Quote of the Quarter
“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” ~ Jesus
RELATIONSHIPS
As a young man in ministry, one of my mentors told me that “relationships are more important than personal accomplishments.” The phrase grew in my heart and became one of my life values and a quote I have repeated over the years. The trajectory of that phrase influenced how I connect with people and serve.
When we esteem others as treasured and valuable, we build a community with sustaining support for one another when life takes its dips and turns. Our plans are not always God’s plans, nor our ways His ways.
I think it is wise to keep your accounts short with others. What I mean by that is to resolve differences and conflicts as quickly as possible. If you can forgive and move forward, do it. If you work intentionally at fostering strained relationships and find a path of peace to move forward, I don’t think you will regret it.
Honoring ACPC
CVPD Assistant Chief Phil Collum spent his lifetime serving others through law-enforcement. He was well loved by many and was a true influencer. Phil mentored and encouraged people to be their best and do their best. Phil‘s faith in God‘s supreme love made him a servant of many. Phil’s giant smile was his consistent welcome card.
Phil’s life was cut short by cancer but his legacy, policies, and dedication to service will live on through many whose lives he touched. A Celebration of Life service was held, and I had the privilege to speak and share a message of God’s love to everyone in attendance. We’ve got it from here, Phil. We are glad you are at peace and now at home.
The Address
My phone rang unexpectedly one morning, and the dispatcher said a police officer needed my help. They told me that a police officer’s parent died at their home, and the on-duty Lieutenant specifically requested I go and assist. When the dispatcher gave me the address, I knew who’s home it was.
I had been there before socially years ago. I went directly to the house, greeted the family, and stayed through the required process. The Lieutenant and another Armed Forces veteran saluted the officer’s father as he was taken into the care of the mortuary.
The Sgt said he had handled probably a hundred deaths but of course nothing hit so close to home – literally.
To be called on in times of crisis is what a chaplain does. We support and often spend an extended time of silence, simply being present, reflecting God‘s compassion, care, and presence in the midst of difficulty and tragedy. This is our role and a reminder to the family that God is not absent but He is present. In this case it was a relationship formed years ago that allowed me to serve in this moment of need.
Prayer Breakfast 2024
I was blessed with the support of Code 7 donors to be able to sponsor four tables at the recent Law Enforcement Prayer Breakfast. I was joined by both Chula Vista and National City Police Departments at the tables where we received an encouraging word and a gospel message.The room was filled with first responders, and it is always energizing to see so many I’ve met over the years.
Chaplain Rick
My partner in ministry and Code 7 Chaplain Rick Rojas is taking some time off. He ended up finding out, through a relatively small medical incident, that he had a form of blood cancer. Rick has been a trooper and is fighting with everything he’s got. Rick invited over the team from NCPD to hear his story. He captivated his audience of about 25 police employees on his patio as he shared his win-win situation.
As he describes it, it’s a win-win. He explained that if God heals him and he beats his cancer, it’s a win because he gets to be around and serve longer. Also, he said if the Lord calls him home, it’s a win because he gets to be in heaven with the Lord. His attitude is amazing and his testimony of how he’s handling his cancer and the difficulties are a reflection of his faith. We are praying for you, Rick, as you continue the battle.
Decompress
People ask me sometimes what I do to burn off my stress, so I included a couple of pictures of recent fun adventures. I like to mountain bike out in the hills of San Diego County with my friends. People ask me if I like to road bike and I say no; I’ll take the rocks and the rattlesnakes over distracted drivers on the highways any day of the week 🙂 Oh, and once in a while, I get to attend fun events and have a colorful parrot rest on my arm.
In Conclusion
Relationships are the basis for our Code 7 ministry to cops and the people in crisis. A relationship with Jesus is the most important followed by family and friends and the people you cross paths with. I encourage you to nurture the relationships closest to you and keep your accounts short. Thank you for your encouragement and support of this ministry.
Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective. James 5:16