Greetings from the International Office here in Arnold, Maryland. I was going to start out this blog and tell you that I resigned. My wife thought that it would not be funny, since we just started this ministry. In case you have no clue what I am talking about, it is April 1st or April Fools day. I do love a good joke every now and then. The Bible does say that laughter is good for you. Proverbs 17:22 tells us; "A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones." In my devotions I have been reading the Gospels. I love to read how Jesus walked when He was here on earth. We can learn so much from how He ministered. I was intrigued the other day of Jesus's leadership style. He was the first servant leader that we no of, and He perfected that style. Some times he worked with a small group of Disciples, at other times he taught parables to the hundreds, and occasionally He preached to the thousands. As the leader of FCFInternational I pray that I would lead like Jesus taught us in the Gospels.
Jesus was good at building relationships. I think today more than ever this is important. FCFInternational has a vision statement which talks about building relationships with first responders. Building relationships isn't easy. If you want to be successful at building relationships it takes time, effort, resources, and a willing spirit. In the process you might get hurt, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Jesus was willing to do that, it cost Him His life. The question is, are we willing to do that? Recently I began to disciple two young firefighters. I am no expert when it comes to making disciples, I just want to be obedient to Christ. In the process I am learning so much about the Bible, through their eyes, that I never new. So I challenge you to find some young first responders and make a difference in their lives. When you pray please pray for Isaac and Cliff. Pray that God would fill them with His understanding and His wisdom.
Modern technology still amazes me. With it I am able to learn more and do more in the ministry to first responders. The other day I received a membership application from a firefighter in Venezuela. What a blessing to know that God is working in that country. I pray that we would have an impact, through Christ, in that department. God is able to accomplish anything and I look forward to see what He will do. Let's pray for a revival in Venezuela, especially in the fire department.
The Family
I continue to be blessed to have the family that God has given me. Seth continues to be a tremendous help in the FCFInternational ministry. He is helping me with editing, graphic art, and just plain old fashion encouragement. I pray that God would bless him and provide him with a family of his own. Seth is currently helping with a local youth group and an assistant pastor. Andrew continues to work at night and is hoping to go back to days. Pray for Andrew and his girlfriend that they would make Godly choices. Christopher and Justin continue to work part time. I have been praying that God would supply them with full time jobs where they can minister to people. Holly and I continue to be blessed by each other. I am so thankful that God has given me a true help mate. She continues to work hard in the ministry, and I thank God for her.
Prayer Requests
- The Discipleship ministry will begin in May. Pray that God would raise up leaders within FCFInternational who are capable and willing to be disciple makers. Pray that God would receive full glory on this ministry and that many first responders would be saved and would draw closer to God.
- Pray for our annual meeting and our Encouragement and Awards diner. Pray that we would have a spirit of unity within FCFInternational.
- Continue to pray for a local chapter in every state and chapters throughout the world.
- Pray that I might have wisdom as I continue to learn how to minister to first responders through FCFInternational
- Pray as we organize a disaster response team. My prayer is that we would be able to minister to first responders on disasters. I am praying for a mobile chapel and that local churches would be involved.
- Pray for an International Office. I pray that God would provide land and resources in order to minister to chaplains, fire chiefs, those with PTSD, and first reponder families. I am praying b ig on this one as only God could make it happen at this point in time.
