So important that we understand what "RIP" (Rest In Peace) means and to whom (and ONLY to whom) it actually applies. Here then is "Rest in Peace?" (pass it on).
MC
Showing posts with label ministry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ministry. Show all posts
Friday, November 30, 2018
Thursday, November 16, 2017
A Christian Warrior's Armor and Weapons of Warfare
Note yet on the email list? Not following on Twitter or Facebook? Here then is last week's warrior-focused newsletter and Bible study: A Christian Warrior's Armor and Weapons.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
MC and Diana.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
MC and Diana.
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Samson -- Hero to Zero
Not yet on our email list (just email me at thecenturionministry@yahoo.com and I'll get you added)? If so, here's last week's newsletter and Bible study with powerful application to all of us (and us guys in particular): Samson - Hero to Zero.
MC
MC
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
A Cop's Power
Here's last week's newsletter and Bible study -- A Cop's Power. As always, the best way to get these is via email or following me on social media ("MC Williams" or "The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry" on Facebook, for example).
Blessings!
MC
Blessings!
MC
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Called to Serve
As always, our latest newsletter and Bible study has already gone out to our email and social media subscribers but I wanted to share it here for you as well: Called to Serve.
Be safe on the street but bold in Christ as He gives you strength.
MC
Be safe on the street but bold in Christ as He gives you strength.
MC
Monday, March 22, 2010
Christ -- Our True "Captain & Commander"
Brothers and Sisters:
We’re back on track for our next Centurion Ministry Bible study and fellowship meeting this Thursday starting at 1900 hours at Calvary South Denver in Littleton. Our study this week is entitled, “Christ -- our Captain and Commander” and centers on the fact that, for the Christian officer/soldier, we need to understand that Christ is just that – our true “Commander in Chief.” Please invite a friend/colleague and plan on joining us this Thursday evening for this timely and relevant biblical discussion that strikes at the very heart of who we truly are as God's ordained sheepdogs/servant-warriors. Matt Wallenburg will be on hand to provide outstanding worship music to get us started. We'll also set aside time for prayer and fellowship.
Here is our updated meeting schedule:
March 25: 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver (http://www.calvarycsd.org/ for directions), Room #7.
April 1: same time/place. Join us for a special pre-Easter message!
April 8: same time/place.
April 15: NO MEETING (next scheduled break)!
Chris and Emily Dewey Celebrate Anniversary!
Wounded Mahnomen County (MN) Deputy Chris Dewey and his wife Emily are celebrating their anniversary tomorrow (March 23rd). Please keep them in prayer as Chris moves forward with his rehab back home in Minnesota. In addition, please consider a donation to Chris’s fund (see below). Emily has updated their CaringBridge site -- get the latest at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey.
Deputy Chris Dewey Fund
First National Bank of Mahnomen
102 N. Main or P.O. Box 378
Mahnomen, MN 56557
Law Enforcement United/COPS Fundraiser:
A colleague in NM asks for your prayerful and financial support for as they participate in the Law Enforcement United fundraiser for the families of fallen officers. Go to http://www.razoo.com/story/Team-New-Mexico-Long-Riders for details.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
(1) Pray for a fellow officer who knows the Lord but who is not living for Him (living with a woman he is not married to, financial sin, medical needs, etc.). Ask our Lord to bring physical healing, financial provision in accordance with biblical principles, and to surround him with godly Christian officers who will hold him lovingly accountable.
(2) Pray for the 5 y.o. daughter of Englewood PD Officer Shane Ellison. Little Tayler has what we are praying will be her final MRI on tomorrow (3/23). If clear, Tayler will have beaten brain cancer – cause for both celebration and – most of all – praise to our Lord. For more see http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/taylerellison (password is “taylerellison”).
(3) Pray for a Canadian officer (Mountie) who has been accused of wrongdoing. Reports I’ve received would indicate that this Christian brother is innocent but he is having difficulty finding competent representation. Ask our Lord – who knows all about false accusations – to intervene and that justice will prevail.
(4) Continue to pray for those officers all over the country who are facing layoffs or substantial pay cuts.
(5) As some of you may have heard, an on-duty (in uniform and in a marked unit) Colorado State Trooper was arrested for DUI this AM whilst en route to training at the State Patrol Academy! Not sure how all this is going to play out but, if true, it is a tough blow for an agency that prides itself on being very proactive about DUI enforcement. Secondly, we need to be praying for the Trooper (21-year veteran) and ask ourselves why we as Christian officers failed to recognize the signs in one of our own and intervene. This is both a sin issue and a “call to arms” for us to be more vigilant about coming alongside our fellow officers. See http://policelink.monster.com/news/articles/136297-colorado-trooper-arrested-on-duty-for-dui for more.
(6) Finally, be in prayer for a NM officer who will be competing for a promotion opportunity with his agency. This brother is a solid Christian and has a true call to LEAD with a servant's heart (exactly the kind of leader our profession is desperate for).
Stay safe and take care of one another out there!
We’re back on track for our next Centurion Ministry Bible study and fellowship meeting this Thursday starting at 1900 hours at Calvary South Denver in Littleton. Our study this week is entitled, “Christ -- our Captain and Commander” and centers on the fact that, for the Christian officer/soldier, we need to understand that Christ is just that – our true “Commander in Chief.” Please invite a friend/colleague and plan on joining us this Thursday evening for this timely and relevant biblical discussion that strikes at the very heart of who we truly are as God's ordained sheepdogs/servant-warriors. Matt Wallenburg will be on hand to provide outstanding worship music to get us started. We'll also set aside time for prayer and fellowship.
Here is our updated meeting schedule:
March 25: 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver (http://www.calvarycsd.org/ for directions), Room #7.
April 1: same time/place. Join us for a special pre-Easter message!
April 8: same time/place.
April 15: NO MEETING (next scheduled break)!
Chris and Emily Dewey Celebrate Anniversary!
Wounded Mahnomen County (MN) Deputy Chris Dewey and his wife Emily are celebrating their anniversary tomorrow (March 23rd). Please keep them in prayer as Chris moves forward with his rehab back home in Minnesota. In addition, please consider a donation to Chris’s fund (see below). Emily has updated their CaringBridge site -- get the latest at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey.
Deputy Chris Dewey Fund
First National Bank of Mahnomen
102 N. Main or P.O. Box 378
Mahnomen, MN 56557
Law Enforcement United/COPS Fundraiser:
A colleague in NM asks for your prayerful and financial support for as they participate in the Law Enforcement United fundraiser for the families of fallen officers. Go to http://www.razoo.com/story/Team-New-Mexico-Long-Riders for details.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
(1) Pray for a fellow officer who knows the Lord but who is not living for Him (living with a woman he is not married to, financial sin, medical needs, etc.). Ask our Lord to bring physical healing, financial provision in accordance with biblical principles, and to surround him with godly Christian officers who will hold him lovingly accountable.
(2) Pray for the 5 y.o. daughter of Englewood PD Officer Shane Ellison. Little Tayler has what we are praying will be her final MRI on tomorrow (3/23). If clear, Tayler will have beaten brain cancer – cause for both celebration and – most of all – praise to our Lord. For more see http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/taylerellison (password is “taylerellison”).
(3) Pray for a Canadian officer (Mountie) who has been accused of wrongdoing. Reports I’ve received would indicate that this Christian brother is innocent but he is having difficulty finding competent representation. Ask our Lord – who knows all about false accusations – to intervene and that justice will prevail.
(4) Continue to pray for those officers all over the country who are facing layoffs or substantial pay cuts.
(5) As some of you may have heard, an on-duty (in uniform and in a marked unit) Colorado State Trooper was arrested for DUI this AM whilst en route to training at the State Patrol Academy! Not sure how all this is going to play out but, if true, it is a tough blow for an agency that prides itself on being very proactive about DUI enforcement. Secondly, we need to be praying for the Trooper (21-year veteran) and ask ourselves why we as Christian officers failed to recognize the signs in one of our own and intervene. This is both a sin issue and a “call to arms” for us to be more vigilant about coming alongside our fellow officers. See http://policelink.monster.com/news/articles/136297-colorado-trooper-arrested-on-duty-for-dui for more.
(6) Finally, be in prayer for a NM officer who will be competing for a promotion opportunity with his agency. This brother is a solid Christian and has a true call to LEAD with a servant's heart (exactly the kind of leader our profession is desperate for).
Stay safe and take care of one another out there!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Meeting Reminder, Training Update, and Urgent Prayer Requests
Fellow Sheepdogs:
Just sending out some urgent mid-week prayer requests along with a reminder to our locals and visitors about tomorrow night's Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry Bible study meeting. The really great news is that our own Matt Wallenburg will be back with us to lead worship (if you’ve yet to hear Matt, he’s outstanding). Feb. 11th, 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver in Littleton , Room #7 unless our old/main spot is available. Invite a friend/ colleague and remember that spouses are always welcome.
TRAINING UPDATE:
A colleague sent me this YouTube video of the latest CPR technique from the Mayo Clinic. Very simple and reportedly very effective (no blowing – just compressions). Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5huVSebZpM.
UPDATE ON DEP. CHRIS DEWEY:
Thanks to all who attended Chris’s birthday party yesterday at Craig Hospital and thanks to Michelle for setting it up and bringing the cake. Let’s continue to keep our brother in prayer. It has been nearly a year since Chris was shot in the head and liver after responding to a “shots-fired” call in Mahnomen , MN (see http://wcco.com/crime/deputy.shot.mahnomen.2.937841.html). Chris made some miraculous strides after initially being shot but complications and surgeries have set him back. Chris and his wife Emily (what an inspirational warrior she is) need our continued prayer and support.
URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS:
(1) One of my old partners in NM sent me the following (edited for our purposes):
Today I received a phone call from a dear friend of mine, Chief Jim Cook in Los Lunas , NM . This was a weird call because I could not initially understand his spoken word. He was finally able to tell me that he has stage 4 cancer in his throat/voice box and that the cancer is moving extremely fast. He starts chemo next Wednesday and begins radiation treatment after that. The cancer has spread far enough that surgery will unlikely do any good. I was also able to speak with his nurse and she stated that he is eating from a tube, and breathing from a tracheotomy tube.
There is some good to this great sadness: I asked Jim if his faith was still strong. To that he said, "my faith has only gotten stronger, and when its time to be healed my God will bring me home"
Jim has three sons, a daughter and three beautiful grandchildren. I would appreciate all the prayers that this ministry can provide. I can attest to the power of God and the abilities of this ministry (MC’s note: any success this ministry has had is totally due to the power of God). You all have prayed for my family in the past and miracles happened.
If you should have any questions or would like to send a letter or card to Chief Jim Cook, let me know. I sense that he will greatly appreciate it.
Agent Cameron P. Fisher
New Mexico Department of Public Safety
Special Investigations Division
(505)841-8053 ext. 1124
Let’s keep Jim and his family in prayer.
(2) Please continue to pray for another colleague who is battling a plethora of cancer-related issues of her own.
(3) Pray for a Western Slope officer who is recovering from an extremely painful rib injury.
(4) Pray for a Christian officer candidate who is trying to get on with an agency in Pennsylvania and needs some intervention.
More next week – let’s stay the course lead from the front. Brothers: don’t forget that Valentine’s Day should not be an excuse to work OT if you don’t have to! See ya tomorrow.
Just sending out some urgent mid-week prayer requests along with a reminder to our locals and visitors about tomorrow night's Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry Bible study meeting. The really great news is that our own Matt Wallenburg will be back with us to lead worship (if you’ve yet to hear Matt, he’s outstanding). Feb. 11th, 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver in Littleton , Room #7 unless our old/main spot is available. Invite a friend/ colleague and remember that spouses are always welcome.
TRAINING UPDATE:
A colleague sent me this YouTube video of the latest CPR technique from the Mayo Clinic. Very simple and reportedly very effective (no blowing – just compressions). Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5huVSebZpM.
UPDATE ON DEP. CHRIS DEWEY:
Thanks to all who attended Chris’s birthday party yesterday at Craig Hospital and thanks to Michelle for setting it up and bringing the cake. Let’s continue to keep our brother in prayer. It has been nearly a year since Chris was shot in the head and liver after responding to a “shots-fired” call in Mahnomen , MN (see http://wcco.com/crime/deputy.shot.mahnomen.2.937841.html). Chris made some miraculous strides after initially being shot but complications and surgeries have set him back. Chris and his wife Emily (what an inspirational warrior she is) need our continued prayer and support.
URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS:
(1) One of my old partners in NM sent me the following (edited for our purposes):
Today I received a phone call from a dear friend of mine, Chief Jim Cook in Los Lunas , NM . This was a weird call because I could not initially understand his spoken word. He was finally able to tell me that he has stage 4 cancer in his throat/voice box and that the cancer is moving extremely fast. He starts chemo next Wednesday and begins radiation treatment after that. The cancer has spread far enough that surgery will unlikely do any good. I was also able to speak with his nurse and she stated that he is eating from a tube, and breathing from a tracheotomy tube.
There is some good to this great sadness: I asked Jim if his faith was still strong. To that he said, "my faith has only gotten stronger, and when its time to be healed my God will bring me home"
Jim has three sons, a daughter and three beautiful grandchildren. I would appreciate all the prayers that this ministry can provide. I can attest to the power of God and the abilities of this ministry (MC’s note: any success this ministry has had is totally due to the power of God). You all have prayed for my family in the past and miracles happened.
If you should have any questions or would like to send a letter or card to Chief Jim Cook, let me know. I sense that he will greatly appreciate it.
Agent Cameron P. Fisher
New Mexico Department of Public Safety
Special Investigations Division
(505)841-8053 ext. 1124
Let’s keep Jim and his family in prayer.
(2) Please continue to pray for another colleague who is battling a plethora of cancer-related issues of her own.
(3) Pray for a Western Slope officer who is recovering from an extremely painful rib injury.
(4) Pray for a Christian officer candidate who is trying to get on with an agency in Pennsylvania and needs some intervention.
More next week – let’s stay the course lead from the front. Brothers: don’t forget that Valentine’s Day should not be an excuse to work OT if you don’t have to! See ya tomorrow.
Monday, October 19, 2009
HIS Way or "Highway" (UPDATED!!)
Dear “Band of Brothers” (and Sisters of course):
As previously announced, we’ll meet as scheduled this Thursday for our regular profession-relevant fellowship and Bible study: 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver, 9052 W. Ken Caryl Avenue in Littleton, Room #7. Don’t forget to bring your spouses and to invite your colleagues (just pass this email to others in your address book).
My topic for this week’s study stems from an email that I received in which the writer chastised me for suggesting that there is only one way to Christ/Heaven. The source was my asking for continued prayer for an officer we been praying for/supporting for the last six months and who has adopted an ideology that “everyone will go to Heaven” so long as they are “good” and believe in “something.” The writer went so far as to suggest that God’s way as detailed in the Bible is “oppressive” and no longer valid in this “modern world.” So how should we respond? Bottom line here is that many will criticize us for standing firm on God’s Word. The TRUTH is that there is in fact only ONE WAY to be saved, and therefore only ONE WAY to an eternity with the Lord. It has nothing do with what I or anyone else THINKS or “believes” is the “right” way. Rather, it is what God says is HIS way – we simply can’t “make up” our own path to salvation! Truly, it is His way or "highway!" (but with LOVE always being central). Here is part of my response:
“So what is the source of truth? It is God's breathed word, the Bible. There is insufficient time/space to go into this in detail but suffice it to say the that the Bible has NEVER been disproved and is, statistically speaking, the most accurate text ever written (although it is SO much more than a text). The TRUTH is that "God so LOVED the world (you, I) that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). The word "believe" as translated from the Greek pisteuo is so much more than simple "belief" as we use in English -- even Satan and his demons "believe" in God but are certainly not "saved." Moreover, our Lord tells us in Romans 3:10 that "There is no one righteous (good), no, not even one." This means that without a saving knowledge of Christ (being spiritually “born again”), NO ONE is “good” enough to enter into eternal life with Him. I am not teaching my way but rather God's perfect way. Your argument is with God, not me. There is in fact only ONE WAY and it is HIS way. Thomas asked Jesus, "How can we know the way? Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:5-6.”
Of course, God’s word also tells us that the alternative to God’s way, aka “YOUR own way,” is eternal separation from God – ultimately what some commonly refer to as “Hell.” Our goal as a ministry is to do all we can to share God’s love and plan of salvation (as opposed to the equally real alternative). In the end, the Truth is still truth and the choice is truly yours.
We’ll dig into this topic in depth on Thursday. Please join us!
MESSAGE RECAP
Retired Denver PD Officer and current police chaplain and pastor Manny Hays shared with us at our last meeting. Manny’s message centered around the importance of prayer – particularly WHY we should pray – along with a report on his invocation at the IACP Conference. As previously reported, Manny was initially told that he could not pray to God (To whom or what then – a light bulb??) before the “powers-that-be” relented with the proviso that he NOT pray in Jesus’ name!! God gave our brother a great alternative: Manny closed with “…in the Name of our Lord & Savior.” LOL – outstanding!!! Manny provided the following scriptural references – please make them part of your own study: II Cor. 13:9; Phil. 1:9; 1 Tim. 2:8; I Thes. 5:25.
FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN PEACE OFFICERS (FCPO) NATIONAL CONFERENCE!!
The 2009 FCPO National Conference will be held here in Colorado this November 6-8 at the famous Glen Eyrie Conference Center in Colorado Springs! Go to www.FCPO.org and click on the conference link at the top. Please join us for an unforgettable time in the Lord with other Christian officers from all over the world! Wives are strongly encouraged to attend. I will be in attendance as will our own TCLEF worship leader Matt Wallenburg (helping lead worship, of course).
OFFICER DOWN UPDATES
As many of you know, CPD Officer Densey Cole is now back in Chicago where he is undergoing continued rehab. Please continue to keep him in prayer (spiritual and physical).
Jason and I visited with Mahnomen County (MN) S.O. Deputy Chris Dewey and his wife Emily last week. They will remain here at Craig Hospital until at least January as Chris faces some very tough challenges – including more surgery. We serve a MIGHTY God -- continue to lift Chris and Em in prayer. Those wishing to follow Chris’s progress can do so by logging on to his Caring Bridge site at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey (Emily provides daily updates).
Speaking of Chris, I received the following email from Mahnomen County Sheriff Doug Krier: "...I just want to thank you for taking care of Chris & Emily Dewey for us. I have been reading your updates and I have enjoyed everyone of them - It helps me get through the day sometimes. It's really nice to know the the brotherhood reaches throughout the country.
Thanks again Mike - Sheriff Doug Krier"
Reid McGrath from Englewood PD sent me an update on Denver PD Officer Allison Casias. I'll try to get by to see her/prayer with her family later this week. She is scheduled for surgery today. Please PRAY! Updates can be seen on her Caring Bridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/allisoncasias.
I just found out that JeffCo Deputy/Investigator Art Peterson has been moved to a regular room (Swedish Hospital, Room 406) and can have visitors. I'll try to get by to see him as well. Continue to pray for this hurting brother as well.
In the future, I will post additional updates directly here on our website. I encourage everyone to check frequently.
PRAY REQUESTS & PRAISE REPORTS
(1) Be in prayer for the success of the upcoming FCPO National Conference.
(2) Pray for a brother officer who is testing for a leadership position this coming Wednesday.
(3) Pray for Erv Meyer who has been traveling and is due home in the coming week.
(4) Continue to be in prayer for a colleague on the mend from open-heart surgery.
(5) PRAISE REPORT: See our website for a report on answered prayer (October 16th entry). Praise God!!!
(6) A fellow warrior is suffering terribly from pancreatitis. Please pray for him.
See ya Thursday!
As previously announced, we’ll meet as scheduled this Thursday for our regular profession-relevant fellowship and Bible study: 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver, 9052 W. Ken Caryl Avenue in Littleton, Room #7. Don’t forget to bring your spouses and to invite your colleagues (just pass this email to others in your address book).
My topic for this week’s study stems from an email that I received in which the writer chastised me for suggesting that there is only one way to Christ/Heaven. The source was my asking for continued prayer for an officer we been praying for/supporting for the last six months and who has adopted an ideology that “everyone will go to Heaven” so long as they are “good” and believe in “something.” The writer went so far as to suggest that God’s way as detailed in the Bible is “oppressive” and no longer valid in this “modern world.” So how should we respond? Bottom line here is that many will criticize us for standing firm on God’s Word. The TRUTH is that there is in fact only ONE WAY to be saved, and therefore only ONE WAY to an eternity with the Lord. It has nothing do with what I or anyone else THINKS or “believes” is the “right” way. Rather, it is what God says is HIS way – we simply can’t “make up” our own path to salvation! Truly, it is His way or "highway!" (but with LOVE always being central). Here is part of my response:
“So what is the source of truth? It is God's breathed word, the Bible. There is insufficient time/space to go into this in detail but suffice it to say the that the Bible has NEVER been disproved and is, statistically speaking, the most accurate text ever written (although it is SO much more than a text). The TRUTH is that "God so LOVED the world (you, I) that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). The word "believe" as translated from the Greek pisteuo is so much more than simple "belief" as we use in English -- even Satan and his demons "believe" in God but are certainly not "saved." Moreover, our Lord tells us in Romans 3:10 that "There is no one righteous (good), no, not even one." This means that without a saving knowledge of Christ (being spiritually “born again”), NO ONE is “good” enough to enter into eternal life with Him. I am not teaching my way but rather God's perfect way. Your argument is with God, not me. There is in fact only ONE WAY and it is HIS way. Thomas asked Jesus, "How can we know the way? Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:5-6.”
Of course, God’s word also tells us that the alternative to God’s way, aka “YOUR own way,” is eternal separation from God – ultimately what some commonly refer to as “Hell.” Our goal as a ministry is to do all we can to share God’s love and plan of salvation (as opposed to the equally real alternative). In the end, the Truth is still truth and the choice is truly yours.
We’ll dig into this topic in depth on Thursday. Please join us!
MESSAGE RECAP
Retired Denver PD Officer and current police chaplain and pastor Manny Hays shared with us at our last meeting. Manny’s message centered around the importance of prayer – particularly WHY we should pray – along with a report on his invocation at the IACP Conference. As previously reported, Manny was initially told that he could not pray to God (To whom or what then – a light bulb??) before the “powers-that-be” relented with the proviso that he NOT pray in Jesus’ name!! God gave our brother a great alternative: Manny closed with “…in the Name of our Lord & Savior.” LOL – outstanding!!! Manny provided the following scriptural references – please make them part of your own study: II Cor. 13:9; Phil. 1:9; 1 Tim. 2:8; I Thes. 5:25.
FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN PEACE OFFICERS (FCPO) NATIONAL CONFERENCE!!
The 2009 FCPO National Conference will be held here in Colorado this November 6-8 at the famous Glen Eyrie Conference Center in Colorado Springs! Go to www.FCPO.org and click on the conference link at the top. Please join us for an unforgettable time in the Lord with other Christian officers from all over the world! Wives are strongly encouraged to attend. I will be in attendance as will our own TCLEF worship leader Matt Wallenburg (helping lead worship, of course).
OFFICER DOWN UPDATES
As many of you know, CPD Officer Densey Cole is now back in Chicago where he is undergoing continued rehab. Please continue to keep him in prayer (spiritual and physical).
Jason and I visited with Mahnomen County (MN) S.O. Deputy Chris Dewey and his wife Emily last week. They will remain here at Craig Hospital until at least January as Chris faces some very tough challenges – including more surgery. We serve a MIGHTY God -- continue to lift Chris and Em in prayer. Those wishing to follow Chris’s progress can do so by logging on to his Caring Bridge site at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey (Emily provides daily updates).
Speaking of Chris, I received the following email from Mahnomen County Sheriff Doug Krier: "...I just want to thank you for taking care of Chris & Emily Dewey for us. I have been reading your updates and I have enjoyed everyone of them - It helps me get through the day sometimes. It's really nice to know the the brotherhood reaches throughout the country.
Thanks again Mike - Sheriff Doug Krier"
Reid McGrath from Englewood PD sent me an update on Denver PD Officer Allison Casias. I'll try to get by to see her/prayer with her family later this week. She is scheduled for surgery today. Please PRAY! Updates can be seen on her Caring Bridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/allisoncasias.
I just found out that JeffCo Deputy/Investigator Art Peterson has been moved to a regular room (Swedish Hospital, Room 406) and can have visitors. I'll try to get by to see him as well. Continue to pray for this hurting brother as well.
In the future, I will post additional updates directly here on our website. I encourage everyone to check frequently.
PRAY REQUESTS & PRAISE REPORTS
(1) Be in prayer for the success of the upcoming FCPO National Conference.
(2) Pray for a brother officer who is testing for a leadership position this coming Wednesday.
(3) Pray for Erv Meyer who has been traveling and is due home in the coming week.
(4) Continue to be in prayer for a colleague on the mend from open-heart surgery.
(5) PRAISE REPORT: See our website for a report on answered prayer (October 16th entry). Praise God!!!
(6) A fellow warrior is suffering terribly from pancreatitis. Please pray for him.
See ya Thursday!
Friday, October 16, 2009
PRAISE REPORT!
A short time ago I posted a prayer request about an officer facing disciplinary action (up to termination). I have been remiss in reporting that not only did he keep his job, but there was no action taken against him at all. His Chief in fact showed tremendous leadership. I consider this truly God-inspired (answered prayer). Thank you Lord!
Stay tuned for more!
Stay tuned for more!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Accused GJ Officer Takes Own Life
Many of you may be aware that a Grand Junction (CO) police officer was recently arrested for sexual assault and burglary. He was subsequently terminated while still in jail and before he bonded out. The officer was also reportedly a Christian but may not have been living that faith and/or involved in church or a Christian accountability group similar to ours. Today I was notified that the officer in question committed suicide in Metro Denver (see also http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/gen/breaking-news/index.html?p=9869). I don't have all the facts in this matter but have it on pretty good account that the evidence was pretty strong. That said, my prayer is that a full investigation will be done and the truth will come out. I'm keeping this simple now but there are a plethora of issues represented in this matter that relate directly to us as Christian officers and for this ministry. We will discuss/pray about this (and for the family -- "blue" and natural alike) tonight.
Here is what our colleague wrote (edited...):
"Jefferson County SO found Glenn Coyne dead in a Days Inn motel room on west Colfax yesterday at 1:30pm - we just found out this about noon today. He died of a self inflicted gunshot wound. The chief told us that understandably, Glenn's wife is devastated and very distraught, particularly over the press coverage, and he asked all of us to keep his wife & children in our thoughts & prayers and especially to look out for each other now and reach out to those who are having trouble dealing with it. I think a lot of us are just sad that this has all happened the way it did. I'm sure it will take his family a long time to recover from this, and I pray that Glenn was right with God before he took his life. Please pray for our department and especially that we can heal and face the challenges in the days and months ahead. The chief had it exactly right when he said that in moments like this, when we can't reconcile the man we knew before all this happened with the actions afterward, that we need to lean on God and not our own understanding. That's the Bible verse that popped into my head right before he started speaking to us today..."
MEETING REMINDER: While I have you, don't forget about tonight's meeting/Bible study starting at 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver, room #7. Retired Denver PD officer and current DPD chaplain (and Calvary pastor) Manny Hays will be our guest speaker. We will also have some very exciting news (miracle/answered prayer) to share!! Don't forget to bring your wives and fellow officers (and pass this on)! See you then.
Here is what our colleague wrote (edited...):
"Jefferson County SO found Glenn Coyne dead in a Days Inn motel room on west Colfax yesterday at 1:30pm - we just found out this about noon today. He died of a self inflicted gunshot wound. The chief told us that understandably, Glenn's wife is devastated and very distraught, particularly over the press coverage, and he asked all of us to keep his wife & children in our thoughts & prayers and especially to look out for each other now and reach out to those who are having trouble dealing with it. I think a lot of us are just sad that this has all happened the way it did. I'm sure it will take his family a long time to recover from this, and I pray that Glenn was right with God before he took his life. Please pray for our department and especially that we can heal and face the challenges in the days and months ahead. The chief had it exactly right when he said that in moments like this, when we can't reconcile the man we knew before all this happened with the actions afterward, that we need to lean on God and not our own understanding. That's the Bible verse that popped into my head right before he started speaking to us today..."
MEETING REMINDER: While I have you, don't forget about tonight's meeting/Bible study starting at 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver, room #7. Retired Denver PD officer and current DPD chaplain (and Calvary pastor) Manny Hays will be our guest speaker. We will also have some very exciting news (miracle/answered prayer) to share!! Don't forget to bring your wives and fellow officers (and pass this on)! See you then.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Moses -- A Lesson in Godly Leadership and the Power of Prayer
Greetings fellow “sheepdogs!”
I just got back from attending the CPPA Conference in Grand Junction where I gave the invocation (thanks to all who prayed for me) and attended Lt. Col. Dave Grossman’s acclaimed “Bulletproof Mind” seminar. Dave was outstanding as usual and I had the privilege of assisting him with his book sales during breaks. Col. Grossman is a MUST-SEE and, as he spends over 300 days a year on the road “ministering” to law enforcement and military personnel all over the world, he is very likely coming to location near you. Go to his website (http://www.killology.com/) and click on the calendar button! Dave, a devout Christian, now has one of our new Centurion LE Ministry t-shirts to wear! While I consider Col. Grossman to be a friend and brother-in-Christ, the fact is that this brother is a true friend to all of us in law enforcement. Dave's passion for his fellow warriors is nothing short of “ministry” even if those he is “preaching” to often have no idea that many of the principles he teaches are indeed biblical in nature. One of Dave’s favorite verses that he cites when signing books is Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Indeed, as my pastor likes to say, let’s “stay the course and finish strong!”
Secondly, I’ve posted (scroll down to the bottom of the page) some PHOTOS from the Densey Cole/Chris Dewey benefit. The first is of Chris and his wife Emily while the second shows Chris and Densey together. Please continue to keep these brothers (and their families) in prayer. I hope to visit them again and have some updates for next week's newsletter.
MEETING REMINDER
As announced, we’ll meet this Thursday from 1900-2000+ (I strive to finish no later than 2030) at Calvary South Denver (http://www.calvarycsd.org/) in Littleton. We are in our latest series on leadership issues as they relate to ALL of us in the law enforcement profession and will be taking a look at one of prime God's examples of true servant-leadership in the person of Moses. Please bring a friend (spouses are encouraged to attend) and join us!
ANNOUNCEMENTS/MEETING SCHEDULE
(1) Meeting schedule updates:
Thursday, 10/1: Meet as usual – 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver.
Thursday, 10/8: Meet as usual – 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver.
(2) Retired DPD officer/current DPD Chaplain/Pastor Manny Hays will be delivering the invocation at the upcoming IACP Conference here in Denver next week. Please pray for Manny – he has been told that he can’t pray in Jesus’ name! What a sad, sad commentary on the direction our nation and our profession have been going!
LOCAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES (see previous newsletters/website for additional)
(1) Colorado State Investigators Association (CSIA) Conference, Golden, CO. 10/7-8/09. Outstanding training/speakers. See http://www.csiainc.org/ for more info.
(2) International Association of Chief of Police (IACP) Conference, Denver, CO. 10/3-10/7. Go to http://www.theiacp.org/Technology/LEIM2010Conference/tabid/665/Default.aspx for more information.
PRAYER REQUESTS (Please take the time to truly lift these individuals in prayer. As always, forward your prayer requests to me for publication here as appropriate or to bring up during our weekly fellowship meetings.)
(1) Thanks to all who have been praying for a fellow State Criminal Investigator who just underwent triple-bypass surgery. He survived (praise God) and is currently in rehab. Continue to pray for full recovery.
(2) Pray for a local police chief and his spouse: both are dealing with potentially serious medical issues. Let's ask God for intervention and healing according to His will and plan.
(3) Pray for a colleague and friend facing unjust (in my view) disciplinary action at his agency. Ask God to touch the heart of his Chief who has a long history of failing to truly lead from a biblical world view (and thus partially responsible for the ongoing morale issues in his department).
(4) Federal LE Ranger Krysia Baron in NM sent the following prayer request: “Please pray for the daughter of USFS ASAC Robin Poague. Robin and his daughters (ages 7 and 4) were in a serious car wreck on Friday. Their station wagon was T-boned by a driver in an SUV who had run a stop sign at about 60 mph. His younger girl, who was on the side of impact, suffered a concussion and a skull fracture and has about 45 stitches--she will require cosmetic surgery in the future--but thankfully there is NO neurological damage (PRAISE GOD!). Robin has been counting his blessings and is very thankful for the outcome--he could have easily lost his daughter(s). He would appreciate prayers for a speedy recovery for Allie.”
(5) Phil Headden with Chattanooga PD sent the following reference his injured (U.S. Navy line-of-duty) son: “I just talked to Ryan in Bethesda MD. He has seen several doctors and all are certain he will not regain sight in his eye. He is totally blind in his left eye. Continue to pray for him as he is very upset. He will likely be discharged from the Navy with a disability pension. Losing an eye is a horrible thing, but I thank God that he is alive and will be able to function in society. These things happen for a reason. God is awesome and I am blessed to have family and friends who support us in every way. God will reveal his glory in this horrible accident…”
Please keep Ryan in your prayers!
Watch your six and keep your armor cinched up tight (Ephesians 6:10-18)! I look forward to seeing out our locals and visitors this Thursday.
I just got back from attending the CPPA Conference in Grand Junction where I gave the invocation (thanks to all who prayed for me) and attended Lt. Col. Dave Grossman’s acclaimed “Bulletproof Mind” seminar. Dave was outstanding as usual and I had the privilege of assisting him with his book sales during breaks. Col. Grossman is a MUST-SEE and, as he spends over 300 days a year on the road “ministering” to law enforcement and military personnel all over the world, he is very likely coming to location near you. Go to his website (http://www.killology.com/) and click on the calendar button! Dave, a devout Christian, now has one of our new Centurion LE Ministry t-shirts to wear! While I consider Col. Grossman to be a friend and brother-in-Christ, the fact is that this brother is a true friend to all of us in law enforcement. Dave's passion for his fellow warriors is nothing short of “ministry” even if those he is “preaching” to often have no idea that many of the principles he teaches are indeed biblical in nature. One of Dave’s favorite verses that he cites when signing books is Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Indeed, as my pastor likes to say, let’s “stay the course and finish strong!”
Secondly, I’ve posted (scroll down to the bottom of the page) some PHOTOS from the Densey Cole/Chris Dewey benefit. The first is of Chris and his wife Emily while the second shows Chris and Densey together. Please continue to keep these brothers (and their families) in prayer. I hope to visit them again and have some updates for next week's newsletter.
MEETING REMINDER
As announced, we’ll meet this Thursday from 1900-2000+ (I strive to finish no later than 2030) at Calvary South Denver (http://www.calvarycsd.org/) in Littleton. We are in our latest series on leadership issues as they relate to ALL of us in the law enforcement profession and will be taking a look at one of prime God's examples of true servant-leadership in the person of Moses. Please bring a friend (spouses are encouraged to attend) and join us!
ANNOUNCEMENTS/MEETING SCHEDULE
(1) Meeting schedule updates:
Thursday, 10/1: Meet as usual – 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver.
Thursday, 10/8: Meet as usual – 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver.
(2) Retired DPD officer/current DPD Chaplain/Pastor Manny Hays will be delivering the invocation at the upcoming IACP Conference here in Denver next week. Please pray for Manny – he has been told that he can’t pray in Jesus’ name! What a sad, sad commentary on the direction our nation and our profession have been going!
LOCAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES (see previous newsletters/website for additional)
(1) Colorado State Investigators Association (CSIA) Conference, Golden, CO. 10/7-8/09. Outstanding training/speakers. See http://www.csiainc.org/ for more info.
(2) International Association of Chief of Police (IACP) Conference, Denver, CO. 10/3-10/7. Go to http://www.theiacp.org/Technology/LEIM2010Conference/tabid/665/Default.aspx for more information.
PRAYER REQUESTS (Please take the time to truly lift these individuals in prayer. As always, forward your prayer requests to me for publication here as appropriate or to bring up during our weekly fellowship meetings.)
(1) Thanks to all who have been praying for a fellow State Criminal Investigator who just underwent triple-bypass surgery. He survived (praise God) and is currently in rehab. Continue to pray for full recovery.
(2) Pray for a local police chief and his spouse: both are dealing with potentially serious medical issues. Let's ask God for intervention and healing according to His will and plan.
(3) Pray for a colleague and friend facing unjust (in my view) disciplinary action at his agency. Ask God to touch the heart of his Chief who has a long history of failing to truly lead from a biblical world view (and thus partially responsible for the ongoing morale issues in his department).
(4) Federal LE Ranger Krysia Baron in NM sent the following prayer request: “Please pray for the daughter of USFS ASAC Robin Poague. Robin and his daughters (ages 7 and 4) were in a serious car wreck on Friday. Their station wagon was T-boned by a driver in an SUV who had run a stop sign at about 60 mph. His younger girl, who was on the side of impact, suffered a concussion and a skull fracture and has about 45 stitches--she will require cosmetic surgery in the future--but thankfully there is NO neurological damage (PRAISE GOD!). Robin has been counting his blessings and is very thankful for the outcome--he could have easily lost his daughter(s). He would appreciate prayers for a speedy recovery for Allie.”
(5) Phil Headden with Chattanooga PD sent the following reference his injured (U.S. Navy line-of-duty) son: “I just talked to Ryan in Bethesda MD. He has seen several doctors and all are certain he will not regain sight in his eye. He is totally blind in his left eye. Continue to pray for him as he is very upset. He will likely be discharged from the Navy with a disability pension. Losing an eye is a horrible thing, but I thank God that he is alive and will be able to function in society. These things happen for a reason. God is awesome and I am blessed to have family and friends who support us in every way. God will reveal his glory in this horrible accident…”
Please keep Ryan in your prayers!
Watch your six and keep your armor cinched up tight (Ephesians 6:10-18)! I look forward to seeing out our locals and visitors this Thursday.
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