staying the course? If not, you can be “accepted” and begin that journey today. Go to www.FCPO.org, click on the “About You,” and then “Are you a good person?” buttons. Follow along – and say “yes” to God’s call on your life today.


TRAINING CORNER

(1) Tulsa PD Capt. Travis Yates (www.tenfourministries.org) sent me the following after-action debrief from last year's Lakewood (WA) ambush. It is well worth checking out: http://thecenturionpapers.blogspot.com/2010/11/lakewood-ambush-one-year-later.html.

(2) DPD’s Greg “Todd” Gentry has posted his latest XFit video (Todd was back in training only 9 hours after double-knee surgery – outstanding!): http://www.xfit33ad.com/.


CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA!

As many of you may know by now, retired FCPO Director and Chaplain Grant Wolf has just published an incredible devotional book through AMG Publishers: Stories of Faith and Courage from Cops on the Street. Yours truly wrote several of those stories and the book will be on the shelves soon. You can also order a copy(s) today by going to http://www.copsonthestreet.com/.


JUST FOR FUN!

Colorado Div. of Securities Commissioner Fred Joseph loves to quote the Blues Brothers' famous line about being on a “...mission from God.” Clearly, we are -- enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4HZKDel9N0&NR=1.

That’s “the drill” for this week. Check the website often, send me your prayer requests and announcements, and let’s stay the course with Christ as our Captain!

The True Meaning of Christmas!

Fellow Sheepdogs:

I know I've already sent out my Christmas message but, since today is THE day, I wanted to do it in a more personal way. Know that I love all you guys. Stay the course, watch each other's backs, and finish strong out there. Thanks for all you do -- and that includes all our military brothers and sisters serving in harm's way overseas (let's be in prayer for all those serving -- both foreign and domestic). Merry Christmas!

Secondly, please be in prayer for the family and colleagues of Missouri State Trooper Dennis Englehard who was killled in the line of duty today (http://policelink.monster.com/news/articles/129271-missouri-trooper-fatally-struck-on-christmas-day).

Speaking of the true meaning of Christmas, check this out from Ofc. Tom Brozycki: Go to http://shieldsoftheshepherd.blogspot.com/ and click on the "Deeper than Linus" video by John MacArthur (Friday, December 25, 2009 message). Outstanding and right on target!

Finally, I'll leave you with this from Pastor Greg Laurie. Hope you were able to make it to church last night or today. I'll put out the next newsletter later this weekend. Again, Merry CHRISTmas to all!

God Is with Us

"Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people."
— Luke 1:68


Immanuel: God is with us—God came to us. What a staggering thought. It is really the essence of the Christian faith and the Christian life. All other religious ideologies essentially tell you that you must do something: Do this, and you will find inner peace. . . . Do this, and you will reach nirvana. . . . Do this, and maybe you will make it to heaven. But Christianity says it is done—done for you at the Cross, paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Being a Christian is not merely following a creed; it is having Christ himself live in you and through you, giving you the strength to be the man or woman He has called you to be. Jesus said, "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20) and "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).

The message of Christmas is God with us. That is important to know, especially during those times when we are going through great difficulty. The psalmist said, "If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me" (Psalm 139:9–10). It is great to know that God is with you wherever you go.

The Bible never teaches that we will have problem-free lives as followers of Christ. But the Bible does teach that we never will be alone. And because of that, we don't have to be afraid. As Ray Stedman said, "The chief mark of the Christian ought to be the absence of fear and the presence of joy."

That is the message that this sin-sick world needs to hear: Immanuel—God is with us.

Emergency Prayer Request and "A Christmas Story"

I was going to try to wait and do this Christmas Eve but the need is too pressing. As some of you may be aware, there has been yet another ambush shooting in Washington. The two deputies involved are in critical condition with one on life support. Retired RCMP Officer David Greenhalgh sent me the following moments ago:

"Deputy Kent Mundell (44) father of two, shot multiple times now on life support at Harborview Hospital Seattle.

Sgt. Nick Hausner (43) father of two, shot once, in serious condition at Madigan Army Medical Center.

Suspect deceased." (Killed when the officers returned fire.)

Folks, all too often I ask for prayer knowing that perhaps it will be put aside until "later." In this case, I ask you to join me NOW:

"Heavenly Father, we don't know if our two brothers have accepted you as Savior but humbly come before you now to ask that, in accordance with your perfect will and plan, you spare, heal and restore them today. Lord, comfort their families and their fellow officers; guide the doctors' hands; send Believers to share the true meaning of CHRISTmas with them and others; give these wounded warriors every opportunity to say "yes" to you as Lord; and, in the end, use this situation for your Glory.

Father God, we ask that you be with all those whom you've called to serve and protect your sheep. Help us remember that our authority comes from you, and that without you we are powerless.

We ask this in the Name of your Precious Son whose human birthday we celebrate this week, Amen."


"A CHRISTMAS STORY"

Speaking both of Christmas and our Seattle-area brethren, check out the following that was written by a Lakewood (WA) officer subsequent to a visit from a child who wanted to do something for those who serve and protect him. Grab a tissue before you open...you're going to need it!
http://blog.thenewstribune.com/street/2009/12/16/lakewood-police-officer-pens-christmas-story/

Finally, I'm asking everyone to join me in praying (KEEP praying) for wounded Mahnomen County (MN) Dep. Chris Dewey and his wife Emily who will be at his side here at Craig Hospital over Christmas. Chris was shot in the head ten months ago and faces -- "but God" -- a daunting and uncertain future. Emily is the picture of strength as she stands by her man but in truth she needs your prayers and support as much as Chris does. See www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey for more. I plan to swing by tonight or tomorrow to check in on them.

That said, hug your wives and children before you head out to work the holiday. If your off, offer up a prayer for those of us who are not. Merry CHRISTmas!

A Very "Mighty" Christmas to All!

Fellow Sheepdogs:

I just wanted to take a moment to wish you and your families a very Mighty CHRISTmas. “Mighty?” You bet! Reference the very old Christmas carol, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman," the words that were sung long before publication held a very different meaning than they do now. In the Middle Ages, the term "merry" did not mean simply "happy." Rather, "merry" was used to describe armies, soldiers, and rulers in the context of “great,” “strong,” and “MIGHTY.” In addition, the word "rest" in the song's title did not mean to relax and take a nap! It meant "make." Thus we have "God Make You Mighty, Gentlemen.”
The unknown author wanted to convey the power of the message behind Christ's birth and how salvation becomes our strength. This bit of Christmas trivia should convey much to those of us serving in the military and law enforcement.

Mountain View PD Chief Mark Toth sent the following piece entitled,
“A Police Officer’s Christmas Story” (authored by an “unknown” officer):

“In 1974 when I first joined the department, I knew there would be holidays I would be apart from the family. The celebrations I missed those first years depressed me, and working on Christmas Eve was always the worst. On Christmas Eve, 1977, I learned that blessings can come disguised, and honor is more than just a word.

I was a one-man patrol on the 4-12 shift. The evening was cold. Everywhere I looked I saw reminders of the holiday, decorated trees in front windows and houses adorned with lights and figures. It all added to my funk. The shift had been relatively quiet, nothing to make the time pass any quicker.

Shortly after 2200 hours, I got a call to assist an elderly, terminally ill man. I arrived at the location and parked the patrol car in front of a simple Cape Cod style home. I walked up the short path to the front door and was greeted by a woman about 80 years old. She led me through a living room furnished in a style I had come to associate with older people to a back bedroom. We entered the small room where a frail, old man lay in bed with a blanket covering him and pulled up to his chin. He had a frightened look on his ashen face. His breathing was shallow and labored. He seemed barely alive. I looked at him, and he stared intently at me. He seemed to relax, and I did not understand the sudden calm expression. As I looked around the room, I saw the trappings of illness all around. The nightstand was littered with pill vials, and oxygen equipment was nearby. Along a wall was a dresser and on top were some memorabilia and a wooden jewelry case. I also noticed several framed photos. One caught my eye as it showed a young man in a police uniform. It was unmistakably the man in the bed.

I again looked at him, and he motioned me toward the bedside. I went to him, and he slid a thin arm from under the cover and took my hand. I looked at his face, and there was no look of fear, only peace. I knew then why I was there. He knew he was dying and was afraid of what was about to happen. He wanted the protection of a fellow cop on his journey. A caring God had seen to it that he would be delivered safely. The honor of being the escort fell to me.

At the end of my tour that night, the temperature seemed to have risen, and all the holiday displays made me smile. I no longer felt sorry for myself having to work on Christmas Eve.
I chose an honorable profession. I pray that when it is my turn to leave this world there will be a cop there to hold my hand and remind me I have nothing to fear. I wish all my brothers and sisters who are serving, and have served the law enforcement profession all the Joy and Peace of the Season.”

With all due respect to the author, I am compelled to add that this fellowship exists, in large part, to SHARE the truth, hope and love of the Gospel with those who have not trusted Christ as their Lord and Savior. The whole meaning of Christmas is that our Father sent His only Son to us as a babe born fully human yet fully God under the most humble of circumstances to ultimately do what we as officers can most certainly understand – to die in our place! Moreover, we understand that while it is God who called us to this “honorable profession,” being a cop does not “save” us any more than being a Baptist, Catholic (pick one), or “good” person does. Rather, it is only through a saving knowledge of the risen Savior that we can be saved. That said, let's not "hold a brother's hand" without at the same time doing all we can help them come to Christ. After all, isn't that what it means to "serve and protect" our own?

For "the lost" this Christmas, please don’t reject the “gift” that is Christ and what he did for YOU and I. Come to Him now and never look back (see the “How to Know Christ as Savior” links on our website or just get in touch with me – we’ll go to God together)!

Finally on the subject of Christmas (no silly PC “Happy Holidays” here), fellow FCPO national board member/retired Chicago PD Lt. Chuck Urgo sent the following based on Luke 2:8-9 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them.

Chuck writes, “Isn’t it cool to remember that the first announcement of the birth of Jesus was to a bunch of guys watching over the sheep and working Christmas Day! So for all you "working cops," have a great Christmas and get home safe to those who love you!”


MEETING RECAP:

Anyone who missed CSP Trooper Scott Hinshaw’s teaching last Thursday most certainly lost out on a truly momentous evening. I really wish we could have recorded his presentation but suffice it to say that Scotty knocked our socks off and the Holy Spirit was very much present. While we had a great turnout, the setting was still small enough to be “cop comfortable.” Much of Scott’s message was meant only for those present (suffice it to say that Scott lives what he preaches) but I can share that he taught on the true meaning of forgiveness and God’s “blessing” on our lives – and his. We’ll have Scott back to share again in the near future but I would strongly encourage everyone to hear our brother speak if you get the chance. Despite – or perhaps “because” of Scott’s horrific injuries -- God has a plan to use this brother for HIS glory and in ways Scott could never have imagined before the events of October 2007.

A big part of what I got out of Scott’s message was that we must be spiritually ready at all times. While it is clear that God’s plan for Scott’s life was much more powerful than the truck that plowed into him that Fall day two years ago, our Lord has used that experience to remind us that we do not know when this life will end or when He is coming back (see Mark 13:32-37, Matthew 24:36-51, Hebrews 10:25, 1 Thessalonians 5:4). Scott was not ready, yet God gave him a proverbial second chance. What about you? Would YOU be ready if “your time” was now? Without Christ we are lost and He is the ONLY way to salvation (John 14:6). God has given us free will to choose between HIS plan or our own. Rest assured, the former leads to eternal life in Him while and the latter leads to an eternity of unimaginable horror. Choose wisely!

Here are some of the other Scripture passages Scott referred to: Numbers 6:22, Matthew 10:8 (hmm), Genesis 50:20, and 1 Peter 5:5.

Let’s keep Scott and Susan in prayer as he still faces more surgery.


SCHEDULE UPDATE:

As a reminder, we will NOT be meeting this Thursday (Christmas Eve) or next (New Years Eve) for obvious reasons. Our next meeting will be January 7th. Regardless, know that we are here for you if you need prayer, to talk, etc.


CHRISTMAS POTLUCK REPORT:

JeffCo Deputy Art Briles and his bride Lonni did an awesome job putting together our 1st annual potluck party that also doubled as our way of honoring long-time TCLEF supporter Erv Meyer who is headed down to Arizona for health reasons. Please keep our ministry “Grandpa” in your prayers.


TRAINING POST:

The following PoliceOne training article speaks volumes. Check it out: http://www.policeone.com/less-lethal/articles/1878963-The-tale-of-two-videos-A-unique-training-opportunity/


PRAYER REQUESTS:

(1) Pray for a very ill colleague in Grand Junction and her department as a whole as they seek their next chief (ask God to put HIS man in a position of servant leadership).
(2) Pray for the son of a local chief who is dealing with some daunting personal issues.
(3) Retiring FCPO Director Grant Wolf sends the following: "Please be in prayer for Deputy Tom Cherry with the Tehama County Sheriff's Office in Red Bluff, California. Tom was in a single vehicle accident Saturday night. He was ejected from his vehicle and is in the hospital on a ventilator. Tom has severe brain trauma and has several broken bones. Please pray for his family, co-workers and doctors. He has youth and Jesus on his side.”
(4) From retired Manitou Springs PD Sgt. Mike Herst who now resides in Phoenix (regarding the trooper who was accidentally struck and killed by a colleague during a pursuit): http://www.abc15.com/content/news/phoenixmetro/north/story/DPS-officer-killed-in-horrible-high-speed-chase/jLlieI9B2UKs5Jz00NsNHQ.cspx. Let’s be in prayer for all those concerned!
(5) Pray for a CO chief who is facing potential throat surgery (healing/restoration).


Finally, given the true meaning of CHRISTmas, check out Christian artist Mark Schultz’s awesome video, “He Is” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBERiDmB6qg&feature=related
Merry/Mighty Christmas!