Connection Newsletter
September 2014 – Volume 3 – Issue 9
If someone asked you if you like your job, what would you say? I hope you would be able to say Yes! Perhaps some of my readers would respond that they would prefer to be doing something different or at least doing what they do but for someone else. Not me!
If I have not made the message clear lately, I LOVE what I do. I believe I am called to support law enforcement and to help bring hope into their lives. I find great connection and satisfaction sitting in the passenger seat of a patrol car. As I help search for a missing person or stand on the curb next to a car stopped for an unsafe traffic maneuver, I am a living reminder of God’s care and presence to the officers. There is no greater privilege to me than to be given the responsibility of their trust and care.
This has been a very busy training month, and next month will be as well. Everything seems to be packed into this small window each year. Please pray I am able to draw wisdom from the training opportunities. New skills are important as a chaplain and I desire to constantly refine the skills I use every day.
I was called upon to consult an officer at Coronado Police about starting a chaplain program to supplement their peer support system. I enjoy sharing the things God has put in my heart, and I’m excited about the new prospect of working alongside of and even mentoring new chaplains as part of this ministry.
Serving as chaplain also includes being involved in special events in police lives. This month and next I will have the honor of officiating police weddings. These celebration moments are especially sweet for me. Watching healthy relationships establish and grow is a very important part of officer stability. I am happy for both couples and wish them the very best!
I attended training put on by The Counseling Team International this month, and I shared “The Role of a Chaplain” to the emergency personnel from four different departments. Explaining who a chaplain is and the benefit we bring was thoroughly enjoyable as was telling them about Code 7. I hope to do more public speaking about my passion of supporting cops!
As a visible reminder of God’s presence, care and love, I am blessed to serve our law enforcement as a volunteer chaplain. Bringing encouragement through a smile, needed listening ear, or encouraging word is sometimes enough to change the course of their day. I’m grateful for the support Code 7 receives making it possible for me to spend time weekly in their world.
There is still plenty of room for you to be a part of the Code 7 support system and help make a cop’s day a little brighter. Will you stand with me prayerfully and financially? Meeting their spiritual and physical needs, standing next to a patrol officer, sitting in their car, or being on scene as they sort through the details of a foolish or tragic act is a simple way to show God cares. If God and the chaplain don’t care for them – who will?
May the love of God be your strength today.
Blessings,
Founder/Chaplain Code 7
Relationships are more important than personal accomplishments. D.S.