Samson -- a Cop's Story

Fellow Sheepdogs:

We finally had a much-needed weekend of rest ("Thank You, Lord!"). Now refreshed, we’re back on track for this week’s profession-relevant tactical Bible study/warrior fellowship meeting where I’ll be teaching on the topic of Samson as detailed in the Book of Judges – truly a “Cop’s story” (plug in athletes, military and any number of other warrior-relevant professions) if there ever was one. In fact, this week’s study could aptly be subtitled, “Pride and Compromise.” Please join us if you can and I’ll post a recap in next week’s newsletter for all those around the world who can’t.

Speaking of both Samson and recaps, we had a great time of tactical Bible study and fellowship at last Thursday's gathering. Our sobering topic centered on the subject of PRIDE – one of the most detrimental of sins (yes – selfish pride is SIN) -- and one which has an incredibly negative impact within the law enforcement profession. Here are the highlights:

Pride vs. Humility

The Book of Proverbs has a lot to say on the subject of “pride.” Proverbs 6:17 lists pride as one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Proverbs 8:13 states, The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. Pride and arrogance and the evil way, and the perverse mouth I hate (yes, God hates sinful pride). Proverbs 13:10 says, By pride comes nothing but strife… Proverbs 11:2 tells us, When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 16:18, a VERY well known verse, warns us that, Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty (prideful) spirit before a fall.

If we put ourselves on a pedestal, sooner or later, God will have to knock us off, for He is to be our God (first in our lives) and we are to have NO OTHER “god” above Him (there is a reason it is the 1st Commandment)! Clearly, we must not allow this type of sin into our lives and we must seek His help and grace in order to make that effort successful. We must also recognize that our God is sovereign and He is the one that has brought us everything that we might allow ourselves to be properly prideful about! When we know and accept that everything good that we have – including (especially) our commissions as officers – comes from God, then we are wise indeed.

The sin of pride has caused more problems within the law enforcement profession than perhaps any other single issue (one had but to walk around last year’s IACP Conference – the stench of arrogance and pride was overwhelming) and we – as Christian servant-leaders – need to be boldly walking with our Lord to change it.

To be fair, our God-ordained profession is certainly not alone in dealing with this issue. Pride in fact causes a host of problems in almost every area of life – INCLUDING the ministry (intellectual snobbery, pastors who fail to be the shepherds and true servant-leaders they are called to be, etc.).

So how do we overcome sinful pride in our lives? Here are some practical suggestions:

(1) Desire God's Will More Than Your Own
The proud person wants to be in control. Rather, God is calling us to obedience and submission to His lordship and word: And what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

2) Accept God's Unconditional Love
God wants us to have a balanced, healthy self-image because we believe two things. First, we believe He created us to be image-bearers of God. Second, we believe He loves us so much that He gave His own Son to save us and reconcile us to Himself.

(3) Develop the Quality of Humility
Jesus is our greatest example. He left the glories of heaven to come to earth and live life as a human being for thirty-three years. He humbled Himself to die a criminal's death on the cross for our salvation, and He invites us to come to Him and learn from Him: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 (see also Philippians 2:5-11).

The story of Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26 provides a great treatise on the benefits of humility before God and the consequences of turning from Him out of pride (take the time to read this short chapter). Many years later, a proud pagan king learned the same lesson and expressed it aptly: Now, I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything He does is right and all His ways are just. And those who walk in pride He is able to humble. Daniel 4:37

Jeremiah 9:23-24 perhaps says it best: This is what the LORD says: Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight.

See also Isaiah 14:12-22 and Psalm 10:4.

If you have never put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ to save you, wouldn't today be a great time to begin a new life in Him? It takes humility to confess (repent) that you are a sinner and accept that you can NEVER be “good enough” to earn God's favor. Don't let pride keep you from a relationship with God – come to Him humbly today -- tomorrow may very well be too late.

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:

(1) Col. Ray Fairman (http://www.rayfairman.com/) in Georgia sent the following – please take a few minutes to watch and remember the sacrifice of all who served and serve: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=KTb6qdPu8JE .

(2) Tulsa (OK) PD Captain and fellow minister Travis Yates has a great website that is chock full of outstanding resources. There is a link to his site right here on ours or just click on http://thecenturionpapers.blogspot.com/. While I’m “here,” thanks to everyone who has commented on my being Travis’s recent guest on his new Centurion Radio show. There is a link to that broadcast on his site as well.

(3) A number of you have sent me the following and – while I think it is submitted out of context – it is nevertheless interesting given the perilous times we are living in:

The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left. Ecclesiastes 10:2 Hmmm?

(4) Updated prayer requests and meeting announcements have been posted here on our website (next post) – please check back frequently -- and keep sending them my way.

Let’s remain vigilant and stay the course with Christ as our Captain!

As Iron Sharpens Iron -- A Lesson in Accountability

Fellow Paladins:

So how goes the “battle” (biblically speaking of course – see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jL7cL_p5_84)? Rest assured, the battle we face in law enforcement goes hand-in-hand with the spiritual warfare we are engaged in daily. That said, part of girding (preparing for combat) ourselves for the battle should be regular fellowship with other believers – both with fellow Christian officers and as part of your local fellowship – aka “church.” Last week’s study centered around that very topic and the issue of biblical accountability. Here’s the recap:

Our foundational text was Proverbs 27:17 -- As iron sharpens iron, so one man (or woman) sharpens another. God’s infallible and inerrant word, the Bible, calls us to be accountable both to Him and to one another (fellow believers – aka those who have turned from their sin and trusted Christ as Lord and Savior – the definition of a “Christian”). Moreover, the concept should not be lost on any of us who have been through a military boot camp and/or a police academy. The issue is also central to what we do as a ministry and fellowship. One of the major reasons we should be meeting regularly with fellow Christian law enforcement personnel is so that we can be lovingly accountable to one another. Of course, accountability involves both the willingness to be held accountable and trusting those we are accountable to.

Finally, let’s not forget that we are ultimately accountable to God above all else: Hebrews 4:12-13 (NLT) says, For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable; Romans 14:12 says, So then each of you shall give an account of himself to God. Of course, knowing that we must one day answer to a just God should be a powerful incentive for holiness and obedience -- For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each may one day receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad (2 Cor. 5:10).

The following links provide for a very solid overview on biblical accountability and make for an outstanding individual devotional study on the topic:
(1) http://www.middletree.net/accountability.asp
(2) http://encouragingbiblequotes.com/verseshonestya.html
(3) http://www.gotquestions.org/accountability.html
(4) http://www.intouch.org/site/c.cnKBIPNuEoG/b.4944113/k.9535/Life_Principle_25__What_the_Bible_Says__Accountability_Relationships.htm
To whom are YOU accountable?

This week we will dig into our next chapter on Christian law enforcement leadership using veteran Marine and police officer Col. Ray Fairman’s Are You Destined to Lead? Mission Ready Leadership Essentials from the “Ol’ Gunner” as a template. If you are local or visiting, please join us and invite a friend or colleague for this thoroughly biblical and profession-relevant series. As always, I’ll post a recap in next week’s newsletter and here on our website for all those outside our area. Stay tuned!

TRAINING OP:

Chief Jake Shirk, the Monument (CO) PD, and a number of faith-based organizations are sponsoring a one-day church safety and security seminar on Saturday, June 19th, from 0800-1600 at 8710 Lexington Drive in Colorado Springs, CO. Yes, you'll discover it is a LDS church but this is not a LDS event (and perhaps you’ll have an opportunity to witness the true Gospel to our LDS friends). Visit the Monument Police Department website at http://www.monumentpd.org/ for more information and RSVP Chief Shirk at jshirk@pd.townofmonument.net or 719-481-3253. If you plan on attending, simply advise that you are with The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry or your local church when you check in. Don’t forget to “carry” when you’re off-duty -- especially when at church!

MEETING SCHEDULE updates & latest PRAYER REQUESTS are posted and updated regularly here on our website. In fact, the latest post is here now -- immediately follows this one (below). Check back frequently and please time the time to pray for our hurting brothers and sisters.

Finally, let me take this opportunity to wish all the father’s out there a very special Father’s Day. As some will remember, my Dad went to be with the Lord just before Father's Day last year so don't forget to wish your own dads a happy Father's Day. Moreover, strive to be the loving and godly dad that our own heavenly Father has called you to be. I’ll have more on this next week but, for now, check out: http://christianity.about.com/od/prayersverses/qt/fatherbiblevers.htm and http://www.christianitytoday.com/holidays/father/. Spend the day with your families if you can.

Let’s be sure to wear both our physical and spiritual body armor (Ephesians 6:10-18) so that we can stay in the fight and finish strong!

All Gave Some, Some Gave All

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

To say that last week’s fellowship meeting and profession-relevant Bible study was outstanding would be nothing short of an understatement. Marine, police officer and chaplain Col. Ray Fairman’s presentation was incredible, memorable, and inspirational. As previously announced, Ray and his bride made a special effort to take time out of their vacation to join us last Thursday whilst en route to cool Idaho from their home in sweltering Georgia. Trust me when I say that Col. Fairman would make a superb choice for any law enforcement and/or ministry conference speaker. That said, I’ll do my best to recap Ray’s message (below).

Speaking of recaps, I opened our meeting with a special Bible-based Memorial Day message I entitled “All Gave Some, Some Gave All” – a phrase I first viewed at the Vietnam Memorial (aka “The Wall”) many years ago in Washington DC. Understanding that it was our Savior who truly gave ALL on the cross for us, how can we best remember and honour those who gave “all” or “some” in service to our country as members of the Armed Forces? Clearly, a fellow sheepdog dying in their sin without a saving, personal relationship with Christ is NOT the way. Rather, we must – MUST do ALL we can to share the Gospel message with our fellow warriors so that they will have every opportunity to say “yes” to Christ before this life ends (thereby assuring their place with Him in eternity). Understand this – there is no such thing as second chance, ”get out of hell” pass for ANY of us who end this life without a saving relationship with Christ (see Hebrews 9:27). On the contrary, we must be ready NOW as tomorrow may very well be too late.

So how can we best accomplish this? Here is a short 3-point answer:

(1) Repent, turn from your sin and accept Christ as your Lord and Savior TODAY (see the “How to Know Christ as Savior” link right here on the left side of this web page).
(2) Dedicate yourself to radically pursue God by growing closer and closer to Christ every day through uncompromising obedience, prayer, study of His word (the Bible) and regular fellowship with other believers.
(3) Decide today to live a life without compromise – to be full-on/sold-out to Christ in spite of whatever circumstances or hardships we might be facing. This also means not justifying our actions (sin) based on what we think or feel is right (http://bible.cc/proverbs/14-12.htm) as opposed to obeying His word. Remember that we can’t “make-up” our own “gospel.” Rather, the God tells us that there is only ONE WAY to salvation. Jesus said in John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life. NO ONE comes to the Father EXCEPT through Me. In short, out goal should be to one day stand before our Lord (rest assured, we will ALL stand before Christ to be judged one way or the other) and hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant…” (Matthew 25:23). In short, BE a living example to others by the way you live for Christ.

I concluded my message by sharing a segment from the book The Good Life written by Chuck Colson in which he provides a biblical perspective from the film, Saving Private Ryan. Specifically, Colson points to the pivotal moment where Captain Miller tells James Ryan, “…Earn this…!” (see http://thepoint.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/entry/13/14563). Christ most certainly earned it for us -- let's live our lives in such a way as to honour His sacrifice.

The message for us on Memorial Day -- and EVERY day for that matter -- is to live a life worthy of the calling (Ephesians 4:1-6) while seeking every opportunity to share Christ with our law enforcement and military (Armed Forces) brothers and sisters. Remember that just passing-on these newsletters is an easy way to share with othes.

Greg Laurie provides some extremely relevant notes as to how the United States will figure in the “last days” (Revelation): http://www.harvest.org/get_pdf.php/1140.pdf. Be in prayer for our country!

For honour's sake: http://www.resistnet.com/forum/topics/some-gave-all-all-gave-some .


Col. Fairman then followed with an incredibly inspiring presentation in which he blended portions of his personal testimony with the Marine Corps values he lived for “forty-two years, five months and twelve days.” Ray pointed out that those same values should in fact be a central part of our law enforcement code. It should be noted that Ray added the word “Family” to the USMC principles of God, Country, Corps (family follows God in the proper order of things). Ray also revealed that God’s “call” to Adam in Genesis 2:15 to tend and keep it in reference to Eden carries the same Hebrew meaning as our own “serve and protect” ethos of today.

In addition, Col. Fairman shared the following acronym HRSMMA:

Hear about God before you read His word.
Read about God (Bible).
Study God’s word (take notes).
Meditate on His word.
Memorize His word (thereby gaining the ability to wield the Sword of the Spirit as detailed in Ephesians 6:17).
Apply God’s word to every aspect of our lives and profession.

Ray also came bearing gifts, including but not limited to copies of his books Are you Destined to Lead? and Ephesians: God’s Battle Plan for Spiritual Warfare. In return, we gave Ray a Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry polo and I’ll ship him a sweatshirt come winter.

I’ve posted a couple photos of Col. Fairman – scroll down to the bottom. Reference same, one of the photos shows Ray shaking hands with young Kyle Mair, the son of veteran Denver PD Sgt. Jim Mair. Kyle – a "chip off the old block,” was recently credited with helping save the lives of two persons who were pinned under a vehicle involved in a serious traffic accident (Kyle -- being an up and coming sheepdog -- stopped to assist instead of driving on with the sheep). Kyle plans to enter the Marines after high school and Ray spent considerable time talking to this outstanding young man about his options and what that choice will entail.

Ray’s website is the place to order his books and view a plethora of outstanding free resources – go to the SWAT link under “Christian Law Enforcement Sites” on the left side of this page.

I consider Ray to right up there with Col. Dave Grossman (a high compliment indeed) as a speaker. I’ll regularly include much more from Ray via our ongoing leadership series – stay tuned!

THIS week (06/10/10, 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver church in Littleton) I will present a profession-relevant message centered on the importance of ACCOUNTABILITY based on Proverbs 27:17 -- As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man (or woman) Sharpens Another. Please join us if you’re in the area and -- for those who are not -- I’ll again present a detailed recap in next week’s e-newsletter and here on the website. Be sure to PASS THE WORD by sharing this newsletter with your friends, colleagues, and others in your email address book.

Finally, don’t forget to frequently check back for the latest announcements, meeting schedule updates, and the all-important prayer requests (see posts below).

Until next week – STAY THE COURSE!

Latest Prayer Requests & Announcements

I will update the prayer requests and pertinent announcements here on the website as soon as possible after receiving them. Please continue to email them to me at fullarmor911@yahoo.com.
Check back frequently!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

We're "on" as scheduled for tonight's profession-relevant Bible study and fellowship. I will be teaching a special Bible-based Memorial Day message and Col. Ray Fairman (Chaplain's SWAT Team -- http://www.rayfairman.com/) will be visiting and sharing with us as well. I'll have a recap for everyone outside the Denver-metro area in next week's newsletter. Regardless, please join us if you're in the area.


Updated PRAYER REQUESTS:

(1) Injured Brownstown Township (MI) PD Officer Max Faistenhammer has been transferred to Craig Hospital here in Englewood for begin intensive rehab after a motorcyle crash (see http://www.thenewsherald.com/articles/2010/05/10/news/doc4be5a1d41e6c5652898764.txt ). Max is only 28 years old -- please join us in praying for this fellow warrior and his family. I plan to visit with Max tomorrow.

(2) A chief just lost his infant grandson after an unexpected medical emergency. Please pray for God's comfort, peace and understanding in the midst of this tragic event.

(3) Pray for Grand Junction PD Chief Camper and his officers/staff as they deal with some tough issues that have been very much in the media.

(4) Please continue to pray for injured Denver PD Officer Allison Casias as she continues to recover from a serious debilitating medical condition. See http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/allisoncasias for the latest on Allison's progress.

(5) Pray for a colleague who is struggling with personal and spiritual issues in the wake of a serious duty-related incident. This brother needs to seek Christ first in all things (as do we all).

(6) Pray for an officer -- reportedly a Christian -- who is placing his walk with God and the needs of his family in last place behind his career and personal (selfish) desires.

(7) PRAISE REPORT! Little Tayler Ellison -- daughter of Englewood PD Officer Shane Ellison -- remains cancer-free. Tayler is set to have a celebration sometime next month -- stay tuned for details.

(8) Pray for the folks fighting the Gulf of Mexico oil spill (and related issues) -- including a prayer that God will assist the BP folks in establishing a workable "fix." What a mess!


PREVIOUS BUT STILL VERY RELEVANT REQUESTS:

(9) From Ofc. Paul Stipe: I have a prayer request...As you ou may have seen on the news, there is a missing female, Aubrey Sacco, in Nepal. Her father, Paul Sacco, is the Judge for our city (Fort Lupton). He and his son have flown to Nepal and are desperately looking for Aubrey. She has not been heard from since, 4/20. My prayer request is for #1, Aubrey's safe return. #2, strength and comfort for Judge Sacco and his family. #3, I am not too sure of Judge Sacco's faith. Thus, I pray that if he does not know the Lord, He reveals himself to the Judge in this difficult time. If you want more info about this, check the news as this has made national headlines.

(10) Paul also sent the following (pertinent for Memorial Day): Two years ago today, a friend passed away while training for a SEALS swim test. He passed out and drowned. He served in Iraq as a blackhawk pilot. He had a passion for the Lord and serving others. Drew was a great example to me when I was in high school and I needed the Lord more than ever. He has a large family, several who are pastors( Dad and brothers). He left behind his wife and two young sons. My prayer, is for his family during this anniversary and Memorial Day. His wife recently published a book, “Widow Behind the Flag,” a story of hope in the midst of deep heartache as God intimately demonstrated His faithfulness to Drew’s widow, Natalie. From the moment she was told that Drew had died to months later giving birth to their son without Drew, God sustained Natalie and gave her peace in the midst of deep anguish. Her name is Natalie Laird, her sons are Ethan and Caeden. Drew Laird was a patriot and a Brother in Christ. Let's come along side Drew' family and keep them in prayer.

(11) Reference # 1 above, Det. Danny Veith and Ofc. Jason Pearson (both of Englewood PD) sent the following reference another officer coming here to Craig Hospital for rehab (we'll be visiting): Just received a phone call from James Sclater who is the Public Safety Director for the police department serving the Township of Brownstown, Michigan. Sclater's cell phone is 734-231-5270, and his email is jsclater@wdl.net. Officer George "Max" Faistenhammer was involved in a motorcycle accident on May 1st when a car made a left turn in front of him. As a result, Max is paralyzed from the chest down. Max is in his late 20's, is single, and has no children. He has been a police officer for 3 years, and his father is retired DEA. Max left Michigan today for Craig hospital, and will be accompanied by his mother. It is anticipated Max will be at Craig for a minimum of 2 months, possibly as long as 5 months. Please join us in praying for and -- if you are in the Denver area -- visiting Max.

(12) From a couple of my fellow Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) board members in Michigan and Texas:
Chuck writes, "For those who don't know Royce Hearne, he is a past national board member and is a K-9 officer for the Fort Worth, TX PD. Royce's daughter Casey has had a long struggle with a brain tumor and now has another medical challenge. Casey's life long dream is to be a missionary to India."
Royce writes, "Please remember my daughter Casey in prayer. She has been sick with Crohn's Disease/Ulcerative Colitis for over a year now. Treatments are not working and it appears we are heading for a summer date with a surgeon to remove part ( if not all ) of her colon. We wait patiently on the Lord to reveal His will in this matter. We also trust that whatever occurs, Casey is in His hands and this is still part of His plan for her life."

A Lesson in Leadership

Dear Fellow Sheepdogs & Shepherds:

I’ve recovered sufficiently from my surgery to be back teaching at this week’s Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry fellowship meeting where I will be presenting a message on how we should be looking at the trials and tribulations that are ESSENTIAL aspects of a Christian's life and “training.” Essential? Many will no doubt read this and say “What!?” Yes – they are absolutely essential. Join us and learn what God has to say on very profession (and life)-relevant subject.

As usual, I will present a recap in next week’s newsletter (also posted on our website) for all our readers who reside outside the Denver metro area or could not make the meeting. That said, if you are in fact a “local” or are visiting Colorado, please make every effort to join us tomorrow starting at 1900 hours at Calvary South Denver in Littleton to participate in this important profession-relevant presentation. Lastly, don’t forget to pass this email on to your colleagues and friends.

Speaking of message RECAPs, Colorado State Investigator Jim Wattles presented a superb lesson in Christian leadership as it applies to the law enforcement profession at last week's meeting. Jimmy’s introduction to the topic focused on an example of failed leadership in the person of Saul as detailed in 1 Samuel 10-15. Jim summed up God’s lesson for us in these passages as follows:

(1) Saul was successful when he sought, honored and obeyed God. Unfortunately, Saul strayed from the path God set for him.

(2) Continued disobedience left Saul unable to use the “spirit of the Lord” and he misused the power God gave him, resulting in his being removed from authority and ultimately his death.

(3) Through Saul’s example, God is telling us that we can either elect (yes, we have a choice) to do things our own way -- with Saul-like consequences -- or to seek His perfect plan for our lives through prayer, the study of His word (the Bible) and obedience to same.

Jim then laid out the biblical aspects of a true Christian leader:

(1) A Christian leader must have a true and faithful relationship with the Lord (Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.).

(2) True leaders must think of themselves as servants (John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.).

(3) Speaking of shepherds: 1 Peter 5:1-3 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed. Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

(4) A leader shows others the way (1 Corinthians 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ).

(5) A leader will strengthen the group with compassion, patience and encouragement (Ezekiel 34:16 I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong, and feed them in judgment.).

(6) A leader must give fair discipline (Proverbs 3:12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects).

(7) A leader must give the group authority to succeed and accomplish their common goals (Thessalonians 5:14-15 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.).

(8) Those who fail to lead will have nobody following them (Matthew 15:14 Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.).

(9) A leader is prepared to forgive and move on (Colossians 3:13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.).

(10) A leader must be have his confidence in Christ (Hebrews 13: 5-6 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we may boldly say, the LORD is my helper, I will not fear. What can man do to me?).

Take note: a great deal of the misery so common to our profession stems from poor leadership! "Outstanding job Jim…much appreciated. "


Speaking of VISITORS, and lessons in LEADERSHIP, I’m excited to announce that former Marine (really no such thing as a former Marine), police officer and current chaplain Col. Ray Fairman (see http://www.rayfairman.com/ ) from Georgia will be coming through Colorado on vacation and will join us at our June 3rd meeting. I’ll save plenty of time for Ray to share some of testimony with us. Stay tuned for next week’s newsletter for more!


MEETING UPDATE:

NOTE: We're back in our original location (the big Multi-Purpose Room right next to the information desk as in walk in the main entrance) for at least the summer!

(1) Thursday, May 27th, 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver (http://www.calvarycsd.org/ for directions), Littleton, CO.

(2) Thursday, June 3rd -- same time/place as above. Col. Ray Fairman will be our guest -- stay tuned for more details!

(3) Thursday, June 10th -- same time/place as in item above.


PRAYER REQUESTS (Pray unceasingly -- 1 Thessalonians 5:17)!

(1) Englewood PD Officer Jason Pearson asks that we be in pray for our brother and sister officers in Detroit. As many are aware, Detroit’s PD is in the midst of a tragic mess and there are some evil folks attempting to use the situation there to stir up considerable trouble and unrest. Both DPD and the community they serve need prayer and support. See www.policeone.com/legal/articles/2065952-Family-of-girl-who-died-in-in-raid-sues-Detroit-PD/.

(2) Thanks again for all who have been praying for me regarding my recent surgery. Praise God, I’m healing well although still a bit weak and tired. Please keep me in prayer for a quick and complete recovery. I go back to work next Tuesday.

(3) We’ve had another rough week in terms of line-of-duty “officer down” issues: another six in the last week alone. Please go to http://www.odmp.org/ and take time out to pray for the families and colleagues of these fallen heroes who “gave all.” Secondly, we need to have a sense of urgency about sharing the Gospel message with our brothers/sisters-in-arms. We must all come to Christ the same way folks!

(4) Finally, with Memorial Day weekend upon us, let’s take extra care out there – including praying before your shifts, giving thanks after, and remembering to pray for our country, our military, fellow officers and leadership.

While I know many us will be working extra hours, please MAKE time to worship with your family in a solid Bible-teaching church (fellowship is NOT optional – it is a command from our Lord) this weekend. Let’s also not forget to thank our Vets and fly our colors as well.

I am blessed to count myself among you -- let’s “run to the battle” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jL7cL_p5_84 ) with honor!