Christian Law Enforcement Fellowship Newsletter

May 2011

“The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are bold as a lion. By the transgression of a land many are its princes, but by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures” (Proverbs 28:1-2).

Last month I experienced a unique opportunity in being able to stroll the halls of the Pentagon with a Navy Captain assigned to the Joint Chiefs of each branch of our military. As the Senior Chaplain responsible for assessing and reporting on chaplain needs and effectiveness wherever the U.S. Military is engaged world-wide, his travels take him to all corners, including front-line forward operating bases. He counsels, digs foxholes, reads faces and listens to the cry of the soul as soldiers, and their chaplains, deal with separation, loss, loneliness, doubt, fear, unrelenting physical stress, and the perplexities of fragile expectations between hope and the realities of war’s inexorable day-to-day tragedy all around. Such an existence becomes a way of life by necessity, fighting to stay alive, accomplish the mission, and remain focused in spite of the distraction of faces in their minds they’ll never see again. The most serious place on earth, where the intimacy of soul and spirit is stark, cold and transcendent, is in theater where life and death have a daily exchange. Mortality overshadows every movement and moment.

Moving throughout the halls mirrored that correlation, in the faces of select generals, staff, those from the “front” circulating in and out, and the compelling displays of American History that line those halls. Exhibited there are artifacts of events, the clothes and personal effects of the times and leaders that have led America through some of her most harrowing epochs of war, humanitarian aid, restoration (Japan…) and intervention (Berlin Air Lift…). Portraits, murals, life-size encasements and hall-lining vaults of the moments, men and women of excellence who, but for their understanding of and commitment to the sanctity and sacrifice of freedom, were willing to “pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty” (JFK). So immersed at every turn, and seeing the very men in the halls carrying that clarion-call forward in our day, felt like swimming in the midst of our past, present and future. The cost of it all, incalculable.

To the degree America has stood and sacrificed for truth and justice, it has prospered in monumental proportion. Whether it will carry on is by God’s grace and we-the-people. Will this generation and the next have its own mural of honor? Keeping faith in the hope of God’s lovingkindness and truth will always inspire courage, and leave a legacy of integrity that will incorporate our future honor, and “the last, greatest hope of earth” (A. Lincoln). “Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand all things” (v. 5).

April was a sprint from beginning to end, starting with the Annual Prayer Breakfast and pressing into May with follow-up, counseling, admin. meetings, church ministry and laying down plans for the Fall. It is good work, but ministry is always a perplexing balance of time and judgment of priorities, purpose and providence – sensing that it’s the little things which matter the most. Individuals are important, and so personal engagement with those God opens a door for is critical, and trusting God’s timing to be available when and where needed. I’m so grateful for those God has availed to assist, such as you and your prayers and encouraging support of what we do. Regarding the Breakfast, we are hoping that response for a marriage retreat will be enough for another one in September. However, the cost has gone up even more, and we have less reserve on hand than last year. Subsidies will be high, and yet the need is so great for these getaways. Please include in your prayer for us wisdom and direction in discerning the wherewithal for moving ahead on this. Any that you know who would like to be a part of this, a flyer is attached. And any you know who might be willing to help finance this retreat, or pay for a couple (or two!) to attend, would be much appreciated. The real cost is between $500 to $550 per couple (depending on how many sign up) to attend, so we subsidize, somehow, everything over $350. – Also scheduled for May are two officer weddings, two memorials that I participate in, and ongoing personal contacts. More retirements are occurring than usual, due to the evolving dynamic of the city and county’s financial encumbrances, so we’re losing a lot of experienced personnel. But the Sheriff and PD both have good leadership, and training standards remain high. Yet it’s always a challenge to keep up with the new influx of people coming on board. God’s providential timing is in it all and what a privilege it is to have the entry for influencing their lives. Just providing for spiritual expression and conversation is a huge relief to many in these stressing days, and God’s Light is ever reassuring.