PMJ Fall 1996

As we neared the helipad, we made an abrupt right turn, pointing down the slope. I thought the pilot had changed his mind about the approach, but... we were out of control. I had no idea what was really happening. There were no flight controls on my side of the cockpit. (I wouldn't have known what to do with them anyway.) The tail rotor had struck a tree and was torn from the tail boom. The helicopter was beyond anyone's control.

We hit the north slope of Tahquitz Peak, upright. My first reaction was to sit tight and let the dust settle. But, due to the 75° incline, neither the helicopter nor the dust were settling. We were rolling, end over end, down the boulder and pine tree strewn landscape. It was time to get out.

I couldn't remember where the door latch was. When I remembered it was above and behind my right ear, I couldn't reach it. The direction to the latch was opposite the direction of the centrifugal force of our tumbling. Then, I found myself sitting on the slope, out of the helicopter. My seat belt and shoulder harness had completely failed. (NATSB Factual Aircraft Report LAX 76-A-1010)

I was left behind as the helicopter continued on its 650 foot path down the slope. I landed almost directly on a hiking trail known as The Devil's Slide. I stood up to look for my partner, sat back down to catch my breath, and immediately went into shock.

Hikers who had seen the crash came to my rescue. This is their description of what they found; "massive head wound, bleeding from the left ear, mutilated left arm, shattered right foot, delirious, begging for help, repeating over and over, "help me partner, I'm not going to make it." (Riverside Sheriff's Office report 75-227-007)

While the hikers remained at my side, Forest Rangers searched for my partner, and a "third passenger" reported by the Ranger who had witnessed, and reported our crash. They found my partner at the bottom of the hill. The search for the "third passenger" continued until dark when the Chief of Police confirmed that there were only two occupants in the two seated helicopter. An hour and 35 minutes after we crashed, the Sikorsky helicopter from Loma Linda Medical Center landed on the Tahquitz Peak Helipad. The Sikorsky was so big that only two of its four wheels fit onto the pad. The Medic worked his way down the mountain side while the pilot balanced on two wheels.

Ten minutes later, a warning light came on in the cockpit. An electromagnet in the oil system detected a sliver of metal. The warning light announced the possibility of a pending engine or transmission failure. The pilot reported his situation, and continued his balancing act for another 40 minutes.

While the pilot worked at staying in place, the Rangers, Medic and hikers worked at getting me up the slope to the Sikorsky. It was a formidable, exhausting, and time consuming effort, especially at 8,800 feet above sea level. They would take turns dragging me about ten yards and then resting the next ten yards. They repeated this cycle over and over. moving me 150 yards in less than an hour.

Two and a half hours after the crash I was in the air again. Due to the warning light in the Sikorsky, a second helicopter followed us on a direct route to a hospital in nearby Hemet. We arrived without incident. I had no blood pressure and was "non responsive to external pain stimulus." (Emergency Room Record, E.R. No. 73992, Hemet Valley Hospital District) One lung was accidentally collapsed during an initial emergency room procedure, and I received a blood transfusion. An hour later, I was flown to Loma Linda Medical Center in critical, but stable condition. It was Friday evening.

My next recollection is of a television set. It was suspended directly above my foot, and my foot was in a cast. I didn't know why my foot was in a cast. I didn't even know where I was. What I did know was that I didn't want that television to fall on my foot! I wasn't sure why, but all the bandages and tubes attached to me seemed appropriate. I soon learned that I was in intensive care and that Friday afternoon had become Sunday morning.

More memorable than the television set was what I saw through the window. The view was spectacular. A clear blue sky, scrubbed clean by Santa Ana winds. The mountains stood out sharply against the sky, a little like a View Master slide. Palm trees waved like a parade queen along the base of the mountains. Against this backdrop, I watched a B-52 fly a slow, steady, final approach into Norton Air Force Base. I was very, very glad to be alive. And, the next best thing to being alive was being able to lay back down. I was exhausted.

My return to consciousness included the news... my partner was dead, and I was scheduled for more surgery. I felt like I was being rolled back to the very thing I had just escaped—death. I began to question God. "I'm so grateful to be alive and I give you all the credit. But... if I was so close to going home to be with you, why didn't you just take me? Did you leave me here to suffer?" Then came doubt and guilt. "Who says you would have made it to heaven? What did you do to help your partner?" I felt condemned.

When I awoke from the first surgery I was ecstatic! I was back again! I was alive again! It was a taste of heaven. My tears were joyful. (The nurse assured me the pain medication would take effect soon.) A skin and bone graft still lay ahead, but the turning point came one morning with breakfast.

MY FOOD "I have Treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food. "Job 23:l2

Every meal was served with a scripture verse. Actually, every verse came with a meal. On this particular morning, the verse was Isaiah 41:10, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." The promise was mine. I had reason to hope.

I remained in the hospital for six weeks. Once the doctors were convinced that my spleen would remain intact, they sent us both home. For the next four years I was either off work or on restricted duty. The promise Isaiah recorded became just another historical event, unheeded and forgotten. I requested a medical retirement and struggled with depression.

One evening, my wife, Terry, confronted me. "This can't go on." The Isaiah verse came to mind. It was time to take God at His word again. I told the doctor I was ready to return to full duty, trusting God for direction through the doctor's response. He handed me a release to return to full duty. Within 18 months I was assigned to the Helicopter Detail for pilot training. Since then I have logged over seven thousand flight hours and have trained two other pilots.

On August 15, 1975, because of choices made by others and myself, I was dying. All the safety mechanisms I trusted in failed completely. I had no means or ability to control anything. Even my own blood was not enough to save me. By God's grace, I recognized my condition and called out for help. I was literally rescued from the Devil's Slide. I was saved by the blood of another. My rescue, my salvation, was a gift. I didn't pay for it, earn it, or deserve it. I am alive today, only by the grace of God, and I live to serve Him. Remember where you were before you fell... do not forget what you have received and heard..." Revelation 2:5, 3:3

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Peace Officers for Christ International, my wife, Nancy, and I want you to know how thankful we have been to the Lord for His blessing on this ministry. Tony Miano's article, Two Are Better Than One, in this issue, beautifully illustrates the tremendous time of fellowship shared by all at our annual police couples conference. Lives were changed and marriage relationships were restored! As we concluded our conference this year, I read from Philippians 1:1-6: "Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will per feet it until the day of Christ Jesus. "

I am confident the Lord is enabling us to reach more and more officers and their families for Him around the world. I am confident that those who take up the armor (Ephesians 6:13) are being used to reach other officers and their spouses for Jesus Christ. However, I am also confident that the enemy has taken notice. In Ephesians 6:12 it says, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."

God's people support and pray for this ministry. I cannot emphasize how much we appreciate those who are praying! We are in a battle and the victory belongs to the Lord. In I Samuel 17:47, just before he slew the giant, David reminded Goliath of this fact. Many who have been closely aligned to this outreach in recent months have commented on spiritual attacks at the work place or on the home front. The average police officer loves the thought of the "pursuit" and the action and the feeling of being in the heat of the battle. We should be equally excited to be actively engaged in this spiritual battle because the results are eternal.

Let me update you on who is joining us in that battle. We now have Regional Representatives in New York, Georgia, Missouri, Colorado, Nevada, and the Inland Empire of Southern California. We also have new Representatives in West Virginia and Illinois. Our board of directors has expanded, new Bible studies are beginning through our Regional Representatives, and additional couples' conferences are being planned for Nevada, Colorado, and Missouri. November 22-24, 1996, will see our first police family conference in Southern California.

There is much work to be done and we are anxious to continue on the front lines. Imagine with me, if you will, how communities in the U.S. and entire countries can be influenced as officers and their families acknowledge Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, as Lord of their lives!

We already have more than twenty people requesting applications for Operation LEO, a Law Enforcement Outreach to Caracas, Venezuela, February 21 through March 4, 1997. How exciting it is to work hand in hand with local churches who are participating in sending officers and lay people to minister to Venezuelan officers and their households.

Thomas White says in his book, The Believer's Guide to Spiritual Warfare. "Our purpose is redemptive, to allow the Holy Spirit to wrench people free from the snares of Satan's deceptions." Pg. 16. "Far too many missionary candidates have been sent into such situations untrained in the skills of spiritual warfare, only to return from the field battered and defeated. It is time to take seriously the biblical world view that depicts front line ministry in terms of armed warfare." Pg. 36. (Note: This book,published by Vine Press, and Spiritual Warfare, by Timothy Warner, published by Crossway Books, are recommended reading for all who are going with us to Caracas in February).

As we move toward 1997 we are praying that many more will join us in the battle. I have often thought of a tremendous banquet in heaven, populated by thousands upon thousands of police officers, wearing uniforms from all over the world and gathering to offer praise and worship to our Lord. I can picture every other seat being occupied by a spouse or a child, or a Christian brother or sister who was not employed in law enforcement. As we join hands together before the feast begins, we will realize that the Lord used and worked through all of us to reach many officers for Christ. Will you join us? What a beautiful sight it will be!
Until He Comes,
Dave McDowell
General Director

We arrived in Miami on June 8 and have been visiting our families, friends, and supporting churches. We marveled again at the blessing of God upon this country. I know that Satan is at work here and that there are many evil things taking place, but after living in Venezuela, we cannot help but rejoice in what God has done in this country. What a blessing to turn on the radio and here the gospel being preached, see evangelical churches everywhere, and see people pray before eating in restaurants.

After visiting in the South, we traveled north through Canada on our way to Colorado. During that trip we did not see any Evangelical churches while traveling through Quebec nor find any Christian radio stations on the car stereo. Instead we found a number of stations with teachings from the New Age movement and witches. There seemed to be a great deal of darkness, and in many ways we felt as if we were back in Venezuela. Please remember to pray for Quebec and the great need there.

As we entered Ontario, it was like being back in the United States because the influence of the gospel was obvious. People who live in such a culture can easily become accustomed to God's blessing and not realize what He has done for them. However, when you live in a country where there are very few Christians, the darkness seems overwhelming at times. I wonder if a country like the United States that has received so many opportunities to hear the gospel but yet refuses to repent, will not experience greater judgment than those who have had fewer opportunities.

After one meeting in a supporting church, I approached an older man and asked him when he had been born again. He said that he used to belong to another denomination. I then asked him if he were to die where he would spend eternity. He told me he would probably go to hell. I asked him if he wanted to go to heaven and he said he did. I then explained the gospel to him and invited him to receive the free gift of eternal life. He told me he did not want to make a decision at this point in his life. I then thought of the millions in Venezuela who have never heard the gospel, and yet, this man who had heard it many times had hardened his heart against God. God is not obligated to give people more than one opportunity to repent, and yet there are millions of people in the world who have never even had one opportunity to hear the gospel.

As the Bible clearly says, "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in. And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"" Romans 10:14-13
Randy and Marlene Green

Time was growing short and we didn't have the money for the airfare to the Annual POFC Conference. Did the Lord want us to go this year? Last year, He provided by causing small gifts to be sent in from various places. It was great just to be there last year! The "window" was down to two days. We reconciled ourselves to the fact that a west coast trip was probably out of the question this year and set about to keep ourselves busy - then the phone rang! A long-time friend, a police officer in Pennsylvania, called to say he was sending us the money for the plane tickets to the conference in California! WOW! What a blessing!

Faces! Those we were praying for through the prayer-chain now were standing directly in front of us, like Dan, Bill, Bob, Steve, Randy, Jim, and others. If you have e-mail and are not yet on PEACEMAKERS FORUM, don't wait any longer! Subscribe TODAY! It's a great way to distribute prayer requests to the "family!" Then, start praying about attending next year's conference. It is scheduled for mid August.

Thanks for all your prayers and gifts towards our car! There are less than 4,000 miles to go until we hit 300,000 miles on our faithful Oldsmobile. But, the Lord has already supplied another vehicle! It's a '92 Buick, with only 57,000 miles on it. The Lord is so good!

The opportunities the Lord continually provides for us are incredible. Space in this publication is just not sufficient to describe all of them. For example, a contact from a year and a half ago with a pastor who is also a police chaplain, and two of his people, a police chief of one city and a major from another, resulted in us going to central Ohio for meetings. This contact originated four years before when another officer picked up some ONLY ONE SON tracts at a police conference in Schroon Lake, NY. He gave a copy to an officer friend of his, also in northern Ohio. That officer gave a copy to the police chief in central Ohio and the chief later passed it on to his pastor. More than a year later, on July 20th of this year, a young Canton, Ohio, officer was shot and killed in the line of duty. The chief, who was also the head of the police chief's association, asked me to respond in assisting with funeral protocol. About a month later, we're back in the area to assist on some additional follow-up. Many ONLY ONE SON tracts were given out.

We have found that officers are very open to the Gospel, especially at police funerals. They are hurting for a brother they might not have known personally. They recognize that it could have been them, and they realize that tomorrow, it could be them. They are looking for comfort because they, too, are the victims, as well as the survivors. They need to know that the comfort that only the "God of all comfort" can give is available to bring peace to their hearts and minds. Isaiah 26:3 and 4; II Corinthians 1:3 and 4

Our fall schedule is FULL! We have meetings in southwestern Ohio followed by a police retreat at a camp on the border between Maine and Canada - as far east in the states as you can possibly go. Then, we will be participating in police appreciation events and meetings in northern Maine. To finish the month of September, we will be holding Friday-to-Sunday meetings in southeastern Connecticut. October starts with a missions' conference in southwestern New York state. Then, it's on to Missouri for a Concerns Of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) "Parents' Retreat"—the first one attempted by C.O.P.S. We've been asked to be there to lend peer support. Two more missions' conferences round out October, one in western New York state and one on the northern-most border of Maine. November finds us in Pennsylvania twice, and Louisiana (National Board meeting for C.O.P.S.), then back to Maine for the Maine Police Officers' Memorial Annual Wreath-Lighting Service. Each and every contact affords many opportunities to reach out to our "family" with the good news of Christ's love for them! Please remember to keep us before the Throne of Grace!

There are many law enforcement officers who are not yet aware that there is an organization available for them and their needs like POFC! You can be a "committee-of-one" to help get the word out! We are definitely open to your help on the East Coast for contacts, both in the law enforcement "family," as well as with churches - possibly your church! Let us know how we can be of help and encouragement to you!

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you would be interested in hearing more about what the Lord is doing through the Paynes 'ministry and would like to know how to more effectively pray For them, you may write to them directly and ask to receive their quarterly newsletter, UPDATE. They would be delighted to send it out to you.

Would you be so kind as to send me a copy of "Where will your name be written?" by Deputy Tony Miano. I read it to my unsaved family last Thanksgiving. I would like to make it a family tradition. My problem is, I can't seem to find it! I know Deputy Miano will one day know of the many blessings he receives from this short story with a very provoking message. Thank you and may God keep you safe and your hearts close to His word.
Naomi Traber
Granada Hills. CA

Thanks for sending me the regular information. It's the second or third letter and I don't know who I can thank for it because I didn't know anything from your organization before. I am a police captain in Frankfurt, Germany and I do investigative work. If there are any colleagues coming to Frankfurt, they would be welcome to stop over and visit. If you know of anyone needing help, I will help them, whatever I can do. Let them know it. You can publish my phone number if there is a place in your bulletin or a need for it. Hopefully, my English is good enough and you understand what I like to say. God bless you richly.
Alexander Meyer
Frankfurt, Germany

Greetings! I just got my latest edition of Peacemakers' Journal. I enjoyed the articles and want to congratulate you on putting together another outstanding magazine. Because of your last edition of Peacemakers' Journal, I made contact with a Christian cop, Deputy John Howard who, with his wife, hosts a monthly Christian Peace Officers' Fellowship in Burbank. It was great talking to John on the phone. Thanks for helping me get together with other Christian cops! I am sure it will prove very beneficial to me spiritually and lead to new friendships.
Dan McCoole
Burbank, CA

Dear Dave and Nancy,
Thank you both for making our time in California extra special. We had a wonderful time at the marriage weekend and fun spending time with everyone after that. Thank you for all your hard work to make the weekend a success. We won't be able to come down in November but we would love to come back next August.
Thanks again for everything.
Vic and Nadine Dody
Portland, Oregon

Enclosed is my check for $12 for two POFC lapel pins. My fiancé and I will be very proud and honored to wear these pins. Please, keep up the fantastic job of glorifying our Lord through a much needed ministry to law enforcement. Your efforts have opened many doors in my department and I can foresee many more ahead. Thank you!
Detective James Stanley (Psalm 91)
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

Throughout my life, my experience with God has taken the path of so many others. I had plans to do so many things, however, events that were allowed in my life have, and still cause me to reflect on how merciful and long-suffering God truly is. At age twelve, I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erytematosis, a disease that affects the body's tissue. Little did I know at the time just how much it could and would affect me.

As I got older, I managed to enter law enforcement, a childhood dream of mine, and determined to make this my career. Perspective needs to be injected here. I was saved December 27, 1974, at a Youth for Christ conference, but had done little to promote the kingdom of Christ since that day. I began my law enforcement career in August 1978 and, like most new officers, I ate and slept police work. Life was pretty good, or so I thought. I did all the "right things" that police officers did; drinking, wild carrying on, and so forth.

Then, in 1980, I met Vivian, the woman who was to become my wife (although I did not know it at the time). We had not dated for very long when, one night, I went home from work with a severe headache. As the night wore on, the headache got more intense with every passing hour. I was in so much pain at one point that I would go to the bathroom and take whatever I could find that I thought would give me relief from my agony. When no relief came, and I was on the verge of passing out, I called Vivian. To this day, I have no idea what I said. I only remember waking up in the emergency room at the local hospital and then being put in an ambulance for transport to a larger facility. The doctors at the local hospital gave me little chance of surviving the trip. I only remember waking up for brief moments during the ordeal.

Well, God saw fit to allow me to survive. The result of that experience was twofold. First, I was placed on medication for hypertension. Second, I did not consider for a moment that God may have had a hand in my surviving the mess I was in, I went about life learning to take medication on a daily basis for my hypertension. However, nothing else really changed in my life, although meeting Vivian had caused me to settle down a little bit. In November 1980, Vivian and I were married and began our life together. At Vivian's insistence, we had visited a church prior to the wedding, looking for a place to get married. I had never thought about becoming active in a church. We agreed on the first church we visited. We met with the pastor and made all the arrangements. After the wedding, we were constantly visited by members of the church. Again, since my mind was not on Christ, I would get ticked off at these pesky people. But their persistence paid off. We began attending church, although not regularly. I still had not recommitted my life to serving Christ and growing in faith toward Him though.

Because of my childhood illness, I knew that I had some medical concerns, but had never really given it a lot of thought. I was pursuing the career that I wanted. I was married to a wonderful woman and was determined to be successful in law enforcement. All my life I wanted to do something "BIG." I wanted to be known for having accomplished something. Even as a child, when I was ill, I prayed that God would work a miracle in my life. I knew that I wanted something important to happen in my life. I just did not know what.

As it turned out, I began to understand that God was working in my life. As my faith grew stronger, the challenges in life became more difficult. In October of 1983, my doctor told me that, due to progressive kidney failure from my past illness, I would need to be placed on dialysis treatments. With this news came floods of thoughts. I had no concept of what I would do now. Would I have to quit working? How would we make our house payments if I was out of a job? I was devastated. In November of 1993,1 had surgery to implant a shunt in my abdomen to place me on peritoneal
dialysis. The up side was that I would be able to do this at home and still be able to work, although with some limitations. My doctor explained that, should I consider a transplant, I would need to be placed on a recipient list as soon as possible. The average wait was a minimum of eighteen months. My other option was to have a living related donor. This was not a source of encouragement for me. Neither my mother nor my father, both of whom were willing, were acceptable donors. My sister was not the same blood type and my older brother was deceased. It was then that God made the events of my life a lot clearer to me. My wife, Vivian, whom I had married thirteen years earlier, asked to be tested as a donor. She was a match! I do not understand everything that has transpired in my life, but I do know that God is on His throne and is working on me to this day. The fact that He provided me with a life mate and for that person to be the one to restore life to me, and the fact that He gives me the opportunity to share what He has done for me is something that still brings tears to my eyes.

As the child that wanted a miracle, or the person that wanted to do something "BIG" in life, I have fulfilled my dream. I have the honor of being a living part of what God can and will do for those that seek Him. My life is different. I have a new appreciation for the power of prayer and a renewed faith that God can do if we will let Him.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Lieutenant Thomas Culpepper is the Department Training Officer for the Cartersville Police Department, Cartersville, Georgia. Thomas will be part of the Operation LEO team going to Caracas, Venezuela in February 1997!

I have received the Peacemakers' Journal for a couple years and enjoy reading it when it comes. I never thought I would someday need to call upon the staff of POFC for support. Having been a Christian for several years, God has taken care of me by leading me to a wonderful church with many
wonderful brothers and sisters.

On May 5, 1995, my nine year old daughter, Abigail Rose, was diagnosed with a large, malignant brain tumor. It was located directly in the mid part of her brain and was identified as an astrocytoma about the size of a tennis ball. Needless to say, this was a complete shock to our family and friends. She was one of four children that God had used to bless my life.

Although I have always believed in God, it was not until 1982 that I became a Christian. I can look back now and actually see how God was taking care of me and preparing me for this day. I knew right away that if God was to be glorified and victorious, I was going to need some help. Abbi's chances of surviving her initial surgery were not good at all. We literally had hundreds of friends from church, school, and work, as well as personal friends praying for our daughter's survival. Abbi came out of surgery alive, but with left side weakness; this was a nice was of saying that she was paralyzed on her left side. We continued to pray and by God's love and kindness I was allowed to be with my daughter every minute of every day.

One day, during all of this, I had gone home for a quick shower. As I said, I knew that I needed some help. While driving home, I was thinking of who I could call that I knew would sincerely pray for my daughter's life. I didn't want some person I didn't know half heartedly praying for her. I always buy my coffee from the same shop and I thought I had seen a bumper sticker or some other symbol identifying the owner as a Christian. I told myself that I would go by the shop and see "Mike" and if his car had a bumper sticker or symbol I would tell him about Abbi and ask him to pray for her. Well, as I pulled in the parking lot I saw Mike's van and, to my disappointment, there was no symbol. However, as I continued to the front of the shop, I saw that God was listening to my prayers. There, in front of the shop, was a very large, older model Ford with "I Love Jesus" bumper stickers all over the back. There had to have been at least ten to fifteen of these bumper stickers. When the driver came out, I introduced myself and asked him, "Do you have a love for the Lord?" He replied, "Oh, I sure do brother!" So we talked and I told him about my daughter and he hugged me and prayed for me. Oh what a mighty God we serve!

I drove home and started looking for my last issue of Peacemakers' Journal. After a little searching I found it and began looking for someone to call. I went to the back page of the November '94 issue and found the name of David Archer in Riverside County. I called Dave and, as I expected, he was home. (God was taking care of me.) I explained to Dave about my situation and told him that I was looking for some real prayer warriors. He told me about the prayer ministry of POFC and of the international scope of the organization. To be perfectly honest, I was pretty upset and crying so I don't remember all the details to the conversation. But I do remember that this man was compassionate and a fine example of Christ. Prayers for my daughter were what I wanted and prayers were what I got.

Abigail Rose went home to be with her Heavenly Father in January 1996. My family has grown so much spiritually. We still have the day to day trials of raising a family with three children, but God has never left my side. We believed in God before this trial and we continue to believe in Him - with one difference. Now, I can say that the purpose of my life is to serve God and raise my children to love Him.

I was listening to the radio the other day and heard this interesting statement. "God can turn your mess into a message, your test into a testimony, and your trials into triumph." I stand here today to proclaim triumph over the trial and it is now my responsibility to turn the mess into the message and the test into a testimony. Psalm 29:11-12 says, "You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. 0 Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever."

I went fishing the Other day with my dad, at Lake Gregory, a beautiful little lake, nestled high in the San Bernardino National Forest. Besides the fact the trout fishing is good, there is another reason I like to make the 120 miles drive to this particular lake. There are a few pairs of Bald Eagles nesting in the area. The Bald Eagle is my favorite creature. I collect anything that relates to the magnificent bird. My favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 40:31. "Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary."

Before this last fishing trip, I had never seen one of these majestic creatures in the wild. However, this day was different. While I sat watching my motionless fishing pole, I heard the unmistakable cry of an eagle. As I looked across the lake and a couple of hundred feet in the air, I saw a sight that took my breath away. Soaring high above the water was a large Bald Eagle. By the size of it, I knew it had to be a female. The bird's wingspan was at least seven feet; female eagles are considerably larger than their male counterparts. My eyes were fixed on the bird as it descended toward the water. As the bird passed from the bright, blue summer sky into the backdrop of the deep, emerald green pine forest, the white of her head and tail stood out boldly. The marvelous creature tipped her wing and made a long, wide left turn, and approached the water's surface. Now only a few feet in the air, her enormous size was no longer speculative. She was huge. Her massive talons stabbed at the water. She had spotted the trout that had eluded my line most of the morning. As she lifted her body from the rippling water, her talons were as empty as my hook. The eagle soared off into the bright sun and out of sight.

After several moments I realized I should close my gaping mouth, forever remember what I had just witnessed, and go back to fishing. Looking at my dad, I said, "Now, this is a great day!" Dad smiled. "It sure is,"he said. I looked to the sky to play back in my mind the eagle's performance. But, instead of an empty blue sky serving as the backdrop for a recent memory, I saw eight large Bald Eagles, four adults and four juveniles, dancing in the sky. Before this day, I had never seen even one of the great birds, and now I was looking at eight of them! Six of the birds quickly flew over the dense trees behind me. They stayed close. I could hear their calls the rest of the morning. But two of the adults stayed over the lake for several minutes. The two found a thermal and slowly ascended into the heavens. The two birds then performed a courting ritual in which the birds mimic one another's movements. They dove and soared, glided and turned in perfect unison. The two beautiful birds, once their dance was over, flew away, wingtip to wingtip. What a sight!

I looked toward the sky, hoping the eagles would return, but they did not. Then my thoughts turned to the wonderful weekend that my wife, Mahria, and I had just spent at Pine Springs Ranch. With some forty other couples, we attended the third annual Peace Officers For Christ Couples' Conference. I thought of the verses that had been chosen as the theme for the conference. As they ran through my head, I thought again of the two eagles dancing on the wind. "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together, they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart." Ecclesiasces 4:9-12.

The weekend started well when we reunited with Ray and Barbara Payne, POFC's Regional Representatives to the East Coast. The three-hour drive to the camp from Valencia gave us plenty of time to catch up. Barbara, feeling that I was already starting to miss my daughters, decided she would make me feel better by periodically asking, "Daddy, are we there yet?" Gee, thanks Barbara. We stopped in a small mountain town called Idyllwild for greasy, tasty burgers, before driving the final few miles to the camp. It was the perfect way to round out the "road trip" experience. Lucy and Desi, Bing and Bob, had nothing on us.

We arrived at Pine Springs Ranch, Friday afternoon. Bill and Lori Rhetts greeted us and introduced us to Jim and Jewellie Frago. Bill and Lori are POFC's Regional Representatives for the Inland Empire of Southern California. Jim and Jewellie serve as Regional Representatives for Missouri. It was exciting to meet folks like the Fragos and finally put faces to the E-mail. As the couples filtered into the camp, signs were everywhere that this was going to be an excellent time of fellowship and that exciting things were going to happen. People seemed to have an easy time getting to know one another. The dual, common bond of police work and Christ undoubtedly helped the process.

Mahria and I have attended several police couples' conferences over the years. But we agreed that there was more direct fellowship with others at this one than any conference we had attended before. One reason for this was that there was a lot of free time built into the schedule. Even though we heard five outstanding, full-length messages from two gifted speakers, had hours of excellent worship provided by "Step of Faith," and ate every meal together, there was still plenty of time to "get away from it all." There was so much freedom to fellowship that Mahria and I had the time to spend lunch on Saturday, in Idyllwild, with John and Aimee. John is an officer with Whittier P.O., in California. What a nice couple! Conferences have a tendency to be so busy with activities that there is little time to get to know the other attendees. Thanks to the way this conference was set up, we had ample time to fellowship with folks like John and Aimee who we might not have even met at another conference.

Pastor David T. Moore of Southwest Community Church was the speaker for the conference. Pastor Moore proved that you don't have to be a cop to effectively communicate with cops. His messages on relationships, marriage, and family were some of the best I've ever heard. The practicality of what he said, coupled with his consistent and easy-to-understand interpretation of Scripture, made his messages the type you take home and apply, not just take home and talk about.

God's presence could be felt throughout the weekend. However, His Spirit moved mightily on Sunday morning. Randy Green, POFCs Regional representative to Venezuela, gave a powerful message about knowing the Holy Spirit. Randy's message prepared the hearts and minds of those present to share what the Lord had done in their lives during the weekend. People shared about healed relationships, commitments to reconcile with estranged loved ones, and spiritual healing. But the most dramatic moment came when a career SWAT officer stood to speak, his wife in tears sitting next to him. Here was a veteran of almost twenty years who has worked some of the most dangerous assignments imaginable, a man who had experienced things in his career that most officers only read about in reports or the newspapers. Yet his voice shook with the nervousness of the moment. Those of us who knew what this officer was about to say, knew that it took more courage than any warrant entry he had ever made. He tried with every ounce of strength he had to hold back the tears, but the power of the Lord was stronger. After several moments he confessed that the night before, he had acknowledged his need of a Savior and had received Jesus Christ into his heart. What a climax to a wonderful weekend! To see God move in His most awesome way, through the addition of another child to His Kingdom, was enough to make the conference a complete success. Was there a dry eye in the house? Yea, right!

"Two are better than one . . . " Eagles mate for life. They share responsibilities in nest making, egg incubation, feeding the chicks, and training the young. What is the benefit of their mutual efforts? "...they have a good return for their labor." The same is true for us, or at least it should be. A police couple, or any couple for that matter, must work together on their relationship, their family, and their walk with the Lord. This kind of cooperation is crucial if the relationship and family are to stay together and succeed. And that, ultimately, is the goal of every couple - to grow together in love and to raise a loving family. For those who know the Lord, that goal includes a greater knowledge of and intimacy with Him.

Cooperation and support within a marriage enable each person to help the other in times of need or struggle. "For if either of them falls, the one will life up his companion." It takes a very special person to be a peace officer's spouse. There have been many times when Christ has used Mahria to pick me up when I'm down. There are times in our line of work, in the unusual situations we find ourselves in, that can drag us into the depths of despair and frustration. God has provided us with a helpmate as part of His master plan. God knows that we can't get through even the daily grind without a companion, without someone to hold, without someone to pray with. Eagle mates build their nests together. They build the nest very high in the trees. The birds keep the same nest year after year. It's not uncommon for the nests to be several yards in diameter and weigh hundreds of pounds. The sturdy dimensions of the nest keep it stable in the high winds of the treetops and keep the family safe from potential predators from below.

God's design for a marriage is for a man and a woman (and only that combination) to work together to build a sturdy home, one that will stand the test of time and that will be a safe place to return to day after day, year after year. It is to be built with a sturdy foundation in Christ - a foundation which reaches to heaven above for wisdom, discernment, and grace.

Peace officers are very independent people. Although we work within very structured organizations, we still make independent, sometimes life and death split-second decisions, every day. Even though common sense and survival dictate that we call for backup in certain situations, we are not so quick to do so in times of need outside of the uniform. "But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up." Pretty strong words to emphasize a very important point. We were not designed to go through life's trials alone. God did not make us to rely on our own strength. "In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?" Psalm 56:4.

"Furthermore, if two lie down together, they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone?" We all need physical contact in our lives. God, perfect as He is, designed us to be joined together in a marriage relationship. Eagles live hundreds of feet off the ground exposed to some very harsh elements. Mating for life affords the eagle a partner to help keep warm from the elements. Both eagles share in the responsibility of protecting the chicks from the same harsh elements. But how can one be warm alone? Some choose to find that warmth outside of the marriage relationship. But this kind of warmth, in the arms of someone other than a wife or husband, is temporary at best. The result is often that the one seeking the warmth is left feeling colder than ever. God knows that we need to feel the warmth of another. He has fulfilled that need by providing us with the marriage relationship.

There is strength in numbers. Eagles hunt together and defend the nest together. They have been known to use some interesting tactics to quarry their prey. One of the birds will distract the prey while the other attacks from another direction. A single eagle is a most formidable opponent. Two eagles hunting side by side leave very little chance for the critter in their sights. "And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him." Man is really the only significant threat to the adult eagle. Likewise, Satan is really the only significant threat to man. How many of us have gone into spiritual battle against the enemy alone? Is my hand the only one raised? How many of us have allowed pride or fear to keep us from seeking the prayerful support of others, including our spouses? I hope my hand isn't the only one still in the air,

"For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst."(Mat. 18:20) Jesus knew the feebleness of our own ability to ward off Satan when he attacks. Jesus knew that, once he was gone, the disciples would need one anothers' encouragement to continue the work of the early church. Jesus assured them that if they prayed together, He would be with them. In a marriage relationship we have a permanent prayer partner right by our side. Take advantage of what God has given you in your marriage by praying with and for your spouse. God's word says that two can resist him, not may be able to resist him. The enemy will not succeed in his attacks against you if, together, you seek the Lord in prayer.

"A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart." Throughout this passage of Scripture the emphasis has been on two, a pair or couple. I find it very interesting that this passage ends by using the number three to describe the cord that is not quickly torn apart. Not wanting to misinterpret Scripture, let me share my thoughts by posing a question. Is it possible that two of the three strands represent the couple, while the third strand, the strongest of the three, represents our Lord Jesus Christ? Think about it. A married couple is stronger when they work together. They are strongest when they work with Christ. A couple can easily separate if the only thing holding them together is one another. Try separating that same couple if they are wrapped in God's will.

It was a wonderful conference. Lives were changed for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. God showed us that two are truly better than one.

I 've been with the jail division of the Oswego County, New York, Sheriffs Department for the past four years and have a previous background in Military Police with the USAF. Over the past 19 years, many incidents have come and gone, but one situation sticks foremost in my mind.

As a devout Christian, who is also a law enforcement officer, I note daily that the people we deal with can become a blur of numbers, uniforms and problems. I try to focus on the individual, both co-worker and prisoner, and sometimes it actually works out. The following is an episode that happened to me about three years ago.

I was assigned as floor officer to a housing unit, a cell block of 33 men split into four separate blocks of as many as ten men each. One inmate in D-block was a young Hispanic man named John. He had been arrested for conspiracy to sell cocaine and was facing a possible 25 year term in state prison. John was from Rochester where the rest of his family was still located. Because of the distance involved, his family members were unable to travel to see him. Additionally, his mother was unable to read English and was therefore unable to understand the letters he wrote to her. I spent as much time as possible during my rounds talking to John about his family, his charges, and what else was on his mind. (Though some might disagree, I have found that establishing rapport with the inmates also makes for an easier job for the officer.)

Most inmates in jail are "innocent" if you believe their account of their charges, so the officers are justifiably skeptical of these pronouncements. John claimed that he was a victim of circumstance, and was just in the "wrong car, at the wrong time, with the wrong people." He was arrested with others in a car that contained enough "coke" for sales charges to be brought. His story was that he was asleep in the back seat and knew nothing of what transpired while he was sleeping.

While in jail, John had been going to church and seemed to be doing better. For the most part, he had an "up" attitude, and volunteered for work details. He occasionally asked questions of a spiritual nature, and asked me to keep his situation in prayer if I should think about it.

On the day in question, I was making a round through the blocks just after getting the inmates out to recreation. In the ten man cell block that John was in, only he and two others stayed behind. The others were at the near end of the "bullpen," a long narrow common area where the inmates watched television. John had stayed in his cell, seemingly asleep. As I completed the round, I headed to my floor office to make notations in my log book. Suddenly, I felt an overwhelming urge to go back into the cell block I had just left with the intention to open the showers early to give the "stay behinds" a head start. (Normally, it would be fifteen to twenty minutes before I would get back to the same area again.) As I passed Johns cell, I noticed that he was standing up on his toes with his back against the bars. It didn't register for a second what he was doing until I saw the sheet tied around his neck and protruding through the bars. Then it hit me! "HANG UP!" I called on the radio as I ran for the cell block door. Two officers responded to my call. As the three of us entered John's cell, they lifted him up and I cut him loose with a small blade I carried for just such an event. The sheet was wet which made it more difficult to get off his neck. John came around quickly and began thrashing about yelling that he wanted to die. We took him to the hospital emergency room and had him checked out before being sent to a forensic (psych) unit in Rochester. It just so happened that I was one of the officers on overtime tasked with driving him to the unit, along with Dave, one of the two officers who helped cut John down.

All the way to Rochester, John kept his eyes focused on the floor of the car, not saying anything at all, even when we asked questions. I had never seen anyone down so low. We dropped him off with the shrinks and headed back to the jail, I thought that would be the last I would be hearing about John for a while.

About a month later, I received a call from the jail for an overtime transport to (you guessed it) pick up John at Rochester and return him to the jail. When I arrived to gear up for the trip, I found that my riding partner was Dave from the previous trip. We didn't know what to expect when we saw John again and were surprised to find someone as upbeat about coming back with us as he was. When John recognized Dave and me, he came up to shake our hands and pumped our arms so hard I thought my arm was coming off. John couldn't thank us enough for saving his life! While he was in Rochester, he'd had some visits with his mother and his girlfriend. Now, life looked a lot better to him.

Not long after returning to our jail, John was released on his own recognizance due to lack of a speedy trial. After that I lost track of him for a while. Then, one day during a court transport, I saw John in court to answer to his charges. He told me he was going to trial as the D.A. hadn't offered anything realistic for him to accept. He still maintained that he was just a passenger in the car, and knew nothing of what had happened with the drugs. John went to trial and was found not guilty of the charges, and was completely set free.

Looking back over this incident has made me look at the job as a very important link of people interacting with people on a daily basis. I also know that Someone a lot bigger than I had a hand in the outcome of this situation. Although I haven't seen John since, I'm glad I had the experience as it happened. I'm sure the Lord had both John and me in His control that day, and I am very grateful He could use me in this way.

It was Thursday, November 14, 1991. I was patrolling the Highland Park area of Los Angeles' Northeast Division when I noticed a group of five gang members acting suspiciously. They were in a church parking lot; it was noontime and many people were out. In the events that unfolded over the next few seconds, I found myself in a battle for my life. This would be a day that I would remember for a long time to come.

As a child, I was raised in a religious home. My family went to church regularly, however, my belief in God was limited to the basic fact of His existence. In 1986, my wife left me for someone else and we eventually divorced. This trial brought me to the realization that there were some elements missing in my life. That same year, for the first time, I attended a nondenominational Christian church where the Word of God was taught in a way that I was finally able to understand it. I asked Jesus Christ to come into my life. Nevertheless, although I continued to go to church, I kept doing a lot of things that I had done before accepting the Lord. I wanted to be able to say I was a Christian, but I was unwilling to give up my sin. I still wanted to party, get drunk, and do whatever other sin seemed fun at the time. In other words, the "word" repentance wasn't yet a regular part of my vocabulary. I did exactly what Jesus warned about in Mark chapter 4. In that passage, in the parable of the sower, Jesus said that some would receive the word of God, and follow the Lord, but later, because they were not grounded on the solid rock of Jesus Christ, they would fall. He warned
about receiving the word incorrectly. Mark 4:7 says, "And some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop." Later in that same chapter, in verses 18 and 19, Jesus said, "Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word; and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful."

Searching for a "helpmate," someone who would be a suitable companion for me, I dated several women, but my relationships were very shallow and temporary. When things went wrong, either I fled or they fled. I couldn't blame the devil for my sins; I chose to sin. The devil tempted me and my friends influenced me, but I still made those bad choices myself. Romans 6:23 says, "The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in the Lord Jesus Christ." I knew the payment (wages) for my sin was soon to be death. Due to my compromising, hypocritical lifestyle, I soon fell right back from whence I had come, into the world.

In time, I changed assignments at the Los Angeles Police Department and became a Vice investigator. I worked every kind of vice you could imagine. While working vice, I was actually being paid to drink on duty. After work, I went out with my friends. Eventually though, I reached the point where I no longer wanted anything to do with the bar scene. After all, why would I want to do this after work when I had just left it at work. I have no doubt the Lord put me in this vice assignment. I remember one day, around April 13, I was preparing my taxes. As I viewed my VISA credit card accounts, I was struck with the realization that there was nothing to write off. It was all alcohol related! What a waste of time and money!

After about five years of being in a "backslidden" state, I began to feel the Lord tugging at my heart. Thank God the Holy Spirit convicted me of my sins! Sometimes, after committing sins, I would cry from the guilt. It wasn't even fun anymore. The Lord showed me what I looked like inside; I didn't like what I saw. I didn't have strength to repent, but the Lord, by His grace, gave me the strength I needed. In John 15:5,Jesus said, "Without me you can do nothing." Paul, in Philippians 4:13, said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Jesus said we are to be in the world but not of the world. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

I'd already had a couple of near death experiences, but none would get my attention like the one in this church parking lot. When I confronted the gang members, I was immediately met with a hail of gunfire. The shooting lasted about 30 to 40 seconds. It wasn't the kind of shooting that lasts two or three seconds and then it's over. This shooting included laying down suppression fire in a defensive manner, offensive shooting on the move, walking and running, and skip shooting underneath cars. After running out of rounds I had to reload another magazine into my pistol. During this time, my front sights were trained on my enemy, but my mind began to focus on the Lord Jesus. I called out to the Lord to help me. After firing several more shots, I fatally wounded my assailant. I can't pat myself on the back for my tactics. It wasn't me who did well; it was the grace of God that saved me. I should have been dead, but the Lord was shielding me with His armor.

I later learned that these gang members were planning on killing members of a rival gang who were inside the church who had just accepted the Lord and were inside attending a discipleship class. It's awesome to see how the Lord provides protection for His children. Only God knows what innocent blood might have been shed in this church if it weren't for that so called "sixth sense" we officers have. (I now know that it is God's Holy Spirit speaking to the conscience, not just a "sixth sense.")

The average handgun round travels at fifteen hundred feet per second. My name wasn't written on any of those bullets, but my name is surely written in the Lambs Book of Life. The Lord had a plan for me that day... to live! I have no doubt that this was God's wake up call for me. I recommitted my life to the Lord Jesus Christ shortly after this incident.

Yes, I still sin. 1 John 1:8 says that "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." The only difference now is that I'm a blood-washed sinner. I'm forgiven. The very next verse in that passage says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

My desire now is to stay close to the Lord Jesus, obey His word in the Bible, stay in fellowship with other believers, and to do my best not to compromise my walk with Him. I want to encourage those reading this to attend a Bible-teaching church weekly and to stand tall for the Lord. Put on the "Armor of God" daily, just as you do your uniform and related equipment.

As many of you know, it is often difficult to find committed believers in the work place. It's just not "cool" to be a Christian. As I was growing in my faith, I often felt like an alien among my own brothers and sisters in law enforcement. Then I found the ministry of Peace Officers For Christ International! God used this ministry of believers to strengthen my walk with Him. I encourage each of you to get on their mailing list and to get involved.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Officer Bill Rhetts resides in the Inland Empire with his wife, Lori, and Stepsons, Levon and Leo. He also has two wonderful daughters, Kristen and Nicole.

DOGGONE IT, I HATE WHEN THAT HAPPENS!
LAPD officers went in pursuit of an auto theft suspect who eventually abandoned the car and ran from the officers. After establishing a containment of the area where they felt he was hiding, a K-9 officer and his dog responded to do a search. The dog found the suspect hiding in a dog house of all places. The name of the gang he belongs to? "Dog Town!"

DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE
Last October, Thomas Springer was arrested in Vienna, Virginia, and charged with bank robbery. He might have escaped had he not decided to stop during his getaway and urinate alongside the road. A disgusted neighbor wrote down Springer's license number and called 911 with the number.

DUMB AND DUMBER
Two bank robbers were sentenced to 24 years in prison in Pittsburgh last January, convictions made possible by clear photography from the bank's surveillance camera. The pair did not wear masks and seemed unconcerned about the camera at all. It seems they had rubbed lemon juice over their faces beforehand in the belief that the substance would blur their on-camera images.

WHOSE PAYDAY?
Entering a New York bank, a would be robber demanded that the teller give him all the money. No sooner had he uttered his demand than he heard the all too familiar metallic sound of guns being cocked behind him. He suddenly found himself surrounded by FBI agents. It seems our culprit had decided to rob the bank on the same day the FBI agents had gone in to cash their paychecks.

ROCKET SCIENTIST? WHY DO YOU ASK?
A woman fell under suspicion of stealing a pair of earrings from the wife of a Long Beach, California detective while she was hanging drywall in their home. Asked to come to the police station for an interview, the woman showed up wearing the stolen earrings.

NICE DOG!
On a cold winter night, the would be burglar broke into a huge hardware/home improvement store. Due to the size of the store, K-9 officers were called to clear the building. The K-9 dog alerted the handler to the door and window section of the store. Several rolls of carpeting were vertically placed, and the suspect could be hiding anywhere in this area. As the handler was carefully sneaking up to the dark area, he easily located the crook when he heard a whispered voice say, "Nice doggie! Nice doggie!" The K-9 dog chronically barked in front of the correct roll of carpeting, the arrest was safely made, and the K-9 and handler lived happily ever after.

CAT SAVES OWN LIFE
A fortunate feline saved all its nine lives by making a 911 cat call. The desperate 9 week old grey and white kitten named Tipper, screeched for help in a telephone call to dispatcher Elena Arroyo at the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office, north of Tampa, Florida. The cat was choking on its flea collar, which apparently got caught in his mouth when he tried to take it off. Tipper then knocked a phone off a table and hit a speed dial button which his owner had programmed for 911. "Our dispatcher received a phone call via 911 and heard the meow on the other side, which we think is
cat for trouble" Jack Espinosa, the office's director of information, said. The call was traced to the Flying Cloud Mobile Home Park, where a deputy sheriff and a gardener found the cat lying next to a sofa in a different room of the trailer.

BUMPER TO BUMPER
Two off-duty "brain surgeons" in Palmdale, CA tried to yank the front off an ATM machine by running a chain from the machine to the bumper of their pickup truck. Instead of pulling the front off the machine, they pulled the bumper off their truck. The crooks fled, leaving the chain attached to the machine, and the bumper attached to the chain...and their license plate still attached to the bumper. (Two in custody.. the pictures were great!)

OOPS!
In July, Willie L. King was arrested shortly after he had allegedly mugged a 94 year old woman in a housecoat just outside her front door in New York's Greenwich Village. Willie's mistake? The woman is the mother of Vincent "The Chin" Gigante, the reputed boss of the Genovese crime family.

God sent an angel to me last night;
He was dressed in blue, not the usual white.
He saved my life without regard to his own.
He told me, "Jesus isn't ready to take you home."

He watches over us while we sleep;
It's an oath he took and a promise he'll keep.
He's quick, smart, faithful and fair;
He treats everyone with precious care.

He prays to God that things go right;
He trusts in God when things get tight.
He draws his strength from God's Word;
He knows it's the best he's ever heard.

He wears a cross upon his chest,
Because it isn't the badge that puts his soul to rest.
He wears a gun upon his side,
But God's the only weapon in which he
takes pride.

So, please dear Lord, keep
him strong,
Because he never knows
what may come along.
Help him to understand the
crime he will stop,
It's the life he has chosen, the
life of a cop.

The Chaplain! Just the mention of those words strikes fear and reservation into the hearts of even the best behaved officers. But should it? I would like to spend some time talking about it, and sharing some of my feelings and observations in regards to how this sometimes odd and awkward relationship can become a non threatening and enjoyable experience for both the officer and the chaplain.

Having been in the ministry for nearly 18 years, it has been my observation that, at best, the clergy/laity relationship generally has been cordially friendly and caring and, at worst, hypocritical and disillusioning. Because of bad ethical and moral choices made by men who were looked up to, whether they were in the field of religion, politics, medicine or otherwise, skepticism has begun to permeate our society . When society's heroes lose face, it hurts and affects many people. In dealing with police officers, I have learned that skepticism is an inbred quality which teaches that things are not as they seem to be. The attitude seems to be, question everything and take nothing at face value. This type of thinking, though necessary for their particular calling, does nothing productive in aiding their belief in a God they cannot see. Neither does it provide them with an opportunity to get all the facts from a face to face encounter. This sort of professional distrust can dramatically affect the relational and personal life of the officer. He finds it hard to let go of the "image," and allow himself to become even semi-transparent at home with those he loves, cares for, and deeply needs.

The life of an officer is, in a number of ways, similar to that of a minister. He finds that society in general, as well as his environment, has placed upon him expectations that do not just affect his professional life, but permeate into his personal life. He is expected to be a pillar of the community, and a role model to all who observe him. Talk about pressure! There is little room for error and sometimes little freedom to be a normal human being with feelings and faults. Police officers are scrutinized for those faults, and are not allowed to display personal feelings in the line of duty. They
always need to be under control and do everything right or "by the book." No wonder many officers become lonely, isolated and feel misunderstood in the midst of all these people they are responsible to serve and protect. How does a chaplain deal with this? There really is no easy answer. Police officers can be challenging to work with, especially when trying to communicate with them on a personal level. What I would like to share here is my personal philosophy of ministry and how it has affected my relationship with this class of people I have come to love and appreciate - those in law enforcement.

As far as law enforcement is concerned, I would not consider myself by any stretch of the imagination having great levels of expertise. I was a reserve police officer and department chaplain while living in Jackson, Michigan. I am presently serving as chaplain for the Lansing, Illinois Police Department. It has been my experience that there are two things that are of the highest priority when it comes to emotional stability and security, the need for love and acceptance. I believe that everything we do as human beings, is done in some form or another to fulfill these two emotional needs.

To help build and reinforce the officer in these two areas as a chaplain, I need to create relationships built upon those two values. I need to demonstrate love and respect for the person behind the badge, seek to meet the men and women where they are and not where I expect them to be. If I do not do this, I am no different to them than those who they feel sit in judgment of them. I am not there to judge. My desire as a chaplain is to demonstrate to them how God feels about them. If my desires are not genuine, I seriously doubt I will be able to fool those who have been trained to spot a phony. If I am going to help them with their personal struggles, I must enter into those struggles with them, accompanied by a genuine, caring disposition. As a minister, I know there have been times when I have yearned for someone just to listen, empathize, and try to understand the pressures I was facing without being critical. Service oriented professions can be at times very lonely, and very painful. Police struggle in knowing how to deal with these needs that have been created by the constant barrage of anger and pain which they face under crisis situations. One of their greatest difficulties is in taking the accumulated stress of many a crisis into their homes. Divorce among police officers is very high.

Second, I believe it is important as a chaplain to be yourself. Sad to say, ministers can become so "reverend" and professional that in their aloof position, no one can reach them or identify with them. This does not mean that a chaplain should lower his own personal ethical standards, just so the officers will feel comfortable around him. On the contrary, I believe it is vital that the chaplain maintain high ethics and morals for the sake of his department. Respect is gained as one stands for what he believes. Even though the officers might feel awkward around you at times, it does not have
to diminish the rapport you can have with them. I have found that it is not so much what you are (in a positive moral sense) that makes or breaks the relationship; it is how you feel you must be treated. How that is communicated to the officers can have a positive or negative effect on how they feel towards you, the chaplain. I accept the officer for who he is as a person. Why? Because I in many ways am no different than he is. An absence of pretense in the chaplain can make a big difference in how he is accepted, or if he is accepted at all.

Third, the chaplain must look for ways to be involved in the officers' lives. They probably will not come rushing to you just because you are now "The Chaplain." On the contrary, they might go the other way. It is my responsibility to reach out to them, not visa versa. It would be great if they would all come for help but the chances are slim if you are not actively and creatively seeking to show them that you really mean business and you want to get involved! I want to demonstrate to them through all of this that God wants to be personally involved with them, and that He can make a
difference in their lives if they will let Him.

Finally, I want them to know that I really want to be their friend, a genuine friend who will be there for them, even when the chips are down. I need to be a friend who really enjoys them as a person for who they are, respects them for what they have chosen to do with their lives, accepts them in spite of their faults, and who is able to look them in the eye and tell them I really care! These are the tokens of a true friend, the tokens of a chaplain. He is a man who desires to identify with, stand next to, even mourn with those men and women he has chosen to serve with in law enforcement.

Without creating bonds of relationship, programs will only be empty shells of what should have been. Programs are only as good as their personnel are genuine. God give us men in the Chaplaincy who are men of integrity, men of action, men who care. Don't ever think that what you see and hear is simply and only tough veneer. Underneath that badge lies a person with feelings and a heart. Can we as chaplains live our lives so they will let us be a part?

Many people ask, "What does POFCI do?' Well, I thought about that and basically the ad that we have placed in a number of police magazines says it all.

The ad reads, "POFCI is an international organization of peer support and we offer free police training to police departments: domestic and foreign." That's it. Now, of course there is a little more involved. Upon request, we offer the Peacemakers Journal, our POFCI magazine, which is written by peace officers for peace officers. We ask officers to look through our WEB page for current information about our ministry and to look for other Christian police organizations and dates of different Christian meetings.

We are an information-clearing house where peace officers can read about other Christian officers in our magazine, WEB page, and newsletter. We encourage Christian peace officers to meet other officers at breakfasts, retreats, and finally for coffee over the hood of a police unit. Here they can share their frustrations about the job, the media, the joys of the chase and joys of their family.

It is our desire to show the world and the law enforcement community that a peace officer can do the job and still be a Christian the Bible teaches. The basic principle that "Jesus loves me this I know," is a start of a growing relation with the living God, not a one-time membership. This is a growing, living relationship that continues to grow daily. Graduating from the academy did not make you a police officer. That was just the start. Everyday you are becoming a better cop: there are bad days; there are good days, and sometimes even marvelous days. The Christian officer realizes that each day, good or bad, in another day to serve the Lord.

So what is a Christian law enforcement officer to do? I will give you a few simple basic nuts and bolts principles on how to serve God:

1. Read or hear the Bible daily.
The closer to God you get, the more Christ-like you become.

3. Worship God for who He is the giver of your every breath.
Thank him for giving you life.

4. Talk about Him with others.
Pick your battles, but standup for Moral and Ethical issues in conversations with co-workers at your department.

The POFCI board and I want to thank you for your interest in Peace Officers for Christ International. Please feel free to contact us with comments, questions, and inquiries.
In His Service,
Terry Hart
POFCI Outreach Director

Page last updated 23 May 2002

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Peace Officers for Christ International

Peacemakers' Journal Fall 1996