I sit down today because I have an overwhelming push in my spirit to call out blindly to some of you who may come across this post. I believe that God calls those whom He will, and he will call someone to read this message. It is not prepared; I'm shooting from the hip, so to speak, typing as I think.
My friends, I was a police officer for many years in a small town before becoming it's police chief. I served briefly in a large city, but felt more at home helping my home town. I served as a volunteer firefighter and an EMT on the ambulance service, once again feeling the need to serve my community. I say this not to brag on some resume, but to let you know I've been there. I've been there with no back up at 3:00AM against a man gone crazy with a shotgun, scared, alone and wishing I could just quit then and there and go home. But I had a job to do, I made an oath with my hand raised, so I had to confront whatever situation was before me. I've gone into the fire, and saw the result of being too late to save a family from the results of a trailer consumed before they could get out. I've picked up the pieces of what was a human being from beside a horrific highway accident.
I've witnessed a fellow officer shot at a traffic stop; I've fired my weapon in defense. I've been there brothers and sisters, I've been there. I'm now 54 and I personally know more officers that have gone on to the grave than I personally know alive. I am no longer in any of those services, because the Lord calls me to another area of service. But my heart still aches and yearns for those of you who day in and day out see the result of a fallen and sinful world and it's victims. I need you to know there is Someone who hears you and aches with you. That someone is Jesus Christ.
Today, a horseback Border Patrol officer was killed and another wounded. Another statistic to the news media, but families are grieving and need support from more than what the world can offer. The hope and prayer from me is that the officers knew the salvation of Jesus Christ.
This country is becoming more violent and I believe it is because we are turning so far away from God that He is preparing to turn it over to a reprobate mind. But you, my friends are still the front line domestically. Yes, we give our military honor and our prayers as we should, but we need to pray for each other. If you are a Christian public servant, a follower of Jesus, then won't you reach out to those who are also brothers in Christ and hold hands in prayer for each other? Ignore the verbal attacks you may get from those who would try to get you to leave your beliefs when you put on the uniform. The message of Jesus is Salvation, Peace and Good Will towards Men. If you are attacked for a belief system that promotes Love your brother as yourself and Love God with All your heart, mind and soul, then you know the attack comes from the gates of hell itself.
You public servants that proclaim to be followers of Christ must step up with Christian love. Yes stand up and follow His example and you must without faltering. I know from experience how easy it is to let all the inhumanity you daily encounter, the sights that you have seen, the abuse you take and the fear you may encounter, to cause you to question God. You may even be emulating the old Joseph Wambaugh type cop who goes to the cop bar after work and get's drunk to numb the images in your head. But my friends it is only temporary. Remember, sin is fun for a season, but it will ultimately kill you, after all, you witness it's results every day.
I also know that most of you are just running to one call after another. The old "Community Policing" idea of the 1980's is out the door. You can't prevent crime, because you don't have time to just patrol and look for it. You, the policeman, fireman and EMT always show up after the carnage. You're beginning to believe you're just the cleanup crew. Prevention is going out the door and just responding is the norm. Why do you think so many Americans are exercising their 2nd Amendment right to arm themselves. We know that we don't have to worry about the good citizen, it's the street thugs, and the citizens know it also.
We at our church pray for all of you weekly, as we do for our military. I have no idea if this post will result in anything, but I believe God when he said "My word will not return void." So I'm making a leap of faith.
See, police, fire and EMT's are the only service that seems to forget those who have served and got out alive. Once a Marine, Seal Team, Special Forces, Etc., always in the brotherhood, but not with us excops, firefighters and EMT's. So I am asking the Lord to pass this along.
If you are a Christian, a true follower of Jesus Christ and are retired or have served in these capacities, will you pray every day for the ones still in active service? Will you say God Bless them whenever you see one at the store or on the street? Will you make a point to plant a seed for one that maybe doesn't know the joy of being in Christ and the fear and doubting that is relieved when all is put in God's hands?
If you are still working in these areas, won't you be a good example for Christ? At one time we have all thought we had to talk like the gangbangers and cons to get some street respect as cops, but that isn't true. The only one we need to please is Christ. Yes, we need to speak to them with authority, but with the knowledge of our authority comes from a higher power and we need not stoop to the low. Start praying for each other. As you ride around your beat and you have a moment, pray for those in your area. Pray without ceasing. Maybe that is what we are missing, because prayer can move mountains. You want to be a public servant, then serve your community and each other a little extra with your faith in Christ Jesus.
Maybe someone in some city somewhere will read this and start a gathering of Christians in their department for bible study and prayer meetings. May be God will lead someone to start an organization just for this reason. I don't know. But we need to remember that John 3:16 says "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Whosoever includes the drunk, drug dealer, gangbanger and everyone in this world.
I pray you do your jobs with the bravery and belief that Christ has the victory and you, like Esther, may have been chosen for this season, for this very reason; to help the helpless and to shine the light of Christ in a dark and stormy world.
God bless each of you my Brothers and Sisters!
Terry Ames
