PRAYER REQUESTS (updated 08/17/2011):
** From Mahnomen County (MN) Sheriff Doug Krier:
The trial for Deputy Chris Dewey's shooter starts tomorrow in Crookston. It has been a long time coming. Now, we have to relive it all over again. Let's keep Doug, his troops, Chris's widow Emily and the families in prayer!
** From Ofc. Jonathan Parker in TN:
Just a few days ago I forwarded you the update of Chattanooga Police Officer Harrison Santiago's visit to New York. It is with mixed emotions that I tell you that his mother passed away yesterday afternoon. I am very thankful for their visit, the pictures, the timing of it all, and the memories that they will now share. I still can't imagine the feelings he is experiencing. Please remember to keep him and his family in your prayers in the coming days.
Through your generosity and the assistance of others, we were also able to purchase the flight for his family to leave in the morning for the funeral. We will be working in coming days to assist his family with other financial and personal needs as we live out Galatians 6:2 - bearing the burdens too heavy for them to carry alone. Please pray that God will continue to provide and that the Holy Spirit will bring peace and comfort.
--
www.CoveredLawEnforcement.org
www.facebook.com/CoveredLawEnforcement
** From Chief Robert Dahl in Oregon:
Good morning Warriors!
Yesterday, Oregon State Trooper Colin Tracy was seriously injured when a vehicle fell on him, while he was assisting a motorist. He suffered significant facial fractures and other head injuries. Today, Colin is undergoing a long day (6-8 hours) of surgery, to repair some of the damage to his face. Please put Colin and his wife in your prayers today and in the coming long days of recovery!
http://www.kgw.com/news/local/Van-falls-on-OSP-trooper-near-127753808.html
** Pray for a colleague in NM suffering from PTSD issues.
** Pray for a friend/colleague who just got laid off. Also for the wife of an officer who desperately needs a job to help pay the family bills (wisdom, godly stewardship, provision, etc.) and mortgage.
** PRAISE REPORT!! Little Elizabeth Jetton is going home to TN at the end of this month! Praise God -- and pray for continual progress/total recovery.
_______________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
(1) Yes, my email got phished/scammed (and no, I'm not stranded in Scotland -- although I would love to visit the land of my ancestors). The haggis is quite good, however! I'll post this week's newsletter online only so as to not double-up on emails.
(2) Check back frequently for more!
Showing posts with label Deputy Chris Dewey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Deputy Chris Dewey. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Honoring the Life of Deputy Chris Dewey
Fellow Sheepdogs:
I just got back from Deputy Chris Dewey’s police funeral in Minnesota so will try to keep this week’s newsletter appropriately manageable. First, thanks go out to all who prayed for us regarding yesterday’s events. How it all came together on my end was nothing short of a miracle as God made it abundantly clear that I was to be there. As most are aware, I do not solicit funds for this outreach (although donations are most welcome). That said, God laid it on the hearts of a couple of folks to provide the means -- unsolicited mind you -- for me to go to Minneapolis so that I could do my part to honor Chris and minister to his wife Emily, family and colleagues (truly God-ordained/God-provided). In addition, and again without my asking, Minneapolis PD Sgt. William “Bill” Palmer arranged to pick me up at the airport, lodged me in his home (many thanks to Bill’s wife Lisa), provided transportation to the events, and then got me to my departing flight! Bill is MPD’s Public Information Officer and a major coordinator for this monumental event -- outstanding behavior and way “above and beyond” (but Bill also agrees that God clearly arranged all that as well). I’m blessed by our newly-formed friendship.
Among my fellow speakers was Emily’s sister, Hannah Bergman, who had us all both laughing and in tears. Hannah is currently in the Milwaukee PD academy where she is following in her brother-in-law’s footsteps. In addition, Emily’s Colorado pastor – Jim Burgen of Flatirons Community Church in Lafayette -- gave a powerful Christ-centered, seed-planting message that proved to be a very tough act for me to follow. I had the honour of giving the internment message at the cemetery where I talked about the fact that Chris knew Christ as his Savior and that he IS with the Lord because (and ONLY because) of that life-changing relationship. I also shared the source of our authority and calling as peace offices as detailed in Romans 13:1-7 but pointed out that being “God’s ministers for good and a terror against evil” does not grant LEOs some kind of heavenly “get out of hell, free” pass as many wrongly believe. Rather, our Lord tells us that HE is the ONLY way to salvation and that we can never be “good” enough to get there on our own or by virtue of our office (see John 14:6, Acts 4:12, and related passages). No doubt I upset a few folks with this truth but the truth is what God sent me there to share (and what Chris would want me to tell his friends and loved ones). My hope is that together Jim and I were able to convey both God’s love and the urgency (tomorrow is promised to no one and there are NO second chances once this life ends) of making a decision for Christ in light of the untenable alternative.
The ceremonies concluded with MPD Dispatch airing the final “10-7” radio call for Chris (yes, my face was wet with more than sweat). The overall event was done with great respect and style – a truly outstanding effort by all involved (including but not limited to Minneapolis PD, Hennepin County SO, Living Word Christian Center, and many more). God’s hand was clearly in all of this and it was an incredible honour to attend, participate, and celebrate the life and service of Christopher Dewey. God used us to plant seeds with well over 2000 LEOs and family members and it was a blessing to see the outpouring of support from the public who turned out along the route to the cemetery. The media was asked to honor the Dewey family’s wishes for a degree of decorum/respect and we were relieved that see that they were true to those wishes. Below you will find links to some of the news stories (photos, videos, etc.).
Please keep Em , the families, and Chris’s colleagues in prayer during this time of healing.
DEWEY FUNERAL STORIES, VIDEOS & STORY LINKS:
(1) Story http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/288173/
(2) Slideshows: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kstp/sets/72157624755213296/show/
and http://kstp.com/news/stories/S1703325.shtml?cat=1
(3) Story with good slideshow/photos: http://www.startribune.com/local/north/100984584.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUsX
Meeting Remider that TONIGHT’S MEETING IS CANCELLED!
Again – and as previously announced -- we will NOT be meeting tonight due to my having to be in Minneapolis on such short notice. We’ll be back on schedule next Thursday as per the updated meeting schedule in the following post. I’ve also posted some new pics of Chris and Em taken before he was shot in February of 2009 – scroll down to the bottom of the page. In addition, I will post a detailed recap from Erv Meyer’s outstanding teaching from our August 12th meeting in next week’s newsletter – stay tuned.
PRAYER REQUESTS have been updated -- see following post and check back frequently for new updates.
Finally, I’ll close on a positive story about our returning veterans and those who turn out to greet and honor them – including our former Commander-in-Chief (thanks to all those who have been forwarding this to me): http://action.afa.net/Detail.aspx?id=2147497560.
Let’s stay safe, exercise sound tactics, and come home to our families at end-of-watch.
I just got back from Deputy Chris Dewey’s police funeral in Minnesota so will try to keep this week’s newsletter appropriately manageable. First, thanks go out to all who prayed for us regarding yesterday’s events. How it all came together on my end was nothing short of a miracle as God made it abundantly clear that I was to be there. As most are aware, I do not solicit funds for this outreach (although donations are most welcome). That said, God laid it on the hearts of a couple of folks to provide the means -- unsolicited mind you -- for me to go to Minneapolis so that I could do my part to honor Chris and minister to his wife Emily, family and colleagues (truly God-ordained/God-provided). In addition, and again without my asking, Minneapolis PD Sgt. William “Bill” Palmer arranged to pick me up at the airport, lodged me in his home (many thanks to Bill’s wife Lisa), provided transportation to the events, and then got me to my departing flight! Bill is MPD’s Public Information Officer and a major coordinator for this monumental event -- outstanding behavior and way “above and beyond” (but Bill also agrees that God clearly arranged all that as well). I’m blessed by our newly-formed friendship.
Among my fellow speakers was Emily’s sister, Hannah Bergman, who had us all both laughing and in tears. Hannah is currently in the Milwaukee PD academy where she is following in her brother-in-law’s footsteps. In addition, Emily’s Colorado pastor – Jim Burgen of Flatirons Community Church in Lafayette -- gave a powerful Christ-centered, seed-planting message that proved to be a very tough act for me to follow. I had the honour of giving the internment message at the cemetery where I talked about the fact that Chris knew Christ as his Savior and that he IS with the Lord because (and ONLY because) of that life-changing relationship. I also shared the source of our authority and calling as peace offices as detailed in Romans 13:1-7 but pointed out that being “God’s ministers for good and a terror against evil” does not grant LEOs some kind of heavenly “get out of hell, free” pass as many wrongly believe. Rather, our Lord tells us that HE is the ONLY way to salvation and that we can never be “good” enough to get there on our own or by virtue of our office (see John 14:6, Acts 4:12, and related passages). No doubt I upset a few folks with this truth but the truth is what God sent me there to share (and what Chris would want me to tell his friends and loved ones). My hope is that together Jim and I were able to convey both God’s love and the urgency (tomorrow is promised to no one and there are NO second chances once this life ends) of making a decision for Christ in light of the untenable alternative.
The ceremonies concluded with MPD Dispatch airing the final “10-7” radio call for Chris (yes, my face was wet with more than sweat). The overall event was done with great respect and style – a truly outstanding effort by all involved (including but not limited to Minneapolis PD, Hennepin County SO, Living Word Christian Center, and many more). God’s hand was clearly in all of this and it was an incredible honour to attend, participate, and celebrate the life and service of Christopher Dewey. God used us to plant seeds with well over 2000 LEOs and family members and it was a blessing to see the outpouring of support from the public who turned out along the route to the cemetery. The media was asked to honor the Dewey family’s wishes for a degree of decorum/respect and we were relieved that see that they were true to those wishes. Below you will find links to some of the news stories (photos, videos, etc.).
Please keep Em , the families, and Chris’s colleagues in prayer during this time of healing.
DEWEY FUNERAL STORIES, VIDEOS & STORY LINKS:
(1) Story http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/288173/
(2) Slideshows: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kstp/sets/72157624755213296/show/
and http://kstp.com/news/stories/S1703325.shtml?cat=1
(3) Story with good slideshow/photos: http://www.startribune.com/local/north/100984584.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUsX
Meeting Remider that TONIGHT’S MEETING IS CANCELLED!
Again – and as previously announced -- we will NOT be meeting tonight due to my having to be in Minneapolis on such short notice. We’ll be back on schedule next Thursday as per the updated meeting schedule in the following post. I’ve also posted some new pics of Chris and Em taken before he was shot in February of 2009 – scroll down to the bottom of the page. In addition, I will post a detailed recap from Erv Meyer’s outstanding teaching from our August 12th meeting in next week’s newsletter – stay tuned.
PRAYER REQUESTS have been updated -- see following post and check back frequently for new updates.
Finally, I’ll close on a positive story about our returning veterans and those who turn out to greet and honor them – including our former Commander-in-Chief (thanks to all those who have been forwarding this to me): http://action.afa.net/Detail.aspx?id=2147497560.
Let’s stay safe, exercise sound tactics, and come home to our families at end-of-watch.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Latest Prayer Requests and Updates
Here are the latest updates, meeting schedule and prayer requests. Remember (for our locals/visitors) -- NO MEETING this week. I'll have the newsletter with a recap of last week's Bible study out in a couple of days. Don't forget to check back frequently for the latest updates and announcements.
UPDATED (072910) PRAYER REQUESTS:
(1) Arkansas ("Ar-Kansas," not "Arkansas" like the state), Kansas Chief of Police and fellow FCPO Board Member Sean Wallace sent the following prayer request to us regarding one of his officers, Dan Huntley. Sean writes, Hi guys...I do not know if you remember Dan Huntley from my department who attended our last conference in Co. Springs. His dad is ill with cancer. Please see his e-mail to me and other Christian officers below and keep him in your prayers.
Dan writes, You guys might keep my dad in prayer as he has gone to a cancer doctor and has found a 3 cm tumor on his pancreas and black spots on his liver. The doctors are pretty confident that it is cancer so were trying to figure out our options on treatment, etc. My dad is 76 years old.
(2) From another fellow FCPO board member -- Paul Lee -- of Chattanooga PD, TN:
Please keep Chattanooga, TN PD Officer/now mother Sheila Blankenship Jetton and her newborn daughter Elizabeth in your prayers. Elizabeth has had some problems since she was born (extended stay in 2 hospitals) and I know it has taken a toll on mom and dad. Please keep all of them in your prayers. Also click on the link below and read Elizabeth's story. Then take the time to sign the guest book to let Ofc. Jetton know you are praying for them especially all who are outside the Chattanooga or USA area. Let Officer Jetton know this thin blue line of prayer goes around the world. Please pass this prayer request on to all of your prayer warriors to.
A note from Officer Jetton: I have received numerous emails and phone calls regarding my daughter. And felt that an email would be the best way to share the information with anyone who wished to know what was going on with her. My 7 month old daughter Elizabeth was diagnosed with a rare lung disease and pulmonary hypertension at birth and has spent 2 1/2 of the last 7 months in the hospital. After being referred to and seen by a specialist at Cincinnati Children's Hospital last week, we were sent to Vanderbilt and she was admitted to the hospital again.
For anyone who wishes to follow her progress her website is www.caringbridge.org/visit/elizabethjetton My family and I greatly appreciate the concern and support that everyone has given us.
Officer Sheila Blankenship Jetton 1048 Fox 2nd Shift
(3) Pray for a colleague (spiritual and physical) who is recovering from hip replacement surgery (not me again -- there are many others).
(4) A deputy *("Brad") asks that we pray for his son who has been sent back to prison.
(5) Pray for a colleague (Les) who has accepted a contractor position in Afghanistan.
(6) Here's the latest on Dep. Chris Dewey. His wife Emily wrote the following TODAY (Thu, 072910) on there Caring Bridge site (www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey):
I can't believe it's been nearly a week since I've updated this site. It feels like it could have been one day or one month.... We continue to be in a holding pattern of sorts, keeping Chris comfortable, praying with him, and enjoying each and every moment that the Lord is granting us. As difficult as this time is, I still have such a God-given peace about all of this. However, it has been over a year since I've had a good "ugly cry" and I know it's coming..... :)As always, thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers. I truly can feel the prayers in my heart; I know I couldn't have the peace I have without them. God Bless! Emily
I plan on attending the funeral if I can...but let's keep praying NOW for both of them.
(7) Dennis Casida has asked that we be in prayer for his son Chad and his family. Chad is deploying to Iraq on 072910.
Check back frequently for the latest updates...and check the previous prayer requests as well.
UPDATED SCHEDULE:
Thursday, 072910: NO MEETING (see above)
Thursday, 080510: Regular meeting -- 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver (http://www.calvarycsd.org/ for directions).
Thursday, 081210: Regular meeting (same time/place as above).
Saturday, 081410: 1st Annual Centurion Ministry BBQ!! 1600 hours to ?? at our place in Highlands Ranch. Call, email or (better yet) come our next meeting for details, directions, etc. We're providing the meet -- you folks can bring the beverages and sides.
UPDATED (072910) PRAYER REQUESTS:
(1) Arkansas ("Ar-Kansas," not "Arkansas" like the state), Kansas Chief of Police and fellow FCPO Board Member Sean Wallace sent the following prayer request to us regarding one of his officers, Dan Huntley. Sean writes, Hi guys...I do not know if you remember Dan Huntley from my department who attended our last conference in Co. Springs. His dad is ill with cancer. Please see his e-mail to me and other Christian officers below and keep him in your prayers.
Dan writes, You guys might keep my dad in prayer as he has gone to a cancer doctor and has found a 3 cm tumor on his pancreas and black spots on his liver. The doctors are pretty confident that it is cancer so were trying to figure out our options on treatment, etc. My dad is 76 years old.
(2) From another fellow FCPO board member -- Paul Lee -- of Chattanooga PD, TN:
Please keep Chattanooga, TN PD Officer/now mother Sheila Blankenship Jetton and her newborn daughter Elizabeth in your prayers. Elizabeth has had some problems since she was born (extended stay in 2 hospitals) and I know it has taken a toll on mom and dad. Please keep all of them in your prayers. Also click on the link below and read Elizabeth's story. Then take the time to sign the guest book to let Ofc. Jetton know you are praying for them especially all who are outside the Chattanooga or USA area. Let Officer Jetton know this thin blue line of prayer goes around the world. Please pass this prayer request on to all of your prayer warriors to.
A note from Officer Jetton: I have received numerous emails and phone calls regarding my daughter. And felt that an email would be the best way to share the information with anyone who wished to know what was going on with her. My 7 month old daughter Elizabeth was diagnosed with a rare lung disease and pulmonary hypertension at birth and has spent 2 1/2 of the last 7 months in the hospital. After being referred to and seen by a specialist at Cincinnati Children's Hospital last week, we were sent to Vanderbilt and she was admitted to the hospital again.
For anyone who wishes to follow her progress her website is www.caringbridge.org/visit/elizabethjetton My family and I greatly appreciate the concern and support that everyone has given us.
Officer Sheila Blankenship Jetton 1048 Fox 2nd Shift
(3) Pray for a colleague (spiritual and physical) who is recovering from hip replacement surgery (not me again -- there are many others).
(4) A deputy *("Brad") asks that we pray for his son who has been sent back to prison.
(5) Pray for a colleague (Les) who has accepted a contractor position in Afghanistan.
(6) Here's the latest on Dep. Chris Dewey. His wife Emily wrote the following TODAY (Thu, 072910) on there Caring Bridge site (www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey):
I can't believe it's been nearly a week since I've updated this site. It feels like it could have been one day or one month.... We continue to be in a holding pattern of sorts, keeping Chris comfortable, praying with him, and enjoying each and every moment that the Lord is granting us. As difficult as this time is, I still have such a God-given peace about all of this. However, it has been over a year since I've had a good "ugly cry" and I know it's coming..... :)As always, thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers. I truly can feel the prayers in my heart; I know I couldn't have the peace I have without them. God Bless! Emily
I plan on attending the funeral if I can...but let's keep praying NOW for both of them.
(7) Dennis Casida has asked that we be in prayer for his son Chad and his family. Chad is deploying to Iraq on 072910.
Check back frequently for the latest updates...and check the previous prayer requests as well.
UPDATED SCHEDULE:
Thursday, 072910: NO MEETING (see above)
Thursday, 080510: Regular meeting -- 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver (http://www.calvarycsd.org/ for directions).
Thursday, 081210: Regular meeting (same time/place as above).
Saturday, 081410: 1st Annual Centurion Ministry BBQ!! 1600 hours to ?? at our place in Highlands Ranch. Call, email or (better yet) come our next meeting for details, directions, etc. We're providing the meet -- you folks can bring the beverages and sides.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Updated 7/20: Latest Prayer Requests & Meeting Reminder
UPDATED PRAYER REQUESTS (see previous prayer request post -- Monday, July 12th -- for additional):
New Officers at Craig Hospital:
(1) Agent Todd Gregory sent the following: Kyle Rosentreter, a deputy with the Carbon County S.O. in Rawlins, WY, was involved in an on-duty MVA on July 4th. Another vehicle had mechanical issues and struck him on the driver's A pillar when he was responding to a call. On July 13th Kyle was transferred to Craig Hospital (Englewood, CO). He is recovering from a broken neck, C6, and has limited movement due to the injury and swelling. Thank you for your continued prayer and support for the Warriors.
Please pray for Kyle and, if you are local, visit if you can. I plan on seeing him 07/22.
New Officers at Craig Hospital:
(1) Agent Todd Gregory sent the following: Kyle Rosentreter, a deputy with the Carbon County S.O. in Rawlins, WY, was involved in an on-duty MVA on July 4th. Another vehicle had mechanical issues and struck him on the driver's A pillar when he was responding to a call. On July 13th Kyle was transferred to Craig Hospital (Englewood, CO). He is recovering from a broken neck, C6, and has limited movement due to the injury and swelling. Thank you for your continued prayer and support for the Warriors.
Please pray for Kyle and, if you are local, visit if you can. I plan on seeing him 07/22.
(2) Mineral County (CO) Deputy Scott Warrington sustained a serious line-of-duty spinal injury on the 4th of July. He is currently undergoing evaluation and rehap at Craig Hospital in Englewood. Please pray for Scott and, if you are local, visit him at Craig (in uniform if you can). Email me for specifics. I hope to see him on 07/22.
(3) Michigan Officer Max Faistenhammer is also at Craig Hospital undergoing rehab for his spinal injury. See previous posts for more details about Max and/or email me for further. Email me for his room number and/or check in with the staff on 3-East if you plan to visit. My next visit will be on 07/22.
(4) Ofc. Mike Severson from Wisconsin has been readmitted to Craig due to complications from a duty-related gun shot wound(s). Mike is on 3-West. I'll see him 07/22 as well.
Please join me in visiting if you're the Denver Front Range -- and lift them all in prayer regardless.
-- Sgt. Dino Heckermann in Illinois asks that we be in prayer for a colleague ("Doug") who is seeking to get back into the profession and who is also fighting for his marriage. Doug is a believer.
-- A deputy's wife is a finalist for a teaching position at a Christian charter school. Please pray for God's favor as well as peace and confidence during the interview process.
-- Continue to pray for Dep. Chris Dewey, his wife Emily, their family, and colleagues. I'll keep you posted on his status as I know it and/or you can sign up for updates on his Caring Bridge page: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey. See previous post on Chris for more details.
-- Pray for wisdom and godly guidance for the Colorado Parole Board reference the upcoming parole hearing for convicted serial rapist William Graham. Graham was convicted for the brutal assault on Denver PD Ofc. Kara Bilstein and is coming up for another shot at parole early next month. Graham has reportedly vowed to go after Kara if he is paroled. Graham needs to both come to Christ and finish serving his full 24-year sentence.
-- CJ with Grand Junction PD sent the following ref. a firefighter who battling leukemia: We have a GJFD Firefighter whose leukemia has come back and he is fighting a host of issues. His wife is one of our dispatchers and she is now with him at the hospital in Denver, after just getting out of the hospital herself only a couple of weeks ago. Their names are Meredith & Chris Bryson. We were asked to donate leave time for Meredith so she can stay with him but didn't get an update today on how he's doing. He's been fighting this about 2 1/2 years now and has stayed strong but it seems its the complications that are taking him down instead of the actual leukemia. UPDATE 07/19: I just learned the sad news that Chris passed-away this morning. Please keep Meredith, their family, and Chris's colleagues in your prayers.
-- Please continue to keep Denver PD Ofc. Allison Casias in prayer (spiritual and physical). See http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/allisoncasias for the latest updates.
"Cop Church" MEETING REMINDER:
I'll post the next e-newsletter later this week and we'll have our weekly "cop church service" (fellowship meeting) this coming Thursday, July 22nd, starting at 1900 hours at Calvary South Denver in Littleton. Please join us for a great time of worship (Matt Wallenburg is our worship music leader -- powerful), profession-relevant Bible study, prayer and fellowship. Don't forget to pass the word!
Here's the UPDATED SCHEDULE:
* Thursday, July 22, 2010 Regular meeting (see above)
* Thursday, July 29, 2010 NO MEETING. See upcoming newsletter for details.
Friday, July 16, 2010
News About Deputy Chris Dewey
Folks:
It is with great difficulty, sadness and yes -- even JOY -- that I pass-on the news that our brother, Mahnomen County (MN) Deputy Chris Dewey has taken a turn for the worse and is not expected to be with us for much longer. I received word from Chris and Emily's family (natural and law enforcement alike) this morning of the following (read all the way through -- more at the bottom):
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=858944
GOLDEN VALLEY -- A Mahnomen County Deputy who was shot in the line of duty more than a year ago is on the verge of death, according to his doctors.
Deputy Chris Dewey is currently in hospice care.
Doctors have told his family he has only days left to live.
Deputy Dewey was shot twice in the stomach and once in the head in February 2009. He seemed to be doing well in the days after the shooting. Many people even called his recovery miraculous. But since then Dewey has suffered a series a setbacks including a brain hemorrhage. He spent a year at a Denver rehabilitation facility and returned to Minnesota a few months ago. He hasn't spoken since November.
"His condition has gotten worse of this last little bit and they found that his lung collapsed and it's putting such pressure on his heart that he just can't handle it," his uncle Eric Dewey told KARE 11.
According to Dewey's CaringBridge website doctors were giving him botox injections to help him ease his pain.
A few months ago his family and friends started a campaign on Facebook to lobby the producers of the television show "Extreme Home Makeover, Home Edition" to build Dewey a special needs equipped home.
A fundraiser that was already set for Dewey on Saturday, August 28th will go on as planned. It will be held at the Cambridge Armed Forces Reserve Center from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Dewey family asks that you keep Chris in your prayers.
(Copyright 2010 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)
I can say without a doubt that our brother knows Christ as his Savior and, as such, if our Lord mercifully decides to bring Chris home, then we need to celebrate his life and true salvation. If God chooses to perform yet another miracle and heal our brother, praise God as well! If Chris gets to go home, then Heaven will be rejoicing and I can't wait to see him again when my time comes. That said, Chris is not gone yet and we need to stay the course and pray -- pray for Chris, for Emily, their families, and all who love them.
Please go to Chris's Caring Bridge site to send your prayers and support (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey/journal). I'll have more in next week's newsletter or perhaps later this week. Thanks to all who called and or emailed me this morning.
Let's take care of each other out there!
It is with great difficulty, sadness and yes -- even JOY -- that I pass-on the news that our brother, Mahnomen County (MN) Deputy Chris Dewey has taken a turn for the worse and is not expected to be with us for much longer. I received word from Chris and Emily's family (natural and law enforcement alike) this morning of the following (read all the way through -- more at the bottom):
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=858944
GOLDEN VALLEY -- A Mahnomen County Deputy who was shot in the line of duty more than a year ago is on the verge of death, according to his doctors.
Deputy Chris Dewey is currently in hospice care.
Doctors have told his family he has only days left to live.
Deputy Dewey was shot twice in the stomach and once in the head in February 2009. He seemed to be doing well in the days after the shooting. Many people even called his recovery miraculous. But since then Dewey has suffered a series a setbacks including a brain hemorrhage. He spent a year at a Denver rehabilitation facility and returned to Minnesota a few months ago. He hasn't spoken since November.
"His condition has gotten worse of this last little bit and they found that his lung collapsed and it's putting such pressure on his heart that he just can't handle it," his uncle Eric Dewey told KARE 11.
According to Dewey's CaringBridge website doctors were giving him botox injections to help him ease his pain.
A few months ago his family and friends started a campaign on Facebook to lobby the producers of the television show "Extreme Home Makeover, Home Edition" to build Dewey a special needs equipped home.
A fundraiser that was already set for Dewey on Saturday, August 28th will go on as planned. It will be held at the Cambridge Armed Forces Reserve Center from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Dewey family asks that you keep Chris in your prayers.
(Copyright 2010 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)
I can say without a doubt that our brother knows Christ as his Savior and, as such, if our Lord mercifully decides to bring Chris home, then we need to celebrate his life and true salvation. If God chooses to perform yet another miracle and heal our brother, praise God as well! If Chris gets to go home, then Heaven will be rejoicing and I can't wait to see him again when my time comes. That said, Chris is not gone yet and we need to stay the course and pray -- pray for Chris, for Emily, their families, and all who love them.
Please go to Chris's Caring Bridge site to send your prayers and support (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey/journal). I'll have more in next week's newsletter or perhaps later this week. Thanks to all who called and or emailed me this morning.
Let's take care of each other out there!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Latest Prayer Requests and Meeting Schedule
Updated MEETING SCHEDULE:
-- Thursday, July 15th. 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver (go to http://www.calvarycsd.org/Location/ for directions) in the Multi-Purpose room -- straight ahead after entering the main doors.
-- Thursday, July 22nd. Same time/place as above.
-- Thursday, July 29th. NO MEETING as Joel Rosenberg will be speaking at Calvary South Denver. Details can be found at http://www.calvarycsd.org/ or http://www.ministryarchitecture.com/. A number of us will be providing security to Joel, his family, and the congregation. If you are local or visiting, this would be great event for you to attend and the $25 cost is actually a tax deductible donation to Joel's parents' ministry -- Ministry Architecture, Inc. Regardless, this is a good time to remind everyone to carry off-duty -- especially at church!
Updated (071410) PRAYER REQUESTS (please see the previous posts for additional):
-- Please pray for a fellow agent's teen daughter who is experiencing some severe psycological issues (depression and more). Pray for our brother and his bride as well as this has been a very difficult issue in more ways that one.
-- "David," a strong believer/officer in Canada, covets prayers for his son "Daniel" who is undergoing another "nightmare" scenario stemming from a line-of-duty incident. "David" writes, We meet tomorrow with "Dan's" lawyer and need prayer for (1) that or God's "legal Angels" to be loosed in Heaven and on Earth; (2) for wisdom; (3) for eloquence and a clear head; (4) for a winning strategy to defeat Satan pre trial; (5) for Judicial favour - in court next week over "pre trial motions". We are 37 months-post event and I just wrote today an 8 page list of unsatisfied disclosure issues. It is simply unbelievable what they have failed to do. We are following an unusual defence policy of "no document, record or video can hurt us" it is the prosecution who is holding back crucial info. This is a reversal of normal court practice. This situation is so extreme it should be dealt with now, not at trial in September. Thank you for praying for us.
-- Let's continue to keep the men and women of the Grand Junction PD in prayer as that agency is dealing with a host of issues. Some of those prayers need to be for Chief Camper and the GJPD leadership -- that they would in fact be the true servant-leaders God has called them to be.
-- Agent Dexter Wells has asked us to pray for ATF Special Agent Will Clark. See http://www.fleoa.org/ for details.
-- A fellow investigator's father is having some medical tests *(7/11) -- possible cancer. Please keep him in prayer. PRAISE REPORT/update 07/12!! Rich reported that his dad's tests came back negative/cancer-free!! Praise God/Thank You Lord (and thanks to all who prayed)!
-- Pray for a sergeant who is in great pain and facing surgery to correct a duty-related leg injury (healing, pain management, etc.). This is possibly career-ending.
-- Pray for a state law enforcement administrator who is under high stress and working extremely long hours (legislation, lawsuits, brand new enforcement division, etc.) building a first-of-its-kind drug regulatory and enforcement protocol to better serve and protect the citizens.
-- A chief and his family are going through the sudden loss of a child (chief's grandchild). This has been particularly hard on our brother's wife and daughter. Please lift them in prayer.
-- "Officer Down" news: this week marks the 1st anniversary of Deputy Joe Harris's murder. A picture of Joe is posted here on this website (scroll down) at our memorial in DC. We need to keep the Harris family in prayer as this is a very difficult time.
-- Let’s keep a colleague and his wife in prayer as they fight for the welfare of their teen daughter along with the job-related issues that go along with it. They have a meeting with CPS tomorrow.
-- Pray for an officer who is dealing with administrators who continually fail to back their officers (including the party about whom I'm posting) and look for opportunities to brow-beat them -- thus fostering the proverbial "I better not do anything or I'll be in trouble again" syndrome that is anathema in our profession. Another sad example of poor leadership.
-- We continue to visit with Brownstown (MI) PD Officer Max Faistenhammer who is currently paralyzed and undergoing rehab here at Craig Hospital. Pray that our brother comes to Christ and that our Lord would grant Max healing in accordance with His perfect will. A benefit is being held for Max this Saturday in Michigan -- see special post for details (7/12/10 above).
-- Please continue to pray for Mahnomen County (MN) Dep. Chris Dewey and his wife Emily. Both are having a rough time with Chris's ongoing medical issues stemming from being shot in the line of duty last year. Chris is having a benefit as well -- see special post above ( 7/12/10) for details.
-- I will be marrying another couple on July 31st. Keep me in prayer as I share God’s truth/message with them and ultimately, with those attending.
-- Don't forget to check the previous prayer request posts as those folks are still very much in need of prayer.
-- Thursday, July 15th. 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver (go to http://www.calvarycsd.org/Location/ for directions) in the Multi-Purpose room -- straight ahead after entering the main doors.
-- Thursday, July 22nd. Same time/place as above.
-- Thursday, July 29th. NO MEETING as Joel Rosenberg will be speaking at Calvary South Denver. Details can be found at http://www.calvarycsd.org/ or http://www.ministryarchitecture.com/. A number of us will be providing security to Joel, his family, and the congregation. If you are local or visiting, this would be great event for you to attend and the $25 cost is actually a tax deductible donation to Joel's parents' ministry -- Ministry Architecture, Inc. Regardless, this is a good time to remind everyone to carry off-duty -- especially at church!
Updated (071410) PRAYER REQUESTS (please see the previous posts for additional):
-- Please pray for a fellow agent's teen daughter who is experiencing some severe psycological issues (depression and more). Pray for our brother and his bride as well as this has been a very difficult issue in more ways that one.
-- "David," a strong believer/officer in Canada, covets prayers for his son "Daniel" who is undergoing another "nightmare" scenario stemming from a line-of-duty incident. "David" writes, We meet tomorrow with "Dan's" lawyer and need prayer for (1) that or God's "legal Angels" to be loosed in Heaven and on Earth; (2) for wisdom; (3) for eloquence and a clear head; (4) for a winning strategy to defeat Satan pre trial; (5) for Judicial favour - in court next week over "pre trial motions". We are 37 months-post event and I just wrote today an 8 page list of unsatisfied disclosure issues. It is simply unbelievable what they have failed to do. We are following an unusual defence policy of "no document, record or video can hurt us" it is the prosecution who is holding back crucial info. This is a reversal of normal court practice. This situation is so extreme it should be dealt with now, not at trial in September. Thank you for praying for us.
-- Let's continue to keep the men and women of the Grand Junction PD in prayer as that agency is dealing with a host of issues. Some of those prayers need to be for Chief Camper and the GJPD leadership -- that they would in fact be the true servant-leaders God has called them to be.
-- Agent Dexter Wells has asked us to pray for ATF Special Agent Will Clark. See http://www.fleoa.org/ for details.
-- A fellow investigator's father is having some medical tests *(7/11) -- possible cancer. Please keep him in prayer. PRAISE REPORT/update 07/12!! Rich reported that his dad's tests came back negative/cancer-free!! Praise God/Thank You Lord (and thanks to all who prayed)!
-- Pray for a sergeant who is in great pain and facing surgery to correct a duty-related leg injury (healing, pain management, etc.). This is possibly career-ending.
-- Pray for a state law enforcement administrator who is under high stress and working extremely long hours (legislation, lawsuits, brand new enforcement division, etc.) building a first-of-its-kind drug regulatory and enforcement protocol to better serve and protect the citizens.
-- A chief and his family are going through the sudden loss of a child (chief's grandchild). This has been particularly hard on our brother's wife and daughter. Please lift them in prayer.
-- "Officer Down" news: this week marks the 1st anniversary of Deputy Joe Harris's murder. A picture of Joe is posted here on this website (scroll down) at our memorial in DC. We need to keep the Harris family in prayer as this is a very difficult time.
-- Let’s keep a colleague and his wife in prayer as they fight for the welfare of their teen daughter along with the job-related issues that go along with it. They have a meeting with CPS tomorrow.
-- Pray for an officer who is dealing with administrators who continually fail to back their officers (including the party about whom I'm posting) and look for opportunities to brow-beat them -- thus fostering the proverbial "I better not do anything or I'll be in trouble again" syndrome that is anathema in our profession. Another sad example of poor leadership.
-- We continue to visit with Brownstown (MI) PD Officer Max Faistenhammer who is currently paralyzed and undergoing rehab here at Craig Hospital. Pray that our brother comes to Christ and that our Lord would grant Max healing in accordance with His perfect will. A benefit is being held for Max this Saturday in Michigan -- see special post for details (7/12/10 above).
-- Please continue to pray for Mahnomen County (MN) Dep. Chris Dewey and his wife Emily. Both are having a rough time with Chris's ongoing medical issues stemming from being shot in the line of duty last year. Chris is having a benefit as well -- see special post above ( 7/12/10) for details.
-- I will be marrying another couple on July 31st. Keep me in prayer as I share God’s truth/message with them and ultimately, with those attending.
-- Don't forget to check the previous prayer request posts as those folks are still very much in need of prayer.
Monday, February 22, 2010
UPDATED: Dep. Chris Dewey's Departure Information
DPD Ofc. Danny Veith submitted this update a short time ago:
TO Denver Area Law Enforcement Community
FROM Det Danny Veith, Denver PD Employee Assistance & Wellness
DATE February 22, 2010
SUBJECT Revised Time of Departure From Craig / Route
Minnesota Deputy Chris Dewey arrived at Craig Hospital ( Englewood , CO ) on March 5, 2009 for the interdisciplinary Traumatic Brain Injury Program to address the multiple gunshot wounds he sustained. Chris is leaving Craig Hospital tomorrow to return home to Minnesota.
We are hoping the Denver area law enforcement community will come out to Craig Hospital tomorrow morning, at 9:30 AM, to bid farewell to Chris and his wife Emily. We are also planning an escort from Craig Hospital ( 3425 S. Clarkson Street ) to Centennial Airport . Officers in marked patrol vehicles are encouraged to participate (parking will be made available on S. Clarkson Street ).
The anticipated route, from Craig Hospital, will be Hampden Ave East to I-25, I-25 South to Arapahoe Rd, Arapahoe Rd East to S. Peoria, and Peoria South to the Denver Jetcenter facility at 7625 S. Peoria St.
Detective Danny Veith, 94040
Employee Assistance & Wellness
Office of the Chief of Police
1331 Cherokee Street Denver, CO 80204
Desk: 720-913-6569
Nextel: 720-641-0208
TO Denver Area Law Enforcement Community
FROM Det Danny Veith, Denver PD Employee Assistance & Wellness
DATE February 22, 2010
SUBJECT Revised Time of Departure From Craig / Route
Minnesota Deputy Chris Dewey arrived at Craig Hospital ( Englewood , CO ) on March 5, 2009 for the interdisciplinary Traumatic Brain Injury Program to address the multiple gunshot wounds he sustained. Chris is leaving Craig Hospital tomorrow to return home to Minnesota.
We are hoping the Denver area law enforcement community will come out to Craig Hospital tomorrow morning, at 9:30 AM, to bid farewell to Chris and his wife Emily. We are also planning an escort from Craig Hospital ( 3425 S. Clarkson Street ) to Centennial Airport . Officers in marked patrol vehicles are encouraged to participate (parking will be made available on S. Clarkson Street ).
The anticipated route, from Craig Hospital, will be Hampden Ave East to I-25, I-25 South to Arapahoe Rd, Arapahoe Rd East to S. Peoria, and Peoria South to the Denver Jetcenter facility at 7625 S. Peoria St.
Detective Danny Veith, 94040
Employee Assistance & Wellness
Office of the Chief of Police
1331 Cherokee Street Denver, CO 80204
Desk: 720-913-6569
Nextel: 720-641-0208
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Samson -- A Lack of Integrity in Leadership
UPDATED 02/22/10
Dear Fellow Servant-Leaders:
I’m making an attempt to get the newsletter out a little early this week – hope it helps.
First off, we had a really great meeting last Thursday as we finished our study on the importance of credibility and compassion in leadership. In addition, our worship leader -- officer candidate Matt Wallenburg -- is back to open our meetings with some outstanding worship music (You are a true blessing, Bro!).
Here is the recap for all those outside our little section of the world:
Fairman, in his “Leadership Lessons from God” series, cites four critical leadership responsibilities: shepherding, stewardship, vision, and servanthood (see http://www.rayfairman.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=60&Itemid=9). In turn, I expanded on those key responsibilities and provided biblical support for each, as follows:
(1) Shepherding: As anyone who reads my posts or hears me speak knows, I’m a huge proponent of Lt. Col. Dave Grossman and his outstanding “sheepdog” analogy as it relates to the military and law enforcement (see http://www.killology.com/sheep_dog.htm). When it comes to godly leadership, however, we really need to have an understanding of what that similitude looks like. Yes, we (LEO’s) are indeed “sheepdogs.” But what do sheepdogs do in terms of the sheep? They usually “lead” and serve from the rear: they herd/push the sheep and keep/protect them from going astray. Yes, there is leadership there but ultimately both the sheep and the sheepdogs follow and are under the authority and leadership of the shepherd. Biblically speaking, the shepherd knows, feeds, protects, teaches, guides and loves both sheep and sheepdogs alike. Christ is clearly our ultimate role model of THE Shepherd. Instead of driving the sheep as the sheepdog does, the shepherd LEADS from the FRONT. See Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34: 1-23, and 1 Peter 5:2-3.
(2) Stewardship: Our focus here should be on developing dependability, fidelity, accountability and HUMILITY. See Luke 24:22-27.
(3) Vision: A true leader must have clear vision and be able to communicate that vision to both those they lead AND those they themselves follow. Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1; 4:16; 5:14-15) and Joseph (Genesis 39-41; 41:16 and 38) displayed visionary leadership – and they were followed because of that vision. Proverbs 29:18 tells us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”
(4) Servanthood: I’ve touched on this many times in the past but, in brief, God is calling us to lead with a servant’s heart (servant-leadership). See John 13; Philippians 2:3-11; and Isaiah 53.
So what kind of leader are you? Do you know anyone who fits this biblical model in your agency? One great example I know of is fellow FCPO board member and Arkansas City, Kansas Chief of Police Sean Wallace. Outstanding behavior!
UPDATE 02/22/10: Speaking of Sean, please keep his wife Robin in prayer as she was rushed to the hospital early this morning due to a heart condition.
This Thursday (2/25, 1900 hours, Room 7, Calvary South Denver, Littleton), we’ll take a look at the subject of "Integrity in Leadership" via an example of what NOT to do: truly poor leadership in the person of Samson. Please join us for great worship music, fellowship, profession-relevant Bible study and prayer. Our meetings are a great example of iron sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17).
BIBLE STUDY RESOURCES:
I get regular quesions about Bible study resources. Most know that I’m a big fan of http://www.gotquestions.org/ but here are two additional recommended resources (both are listed in the LINKS section on the left side of this page):
(1) http://www.biblestudytools.com/
(2) http://www.blueletterbible.org/ (outstanding online Bible).
DEPUTY CHRIS DEWEY’S DEPARTURE UPDATE:
As many are aware, Mahnomen County Deputy Chris Dewey was shot and left for dead one year ago last week (February 18th) and spent the ensuing eleven-plus months undergoing eleven surgeries and ongoing rehab here in Englewood. Chris is finally headed home to Minnesota and his wife Emily announced that they will leave this coming Tuesday (2/23) at 1000. I spent some time with Chris, Emily, and Ross (Em’s Dad) on Friday and prayed with them in person for the last time before they depart.
In addition, Denver PD Ofc. Danny Veith sent out the following:
As many of you are already aware, Chris arrived at Craig Hospital (Englewood, CO) on March 5, 2009 for the interdisciplinary Traumatic Brain Injury Program to address the multiple gunshot wounds he sustained.
I received confirmation this morning that Chris will return home next Tuesday, February 23rd. An ambulance is scheduled to depart from Craig for Centennial Airport at 10:30 AM.
We are hoping the Denver area law enforcement community will come out to Craig Hospital next Tuesday, at 0930 AM, to bid farewell to Chris and Emily. We are also planning an escort from Craig Hospital (3425 S. Clarkson Street) to Centennial Airport. Officers in marked patrol vehicles are encouraged to participate (parking will be made available on S. Clarkson Street).
Upon arriving back in Minnesota, Chris will continue rehabilitation as he transitions from a hospital environment to his home. Though this was a line-of-duty injury, workman’s comp does not pay for all of Chris and Emily’s needs. Please consider a donation which can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank - the “Deputy Chris Dewey Donation Account.”
For those of you who want to learn more about Chris, post a comment of encouragement and support, or follow his journey as he continues to rehab in Minnesota, please visit his Caring Bridge site at: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey
Please consider participating in this send off next Tuesday for one of our brother officers! If you have any questions, I can be contacted at 720-641-0208 or danny.veith@denvergov.org - Thank You!
Please continue to keep Chris, Emily and their families in prayer – and join us on Tuesday if you can.
UPDATE ON ERV MEYER:
I was finally able to reach Erv today and he told me that he is “staying the course” while working on his health and spending the winter in Arizona. Erv asked me to tell everyone that they are missed and that he is looking forward to being back with us in April.
SOCIAL NETWORK FOR CHRISTIAN COPS:
In addition to selected Police Pulse (http://www.policepulse.com/) pages and some areas on http://www.policelink.com/, check out this new social network for Christian officers: http://copsoffaithministries.ning.com/. We’ve already got our page started: http://copsoffaithministries.ning.com/profile/MCWilliams. That said, and while these are much better choices for us than Facebook (I've discontinued our pages) and My Space, let’s be VERY careful about what is posted.
PRAYER REQUESTS (Updated 2/22/10):
(1) Please pray for former Chicago PD Ofc. Louise Cole, mother of wounded Chicago PD Ofc. Densey Cole. Louise sent me the following:
I just came home from being in the hospital for the past 7 days. I have a tumor in my neck (left side) going up to the base of the skull by the artery. I have to make some major decisions soon & only God can lead me in the right direction. He spared my life this past week for sure.
(2) Speaking of Chicago: please be in prayer for the family and colleagues of the CPD sergeant who was killed there early this AM whilst en route to a burglary call (see http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/02/accident-closes-southbound-lanes-of-lake-shore.html). Retired CPD Lt. Chuck Urgo writes, "Chicago Police Sgt. Al Haymaker was a fine officer and brother in Christ. Please keep his family and co-workers in your prayers."
(3) Speaking of poor leadership in law enforcement, a Federal officer in NM has asked for prayer concerning how that issue is impacting her current and future career decisions.
(4) Be in prayer for the officers and staff of the Grand Junction (CO) Police Department (a number of departmental and personal issues). They have an outstanding new chief whom I hope will provide godly leadership. In addition, pray for those officers and staff who are considering starting their own Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) chapter. I’m also pushing for GJPD to start a chaplain program.
(5) As posted above, Chief Sean Wallace (Arkansas City, KS) called this morning asking for prayer for his wife. Robin has been rushed to the hospital due to a heart problem.
(6) Finally, keep me in prayer as I lead this ministry and prepare to teach/preach at a retreat conference in Glen Eyrie next month.
Hope to see you Thursday. In the interim, let’s stay the course and finish strong out there!
Dear Fellow Servant-Leaders:
I’m making an attempt to get the newsletter out a little early this week – hope it helps.
First off, we had a really great meeting last Thursday as we finished our study on the importance of credibility and compassion in leadership. In addition, our worship leader -- officer candidate Matt Wallenburg -- is back to open our meetings with some outstanding worship music (You are a true blessing, Bro!).
Here is the recap for all those outside our little section of the world:
Fairman, in his “Leadership Lessons from God” series, cites four critical leadership responsibilities: shepherding, stewardship, vision, and servanthood (see http://www.rayfairman.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=60&Itemid=9). In turn, I expanded on those key responsibilities and provided biblical support for each, as follows:
(1) Shepherding: As anyone who reads my posts or hears me speak knows, I’m a huge proponent of Lt. Col. Dave Grossman and his outstanding “sheepdog” analogy as it relates to the military and law enforcement (see http://www.killology.com/sheep_dog.htm). When it comes to godly leadership, however, we really need to have an understanding of what that similitude looks like. Yes, we (LEO’s) are indeed “sheepdogs.” But what do sheepdogs do in terms of the sheep? They usually “lead” and serve from the rear: they herd/push the sheep and keep/protect them from going astray. Yes, there is leadership there but ultimately both the sheep and the sheepdogs follow and are under the authority and leadership of the shepherd. Biblically speaking, the shepherd knows, feeds, protects, teaches, guides and loves both sheep and sheepdogs alike. Christ is clearly our ultimate role model of THE Shepherd. Instead of driving the sheep as the sheepdog does, the shepherd LEADS from the FRONT. See Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34: 1-23, and 1 Peter 5:2-3.
(2) Stewardship: Our focus here should be on developing dependability, fidelity, accountability and HUMILITY. See Luke 24:22-27.
(3) Vision: A true leader must have clear vision and be able to communicate that vision to both those they lead AND those they themselves follow. Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1; 4:16; 5:14-15) and Joseph (Genesis 39-41; 41:16 and 38) displayed visionary leadership – and they were followed because of that vision. Proverbs 29:18 tells us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”
(4) Servanthood: I’ve touched on this many times in the past but, in brief, God is calling us to lead with a servant’s heart (servant-leadership). See John 13; Philippians 2:3-11; and Isaiah 53.
So what kind of leader are you? Do you know anyone who fits this biblical model in your agency? One great example I know of is fellow FCPO board member and Arkansas City, Kansas Chief of Police Sean Wallace. Outstanding behavior!
UPDATE 02/22/10: Speaking of Sean, please keep his wife Robin in prayer as she was rushed to the hospital early this morning due to a heart condition.
This Thursday (2/25, 1900 hours, Room 7, Calvary South Denver, Littleton), we’ll take a look at the subject of "Integrity in Leadership" via an example of what NOT to do: truly poor leadership in the person of Samson. Please join us for great worship music, fellowship, profession-relevant Bible study and prayer. Our meetings are a great example of iron sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17).
BIBLE STUDY RESOURCES:
I get regular quesions about Bible study resources. Most know that I’m a big fan of http://www.gotquestions.org/ but here are two additional recommended resources (both are listed in the LINKS section on the left side of this page):
(1) http://www.biblestudytools.com/
(2) http://www.blueletterbible.org/ (outstanding online Bible).
DEPUTY CHRIS DEWEY’S DEPARTURE UPDATE:
As many are aware, Mahnomen County Deputy Chris Dewey was shot and left for dead one year ago last week (February 18th) and spent the ensuing eleven-plus months undergoing eleven surgeries and ongoing rehab here in Englewood. Chris is finally headed home to Minnesota and his wife Emily announced that they will leave this coming Tuesday (2/23) at 1000. I spent some time with Chris, Emily, and Ross (Em’s Dad) on Friday and prayed with them in person for the last time before they depart.
In addition, Denver PD Ofc. Danny Veith sent out the following:
As many of you are already aware, Chris arrived at Craig Hospital (Englewood, CO) on March 5, 2009 for the interdisciplinary Traumatic Brain Injury Program to address the multiple gunshot wounds he sustained.
I received confirmation this morning that Chris will return home next Tuesday, February 23rd. An ambulance is scheduled to depart from Craig for Centennial Airport at 10:30 AM.
We are hoping the Denver area law enforcement community will come out to Craig Hospital next Tuesday, at 0930 AM, to bid farewell to Chris and Emily. We are also planning an escort from Craig Hospital (3425 S. Clarkson Street) to Centennial Airport. Officers in marked patrol vehicles are encouraged to participate (parking will be made available on S. Clarkson Street).
Upon arriving back in Minnesota, Chris will continue rehabilitation as he transitions from a hospital environment to his home. Though this was a line-of-duty injury, workman’s comp does not pay for all of Chris and Emily’s needs. Please consider a donation which can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank - the “Deputy Chris Dewey Donation Account.”
For those of you who want to learn more about Chris, post a comment of encouragement and support, or follow his journey as he continues to rehab in Minnesota, please visit his Caring Bridge site at: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey
Please consider participating in this send off next Tuesday for one of our brother officers! If you have any questions, I can be contacted at 720-641-0208 or danny.veith@denvergov.org - Thank You!
Please continue to keep Chris, Emily and their families in prayer – and join us on Tuesday if you can.
UPDATE ON ERV MEYER:
I was finally able to reach Erv today and he told me that he is “staying the course” while working on his health and spending the winter in Arizona. Erv asked me to tell everyone that they are missed and that he is looking forward to being back with us in April.
SOCIAL NETWORK FOR CHRISTIAN COPS:
In addition to selected Police Pulse (http://www.policepulse.com/) pages and some areas on http://www.policelink.com/, check out this new social network for Christian officers: http://copsoffaithministries.ning.com/. We’ve already got our page started: http://copsoffaithministries.ning.com/profile/MCWilliams. That said, and while these are much better choices for us than Facebook (I've discontinued our pages) and My Space, let’s be VERY careful about what is posted.
PRAYER REQUESTS (Updated 2/22/10):
(1) Please pray for former Chicago PD Ofc. Louise Cole, mother of wounded Chicago PD Ofc. Densey Cole. Louise sent me the following:
I just came home from being in the hospital for the past 7 days. I have a tumor in my neck (left side) going up to the base of the skull by the artery. I have to make some major decisions soon & only God can lead me in the right direction. He spared my life this past week for sure.
(2) Speaking of Chicago: please be in prayer for the family and colleagues of the CPD sergeant who was killed there early this AM whilst en route to a burglary call (see http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/02/accident-closes-southbound-lanes-of-lake-shore.html). Retired CPD Lt. Chuck Urgo writes, "Chicago Police Sgt. Al Haymaker was a fine officer and brother in Christ. Please keep his family and co-workers in your prayers."
(3) Speaking of poor leadership in law enforcement, a Federal officer in NM has asked for prayer concerning how that issue is impacting her current and future career decisions.
(4) Be in prayer for the officers and staff of the Grand Junction (CO) Police Department (a number of departmental and personal issues). They have an outstanding new chief whom I hope will provide godly leadership. In addition, pray for those officers and staff who are considering starting their own Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) chapter. I’m also pushing for GJPD to start a chaplain program.
(5) As posted above, Chief Sean Wallace (Arkansas City, KS) called this morning asking for prayer for his wife. Robin has been rushed to the hospital due to a heart problem.
(6) Finally, keep me in prayer as I lead this ministry and prepare to teach/preach at a retreat conference in Glen Eyrie next month.
Hope to see you Thursday. In the interim, let’s stay the course and finish strong out there!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Dep. Chris Dewey Update & Police Story Request
Fellow Sheepdogs and Shepherds:
Considering the weather, we had a great turnout last night for our local law enforcement Bible study. I'll post the recap in next week's newsletter -- stay tuned!
Two quick issues I want to put out as we move forward into the weekend.
(1) One year ago yesterday (Feb. 18th, 2009), Mahnomen County S.O. Dep. Chris Dewey was shot and left for dead after responding to a "shots fired" call. In nothing short of a miracle, Chris survived both the shooting and numerous subsequent surgeries. Chris has been in rehab at Craig Hospital in Englewood (CO) since about March of last year but both he and his wife Emily will finally be heading for "home" to Minnesota next week. Short of further intervention from the Great Physician, Chris has a difficult road ahead of him and Emily -- who is nothing short of a "rock" -- will continue to need us as well. Please do the following:
(a) PRAY and pray more (Praise God, both Chris and Emily know Christ as their Savior.).
(b) Support them financially if you can:
Deputy Chris Dewey Fund
Mahnomen State Bank & Trust
103 N. Main Street
P.O. Box 378
Mahnomen, MN 56557
For more, see http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey/mystory and http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/Mahnomen_Deputy_Chris_Dewey_Shot_Feb_19_2009
(2) Speaking of Chris's story, I will be writing a version of it for inclusion in a book being authored by Chattanooga (TN) Police Chaplain Grant Wolf who is compiling a list of stories by and about law enforcement officers. See the following from our colleague Ray Nash at Police Dynamics (http://policedynamics.wordpress.com/):
Chaplain Seeks Stories of Faith and Courage
Chaplain Grant Wolf of the Chattanooga, TN Police Department is compiling an anthology of “stories of faith and courage” from law enforcement personnel for a book to be published for world-wide distribution. The book will be a daily devotional format – 365 stories, one for each day of the year – where members of the law enforcement community sensed the presence of God in some event relating to their work.
Stories are sought from sworn officers, chaplains, 9-1-1 dispatchers, jailers, civilian support staff, spouses and family members in situations where the person submitting the story strongly felt that what occurred was beyond the realm of normal expectations.
Stories received to date run the gamut from light-hearted (a rookie who passed out while helping deliver a baby) to not-for-the-faint of heart (a bank shooting and a fatal auto accident). They represent every phase of law enforcement work and demonstrate that something happened relating to the incident which simply cannot be explained other than by God’s hand.
Grant can be reached at police_stories@yahoo.com. Please consider sending him YOUR story -- and soon -- as the deadline is fast approaching! See http://policedynamics.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/chaplain-seeking-stories-for-book.pdf for more information.
Stay vigilent!
Considering the weather, we had a great turnout last night for our local law enforcement Bible study. I'll post the recap in next week's newsletter -- stay tuned!
Two quick issues I want to put out as we move forward into the weekend.
(1) One year ago yesterday (Feb. 18th, 2009), Mahnomen County S.O. Dep. Chris Dewey was shot and left for dead after responding to a "shots fired" call. In nothing short of a miracle, Chris survived both the shooting and numerous subsequent surgeries. Chris has been in rehab at Craig Hospital in Englewood (CO) since about March of last year but both he and his wife Emily will finally be heading for "home" to Minnesota next week. Short of further intervention from the Great Physician, Chris has a difficult road ahead of him and Emily -- who is nothing short of a "rock" -- will continue to need us as well. Please do the following:
(a) PRAY and pray more (Praise God, both Chris and Emily know Christ as their Savior.).
(b) Support them financially if you can:
Deputy Chris Dewey Fund
Mahnomen State Bank & Trust
103 N. Main Street
P.O. Box 378
Mahnomen, MN 56557
For more, see http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey/mystory and http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/Mahnomen_Deputy_Chris_Dewey_Shot_Feb_19_2009
(2) Speaking of Chris's story, I will be writing a version of it for inclusion in a book being authored by Chattanooga (TN) Police Chaplain Grant Wolf who is compiling a list of stories by and about law enforcement officers. See the following from our colleague Ray Nash at Police Dynamics (http://policedynamics.wordpress.com/):
Chaplain Seeks Stories of Faith and Courage
Chaplain Grant Wolf of the Chattanooga, TN Police Department is compiling an anthology of “stories of faith and courage” from law enforcement personnel for a book to be published for world-wide distribution. The book will be a daily devotional format – 365 stories, one for each day of the year – where members of the law enforcement community sensed the presence of God in some event relating to their work.
Stories are sought from sworn officers, chaplains, 9-1-1 dispatchers, jailers, civilian support staff, spouses and family members in situations where the person submitting the story strongly felt that what occurred was beyond the realm of normal expectations.
Stories received to date run the gamut from light-hearted (a rookie who passed out while helping deliver a baby) to not-for-the-faint of heart (a bank shooting and a fatal auto accident). They represent every phase of law enforcement work and demonstrate that something happened relating to the incident which simply cannot be explained other than by God’s hand.
Grant can be reached at police_stories@yahoo.com. Please consider sending him YOUR story -- and soon -- as the deadline is fast approaching! See http://policedynamics.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/chaplain-seeking-stories-for-book.pdf for more information.
Stay vigilent!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Dep. Chris Dewey's Birthday, Biblical Truth, & More
Fellow Sheepdogs:
Now don’t have a heart attack, but I’m going to try to keep this brief for a change (!!). First, remember that we’re back “at it” this week for our regular Thursday evening profession-relevant Bible study, prayer and fellowship meeting (2/11, 1900, Calvary South Denver, Room #7, Littleton). We’re set to meet on the 18th and 25th as well. This week we’ll explore “The Power of Credibility.” Tell, invite, and/or bring your friends, colleagues and spouses!
Secondly, Mahnomen County (MN) Deputy Sheriff Chris Dewey’s 27th birthday is this Tuesday (2/9)!! We are therefore asking everyone in the Denver-metro area to take some time out of their day and come by Craig Hospital in Englewood (3425 S. Clarkson Street) to wish Chris a “Happy Birthday.” As Chris loves to be visited by fellow officers, please come in uniform if you can. I will be unable to attend due to a prior commitment but I visited and prayed with Chris today. Michelle Jones, a Centurion Ministry regular, will be bringing a cake and, inasmuch as Chris will be in therapy much of the day, suggests folks come in the late afternoon through early evening. Remember also that Chris was recently moved to the east building but still on the 2nd floor -- check with the staff for his room number. While we’re at it, please continue to pray for Chris (healing, restoration, health…) and his loved ones – Emily and Ross in particular – who are valiantly fighting with and for our brother. Go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey for regular updates and to leave a message for Chris and Emily. As Chris will soon be headed home to Minnesota, I also wanted to encourage folks to donate for his long-term care:
Deputy Chris Dewey Fund
First National Bank of Mahnomen
103 N. Main Street (or P.O. Box 378 )
Mahnomen, MN 56557
APOLOGETICS QUESTIONS (truth and false teaching):
I get theology and bible questions from time-to-time and will respond to them in this forum as appropriate. Here are two of the most common.
(1) What do you think about the book “The Shack” and is it something you would recommend?
Answer: Let me be subtle hear -- NO! Quite simply, the “god” and “Jesus” of The Shack is NOT the God and Jesus of the Bible. My pastor, Gino Geraci, likes to say, “If you’re wrong about Jesus, it doesn’t matter what you’re right about." Gino, widely considered to be something of an expert on cults and false teaching, has written a superb apologetic on The Shack that I highly recommend: http://www.calvarycsd.org/mediafiles/discernmentandtheshack.pdf. You can also find some great resources on this and other subjects (as in #2 below) at http://www.calvaryaurora.org/resources/apologetics/.
(2) Are Mormons Christians and is the LDS (Latter Day Saints) a cult?
Answer: NO and YES. I have a number of dear friends and colleagues who are Mormons but, both for their sake (salvation) and because it is what God calls us to do, we MUST tell the truth in love. Strictly speaking, the Mormon “Jesus” is not the Jesus of the Bible. Mormons believe, among other things, that Jesus is Satan’s "spirit brother" and that He is not God but rather “a god.” In short, the Mormon belief system does not meet the biblical definition of what it means to be a Christian while at the same time does fall into the definition of a cult. Here are some great resources that provide the truth about this issue: http://www.gotquestions.org/Mormons.html; http://www.calvaryaurora.org/resources/apologetics/ -- scroll down to “Mormonism;” and Ron Rhodes outstanding book, Reasoning from the Scriptures with Mormons. There are also some excellent apologetics resources on our website, http://www.thecenturionlawenforcementministry.org/.
Finally, check out this great short article written by Pastor Gino on the subject of false teachings: http://blog.christianpoliticalview.com/2009/04/19/false-teacher-profile-jude-4-by-gino-geraci.aspx. Pray for those who have been led astray.
PRAYER REQUESTS (as always, we welcome your prayer requests and will post them here as appropriate):
(1) Pray for an officer in NM who is seeking a transfer to an agency that will allow him to better provide for his family and take some of the pressure off his wife.
(2) Englewood PD Ofc. Jason Pearson is scheduled for knee surgery in the morning to repair an injury sustained in the line-of-duty. Pray for a successful procedure and a quick recovery.
(3) Pray for a Federal corrections officer who sustained some serious medical issues during training (healing, provision, etc.).
(4) Pray for a colleague who is waging a heroic battle with cancer and a host or cancer-related medical issues (healing, strength, health, courage, etc.).
(5) Pray for Denver PD Officer Allison Casias (see http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/allisoncasias). Allison’s recovery to date has been nothing short of a miracle of God but she still needs prayer and Christian support.
(6) JeffCo Dep. Art Peterson, with whom readers should be familiar (see previous posts on our website and related articles such as http://bulletin.aarp.org/states/co/2009/50/articles/woman_who_allegedly_dragged_jeffco_deputy_truck.html) recently accepted Christ as his Savior (praise God)!! However, Art’s wife is now fighting cancer. Please be in prayer!
Let’s “run to the battle” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jL7cL_p5_84), stay in the fight and finish strong (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
Now don’t have a heart attack, but I’m going to try to keep this brief for a change (!!). First, remember that we’re back “at it” this week for our regular Thursday evening profession-relevant Bible study, prayer and fellowship meeting (2/11, 1900, Calvary South Denver, Room #7, Littleton). We’re set to meet on the 18th and 25th as well. This week we’ll explore “The Power of Credibility.” Tell, invite, and/or bring your friends, colleagues and spouses!
Secondly, Mahnomen County (MN) Deputy Sheriff Chris Dewey’s 27th birthday is this Tuesday (2/9)!! We are therefore asking everyone in the Denver-metro area to take some time out of their day and come by Craig Hospital in Englewood (3425 S. Clarkson Street) to wish Chris a “Happy Birthday.” As Chris loves to be visited by fellow officers, please come in uniform if you can. I will be unable to attend due to a prior commitment but I visited and prayed with Chris today. Michelle Jones, a Centurion Ministry regular, will be bringing a cake and, inasmuch as Chris will be in therapy much of the day, suggests folks come in the late afternoon through early evening. Remember also that Chris was recently moved to the east building but still on the 2nd floor -- check with the staff for his room number. While we’re at it, please continue to pray for Chris (healing, restoration, health…) and his loved ones – Emily and Ross in particular – who are valiantly fighting with and for our brother. Go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey for regular updates and to leave a message for Chris and Emily. As Chris will soon be headed home to Minnesota, I also wanted to encourage folks to donate for his long-term care:
Deputy Chris Dewey Fund
First National Bank of Mahnomen
103 N. Main Street (or P.O. Box 378 )
Mahnomen, MN 56557
APOLOGETICS QUESTIONS (truth and false teaching):
I get theology and bible questions from time-to-time and will respond to them in this forum as appropriate. Here are two of the most common.
(1) What do you think about the book “The Shack” and is it something you would recommend?
Answer: Let me be subtle hear -- NO! Quite simply, the “god” and “Jesus” of The Shack is NOT the God and Jesus of the Bible. My pastor, Gino Geraci, likes to say, “If you’re wrong about Jesus, it doesn’t matter what you’re right about." Gino, widely considered to be something of an expert on cults and false teaching, has written a superb apologetic on The Shack that I highly recommend: http://www.calvarycsd.org/mediafiles/discernmentandtheshack.pdf. You can also find some great resources on this and other subjects (as in #2 below) at http://www.calvaryaurora.org/resources/apologetics/.
(2) Are Mormons Christians and is the LDS (Latter Day Saints) a cult?
Answer: NO and YES. I have a number of dear friends and colleagues who are Mormons but, both for their sake (salvation) and because it is what God calls us to do, we MUST tell the truth in love. Strictly speaking, the Mormon “Jesus” is not the Jesus of the Bible. Mormons believe, among other things, that Jesus is Satan’s "spirit brother" and that He is not God but rather “a god.” In short, the Mormon belief system does not meet the biblical definition of what it means to be a Christian while at the same time does fall into the definition of a cult. Here are some great resources that provide the truth about this issue: http://www.gotquestions.org/Mormons.html; http://www.calvaryaurora.org/resources/apologetics/ -- scroll down to “Mormonism;” and Ron Rhodes outstanding book, Reasoning from the Scriptures with Mormons. There are also some excellent apologetics resources on our website, http://www.thecenturionlawenforcementministry.org/.
Finally, check out this great short article written by Pastor Gino on the subject of false teachings: http://blog.christianpoliticalview.com/2009/04/19/false-teacher-profile-jude-4-by-gino-geraci.aspx. Pray for those who have been led astray.
PRAYER REQUESTS (as always, we welcome your prayer requests and will post them here as appropriate):
(1) Pray for an officer in NM who is seeking a transfer to an agency that will allow him to better provide for his family and take some of the pressure off his wife.
(2) Englewood PD Ofc. Jason Pearson is scheduled for knee surgery in the morning to repair an injury sustained in the line-of-duty. Pray for a successful procedure and a quick recovery.
(3) Pray for a Federal corrections officer who sustained some serious medical issues during training (healing, provision, etc.).
(4) Pray for a colleague who is waging a heroic battle with cancer and a host or cancer-related medical issues (healing, strength, health, courage, etc.).
(5) Pray for Denver PD Officer Allison Casias (see http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/allisoncasias). Allison’s recovery to date has been nothing short of a miracle of God but she still needs prayer and Christian support.
(6) JeffCo Dep. Art Peterson, with whom readers should be familiar (see previous posts on our website and related articles such as http://bulletin.aarp.org/states/co/2009/50/articles/woman_who_allegedly_dragged_jeffco_deputy_truck.html) recently accepted Christ as his Savior (praise God)!! However, Art’s wife is now fighting cancer. Please be in prayer!
Let’s “run to the battle” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jL7cL_p5_84), stay in the fight and finish strong (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
Monday, January 18, 2010
A Question of Leadership
Fellow Servant-Warriors:
Lots to put out this week so please bear with me and take the time to read it through.
First off, we’re ”on” for this week’s profession-relevant Bible study and fellowship meeting this Thursday (Jan. 21st) at Calvary South Denver in Littleton starting at 1900 hours in classroom #7. This week we will begin a new series on LEADERSHIP in the law enforcement profession based on Col. Ray Fairman’s “Leadership Lessons from God” (from his book, Are you Destined to Lead? A Bible Examination of Leadership). The series will challenge us to accept the call to leadership that God has placed on everyone who serves in law enforcement (regardless of rank). As always, I’ll include a detailed recap along with a link to each lesson/chapter on Ray’s website (for all those outside the Denver metro area). See http://www.rayfairman.com/ for more on this retired marine, police officer and active police chaplain. Stay tuned!
BIBLE STUDY RECAP:
Last week we concluded our discussion about what it means to be a “true Christian" by examining what happens after we die (and what happens after a cop goes down in the line of duty). The superb biblical website http://www.gotquestions.org/ provides a great short article on the subject:
Within the Christian faith, there is a significant amount of confusion regarding what happens after death. Some hold that after death, everyone “sleeps” until the final judgment, after which everyone will be sent to heaven or hell. Others believe that at the moment of death, people are instantly judged and sent to their eternal destinations. Still others claim that when people die, their souls/spirits are sent to a “temporary” heaven or hell, to await the final resurrection, the final judgment, and then the finality of their eternal destination. So, what exactly does the Bible say happens after death?First, for the believer in Jesus Christ, the Bible tells us that after death believers’ souls/spirits are taken to heaven, because their sins are forgiven by having received Christ as Savior (John 3:16, 18, 36). For believers, death is to be “away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23). However, passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 describe believers being resurrected and given glorified bodies. If believers go to be with Christ immediately after death, what is the purpose of this resurrection? It seems that while the souls/spirits of believers go to be with Christ immediately after death, the physical body remains in the grave “sleeping.” At the resurrection of believers, the physical body is resurrected, glorified, and then reunited with the soul/spirit. This reunited and glorified body-soul-spirit will be the possession of believers for eternity in the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21-22).Second, for those who do not receive Jesus Christ as Savior, death means everlasting punishment. However, similar to the destiny of believers, unbelievers also seem to be sent immediately to a temporary holding place, to await their final resurrection, judgment, and eternal destiny. Luke 16:22-23 describes a rich man being tormented immediately after death. Revelation 20:11-15 describes all the unbelieving dead being resurrected, judged at the great white throne, and then being cast into the lake of fire. Unbelievers, then, are not sent to hell (the lake of fire) immediately after death, but rather are in a temporary realm of judgment and condemnation. However, even though unbelievers are not instantly sent to the lake of fire, their immediate fate after death is not a pleasant one. The rich man cried out, “I am in agony in this fire” (Luke 16:24).Therefore, after death, a person resides in a “temporary” heaven or hell. After this temporary realm, at the final resurrection, a person’s eternal destiny will not change. The precise “location” of that eternal destiny is what changes. Believers will ultimately be granted entrance into the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1). Unbelievers will ultimately be sent to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). These are the final, eternal destinations of all people—based entirely on whether or not they had trusted Jesus Christ alone for salvation (Matthew 25:46; John 3:36).
So what about a police officer? Folks, while the Bible clearly supports our calling in law enforcement (we are his ordained “ministers”), we do NOT get some kind of “get out of Hell free card” for our service. Like anyone else, we MUST trust Christ -- and Christ ALONE -- as Lord and Savior in order to enter eternal life with Him. Are you ready to say “YES” to Christ? Are you a believer or a “make-believer?”
On the subject, check out this great resource on from the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officer’s (FCPO) website: http://www.fcpo.org/audio.html. Important stuff about life’s most important question.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Retired DPD and current fellow State criminal investigator Jimmy Wattles (of History Channel’s Gangland fame) sent me the following video and asked me to share it (much for us in law enforcement to think about in terms of redemption).
Jimmy writes, “Ron "Bad Ron" Gruber was a former member of the Sons of Silence motorcycle gang in Iowa. He was a very violent member, along with his two brothers, Jeffrey Gruber, "Bad Ron," and Mark "Turd" Gruber. Ron is doing time in Iowa after taking a plea bargain to charges related to the murder of a young woman who was the girlfriend of another member of the Sons of Silence. Jeffrey Gruber is doing a life sentence at Florence FCI.”
See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w55b55a27Lo
OFFICER DOWN NEWS:
As of today (01/17/10), we are up to a dozen officers killed in the line of duty so far in January alone. One of those, Special US Deputy Marshal Stan Cooper (EOW 01/04/10), began his law enforcement career in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1960 before moving to Las Vegas were he retired as a sergeant. In 1994 Stan went to work at the LV Federal Court House where he was serving when, while defending others on January 4th, God called him home after 42 years of service. Regarding Stan, a colleague sent this article to me today in response to a previous question I asked about whether or not Stan knew Christ as his Savior. The article, in a VERY secular newspaper(!), not only answers that question with a resounding “YES” (praise God) but also says volumes about drawing close to God so we can be ready to be used by Him in “Esther” (Esther 4:14) moments. Please take the time to read this incredible short article and then ask God to use you “for such a time as this!” http://www.lvrj.com/news/court-worker-describes-final-moments-with-dying-security-officer-81924722.html.
Remember that while Stan died doing what he loved, he is now with the Lord not because of his service in law enforcement but rather ONLY because he trusted in Christ as his Lord and Savior. What about YOU?
TRAINING RESOURCE:
Chief Investigator Ken Wallentine has a tremendous resource available to law enforcement personnel. Ken writes, “Xiphos (pronounced zee-phose) is a biweekly summary of recent court decisions about criminal procedure and other subjects important to law enforcement officers and administrators. The xiphos is a short double-edged sword used essentially as a backup weapon by ancient Greek warriors. This service is provided at no cost. To subscribe, send a message to http://us.mc516.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=Xiphos-subscribe@KenWallentine.com.” Ken also has a great website with Xiphos archives: http://www.kenwallentine.com/index.html.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
(1) I’ve been asked to put out a prayer request concerning the upcoming selection process for Grand Junction’s next Chief of Police. Let’s ask God to put HIS person in that position and that this person would lead with a servant's heart (our profession is DESPERATE for godly leadership).
(2) Also on the subject of law enforcement leadership (from a reader): “Lt. Chris Hoye of Las Vegas Metro PD has been nominated to be the new US Marshal for Nevada. Chris's faith is an inspiration to all who know him. Moreover, his work ethic and integrity are above reproach... Chris has already passed the vetting process and awaits only the President’s approval. Chris is a true leader of men and a servant-leader in every respect… Please pray that the nomination goes forward without any problems.
(3) Ron Leonard of Christian Military Fellowship (http://www.cmfhq.org/) sent me the following regarding the situation in Haiti: “As all of you are now aware the tiny country of Haiti was hit by a 7.2 earth quake that has left the country in shambles. They are now est. more than 100,000 may be dead! I know many of you are already giving to the need there. But if you are still praying about how to give here are "Proven" organizations that are helping. http://www.samaritanspurse.org/ (Headed by Franklin Graham), and www.salvationarmyusa.org. These are two of the ones who have come to my attention that we know the money is getting directly to the Haitian people! Most of all my brothers and sisters, please pray!”
I second that in every way. Let’s be praying for our fellow officers and military personnel serving there as well as they are most definitely in “harm’s way.”
(4) Pray for our ministry worship leader, Matt Wallenburg, as he pursues his own calling into law enforcement (testing with a number of agencies).
(5) Please pray for the wife of a JeffCO deputy who is battling cancer. Denise’s husband has only recently returned to work after recovering from line of duty injuries that nearly took his life last year.
(6) Fellow FCPO member Ray Bell asks that we be in prayer for his father-in-law who is battling cancer.
Finally, don’t forget about the going away party for wounded Dep. Chris Dewey tomorrow. See the previous entry (below) for more!
Stay strong and safe in Christ!
Lots to put out this week so please bear with me and take the time to read it through.
First off, we’re ”on” for this week’s profession-relevant Bible study and fellowship meeting this Thursday (Jan. 21st) at Calvary South Denver in Littleton starting at 1900 hours in classroom #7. This week we will begin a new series on LEADERSHIP in the law enforcement profession based on Col. Ray Fairman’s “Leadership Lessons from God” (from his book, Are you Destined to Lead? A Bible Examination of Leadership). The series will challenge us to accept the call to leadership that God has placed on everyone who serves in law enforcement (regardless of rank). As always, I’ll include a detailed recap along with a link to each lesson/chapter on Ray’s website (for all those outside the Denver metro area). See http://www.rayfairman.com/ for more on this retired marine, police officer and active police chaplain. Stay tuned!
BIBLE STUDY RECAP:
Last week we concluded our discussion about what it means to be a “true Christian" by examining what happens after we die (and what happens after a cop goes down in the line of duty). The superb biblical website http://www.gotquestions.org/ provides a great short article on the subject:
Within the Christian faith, there is a significant amount of confusion regarding what happens after death. Some hold that after death, everyone “sleeps” until the final judgment, after which everyone will be sent to heaven or hell. Others believe that at the moment of death, people are instantly judged and sent to their eternal destinations. Still others claim that when people die, their souls/spirits are sent to a “temporary” heaven or hell, to await the final resurrection, the final judgment, and then the finality of their eternal destination. So, what exactly does the Bible say happens after death?First, for the believer in Jesus Christ, the Bible tells us that after death believers’ souls/spirits are taken to heaven, because their sins are forgiven by having received Christ as Savior (John 3:16, 18, 36). For believers, death is to be “away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23). However, passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 describe believers being resurrected and given glorified bodies. If believers go to be with Christ immediately after death, what is the purpose of this resurrection? It seems that while the souls/spirits of believers go to be with Christ immediately after death, the physical body remains in the grave “sleeping.” At the resurrection of believers, the physical body is resurrected, glorified, and then reunited with the soul/spirit. This reunited and glorified body-soul-spirit will be the possession of believers for eternity in the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21-22).Second, for those who do not receive Jesus Christ as Savior, death means everlasting punishment. However, similar to the destiny of believers, unbelievers also seem to be sent immediately to a temporary holding place, to await their final resurrection, judgment, and eternal destiny. Luke 16:22-23 describes a rich man being tormented immediately after death. Revelation 20:11-15 describes all the unbelieving dead being resurrected, judged at the great white throne, and then being cast into the lake of fire. Unbelievers, then, are not sent to hell (the lake of fire) immediately after death, but rather are in a temporary realm of judgment and condemnation. However, even though unbelievers are not instantly sent to the lake of fire, their immediate fate after death is not a pleasant one. The rich man cried out, “I am in agony in this fire” (Luke 16:24).Therefore, after death, a person resides in a “temporary” heaven or hell. After this temporary realm, at the final resurrection, a person’s eternal destiny will not change. The precise “location” of that eternal destiny is what changes. Believers will ultimately be granted entrance into the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1). Unbelievers will ultimately be sent to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). These are the final, eternal destinations of all people—based entirely on whether or not they had trusted Jesus Christ alone for salvation (Matthew 25:46; John 3:36).
So what about a police officer? Folks, while the Bible clearly supports our calling in law enforcement (we are his ordained “ministers”), we do NOT get some kind of “get out of Hell free card” for our service. Like anyone else, we MUST trust Christ -- and Christ ALONE -- as Lord and Savior in order to enter eternal life with Him. Are you ready to say “YES” to Christ? Are you a believer or a “make-believer?”
On the subject, check out this great resource on from the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officer’s (FCPO) website: http://www.fcpo.org/audio.html. Important stuff about life’s most important question.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Retired DPD and current fellow State criminal investigator Jimmy Wattles (of History Channel’s Gangland fame) sent me the following video and asked me to share it (much for us in law enforcement to think about in terms of redemption).
Jimmy writes, “Ron "Bad Ron" Gruber was a former member of the Sons of Silence motorcycle gang in Iowa. He was a very violent member, along with his two brothers, Jeffrey Gruber, "Bad Ron," and Mark "Turd" Gruber. Ron is doing time in Iowa after taking a plea bargain to charges related to the murder of a young woman who was the girlfriend of another member of the Sons of Silence. Jeffrey Gruber is doing a life sentence at Florence FCI.”
See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w55b55a27Lo
OFFICER DOWN NEWS:
As of today (01/17/10), we are up to a dozen officers killed in the line of duty so far in January alone. One of those, Special US Deputy Marshal Stan Cooper (EOW 01/04/10), began his law enforcement career in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1960 before moving to Las Vegas were he retired as a sergeant. In 1994 Stan went to work at the LV Federal Court House where he was serving when, while defending others on January 4th, God called him home after 42 years of service. Regarding Stan, a colleague sent this article to me today in response to a previous question I asked about whether or not Stan knew Christ as his Savior. The article, in a VERY secular newspaper(!), not only answers that question with a resounding “YES” (praise God) but also says volumes about drawing close to God so we can be ready to be used by Him in “Esther” (Esther 4:14) moments. Please take the time to read this incredible short article and then ask God to use you “for such a time as this!” http://www.lvrj.com/news/court-worker-describes-final-moments-with-dying-security-officer-81924722.html.
Remember that while Stan died doing what he loved, he is now with the Lord not because of his service in law enforcement but rather ONLY because he trusted in Christ as his Lord and Savior. What about YOU?
TRAINING RESOURCE:
Chief Investigator Ken Wallentine has a tremendous resource available to law enforcement personnel. Ken writes, “Xiphos (pronounced zee-phose) is a biweekly summary of recent court decisions about criminal procedure and other subjects important to law enforcement officers and administrators. The xiphos is a short double-edged sword used essentially as a backup weapon by ancient Greek warriors. This service is provided at no cost. To subscribe, send a message to http://us.mc516.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=Xiphos-subscribe@KenWallentine.com.” Ken also has a great website with Xiphos archives: http://www.kenwallentine.com/index.html.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
(1) I’ve been asked to put out a prayer request concerning the upcoming selection process for Grand Junction’s next Chief of Police. Let’s ask God to put HIS person in that position and that this person would lead with a servant's heart (our profession is DESPERATE for godly leadership).
(2) Also on the subject of law enforcement leadership (from a reader): “Lt. Chris Hoye of Las Vegas Metro PD has been nominated to be the new US Marshal for Nevada. Chris's faith is an inspiration to all who know him. Moreover, his work ethic and integrity are above reproach... Chris has already passed the vetting process and awaits only the President’s approval. Chris is a true leader of men and a servant-leader in every respect… Please pray that the nomination goes forward without any problems.
(3) Ron Leonard of Christian Military Fellowship (http://www.cmfhq.org/) sent me the following regarding the situation in Haiti: “As all of you are now aware the tiny country of Haiti was hit by a 7.2 earth quake that has left the country in shambles. They are now est. more than 100,000 may be dead! I know many of you are already giving to the need there. But if you are still praying about how to give here are "Proven" organizations that are helping. http://www.samaritanspurse.org/ (Headed by Franklin Graham), and www.salvationarmyusa.org. These are two of the ones who have come to my attention that we know the money is getting directly to the Haitian people! Most of all my brothers and sisters, please pray!”
I second that in every way. Let’s be praying for our fellow officers and military personnel serving there as well as they are most definitely in “harm’s way.”
(4) Pray for our ministry worship leader, Matt Wallenburg, as he pursues his own calling into law enforcement (testing with a number of agencies).
(5) Please pray for the wife of a JeffCO deputy who is battling cancer. Denise’s husband has only recently returned to work after recovering from line of duty injuries that nearly took his life last year.
(6) Fellow FCPO member Ray Bell asks that we be in prayer for his father-in-law who is battling cancer.
Finally, don’t forget about the going away party for wounded Dep. Chris Dewey tomorrow. See the previous entry (below) for more!
Stay strong and safe in Christ!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Going-Away Celebration for Wounded Deputy Chris Dewey
Our honored guest for nearly the past year, Mahnomen County (MN) Dep. Chris Dewey, will be heading home to Minnesota in the next couple of weeks (they are still in the process of finalizing where Chris will continue his rehab and care). As such, we are asking all local and visiting law enforcement personnel to meet at the Irish Rover Pub (http://www.irishroverpub.com), 54 South Broadway, Denver, TOMORROW, January 18th, starting at 1600 hours, to honor, pray with, and bid farewell to Chris and Emily. The media is invited but we are asking them to be respectful and not make this a spectacle. Rather, this is our opportunity to honor one of our own who has paid (and continues to pay) a terrible price for his service as a peace officer (see http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey for more on Chris). Secondly, this event will also serve as our opportunity to recognize Emily for her awe-inspiring love and devotion she has shown (and will continue to show) for her husband. Emily is a strong Christian woman but she needs your prayers and support as she cares for her wounded warrior.
Come in uniform if you like – Chris loves it and we can salute our brother as he leaves for home. Finally, both Chris and Em need your continued prayers as they still have a long way to go. Praise God, both know Christ as Lord and Savior! Finally, there will be an opportunity to donate for our fellow warrior's future care.
Denver PD Officer Danny Veith is coordinating this event -- feel free to contact him for further information: danny.veith@denvergov.org. See ya tomorrow afternoon!
Come in uniform if you like – Chris loves it and we can salute our brother as he leaves for home. Finally, both Chris and Em need your continued prayers as they still have a long way to go. Praise God, both know Christ as Lord and Savior! Finally, there will be an opportunity to donate for our fellow warrior's future care.
Denver PD Officer Danny Veith is coordinating this event -- feel free to contact him for further information: danny.veith@denvergov.org. See ya tomorrow afternoon!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Welcome to 2010!
Fellow Sheepdogs:
Welcome to 2010! I know that for many of us 2009 was a very tough year indeed. While adversity is both a part of life and definitely a part of God’s “training regimen” for His own, my hope and prayer is that 2010 will be a better year for all of us as we eagerly await our Lord’s return (see http://www.gotquestions.org/difference-Rapture-Second-Coming.html) and all that comes with it. That said, we must continue to -- as my friend and pastor Sam Park likes to say (paraphrasing 2 Tim. 4:7) “stay the course and finish strong,” both in terms of own walk with Christ and sharing Him with others.
MEETING SCHEDULE for locals and visitors:
We’re “ON” for our first meeting of 2010 this Thursday (01/07/10) at Calvary South Denver, 9052 Ken Caryl Avenue, Littleton. Start time is 1900 and we’ll meet in Classroom #7 (past the café and turn right into the children’s ministry area) unless the Multi-Purpose room is free. Don’t forget to invite your spouses and law enforcement colleagues!
This week’s study will center on what is means to “a Christian” (and a Christian cop in particular). Are you a true believer or just a “make believer?” Are you sure? You can be! Join us Thursday for THE answer!
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-- The Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) website has been updated and more changes are forthcoming. Go to http://www.fcpo.org/ or click on the FCPO link right here on our website. One of our 2010 ministry goals is to see us become a FCPO chapter. Keep us in your prayers as we begin this endeavor.
-- Speaking of FCPO, retired Exec. Director Grant Wolf is in the process of obtaining 365 stories for a forthcoming book. Would you like to share your law enforcement testimony with others in a published format? Here is an example of what Grant is seeking:
While working midnights as a Detective on the North Side of Chicago. My partner and I were parked in a dark parking lot when a Cadillac pulled up. Two guys got out, and broke into a car and within 20-seconds had it started and they were driving away. We followed, asking for back up. We pulled in front of and to the side of the stolen car. I managed to grab one of the offenders who had jumped out. Then I heard my partner yelling. The driver of the stolen car had jumped out, leaving the car running and in gear, pinning my partner against the front passenger door. I was able to get the car in reverse and my partner fell to the ground writhing in pain. I yelled a prayer out loud and asked the Lord for mercy. Miraculously my partner got up and was able to walk. He was back to work after one day off. What an attestation of God’s Power and Grace!
This is a once-in-a-lifetime project and your contributions have the potential to truly bless other officers while at the same time providing a great testimony to the civilian population. Please contact Grant at police_stories@yahoo.com for more details.
-- We have just chartered a brand new Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) chapter in the Denver/Front Range area. FOP Lodge #100 is primarily for CO officers serving in agencies that are not already represented. Please contact Troy Cooper at tcooper8899@msn.com for details.
-- TRAINING! Those looking for another source of outstanding low-cost law enforcement training in Colorado should check out the Central Mountain Training Foundation at http://www.cmtftraining.com/.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
-- Mahnomen (MN) County Deputy Chris Dewey will be heading back to Minnesota later this month and his wife Emily is seeking an appropriate facility there as Chris will need ongoing rehab. Please be in prayer about that while at the same time asking God to give them strength, healing and recovery. Emily needs your prayers as well as caring for her husband and the stress of his impending move is very draining on her. I visited and prayed with them just after Christmas and Emily's commitment to her warrior husband is awe-inspiring. Follow their progress and lend your support via their CaringBridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey.
-- Englewood (CO) PD Officer Shane Ellison’s 5 y.o. daughter needs your continued prayer as she battles brain cancer. Follow Tayler’s progress at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/taylerellison/mystory (viewing password is “taylerellison”).
-- Pray for Ft. Hood PD Sgt. Kim Munley as she prepares for major surgery. See http://sgtmunley.blogspot.com/2009/12/december-23-2009-great-news.html.
-- Fellow Colorado State Criminal Investigator Jimmy Wattles (of Gangland fame) writes, “I just learned that a retired Colorado State investigator is going through quite a battle with Mantel Cell Lymphoma. After numerous chemo treatments, he is now out of state enduring a stem cell treatment to rebuild destroyed bone marrow. This man is a believer and knows the power of prayer!” Please keep this brother in prayer.
-- I've received additional prayer requests for wounded Chicago PD Ofc. Densey Cole. Lots of folks both worried and (praise God) paying attention.
-- Finally, we’ve already lost three officers this new year (I include the court officer who was killed in Vegas today: http://policelink.monster.com/news/articles/130103-court-officer-killed-in-courthouse-shooting-video). See also http://www.odmp.org/. Pray for these officers' families and for the recovery of the wounded U.S. Deputy Marshal.
May God keep us all safely in His care. Stay vigilant!
Welcome to 2010! I know that for many of us 2009 was a very tough year indeed. While adversity is both a part of life and definitely a part of God’s “training regimen” for His own, my hope and prayer is that 2010 will be a better year for all of us as we eagerly await our Lord’s return (see http://www.gotquestions.org/difference-Rapture-Second-Coming.html) and all that comes with it. That said, we must continue to -- as my friend and pastor Sam Park likes to say (paraphrasing 2 Tim. 4:7) “stay the course and finish strong,” both in terms of own walk with Christ and sharing Him with others.
MEETING SCHEDULE for locals and visitors:
We’re “ON” for our first meeting of 2010 this Thursday (01/07/10) at Calvary South Denver, 9052 Ken Caryl Avenue, Littleton. Start time is 1900 and we’ll meet in Classroom #7 (past the café and turn right into the children’s ministry area) unless the Multi-Purpose room is free. Don’t forget to invite your spouses and law enforcement colleagues!
This week’s study will center on what is means to “a Christian” (and a Christian cop in particular). Are you a true believer or just a “make believer?” Are you sure? You can be! Join us Thursday for THE answer!
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-- The Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) website has been updated and more changes are forthcoming. Go to http://www.fcpo.org/ or click on the FCPO link right here on our website. One of our 2010 ministry goals is to see us become a FCPO chapter. Keep us in your prayers as we begin this endeavor.
-- Speaking of FCPO, retired Exec. Director Grant Wolf is in the process of obtaining 365 stories for a forthcoming book. Would you like to share your law enforcement testimony with others in a published format? Here is an example of what Grant is seeking:
While working midnights as a Detective on the North Side of Chicago. My partner and I were parked in a dark parking lot when a Cadillac pulled up. Two guys got out, and broke into a car and within 20-seconds had it started and they were driving away. We followed, asking for back up. We pulled in front of and to the side of the stolen car. I managed to grab one of the offenders who had jumped out. Then I heard my partner yelling. The driver of the stolen car had jumped out, leaving the car running and in gear, pinning my partner against the front passenger door. I was able to get the car in reverse and my partner fell to the ground writhing in pain. I yelled a prayer out loud and asked the Lord for mercy. Miraculously my partner got up and was able to walk. He was back to work after one day off. What an attestation of God’s Power and Grace!
This is a once-in-a-lifetime project and your contributions have the potential to truly bless other officers while at the same time providing a great testimony to the civilian population. Please contact Grant at police_stories@yahoo.com for more details.
-- We have just chartered a brand new Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) chapter in the Denver/Front Range area. FOP Lodge #100 is primarily for CO officers serving in agencies that are not already represented. Please contact Troy Cooper at tcooper8899@msn.com for details.
-- TRAINING! Those looking for another source of outstanding low-cost law enforcement training in Colorado should check out the Central Mountain Training Foundation at http://www.cmtftraining.com/.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
-- Mahnomen (MN) County Deputy Chris Dewey will be heading back to Minnesota later this month and his wife Emily is seeking an appropriate facility there as Chris will need ongoing rehab. Please be in prayer about that while at the same time asking God to give them strength, healing and recovery. Emily needs your prayers as well as caring for her husband and the stress of his impending move is very draining on her. I visited and prayed with them just after Christmas and Emily's commitment to her warrior husband is awe-inspiring. Follow their progress and lend your support via their CaringBridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey.
-- Englewood (CO) PD Officer Shane Ellison’s 5 y.o. daughter needs your continued prayer as she battles brain cancer. Follow Tayler’s progress at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/taylerellison/mystory (viewing password is “taylerellison”).
-- Pray for Ft. Hood PD Sgt. Kim Munley as she prepares for major surgery. See http://sgtmunley.blogspot.com/2009/12/december-23-2009-great-news.html.
-- Fellow Colorado State Criminal Investigator Jimmy Wattles (of Gangland fame) writes, “I just learned that a retired Colorado State investigator is going through quite a battle with Mantel Cell Lymphoma. After numerous chemo treatments, he is now out of state enduring a stem cell treatment to rebuild destroyed bone marrow. This man is a believer and knows the power of prayer!” Please keep this brother in prayer.
-- I've received additional prayer requests for wounded Chicago PD Ofc. Densey Cole. Lots of folks both worried and (praise God) paying attention.
-- Finally, we’ve already lost three officers this new year (I include the court officer who was killed in Vegas today: http://policelink.monster.com/news/articles/130103-court-officer-killed-in-courthouse-shooting-video). See also http://www.odmp.org/. Pray for these officers' families and for the recovery of the wounded U.S. Deputy Marshal.
May God keep us all safely in His care. Stay vigilant!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
CSP Trooper Scott Hinshaw to Speak This Thursday!
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
Right off, I want to encourage everyone in and/or visiting the Denver Metro area to join us this Thursday at 7:00 PM for an unforgettable, “must see” presentation by Colorado State Patrol Trooper Scott Hinshaw. As many of you may remember, Scott sustained horrific injuries in the same line-of-duty incident that took the life of fellow CSP Trooper Zach Templeton in October of 2007. Scott, a true “cop’s cop,” has been through numerous surgeries in what continues to be the fight of his life. I don’t want to give too much away, but Scott’s inspiring story ties right in with my recent message on what it means to be in/seek God’s will and the corresponding “Why bad things happen to ‘good’ people” presentation. Please invite a friend/colleague and join us Thursday at Calvary South Denver, 9052 Ken Caryl Avenue in Littleton.
Remember that this will be our LAST meeting for 2009 (no meetings December 24th or 31st). I will of course have special CHRISTmas and New Year’s messages in our upcoming newsletters/website posts – stay tuned!
FIRST ANNUAL TCLEF CHRISTMAS PARTY (& other announcements)!!
(1) Don’t forget that JeffCo Dep. Art Briles and his wife Lonni are hosting our first annual TCLEF CHRISTmas potluck party this Saturday (12/14/09) starting at 1500 hours. Please email me if you plan to attend (all are welcome) and I’ll provide their Sheridan address near Federal and Hampden. I’ll also send out a reminder with more details later this week. Please plan on joining us!
(2) We’re now listed on PoliceOne.com! Check it out at http://www.policeone.com/police-blogs/page-2/. I’ve included a link on our website both in the LINKS section and at the bottom just above the counter. PoliceOne provides outstanding training info – check regularly.
(3) Christian writer Kristi Neace, who is also a police spouse, has written a book for the wives of LEOs entitled “Lives Behind the Badge.” Go to http://www.kristineace.com/ or http://englishmountainpress.com/ebooks/NeaceKristi/index.htm for more.
(4) Ft. Hood Police Department Sgt. Kimberly Munley now has a blog site that details her recovery in the aftermath of being shot when she and Sgt. Mark Todd confronted and stopped terrorist Nidal Hasan on November 5th. Kim covets our prayers as she undergoes a potentially career-ending total knee replacement surgery in January. Follow her progress and send encouraging messages to Kim at http://sgtmunley.blogspot.com/.
MESSAGE RECAP:
Last week’s message centered on the importance of BALANCE in our lives as peace officers. As I’ve often “preached” – and I was among the worst offenders – our calling as LEOs does not mean that we should be living “the job” and making the badge our “god.” Exodus 20:1-6 provides the prime scriptural reference for this theme. The second Commandment (v. 3) says, “You shall have no other gods before me.” What does “god” refer to? In brief, it is anything – ANYTHING – that we put first in our lives aside from our Lord and/or anything that becomes our identity outside of our relationship with Christ. God made us His sheepdogs – but He requires RELATIONSHIP with Him first and foremost. Moreover, His Word (the Bible) provides a wealth of references to what our priorities MUST be: God first, family, then our work. This point is repeatedly highlighted through our appallingly high rate of suicide, alcoholism, divorce and related issues. In fact, I recently received a very sad email that very decidedly underscores this issue: a retired officer took his own life on the steps of his PD! Was life after “the job” so empty that it was the catalyst for this kind of tragedy? The truth is that injury, illness, a mistake, and a plethora of other issues can end our careers at a moment’s notice. Is law enforcement the only real purpose and meaning in your life? Is your self-esteem based on what you do as a cop? If so, it is most assuredly outside of God’s will for your life. If this is you, I strongly suggest that you re-evaluate your priorities, repent, and ask God to help you establish the proper balance. Affirm with our Lord your desire to be known by who you are in Him versus what you do. If you need help in this area, please feel free to contact me! For more, check out Os Hillman’s short devotional on the subject: http://www.marketplaceleaders.org/apps/articles/default.asp?articleid=55898&columnid=5098.
LAKEWOOD (WA) MEMORIAL SERVICE:
I was able to catch a few moments of the memorial service for our Lakewood PD brothers/sister last week. I’ve attended a great many police funerals and I have to say that this one was the most impressive – truly first class. The sight of 3000 police units, 20,000+ officers (including more than 1000 squared-away RCMP), outstanding public support, and so much more was truly awe-inspiring. In regards to Ofc. Tina Griswold, her tribute made it perfectly clear that our fellow servant-warrior was a Christian – and a Christian first! Retired RCMP Officer David Greenhalgh (his son -- a current RCMP troop -- was in attendance) sent the following link which includes Tina’s tribute via a close family friend who also quotes Ecclesiastes 3:11! Please take the time to watch: http://www.kirotv.com/video/21901949/index.html.
Here are some additional links to the service, including a video tribute to all four officers (Note the music Tina’s family selected – oohrah!): http://www.kirotv.com/video/21902473/index.html; Flag presentation and final radio call: http://www.king5.com/video/featured-videos/Watch-Flags-presented-final-radio-call-78827347.html.
I don’t know if the other officers knew Christ or not. What about you? Do you know Him as Savior? If not, get RIGHT with him now as tomorrow may very well be too late. See last week’s post for more…
PRAYER REQUESTS:
(1) Today is Tayler Ellison’s 5th birthday (daughter of Englewood PD Officer Shane Ellison). Unlike most of us, this little warrior had to spend her birthday undergoing yet another round of chemo for the brain cancer issues she has battled most of her young life. Tayler and her family covet your prayers.
(2) Officer Joseph Buford from Highland Park, MI sent the following: I am asking for prayers regarding the untimely passing of one of our reserve officers, Dwayne Taylor. Dwayne passed last night from his own hand during an hour of depression that overtook him. Dwayne was an outstanding officer and a dear friend… Let’s join Joe in keeping Dwayne’s family and colleagues in our prayers.
(3) Eastpointe (MI) Police Chaplain James Friedman is requesting prayer for his wife Lee who underwent major surgery earlier today.
(4) Join me in praying for TCLEF “Dad” Erv Meyer who is suffering from a degenerative medical condition that is forcing him to move to a warmer, lower-altitude locale. Erv has been a mainstay of this ministry from “day one” and is a true “sheepdog” in every sense. “We love you brother!!”
(5) Mahnomen (MN) County Deputy Chris Dewey and his wife Emily really need your continued prayers as he rehabs at Craig Hospital here in Denver. I can’t begin to adequately describe all that Chris and Em have been through/are going through since Chris was ambushed and shot in the head early this year. See more at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey.
(6) Be in prayer for a colleague in Grand Junction who is battling some severe health issues of her own.
(7) As you know, we’ve been in prayer for Denver PD Ofc. Allison Casias and JeffCo Detective Art Peterson. Allison was recently honored by her PD for helping lift the stolen truck off of Art in Englewood earlier this year. Art has reportedly improved enough that he may soon be returning to duty (I consider this a miracle) while Allison has improved enough to go home while continuing her rehab. Let’s continue to keep both in prayer.
(8) Finally, please continue to remember wounded Chicago PD Officer Densey Cole in your prayers. This brother may be facing a truly daunting future (spiritual and physical) and is very much in need of God’s intervention and protection.
As always, send me your prayer requests and I’ll post them here as appropriate (and pray for you regardless).
Right off, I want to encourage everyone in and/or visiting the Denver Metro area to join us this Thursday at 7:00 PM for an unforgettable, “must see” presentation by Colorado State Patrol Trooper Scott Hinshaw. As many of you may remember, Scott sustained horrific injuries in the same line-of-duty incident that took the life of fellow CSP Trooper Zach Templeton in October of 2007. Scott, a true “cop’s cop,” has been through numerous surgeries in what continues to be the fight of his life. I don’t want to give too much away, but Scott’s inspiring story ties right in with my recent message on what it means to be in/seek God’s will and the corresponding “Why bad things happen to ‘good’ people” presentation. Please invite a friend/colleague and join us Thursday at Calvary South Denver, 9052 Ken Caryl Avenue in Littleton.
Remember that this will be our LAST meeting for 2009 (no meetings December 24th or 31st). I will of course have special CHRISTmas and New Year’s messages in our upcoming newsletters/website posts – stay tuned!
FIRST ANNUAL TCLEF CHRISTMAS PARTY (& other announcements)!!
(1) Don’t forget that JeffCo Dep. Art Briles and his wife Lonni are hosting our first annual TCLEF CHRISTmas potluck party this Saturday (12/14/09) starting at 1500 hours. Please email me if you plan to attend (all are welcome) and I’ll provide their Sheridan address near Federal and Hampden. I’ll also send out a reminder with more details later this week. Please plan on joining us!
(2) We’re now listed on PoliceOne.com! Check it out at http://www.policeone.com/police-blogs/page-2/. I’ve included a link on our website both in the LINKS section and at the bottom just above the counter. PoliceOne provides outstanding training info – check regularly.
(3) Christian writer Kristi Neace, who is also a police spouse, has written a book for the wives of LEOs entitled “Lives Behind the Badge.” Go to http://www.kristineace.com/ or http://englishmountainpress.com/ebooks/NeaceKristi/index.htm for more.
(4) Ft. Hood Police Department Sgt. Kimberly Munley now has a blog site that details her recovery in the aftermath of being shot when she and Sgt. Mark Todd confronted and stopped terrorist Nidal Hasan on November 5th. Kim covets our prayers as she undergoes a potentially career-ending total knee replacement surgery in January. Follow her progress and send encouraging messages to Kim at http://sgtmunley.blogspot.com/.
MESSAGE RECAP:
Last week’s message centered on the importance of BALANCE in our lives as peace officers. As I’ve often “preached” – and I was among the worst offenders – our calling as LEOs does not mean that we should be living “the job” and making the badge our “god.” Exodus 20:1-6 provides the prime scriptural reference for this theme. The second Commandment (v. 3) says, “You shall have no other gods before me.” What does “god” refer to? In brief, it is anything – ANYTHING – that we put first in our lives aside from our Lord and/or anything that becomes our identity outside of our relationship with Christ. God made us His sheepdogs – but He requires RELATIONSHIP with Him first and foremost. Moreover, His Word (the Bible) provides a wealth of references to what our priorities MUST be: God first, family, then our work. This point is repeatedly highlighted through our appallingly high rate of suicide, alcoholism, divorce and related issues. In fact, I recently received a very sad email that very decidedly underscores this issue: a retired officer took his own life on the steps of his PD! Was life after “the job” so empty that it was the catalyst for this kind of tragedy? The truth is that injury, illness, a mistake, and a plethora of other issues can end our careers at a moment’s notice. Is law enforcement the only real purpose and meaning in your life? Is your self-esteem based on what you do as a cop? If so, it is most assuredly outside of God’s will for your life. If this is you, I strongly suggest that you re-evaluate your priorities, repent, and ask God to help you establish the proper balance. Affirm with our Lord your desire to be known by who you are in Him versus what you do. If you need help in this area, please feel free to contact me! For more, check out Os Hillman’s short devotional on the subject: http://www.marketplaceleaders.org/apps/articles/default.asp?articleid=55898&columnid=5098.
LAKEWOOD (WA) MEMORIAL SERVICE:
I was able to catch a few moments of the memorial service for our Lakewood PD brothers/sister last week. I’ve attended a great many police funerals and I have to say that this one was the most impressive – truly first class. The sight of 3000 police units, 20,000+ officers (including more than 1000 squared-away RCMP), outstanding public support, and so much more was truly awe-inspiring. In regards to Ofc. Tina Griswold, her tribute made it perfectly clear that our fellow servant-warrior was a Christian – and a Christian first! Retired RCMP Officer David Greenhalgh (his son -- a current RCMP troop -- was in attendance) sent the following link which includes Tina’s tribute via a close family friend who also quotes Ecclesiastes 3:11! Please take the time to watch: http://www.kirotv.com/video/21901949/index.html.
Here are some additional links to the service, including a video tribute to all four officers (Note the music Tina’s family selected – oohrah!): http://www.kirotv.com/video/21902473/index.html; Flag presentation and final radio call: http://www.king5.com/video/featured-videos/Watch-Flags-presented-final-radio-call-78827347.html.
I don’t know if the other officers knew Christ or not. What about you? Do you know Him as Savior? If not, get RIGHT with him now as tomorrow may very well be too late. See last week’s post for more…
PRAYER REQUESTS:
(1) Today is Tayler Ellison’s 5th birthday (daughter of Englewood PD Officer Shane Ellison). Unlike most of us, this little warrior had to spend her birthday undergoing yet another round of chemo for the brain cancer issues she has battled most of her young life. Tayler and her family covet your prayers.
(2) Officer Joseph Buford from Highland Park, MI sent the following: I am asking for prayers regarding the untimely passing of one of our reserve officers, Dwayne Taylor. Dwayne passed last night from his own hand during an hour of depression that overtook him. Dwayne was an outstanding officer and a dear friend… Let’s join Joe in keeping Dwayne’s family and colleagues in our prayers.
(3) Eastpointe (MI) Police Chaplain James Friedman is requesting prayer for his wife Lee who underwent major surgery earlier today.
(4) Join me in praying for TCLEF “Dad” Erv Meyer who is suffering from a degenerative medical condition that is forcing him to move to a warmer, lower-altitude locale. Erv has been a mainstay of this ministry from “day one” and is a true “sheepdog” in every sense. “We love you brother!!”
(5) Mahnomen (MN) County Deputy Chris Dewey and his wife Emily really need your continued prayers as he rehabs at Craig Hospital here in Denver. I can’t begin to adequately describe all that Chris and Em have been through/are going through since Chris was ambushed and shot in the head early this year. See more at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey.
(6) Be in prayer for a colleague in Grand Junction who is battling some severe health issues of her own.
(7) As you know, we’ve been in prayer for Denver PD Ofc. Allison Casias and JeffCo Detective Art Peterson. Allison was recently honored by her PD for helping lift the stolen truck off of Art in Englewood earlier this year. Art has reportedly improved enough that he may soon be returning to duty (I consider this a miracle) while Allison has improved enough to go home while continuing her rehab. Let’s continue to keep both in prayer.
(8) Finally, please continue to remember wounded Chicago PD Officer Densey Cole in your prayers. This brother may be facing a truly daunting future (spiritual and physical) and is very much in need of God’s intervention and protection.
As always, send me your prayer requests and I’ll post them here as appropriate (and pray for you regardless).
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