Greetings from the missions field 12-26-2012

From the Field
I pray and trust that everyone had a wonderful and Merry Christmas. As our world gets more and more diverse, it seems like fewer people remember that we have Christmas because of Christ. Had the Son of God not came to this earth in human flesh as a baby, we would not celebrate Christmas. I praise God that He sent His Son to pay the penalty for our sins. The fire service is going through a tough time this Christmas season. Please remember to pray for the first responders in Connecticut who had to witness that evil act upon innocent children, as well as the first responders who went through that horrible event in Webster, New York. We need to be on our knees for those first responders, that God would provide them comfort.

As the new year is upon us, FCFInternational is praying and waiting to see how the Lord will use us in 2013. God has provided for this ministry since 1977, and we are thankful to Him for all He has done. Our world is rapidly changing, and we want to be able to minister to first responders in a powerful way. We serve an awesome God, and we want to share the love of God to first responders through effective ministries. Pray with us that God would show us what doors to walk through this coming year.

Currently I am finishing up an Operations Plan (OP) for the ministry. This is what will keep me on track this coming year. Pray that God will show me the way, and that this OP will be for His honor and glory. If any of you would like to provide an input, I would gladly like to use it. I plan on posting the OP in the next several weeks.

I am excited about a new program that FCFInternational is rolling out in 2013. Based on the Navigators old "Minutemen" program, our "Command Staff" program seeks to draw first responders closer to God. I am praying that God would provide 25 first responders who are serious about God. The Command Staff personnel will comit to reading their Bible daily, praying an hour a day for first responders, memorizing 1 Bible verse a week, sharing your faith with a first responder every month, and discipling 1 first responder every year. If we could find 25 committed folks to do this I believe we would begin to see changes in the fire service as a whole. Please pray with me for that.

The Family
The family is doing great. Holly recently gave her notice to Kohls department store, and will only have 1 job. Our goal is to have her retire when I do next year. Then we will be able to devote 100% of our efforts to the ministry. Please pray for our family as they are beginning to lead their own lives. For those of you that have been there it makes for challenging times. I am excited as I want to see my children grown, living on their own, and serving the Lord.

Prayer Requests

• That we would find 100 churches who are willing to support the ministry.
• 25 committed first responders for the new Command Staff program.
• The Operations Plan would be complete.
• The first Encourager would be well recieved.
• First responders would be saved.
• First responders would draw closer to God in 2013 by committing to reading their Bibles and discipling younger first responders.
• First Responder Retreat in March, that we would have 100 first responders.

Ephesians 6:10-11 - "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil"

Greetings from the Missions Field 12-18-2012

From The Field
It has been awhile since I was las able to post to the blog. A lot has been happening in FCFInternational and I am excited on how God is working in His ministry to first responders. I have been able to travel to several places in order to be with other FCFInternational members. First, I went once again to be with Wayne Detzler in Connecticut. What a man of God Wayne is, and I cherish every time God allows me to go and visit. I am able to talk much about the future of FCFInternational and how Wayne thinks we should get there. Wayne has much experience with various ministries and his wisdom is all ways enlightening. This time Wayne and I videoed 16 Bible lessons on the book of Ephesians. Once these videoes are packaged up and put with the rest of the Ephesians project we should have a quality CD containing a Bible study for first responders. I am convinced that FCFInternational should put a lot of time and effort into producing quality Bible studies for firefighters. We need to be able to have Bible studies that help first responders live lives that are pleasing to God. Please keep Wayne in your prayers as he only lives one town away from the terrible school shootings. First Responders up there definately need our prayers.

After I returned home from that trip it was back out to New Jersey. Thom McCoy and I made up a small team that was determined to get the Moonachie First aid and Rescue Squad back into their building. Their building was destroyed during Hurricane Sandy. Several other members joined the efforts during the week and the project was complete. The last I heard from Thom was that rescue squad members were moving things back in. What a blessing to be able to be part of that project. Some of our members gave financially, some prayed, and some worked. Due to our efforts as an organization doors were definately opened. One of the members asked Thom to be their chaplain as they do not have one. Please pray that over the next several months Thom would be able to minister to them, sharing his faith in Jesus Christ.

Now that I am back home my attention is once again turned toward the office end of the ministry. A lot of work goes into running the ministry and I am once again thankful for Gay and Sue's Godly example in this area. Please continue to pray that I might follow their Godly example.

The Family
The family is getting excited about celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. One would think that as you get over the excitement would lesson, but with our family it appears that it does not. December is a busy month for our family as both Holly and Christopher celebrate their birthdays. Holly and I went out to eat at the Cheesecake Factory, a favorite of both of ours. What a blessing to be able to have such a lovely wife. God has given me way more than I deserve when He gave me Holly. I thank God for His grace to me.

Personal Life
Please pray for me as I am trying to put Bible memorization as a top priority in 2013. I am up to a few measly Bible verses so far. It appears that memorizing as you get older really becomes a challenge. I never back down from a challenge though. My prayer is that I will memorize 1 whole book this next. I am also just finishing up my Bible reading. What a blessing to be able to read God's Word all the way through. I look forward to doing it all over again next year.

Prayer Requests

For my first Encourager, it has been a blessing and a challange

The monthly online Bible studies would be well attended

FCFInternational would be able to find 25 committed members for the new Command Staff  position.

FCFInternational would be able to share God's love to first responders at this years shows.

We would be able to raise up faithful members to the position of Regional Directors. Our prayer is to have 1 per state.

That God would be glorified with FCFInternational