Supporting law enforcement by bringing hope into their workplace.”
Connection Newsletter
June 2014 Volume 3 Issue 6
REST, REFLECT, and RENEW is what Code 7 is all about. Taking moments to rest and reflect on the blessings of life are important to the renewal of our mind, body and spirit. As a chaplain I desire cops to not only be safe and survive the street, I also want them to thrive on the job and at home. I do this by providing a chaplain presence within the department and by helping meet some of the practical daily needs of the officers.
I hope you aren’t tired of hearing me say it, but the CCW (cups of cold water) Project is one of the ways we impact the lives of our local law enforcement. One year ago this month we started our water program, and it has grown beyond expectation. Each month for the past three months Code 7 has purchased and supplied three pallets (2,100 bottles per pallet) of water for the police officers. The total number of bottles given during the first 12 months is 37,440! That is an incredible number of cups of cold water in Jesus’ name.
A few weeks ago a police sergeant in National City pulled me aside to say thank you. He said he has been watching me and listening to what I say. He said he respects what I’m doing with the water and the support for his officers. He continued by saying people sometimes make great promises of what they are going to do for the department but fall very short. “I have deep respect for what you are doing, because you have done everything you said and even a little bit more. You kept your word – that is a rare commodity. We are glad to have you here.” I reassured him that I am not alone, but the Code 7 sponsors are helping keep me in a car and the water flowing.
Moving forward, I could use some additional corporate sponsors for the growing water project. If you know a business that may like to support the services to our local law enforcement and would like their names visible as sponsors, please send them my way.
Pictured here is me in my class A uniform with Police Chief Bejarano. I was invited to wear the uniform at the Chula Vista Police 2014 Awards Ceremony where I offered the opening prayer. I received a few whistles, comments, and double takes and was solicited on a number of occasions to apply for the police academy. I was quick to remind them that we all do our part and that if I was a cop, who would have the full-time duties of helping keep the rest of the group sane?
There is never a dull moment with Code 7. Also pictured here is the National City Police Chief, Mayor, and City Manager. They were all welcoming me at a small ceremony formalizing my volunteerism as Chaplain for their Police Department. I am grateful for the additional opportunity to serve!
There is still so much in my heart to do to support the needs of this unique community of men and women, but I am hindered at times by funds.
I’m thankful for those of you that support Code 7! You provide me with weekly opportunities to bless cops and help encourage them in their next right steps along the journey of life.
Please pray for the transfers of cops to different squads and agencies. There is a tremendous strain throughout the county, which adds stress to the departments and the individual officers. Some officers have chosen to transfer to other agencies, which leaves voids at their current department here, but allows them the peace of mind they need to continue in law enforcement. There are so many stresses related to the job that they need our support no matter what department they serve.
Please also pray for the chaplains throughout the county as we volunteer our services to the departments. There are no paid law enforcement chaplains. The work that is done by the select few that invest their lives to enhance others is commendable. They assist their agencies and make themselves available day and night.
It was a very tragic day in Las Vegas last week. I am very saddened to share the news that two Las Vegas officers were shot and killed in broad daylight while eating lunch at a pizza restaurant. They were targeted because of their representation of the law. This is another example of the constant state of hyper-vigilance cops are required to maintain while in uniform. This is an example of why they need our support and affirmation.
My presence on the streets and in the car serving as chaplain is an encouragement to the officers. Thank you for your interest in Code 7 and for your financial support. You make a difference in the lives of law enforcement officers and their families. Thank you for caring for me as I care for them.
Wherever you are – be all there!
Founder/Chaplain Code 7
Relationships are more important than personal accomplishments. D.S.