Peace Officers for Christ International Peacemakers Journal - Summer 1997

We have several couples from previous years that could tell you how the Lord miraculously provided for them. This year's conference will be an exciting time to meet several of our Regional Representatives including out guest speaker, Randy Green, who along with his wife, Marlene, will be flying all the way from Caracas, Venezuela. Just in case you are one of many who support and pray for this ministry but are not employed in law enforcement, we have something to tell you. "You are invited to the couples conference!" Come and enjoy the fellowship and be an encouragement to these law enforcement couples. You may ask, "Is there an age limit?" Remember our dear friend Anina Walberg who joined our LEO team in Caracas? Anina sang and played the piano, and this past May celebrated her 80th birthday! Anina is coming to the conference, but don't expect her to go to bed early. She has more energy than most of our SWAT officers who will be attending.

In recent days, as I have reflected on the scope of this growing ministry, the words "perseverance" and "steadfastness" have come to mind. I want to encourage our National Board and our Regional Representatives with these words. These men have faithfully served as "point men". They have been there for Nancy and I to share the load and help with the many responsibilities that come with an international ministry. The task seemed overwhelming when I first suggested my vision for a short term missions team to rally the work of the Green family in Caracas. As people came together to pray, each detail of the first Operation LEO team began to fall into place like an intricate puzzle. As you will read in this issue of PMJ, Operation LEO has changed and challenged several officers as a result of their cross-cultural experience.

When I mention the "point men" I do not want to overlook our wives. The wives of our National Board members and Regional representatives have been a tremendous encouragement to us. Look for future issues of PMJ to include articles of encouragement from the wives of officers. We realize that many wives are reading PMJ as their husbands are away at work. It is so true that "He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord." Proverbs 18:22.

This issue of PMJ includes another article written by Officer Steve Ahearn. At a recent dinner banquet Steve proclaimed in a brief testimony, "It is time to stand up and be counted for our commitment to the Lord!" My friends-hear this call! Perseverance is maintaining Christian faith through the trying times of life. Steadfastness means to endure patiently. A steadfast person is one who is reliable, faithful, and true to the end. Luke 21:19 says, "By standing firm you will gain life." Romans 3:3 says, "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance." And then in 2 Thessalonians 1:4 it says, "Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance (steadfastness) and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring."

So continue in your perseverance and steadfastness! The New Testament writers often used the image of an athlete in our quest to follow the Lord faithfully. Think of the suspects we have apprehended during our careers in foot pursuits. We paced ourselves and persevered as we continued the chase and waited for the suspect to make the mistakes. The usual outcome was one in custody. That same picture of perseverance can be applied to our Christian walk. Pace yourself, be faithful, stay in God's Word, stick it out to be found reliable by others, even during personal struggles. Above all else, do not forsake the fellowship of other believers. Pray for each other, fellowship together, share with each other during the tough times. We may all be confident of one thing. God will be there for us. He always has been and He always will be.
Until He Comes,
Dave McDowell

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MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY

As you read this, Randy is very busy following up on contacts and meeting with a growing number of new Christians. One of the pressing needs for Randy is good and reliable transportation. Many of you have already graciously provided for the rebuilding of the engine in the Greens' Jeep. The four wheel drive Jeep is needed for the long and rough drive to Rubio when Randy picks up his two boys from school during semester and summer breaks.

With the ministry expanding in Caracas, I discussed transportation needs with Randy, keeping in mind that new L.E.O. teams will be coming to Caracas each year. We also have plans to possibly begin sending two teams a year to train and disciple police officers. Randy will also have a need to be able to pick up officers for meetings and church services. Transportation is always difficult for officers since many of them do not have their own cars.

In order to keep the Jeep running several more years, and save it for the long trips to Rubio, we would like to raise the funds to purchase the Greens a used, low mileage, 15 passenger van. A van this size has an advantage in that Venezuela will not charge import tax when it arrives from Florida. Our estimate for a van of this type is $19,000. Will you pray with us in two areas? First, if the Lord leads you to contribute to this project, please indicate at the bottom of your checks made out to POFCI, Green Van Fund. Second, if you have a contact to help us find the best vehicle for the Greens, please contact us. As soon as we have raised the funds for the vehicle, we will have it driven to and shipped from Miami.

I think it would be tremendous to see this van up and running before the next L.E.O. team arrives in Caracas, in February 1998!

Proverbs 16:13 says, "the plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives. Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established."

We want to commit this work to the Lord! Thank you so much for your prayers and support of the Green family. Please continue to pray for them daily and for more workers to join them. The harvest is definitely white in Caracas and there is much work to be done! How exciting it will be to see this van full of peace officers traveling throughout a city of almost 6,000,000 people, sharing their new found faith in the true "peacemaker"-Jesus Christ!

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LEO team members outside of Las Acacias Church - Caracas, Venezuela

This past February 22, 1997, at about one o'clock in the morning, Team LEO (Law Enforcement Outreach) touched down at Caracas International Airport. This was an historic event since it was the first time that a team of police officers from the United States had come to Caracas for the express purpose of sharing the love of Jesus Christ with officers in Venezuela. To accomplish that goal, we felt that we needed to meet with police officers within the city and establish relationships with them. We needed to see what issues they faced and what, if anything, we could contribute to making their job a little safer and, if possible, easier. We also wanted to assist Randy Green, POFCI's Regional Representative in Venezuela, in building bridges to the law enforcement community of Caracas.

Our team consisted of eleven police officers, eight from Southern California, two from Georgia, and one from Illinois. However, the most important members of the team were our support group, made up of wives and children as well as Anina Walberg , our duly elected team captain. The support group ranged in age from three years to seventy nine. Three year old Spencer Dalbey was responsible for ensuring that all of the ice cream got eaten before it melted while Anina, our senior team member, was in charge of keeping us all from grumbling. If she could put in eighteen hour days without complaint, the rest of us could too. Our law enforcement contingent were Sergeant Dave McDowell, Westminster Police Department; Deputy Terry Hart, Orange County Sheriff's Department; Sergeant Craig Bryant and Officer Steve Dalbey, Huntington Beach and Sergeant Devin Chase, Torrance Police Department. From the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department were Deputies Tony Miano and Cheryl Masse and Lieutenant Ken Masse. Lieutenants Tom Culpepper and Leonard Gandy, Cartersville Police Department, joined us from the Peach Tree State of Georgia. Illinois was represented by Sergeant David Zirkle of the Lansing Police Department.

During our time in Venezuela we trained with four different police agencies. These included the police departments for Baruta, Chacao, and Libertador, three of the several municipalities located within the boundaries of Caracas. Additionally we had the privilege of training with cadets from the Policia Tecnica Justicia (PTJ), Venezuela's version of our FBI. In all, we trained with about 700 officers from the four agencies.

We found the Venezuelan officers to be very bright and interested in anything we could share with them. Per capita, there seemed to be a higher percentage of female police officers in Caracas than there are in the United States.

Nestled in a long, narrow valley, some 3,000 feet above the Caribbean Sea, Caracas is surrounded by tall, steep mountains. The city 's skyline is spectacular. The multicolor brick, mortar, and glass skyscrapers were dwarfed by the backdrop of majestic green mountains. Because of its unique setting, the view is enjoyed by rich and poor alike. With a population of about six million people, Caracas has more than its share of poor, the majority of whom live in barrios, communities of ramshackle structures that have been crudely built on steep hillsides all around the city.

The barrios are seeing exploding crime rates with little or no enforcement of the local laws. The barrios are so dangerous that some of the
agencies prohibit their officers from entering alone while on duty, even though many of the officers are forced to live in these impoverished communities because it is all they can afford. It is not uncommon for officers to be attacked with hand grenades or even bazooka rounds if they dare to venture into the barrios without a sizable force and the necessary firepower. While we were in Caracas, officers from the Baruta Police Department were involved in a shoot-out with suspects armed with hand grenades and 9mm semi-automatic pistols. The suspects were also equipped with ballistic vests. We learned that an average of one officer per week is killed in the line of duty in Caracas.

In recent years, the once-thriving Venezuelan economy has taken a downturn. The Bolivar is the standard currency of Venezuela, it takes about 475 Bolivars to equal one American dollar. The country 's minimum wage is $73 (U.S.) a month. Doctors working in the government-run hospitals earn approximately $100 monthly, while the average police officer earns about $120 per month. Although food and other necessities are somewhat more affordable, the cost of housing in Caracas is comparable to many parts of the United States.

To some degree, corruption exists at all levels of business and government and. sadly the police are not exempt from its effects. Considering the poor wages, and the fact that many officers are forced to live in the crime infested barrios, many of them see no alternative but to become involved in the corruption themselves. Police officers are rarely respected, much less appreciated in Venezuela. In fact, there is so little respect for the police that, if asked, the average citizen would be adamant in saying they did not want their child to become a police officer.

Lately, however, there has been a major effort to change this kind of thinking. To deal with the corruption and to introduce a spirit of professionalism among police officers, a number of the municipalities within Caracas (Chacao, Baruta and Libertador included), have formed their own police departments. We found many of their officers to be very interested in the biblical concepts of morality and ethics.

Because of the high crime rate and the extreme violence perpetrated by the criminal element, Caracas is also a city gripped with fear. Evidence of that fear is visible at every turn. Most residential areas are gated communities with guards posted at the entrances. Virtually every home and apartment complex is protected by walls and iron gates. Many of the walls are topped with shards of broken glass, even in the nicest communities. The typical apartment is reached by passing through as many as six barred gates and security doors and can require as many keys.

On our first Sunday in Caracas, we attended services at Las Acacias Church, the largest evangelical church in the city. The church can accommodate up to 3,000 in its huge auditorium. The 4:00 p.m. service had been announced as a Police Appreciation Service so we all wore our uniforms. There were several Venezuelan officers in attendance as well and many of them were wearing their uniforms. To our knowledge, this was the first time in Venezuelan history that a church held a service to appreciate police officers.

Several team members were given the opportunity to share from the pulpit. The service gave us an opportunity to share with congregation that it is possible to be a Christian and a cop at the same time. Randy Green was kind enough to serve as our interpreter. Randy then shared a message from Romans 13 about the police officer as a minister of God. The effect of Randy s message was significant. At the conclusion of the service, an altar call was given. The first three people to come forward to acknowledge Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior were a police officer, a revolutionary, and a drug trafficker. With tears running down his cheeks, the revolutionary said, I didn' t realize I was in rebellion against God.

The service ended with the LEO Team members being called forward for a time of prayer in which the entire congregation prayed for our protection and the success of our mission. As the service closed, many of those in attendance wanted to talk with various team members. One of the Venezuelan officers approached Tony Miano and said that he wanted to speak with him. The officer was not in uniform. He told Tony that he had graduated from the police academy only a few months earlier. He worked for one of the larger police departments in Venezuela. This young officer had been a believer most of his life. Through an interpreter, he told Tony that he entered the academy with several other believers. He said that the corruption and pressure to conform was so intense that all of the other believers who had joined the force with him had since fallen away from the Lord. The officer continued, I had no idea the world was like this. As he spoke, he was constantly, and quite literally, looking over his shoulder. His demeanor really drove home what the cost was to be a believer, especially a believing officer, in Venezuela. We never saw the officer again.

Monday was our first day of training. Prior to our arrival in Venezuela, we had learned that some public officials in Caracas were opposed to our coming into the country to train with their officers. The mayor of one of the smaller municipalities in Caracas had been spreading rumors that our group was actually a cult. Because of these rumors, many were hesitant about our contact with the local police. Likewise, we had no idea what kind of training, or how much training, we would be allowed to provide. We had no itinerary. We had no idea of the level of sophistication and experience of the officers we would be working with. Trusting the Lord soon became our battle cry. This is no small statement, considering the team was made up of training officers with varying degrees of expertise, each of which would have preferred not to just wing it through a course of instruction. The team had the added pressure of being unfamiliar with the laws and customs of the land, a distinct language barrier, and always having in the back of our mind that much of what we did would be a first in Venezuelan history. So, when in doubt, pray. And pray we did.

We prayed and strategized as our hired bus took us through the barrios to the Libertador training academy. We arrived to find a large group of officers in jeans and t-shirts waiting for us. They had no gymnasium so we made do with some mats and a cement courtyard in a park across the street from the academy. With Terry Hart and Dave Zirkle,our resident martial arts experts taking the lead, we began with some basic control holds. Terry practiced his comedy routine while Dave found himself in the role of the "fall guy". But Dave was a good sport and took all of his falls with grace. At the end of the day, however, he was able to repay the favor when he and Terry did an exhibition for the officers.

It was soon apparent that basic techniques was the right place to start. The class was very enthusiastic and refused to take breaks, something foreign to most American officers. As we started basic handcuffing, we noticed that not all of the officers had handcuffs. It was not because they forgot to bring them, but because many of the officers simply could not afford them. We learned that Libertador was a very new police department, having been in existence for a year and a half, and that most of its officers had less than a year of experience. We also learned that many of the officers must go out on patrol without the basics of officer equipment such as handcuffs, batons or handguns. Considering how dangerous it can be for officers in Caracas, it was a chilling sight to see several officers at roll call with empty holsters!

The director of the academy stood off to the side with his arms crossed and watched us intently. He soon realized the value of what his officers were being taught and expressed gratefulness for the training that we were providing. By the end of the day, he was our friend, showering us with gifts of appreciation, and asking us to come back. Tuesday, we went to Chacao, another of the newer municipalities in the city. Chacao P.D. is one of the more advanced departments as far as equipment and training. The assistant chief of this department was a highly trained professional who we were immediately impressed with. He had received a lot of his training in the United States. We spent the day with a group of his officers and went over areas such as searching and handcuffing, control holds and take downs, gun take-aways , and felony car stops. As with Libertador, the Chacao officers were very appreciative for the new things we showed them.

During the training, we met a motor officer named Jose. The week before we arrived, Jose had gotten into an officer involved shooting. He and his partner (for increased safety, officers often ride two to a motorcycle in Venezuela) had pulled over two suspected bank robbers who were also riding a motorcycle. The suspects immediately fired several rounds over their shoulders at the officers and then fled. During the ensuing pursuit, Jose's partner fell from the motorcycle as they were taking rounds from the suspects. When the suspects finally crashed, again shooting over their shoulders, they engaged Jose in a brief gunfight. In the exchange, he fatally shot the driver and wounded the passenger. Jose was worried though.

Because of the laws of Venezuela, and an inherent lack of trust for the country's police, Jose explained that he could go to prison for the shooting. He said that even if an officer kills someone in self defense, he can still go to prison for up to eight years. He told us that it is unlawful for an officer to shoot someone in the back under any circumstances. The criminals know this and fire over their shoulders, with their backs to the officers. It is also unlawful for an officer to shoot someone who attacks him with a knife. Needless to say, the Venezuelan street cop often works with his hands tied. And we think we have it tough working the streets in our country!

Jose's only hope is to remain on the police force. In an unusual wording of the law, Jose is exempt from prosecution for the shooting as long as he is a cop. However, the moment he leaves the department, he is fair game for the prosecutors, regardless of how long ago the shooting occurred.

We found Chacao's officers to be very forward thinking and interested in many of the programs that we use in our country. Edgar, one of the officers who translated for us throughout the day, was currently developing a drug awareness program for elementary school children. Having spent eight years in the United States, Edgar was familiar with many of the programs that we use and wanted to introduce them in his department. Edgar is also a dog handler and he treated us to an outstanding display of canine cooperation. In Chacao, the officers have taught their dogs to work in tandem when going after a bad guy. We were impressed with the way the dogs were able to isolate and bring down their suspect. Apparently they were impressed with us too. One of the canine officers literally gave Steve Dalbey the shirt off his back. Steve proudly wears that shirt whenever the opportunity presents itself.

We had an audience with the Chief of Police at the end of the day. He presented us with gifts and his personal card, which in Venezuela is considered a sign of respect. Everyone on the team returned the favor with cards, pins, patches, and plaques. We quickly learned that Venezuelans are a very giving and generous people.

Wednesday, we trained a contingent of officers from Baruta PD As with the first two days, the training went very well. Like Chacao, Baruta's police department has been in existence for some time and the professionalism and training is evident among the officers and their supervisors. They were also well equipped. All of the officers had handcuffs, batons and handguns. We ended the day by taking a tour of the Baruta PD headquarters. The Chief showed us a small vacant lot within the complex that he said was the future site for a chapel. The chief presented each of us with certificates of appreciation, hats, patches, and pins. Some of the officers we trained from Baruta we would see again later in the week.

That evening we met with a homeowners association group in Caracas. Terry Hart did a presentation on personal safety for those present. During the meeting we met an officer by the name of Alejandro Vivas. Alejandro, who had left the seminary because he felt God had called him to be a police officer, expressed great care and concern for his country and his community. He sincerely wants to bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement and was very interested in the concept of neighborhood watch meetings. Alejandro allowed the team to lay hands on him and pray for him and the work that lay ahead of him. When we were finished, Alejandro said, "You have put me in a very difficult position, but it was the right decision."

We later learned that a Congressman was in the audience. He approached Randy Green and asked Randy to help him establish similar neighborhood watch meetings around the country. We also learned that there were several believers present as well. They invited Alejandro to attend their weekly Bible study.

Thursday was an interesting day of training with PTJ, (Venezuela's version of the FBI). The training was conducted at their academy. We were to train with a large class of recruits, but first we were treated to a tour of the facilities. The recruits live at the academy Monday through Friday. They are required to return to the academy by 6:00 PM Sunday. If they are late they are placed under house arrest and are required to spend the following weekend at the academy studying. The academy is a building that was used by Colombians to manufacture cocaine four years ago. The recruits are responsible for all the plumbing, carpentry, and general maintenance at the facility. If an L.A. County Jail inmate lived in the conditions a PTJ recruit lives in, the jail would be shut down.

However, the recruits looked at their facility with a sense of pride, not one of oppression. They are proud of the fact that they have earned and worked hard for everything they have. Recruits are as young as 16 and remain at the academy for 3 to 5 years. They leave the academy with the equivalent of a masters degree in police science.

Two second year recruits, Jesus and Edgar, served as guides and translators for our tour. We quickly developed a close bond with both of them.

This trip provided many special opportunities for us. Our day with PTJ was no exception. As we finished the training, the director gave us permission to talk about morality and ethics as they apply to police work. He gave us permission to refer to God and the Bible during the presentation. Tony Miano shared with the Miano shared with the students and staff of the academy. The street in front of the academy was closed to through traffic. With their professors and staff instructors standing around them, the cadets sat in a semicircle in the street to listen as Tony shared from his heart. He talked about the common stresses and temptations that affect peace officers in both of our countries. He spoke of the many technical manuals that we have to read to help us understand and perform our jobs better. He told them that there was one manual that provided us with more wisdom, discernment, and useful information than any other. That manual was the Bible. Tony read Psalm 37:1-9 then shared with the group that our prayer for them was that evildoers, both in the US and Venezuela, would be cut off and that those who wait for the Lord would be the ones to inherit the great land of Venezuela.

Because of our time at PTJ, the assistant director of the academy asked Randy to teach a weekly class on ethics and morality, using the Bible as the text book.

While we were training with the cadets at the PTJ Academy, Daniel, our bus driver, took the women and children to a poor village high in the mountains above Caracas. The road to the village was steep and treacherous and the women, Anina in particular, wondered whether they would make it in one piece. They arrived safely, however, and were able to distribute food to some needy families and to share the gospel with them as well.

Throughout the week, after we had finished the training, we invited the officers to join us on Friday for a special day just for them and their families at Parque Tolon, an amusement park in Caracas. We had reserved the park for law enforcement and their families. Las Acacias Church provided logistical support, translators, and their excellent worship team.

On Friday, about 500 officers and family members came to the park. One of the first people to arrive at the park was Carlos Gornez, a young officer from Libertador PD Tony Miano, Tommy Culpepper, Leonard Gandy, and Andres, one of the translators from Las Acacias, took Carlos to lunch at the McDonald s Restaurant across the street from the park. While they downed their Big Mac Combos (which taste pretty much the same in any country), they shared their faith with Carlos. At the conclusion of the meal, they returned to the park where Carlos prayed to receive Christ as his Savior.

During the day, several of out friends prayed to give their lives to the Lord. At the end of the evening, about twenty officers and others came forward at a public invitation. Among them was Henrique Aranguren, the commander of the local police station. Henrique said that he had been avoiding Randy for nearly two years. He added that he would no longer be avoiding Randy, but that he looked forward to studying the Bible with him. The group included Jesus, our young translator from the PTJ Academy and five of his fellow cadets. We also had the privilege of sharing Christ with Gabriella, the wife of our bus driver.

Our trip concluded on Sunday with services at Las Acacias. Most of the officers who had committed their lives to the Lord were in attendance. It was a joy to see the work that God had begun among the officers of Venezuela and we trust that He will complete that work as He has promised in His word.

Monday, March 3, was a day to relax and pack for our Tuesday morning flight to Miami. We took time out for a team lunch at a great smorgasbord where we were served all we could eat of an eat of an unending variety of meats, sausages, and all the trimmings. During lunch Daniel, our bus driver, prayed to receive Christ as his Savior. What a way to end a great trip!

We are grateful to all of you who partnered with us on this trip through prayer and financial support. We would ask that you continue to pray for the work that was begun and that the Lord would enable Randy to follow up on all of the opportunities that have been provided.

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MORE THAN A TESTIMONY
By Deputy Tony Miano

Dave McDowell, Ken Masse, and I went to Greeley, Colorado a few years ago to meet and fellowship with the men of Barnabas International Missions. For those of you who don't know, the fruit of this encounter was the establishment of a regional representation for the ministry in Colorado, through Keita Andrews. It also led to POFCI having its first full-time missionary in Randy Green, in Caracas, Venezuela. Manny and Cyndi Martinez, their children, Miss Elsie, and the people associated with Barnabas International Missions were a true blessing to each of us. For me personally, the trip opened my ''heart for the first time to missions. Something for which I am eternally grateful.

One of the people I met while in Greeley was a young man by the name of Nick Malady. Nick was only eight or nine years old when I met him, but it was humbling to be in his presence. When a young person makes a profession of faith in Jesus Christ, it's easy for us weary-eyed adults to question how genuine the testimony is. We assume that the child is merely mimicking the words of their parents. We assume that the testimony is not their own. Rather, we listen to the youth's words thinking that they will only mean something when the youth gets a little older.

I realized as soon as this young man began to speak of the Lord that he was not playing church. He was serious, sincere, and most importantly, a true brother in the Lord. It was obvious that the Holy Spirit was moving in Nick's life in a powerful way. Nick, hearing that I was a cop from Los Angeles, was anxious to share with me his plans for the future. He was very interested in the street gangs of Los Angeles. I was expecting Nick to say that he wanted to be a cop when he grew up. Not that my cop ego had anything to do with that assumption. Instead, I heard the call that the Lord placed on Nick's heart.

Nick told me that he was going to minister to gang members in New York City. He said that he was sleeping on the floor, instead of the comfort of his bed, to prepare himself for the mission field. I thought at first that maybe there was an annoying build up of wax in my ear, or perhaps the pressure of the Colorado altitude was affecting my hearing. There was no such affliction. I heard Nick correctly. One may think that Nick's proclamation was little more than the musings of a boy trying to impress the older, wiser cop. I am here to testify that his words were true. The piercing of my heart which I felt at that moment is evidence of the authenticity of his words.

Before going to Colorado, I thought very little of the mission field. Missionary work was something that someone else did. Missionaries were people you prayed for, not people you became. Nick's testimony was used by the Lord to begin a process which removed the scales of apathy from my eyes. The Lord used Nick's testimony to convict me of my apathy toward the Great Commission.

Nick and I have been pen pals since I left Colorado. I have sent him information on California street gangs so he could further his expertise in the area. Recently, Nick was kind enough to write a letter to me, which included his testimony. I would like to share it with you now.

Dear Tony,
How are you? I'm doing fine. Sorry about not writing sooner. I have been praying about the testimony you asked me to consider for Peacemakers' Journal. I appreciate you wanting me to write this. Here is my testimony.

My name is Nick Malady and I am 11 1/2 years old. I have always lived in a Christian home. When I was 3 1/2 years old I asked Christ into my heart. I know this is hard to believe, but at 3 1/2 years I knew I had a sin nature, and was in need of the Lord when I lied to my mother and then told her about it.

At five years old, I saw a movie called "The Cross and the Switchblade". It was the story of Nicky Cruz, a New York City gang member who became a Christian after hearing a preacher whose name was David Wilkerson. My vision is to give these gang members peace with God. With Jesus Christ all things are possible. I have never wanted to do anything else since that day, 6 1/2 years ago.

A couple of years ago the Lord allowed me to meet some real police officers and others who are involved with P.O.F.C.. They are Keita Andrews from Denver, Randy Green from Venezuela, and Tony Miano, Dave McDowell and Ken Masse from California. They have been a blessing to me and are good role models for myself and a lot of people. I pray I can be involved with these men when I minister to gangs in the big cities, when I'm older.

Recently, I met Nicky Cruz at a church in Greeley, Colorado. He said when I get a little older, maybe I can come work with him. Pray for my family as we will soon go into missions or reservations to help Native Americans.

P.S. Tony, could you please let us know when this is to be published. My morn wishes to make a donation To Peace Officers For Christ for several copies of that issue. Thinks a lot. Your brother in Christ-Nick.

Dear Nick,
Well, Nick, there is no reason why you need to be a little older to begin your ministry. You ministered to me the first day I met you. Your testimony should be an eye-opening lesson to all of us Christians who are a "little bit older". If you haven't already received them, your several copies will be arriving soon. You have already made a donation to this ministry through your testimony and friendship, so the extra copies are on me. Your inspirational testimony is being read by thousands of people around the world. Thank you, Nick, for furthering the kingdom on the mission field we call "Peacemakers' Journal".
Your brother in Christ-Tony.

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A VOICE IN THE DARK
By Rob De Partee

The street and traffic lights sparkled below. Anaheim Stadium was glowing against the night sky like a fountain of light. Another baseball game was underway. The "Electric Light Parade" danced and turned its way down Disneyland's Main Street. From 800' above the city, the light show seemed very calm and peaceful. However, the ten year old's voice on the helicopter intercom was not so peaceful. "Daddy, I can't hear you!" She was excited about the ride and the view, but anxious and tense because she couldn't hear her dad. He was seated next to her, only inches away, and easily within the little girl's reach. She could see her daddy's lips moving but couldn't hear his voice. I replaced her headset. Her anxiety was left behind with the broken microphone.

That same anxiety occasionally visits the cockpit, too. As the newest pilot in our unit, I was enjoying all the privileges of a new pilot's license and no seniority. One of those privileges was the graveyard shift. Adding to my pleasure was the fact that my partner for the evening was an inexperienced officer, who was working as my observer. At about 1:00 am, we scrambled for a pursuit. As we were taking off, the pursuit was leaving town and heading into Los Angeles County. I was heading into unfamiliar territory, with an inexperienced partner, at 140 mph. Remember the first time you hit the ball into the neighbor's yard? Your older brother was gone and the neighbor's dog was waiting for you with the ball between his paws. Remember that feeling of apprehension? In the midst of the speed, noise, and unfamiliar lights, I heard a voice. "Hang on Rob! We're coming!"

The voice was so calm and clear that I looked around for the source. It was a long-time friend and a friend who was an observer for LAPD, who happened to be on duty. He was monitoring our pursuit and my anxiety level. He was on his way to help. Fear was replaced by excitement. The overwhelming became manageable. The change in emotion was brought on by the sound of a familiar voice. Have you heard any voices lately?

The worries of this world and the longing for the things we don't have can cause heating impairment. Mark 4:19 says, "and the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desire for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful."

Pressure and persecution can cause hearing impairment. In Mark 4:17 we read, "and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately then they fall away".

Bullies can cause hearing impairment. Mark 4:13 says, "And these are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them." Ask any kid who has lost his lunch money, skateboard, or car to a bully. Your mind says, "No! It's mine!" But your body ignores what it is hearing and hands over the item anyway.

Jesus explained the antidote for hearing impairment. Listen to Jesus' words in Mark 4:20. "And those are the ones on whom seed was sown on the good soil; and they hear the word and accept it, and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold." What does it mean to receive Him? Picture a group of experienced, commercial fishermen four miles off shore in a row boat, in a storm, in the middle of the night. They are doing their job, doing what their boss told them to do. They are cold, wet, and exhausted. Suddenly, they see their boss walking on the sea toward their boat.

The story goes like this. "Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, and after getting into a boat, they started to cross the sea to Capernaum. And it already became dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. And the sea began to be stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. When therefore they had rowed about three or four miles, they beheld Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened." John 6:16-19

Did you notice the disciples' response? Their first reaction was to be frightened. "But He said to them, It is I; do not be afraid."' Their fear left them when they heard Jesus' voice. Once they felt the calm and soothing effects of their Lord and Master's voice, they received Him into the boat. Jesus makes an incredible promise concerning hearing His voice in John 5:24. "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life."

There. You just heard a voice-His voice. You just heard the solution for the worries of this world, delusions, longings, pressure, and persecution. You just heard the battle plan for defeating the bullies of this world. Are you plugging your ears? Or are you inviting Him into your boat in the midst of your darkness and whatever storm you may be going through?

"Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it at all." Luke 18:17

Daddy, I can hear You.

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SHOOTING FROM THE HIP
Chaplain Ray Payne-POFCI, East Coast

Wow! How time flies! Can you believe chat 1997 is almost half over? Certainly Solomon was right when he said, "Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth!" As you read this, what thoughts are going through your mind? Are you certain of your salvation? What if today were your last day on earth?

Now, I know that's not the way you want to think. There's got to be something else to dwell on. But that's exactly the way it has happened for quite a few of the "family" lately. The e-mails have been full of bad news. Then there are the phone calls. People keep asking, "How's the ministry going?" I have to think about it. What's the right answer? "Good!" That means lousy, busy, and too many getting hurt and killed. If I say, "Not very busy." That's great! No one is getting hurt or killed!

Statistics tell us that there were "only" 119 line-of-duty deaths in law enforcement, in 1996. Isn't that great? Not really. How do you console the widow, the parents, the little ones, or the co-workers? How do you console the multitude of other grievers who are in great pain? If there were only one who died in the line of duty, it would still be too many as far as I'm concerned.

You have all used the "what ifs" or the "if onlys", right? Me too. Like, "If only my son was the last law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty." But in the last eight years, there have been over 1,200 who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Those 1,200 fallen officers represent a lot of hurting people.

A friend of mine penned a poem that expressed his aching heart after viewing the 13th Annual Peace Officers' Memorial Day Service on the West Front of the US Capitol, last May 13th. In an article he wrote in his newsletter he said, "The following poetic verses describe, in part, the grief of my own heart when leaving this memorial of more than 170 slain officers who died in the line of duty last year. Like Job, I looked for someone who could comfort. But, 'as the stream of brooks they pass away.'"

Have you been to the Memorial in Washington, D.C.? I have. And, Lord willing, I'll be there again this May 13th. Perhaps we could meet there. I would be honored to show you Panel 32W, Line 13. That's where my only son's name is located. Maybe you have a friend whose name is on the wall. Maybe we could visit that location together, too. The book listing the names of more than 13,300 law enforcement men and women recorded on the marble walls simply states, "Payne, David R., 32W 13, Lewiston Maine PD Date of Death: 07/23/88.

Death? That was the day David became more "alive" than he had ever been! Look at II Corinthians 5:1,8. These verses speak of confidence and assurance. He was immediately in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, because of his faith and trust in Christ's finished work at Calvary and His resurrection from the grave! I'm excited! That's because I know I will see my only son again. God's word promises eternal life, peace with God, and forgiveness for sins to all who will trust Christ as their Savior (Romans 10:9-17).

Now, getting back to the question I asked earlier. What if today were your last day on earth?

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Thousands of uniformed officers gathered on the Capitol lawn,
A solemn assembly chat day in the yard.
Capitol dome, police cars, and guard,
President, little boy, daughter and Dad,
Grandmom and little baby mommy just had.
Tears, prayers, and words all filled with esteem,
Broken hearts, flowers, monuments and dreams.
An artist, he sat on the edge of this scene,
Guarding a canvas of yellows and greens.
Honoring brave hearts who've fallen in the cold,
Serving our homes - the courageous and bold.
Through violence or tragedy, keeping the peace,
Uniformed servants sworn to be police.
Who can pay honor to such a high demand,
Giving one's life for a free, blessed land?
An artist, he sat on the edge of this scene,
Guarding a canvas of yellows and greens.
Soberly, gratefully walking away,
I came to the artist in the tears of that day.
What have you painted and drawn for my grief?
Have you a picture or word of relief?
The artist, he shamefully looked to the ground,
"I've nothing to say." As the bagpipe drowned,
His pitiful words with "Amazing Grace" sound.
An artist, we are in these hours so late.
What is our message to the masses who ache?
Get you an easel, a pallet, or quill.
Cry from your heart! Answer! If you will.
Paint it, write it, sing, or cry,
Ring a bell, blow a horn, yearly they die.
God gave us peace, order, and power.
Who will honor Him this tragic hour?
An artist, we are in these hours so late.
Blue line flows crimson, weep on the lawn of the Capitol gate!
Jack Crans

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DID THAT REALLY HAPPEN?

INTERESTING MOTIVE
Kevin Carter, 21, and Michael Harrison, 26, were charged with murder and armed robbery in Florida. Their motive for committing the crime was to raise money to attend the police academy.

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS
Thomas Martin, former manager for "Jack in the Box", and the world's greatest witness, reported that he had been robbed as the store was closing. He provided a police sketch artist with a detailed description of the suspect. When the sketch artist put his pad down, he curiously wondered why the drawing looked so much like the witness. Thomas Martin, who did not major in common sense while attending a school of higher learning, later confessed to the crime when questioned.

"SHOW ME THE EVIDENCE"
Christopher Johns was on trial for drug possession in Pontiac, Michigan. During the trial, the defendant asserted that he was searched without a warrant. The prosecutor argued that the officer saw a bulge in Johns' jacket that could have been a gun. Needless to say, Johns argued that the prosecutors conclusion was without merit. Johns, who happened to be wearing the very same jacket that day, handed it to the judge to illustrate his point. The smug expression of confidence quickly left Johns face who, by the way, didn't have a day job as a molecular biologist, when the judge discovered a packet of cocaine in one of the jacket pockets. The court took a five minute recess so the judge could compose himself after a serious bout of laughter.

WILLIAM TELL HE ISN'T
A man in Johannesburg, South Africa, shot his 49 year old friend in the face, seriously wounding him. It was an unfortunate accident. It is unknown if a sudden gust of wind, improper trigger pull, or other environmental distractions contributed to the accident which occurred while the two tried to shoot beer cans off each other's head.

WHO'S GOING TO COLLECT
The Chico, California City Council enacted a ban on nuclear weapons. A fine of $500 would be levied against anyone detonating a nuclear device within city limits.

YOU MEANIE, I'M TELLING
When two service station attendants in Iona, Michigan refused to hand over the cash to an intoxicated robber, the suspect threatened to call the police. After very little discussion, the attendants agreed that they should not give the tattle-tale the money. To prove he wasn't bluffing, the robber called the police. He was arrested as soon as the police arrived.

WRONG PLACE,WRONG TIME
Last February in Lincoln, Nebraska, two suspects attempted to steal shoes from the Athlete's Foot, but a clerk and the manager ran them down. The clerk is the captain of the University of Nebraska's track team, and the manager is a world-class marathoner.

HERE MOOSIE MOOSIE MOOSIE....
Last September in rural Vermont, the car in which Mike O'Keefe was riding was hit by a 700 Ib. moose. Mike was treated and released at a local hospital and was driving his own truck a few hours later, when he was struck by...........another moose! (Twice in one day!!!)

SQUEAKY CLEAN?
Police in Columbus, Ohio, arrested Timothy Lebo and Charles Kiner last June 5th, at 5am., charging them with ripping an ATM out of the wall of a bank and attempting to carry it away in the trunk of their car. During the stop the pair tried to convince officers that the ATM was a washing machine! Nice try boys.......

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WEARING THE CROWN OF LIFE
A Tribute to Vern Covington
by Jim Frago, POFCI Missouri

I was working for the Park Hills Police Department about three or four years ago when I learned that there was a pastor, new to the area, who had a great amount of police chaplaincy experience. He came to our police department and offered us his services. I had several members of the Esther Baptist Church approach me and tell me about this chaplain/pastor named Vern Covington. When I met Vern for the first time, the first thing I noticed was that he didn't need a microphone to project his voice.

As a police officer, I was slow to trust him. Yet as a Christian, I felt a strong presence of the Holy Spirit when I was around this man. The other officers on my department were hesitant about this civilian's presence. I had one officer say to me, "Frago, I don't care who he rides with. He just better not get in the car with me!"

The Lord was always on Vern's mind. The other thing that consumed his thoughts was helping people. As people on the department began to trust Vern more, he was being called upon for various reasons and various situations. It wasn't long before even those "tough officers" began calling on Vern for his assistance. Once the officers accepted Vern, he began to work on ministering to suspects and victims. The members of society commonly referred to as "low-life's" by street cops were beginning to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior through Vern's ministry.

My friendship with Vern Covington grew as time went by. Vern was also making many friends on my department. I learned that Vern's wife, Donna, was every bit as sweet and kind to people as he was. She was a lady with a patient spirit. She had to be since she was married to a pastor. The life of a pastor's wife is often more trying than that of the pastor.

I eventually left the Park Hills Police Department and began working for the Saint Francois County Sheriff's Department. By the time I left Park Hills, Vern was working with the department on a training video dealing with crime scenes. It seems that the members of the Park Hills force were beginning to see that Vern was important on various types of incidents, working with victims' families.

I mentioned to Vern that I was in the application process for becoming the local regional representative for Peace Officers For Christ International. He was immediately excited about the idea. Vern had family members who were involved in police work. He said he would mention the ministry to them. One of Vern's relatives (his son-in-law) is Craig Jansen. He is on our steering committee. Vern began working closely with me, building support among law enforcement in the St. Louis area. Not only did Vern help form our steering committee, he took POFCI pins, and T-shirts on his missionary trip to Belarus, Russia. Vern went to Russia to teach local pastors about a program called "How To Share The Gospel Without An Argument". You heard about the results of that trip in the last issue of "Peacemakers' Journal".

One day, while I was winter camping with the Explorers from my department, I received a page informing me of something that greatly impacted my life, and the lives of many other people around the world. The page was from the Assistant Chief of the Farmington Police Department. The Assistant Chief, J. Lee Boyd, was one of Vern's cousins. When I called the Assistant Chief, he told me that Vern had suffered a massive heart attack. Vern was gone. I felt like a major part of me had just died. The man that I always ran to for help and advice, the man that NEVER said no to anyone, the man with that unmistakably dominant voice, was dead. The man that always had time for me was gone. As I write this article, the thought of Vern's passing makes me want to cry. Of course, cops aren't suppose to do that.

Vern's funeral, which was huge, was held at Esther Baptist Church. Another memorial service was also held at Salem Baptist Church in Florisant, Missouri, where Vern pastored for 23 years. The Associational Director of out church, Darrel Jauch, shared during the service that he had rarely seen one man come to the area and touch so many lives, in such a short amount of time, as Vern did. I was told that people waited over 1 1/2 hours to get into the church for Vern's viewing. Extra police officers had to be called in for traffic control because of the number of people attending the services.

I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU, NOW, A PORTION OF THE EULOGY MADE BY ONE OF VERM'S COUSINS WHO IS A CHAPLAIN WITH THE JACKSON POLICE DEPARTMENT.

When Vernon graduated from high school, he went to Southwest Baptist College, in Bolivar (Missouri). He then attended the East St. Louis campus of Southern Illinois University. Somewhere along the way, Vernon met a pretty young girl from Alton, Illinois by the name of Donna Musgrave. They fell in love and were married on September 22, 1962. Vernon and Donna had three wonderful children during the early years of their marriage. Their oldest is Vernon Dale Jr., followed by Jana Marie and Julie Gayle. Vernon was very proud of all three of his children and he always had their pictures to show.

Vernon continued his pastoral education through the Seminary Extension Department in Nashville, the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, and the Christian Writer's Institute in Wheaton, Illinois. While in college, Vernon pastored the Poplar Baptist Church in Warsaw, Missouri. He organized the Southern Baptist Mission at Hecker, Illinois and was the Mission Pastor of First Baptist Church of Fairview Heights, Illinois. Vernon pastored Emmanuel Baptist Chapel at Scott Air Force Base for 2 1/2 years. He was the Director of Religious Counseling at the St. Clair County Jail in Belleville, Illinois. He organized the Westgate Baptist Church in Trenton, Illinois. He pastored Temple Baptist Church in Madison, Eastview Baptist Church in Belleville, and Emmanuel Baptist Church in Granite City, Illinois. In May of 1972 Vernon became the pastor of Salem Baptist Church and pastored here for the next 22 years.

In 1984, Vernon completed the Police Chaplain program at the greater St. Louis Police Academy and served as a police chaplain with the St. Louis County Police Department's 1st Precinct for 10 years. In June of 1994, he and Donna felt called to accept the pastorate of the Esther Baptist Church. In addition to his pastoral duties, he was also chaplain for the Park Hills Police Department. He had agreed to become the chaplain for the Park Hills Fire Department just before he died.

Some of the offices Vernon held included: member of the International Conference of Police Chaplains, Executive Board Member and past moderator of the St. Louis Metro Baptist Association, member of the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, past President of the United Ministers Conference, member of the State Advisory Board for Cooperative Ministries with the National and Southern Baptists of Missouri, member of the steering committee of Peace Officers For Christ International-Missouri, past member of the Board of Directors of North County, Inc., and past representative to the Florissant Valley Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to preaching revivals throughout the United States, Vernon conducted two evangelistic crusades on the Island of Jamaica. This crusade resulted in over 1,000 decisions for Christ. He participated in the European Baptist Convention in Kaiserslautern, Germany. He conducted crusades in India and Brazil. He led two tours to Israel and Europe. Vernon traveled and witnessed for Christ on both sides of the Iron Curtain and taught "How to Share the Gospel Without an Argument" to pastors in Belarussia, Russia.

Finally, Vernon received the following honors and awards. His chaplaincy was endorsed by the Home Mission Board of Southern Baptist Convention. He received an official commendation from the St. Louis County Police Department. He received a plaque of appreciation from the St. Louis Metro Baptist Association, as well as a distinguished service plaque from the Missouri Baptist Convention.

No one can tell me that chaplaincy and POFCI is not important. This man and his family has proven this theme over and over again. He was a good man. I'm proud to say that I knew him well. God bless Donna and the family and the untold number of people that Vernon touched for the glory of Jesus Christ.

"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12

Vernon has been found approved by the Lord. We can rejoice in knowing that Vernon has received the crown of life chat the Lord has promised. We can exult in our Lord because we know with assurance that Vernon is worshipping at His feet.

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THE LONG DISTANCE CALL
By Stephen A. C. Ahearn

It was a warm Thursday evening, in June. I was on patrol in my black and white working the busy, summertime streets in Santa Ana. Earlier in the shift, I had been assigned a missing juvenile report call, involving a twelve year old girl who had run away. After handling the call, I returned to her house in an effort to obtain an update from her family, hoping she had already returned home. She eventually did.

My mind was swimming with different thoughts and emotions. I was wondering what kind of situation would cause a twelve year old girl to run away. I was praying for her safety and safe return home. I was thinking about my own household. My wife, Kathy, was only days away from giving birth to our fourth child-a daughter. What an awesome miracle. What a special gift from the Lord. I was praying for my family's health and safety, and praising the Father for His incredible and unending love.

As I was driving down a major city street, my attention was drawn to a man at a pay phone in a darkened parking lot. He appeared to be water skiing with the phone. He had the phone in both hands and was leaning backwards at a 45 degree angle, holding on with all his might, stretching the phone cord to its limit. I thought that this was a bit odd, but I've seen much stranger things in the city I work. Besides, I was working a higher priority investigation. I kept on driving. But the Lord had other priorities in mind for me this evening. I no sooner had driven another block or two when the Lord told me that I needed to speak to the man at the phone. I couldn't have received a clearer order if my chief had been sitting in the passenger seat! So, a quick U-turn and thirty seconds later, I was back at the pay phone and about to meet Albert.

Albert was still water skiing with the phone as I parked my police car behind him. I called out to Albert. "Excuse me, sir, but I don't think Ma Bell would appreciate you water skiing with one of her pay phones!" As Albert turned around and our eyes met, the warning bells and klaxons went off. This was a hard-core bad guy! Albert had "the look". After years of street patrol, you can tell when you're dealing with a petty criminal and when you're dealing with an experienced, ex-felon on parole. Albert fit the latter description. He had prison tattoos on his neck, arms, and body. He was muscular, yet he appeared to have recently lost some weight. His face displayed very little, if any,emotion. His arms displayed a long history of intravenous drug use. I thought to myself, "Lord, why have you placed me before this man?" I quickly checked Albert for any concealed weapons. I would soon find out why the Lord put this man in my path.

I began speaking with Albert, asking what he was doing with the phone. Albert said he was trying to make a phone call, but was having trouble getting through. While waiting to try again, he thought he would exercise with the phone. Albert said he was sorry in a way that cut through the professional, cynical side of me. I was also touched by Albert's soft, articulate speech, which is unusual for a seasoned veteran of the system. I wanted to know more about this man. I asked him how he learned to speak so well. Albert answered, "I took many courses and earned my diploma while in prison." Albert went on to tell me that he had been out of prison for about five months and was working in Irvine, operating a computer driven lathe. I could sense the Lord was urging me to continue to speak with Albert, so I did. I asked about his life and how it was that he ended up a convicted criminal.

Albert went on to share his life story. Albert was 13 years old when his father kicked him out of the house, onto the streets. Albert's father told him that he could no longer afford to care for him and still care for the several other smaller children in the house. Albert's eyes were focused on a far away time and a place as he shared that painful memory with me. Not long after hitting the streets, Albert began stealing food and hanging around a tough crowd. Albert said that he was still 13 years old when he began using heroin. He continued to use the destructive drug for another 27 years. Albert's food stealing progressed to commercial burglaries in order to support his drug habit. At the age of 21, he was sentenced to state prison. While Albert was in prison, he did some "bad things". He chose not to elaborate about these indiscretions. Albert's "bad things" cost him 19 years of his life, many of which were served at the state prison in Vacaville.Ca. This is one of the maximum security prisons. Albert went on to say that in 1990 he contracted HIV, which since has progressed to the second stage of AIDS. This is why Albert appeared so thin. I could see the familiar sunken features in his face. Albert said he was finally released from prison a few months ago, and was living in a nearby halfway house.

As Albert was sharing his life story with me, I saw before me not a hardened criminal; but a desperate, discarded, dying man. The new eyes, ears, and heart which my Lord has given me are nowadays at odds with my old, fleshy self. That would be the one which would have shunned Albert a short season ago. I would have backed away from this disease infested criminal, justifying to myself that he was not worth my time and deserving all he was given. Instead, compassion welled up inside me. For a moment, the Lord let me see Albert through the eyes of his Son Jesus.

I decided to go deep. "Are you ready to die, Albert?" I asked. He said that some days he wanted to die. I asked him if he knew where he would go when he died. Albert didn't hesitate. "Yes. I'm going to hell. I think God sends people to hell for awhile until he believes they're really sorry for all of the bad things they've done." Albert continued, "Some will be there a year. Some will be there two or three years. But me? I think God will chain my hands over my head and keep me there for a long, long time." The look on Albert's face was that of a man resigned to the fact that he's five minutes away from a meeting with a firing squad.

I knew then why the Lord had placed me in this situation. I quietly prayed, thanking Him for this opportunity. I asked Him for more courage, strength, and wisdom. I no longer spoke to Albert as a policeman. Rather, I spoke to him as a Christian saved by grace. I started by sharing with Albert what the Bible says about the finality and eternity of hell. I told Albert that as he was sharing about his childhood, I saw that he was still hurting over the way his father had abandoned him. Albert looked me in the eyes. His expression was one of bewilderment, as if to say, "Where are you going with this?" Then his expression changed. His eyes looked through me again as he thought back to when he was a 13 year old boy. "I really wasn't such a bad kid, then." He said. "Yeh, it hurt a lot."

That was when I shared the Father's love with Albert. I told him that although his father here on earth abandoned him, I knew of a Father who would never abandon him, never leave him, never lie to him, and will always love him. I watched in amazement as this 40 year old man, a man who had done things he couldn't even speak about, looked at me with eyes filling with huge tears. Albert didn't speak. He just stood there crying.

I reached into my duty bag and withdrew several tracts which I carry to pass out to those I come in contact with while I'm at work. I gave these to Albert and asked him to read them and seriously consider making a commitment to Jesus. Albert said he would and thanked me. He said he had never met a policeman who cared. I thanked Albert, but told him it was the Lord, not me. I climbed back inside my patrol car and started down the road again. I thought I had completed my assigned mission for the Lord. So much for my thinking!

I drove down the street, getting exactly as far as I had gotten before, only to once again have the Lord tell me, "You are not finished yet." No, it was not an audible voice. It was that still, small voice in my spirit.

I drove back into the lot, and there was Albert. He was holding on to the phone again and reading one of the tracts. This time he saw me coming and placed the phone on the receiver before walking over to me. He seemed genuinely happy to talk to me some more. I shared more of the Good News with Albert. I told him that no matter what he had ever done, even the stuff he couldn't talk about, God already knew about it. Once again Albert began weeping. I told Albert how I didn't believe in coincidence, and how I believed God had me stop to talk with him for a reason. I told him that God loved him, His Son Jesus loved him, the Holy Spirit loved him, and I loved him. I asked Albert if he knew about Jesus. Albert, wiping more tears away, said that he had read a little about Him from a prison Bible. I told Albert that Jesus was standing there with us and that He wanted to come into his life, fill him with love, forgive him, and accept him. I told Albert that the price for this gift had already been paid by Jesus who died for him and everyone who ever lived. It only required a sincere heart-a heart willing to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

I asked Albert if he believed that what I told him was true. Albert said, "If anyone could rise from the dead, it would be Jesus." I asked Albert if he wanted to invite Jesus into his life as Lord and Savior. Albert said, "Yes. But I don't know how to pray the right way." I told Albert I would be honored to help him. I told him to just speak from his heart. A few minutes later I was speaking to a new brother in Christ. The tears now flowed from both of us. They were tears of joy from one that was lost, but now was found, from a prodigal returning home. I knew for sure that I had completed my mission.

However, before I drove away this time, there was one more question I wanted to ask Albert. "Just who was it that you were so desperate to call?" He smiled and said, "I was trying to call long distance to my father. He lives in Arizona and I haven't spoken to him in years. I wanted to talk to him one more time before I die."

I don't know if Albert ever got through to his dad. But I know that Albert made the most important call in his life. He called upon his heavenly Father and was saved. Praise and glory to You, O Lord, forever and ever!

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PEACE OFFICERS FOR CHRIST INTERNATIONAL's PURPOSE

Dear friend:
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.

2. Talk to God throughout the day.
Tell him your cares, worries and needs.

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 coworkers at your department.

5. Stand up for what is right.
Be courageous and compassionate!

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

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