From the Field
Wow, where did the summer go? This was a challenging summer for the team here at FCFInternational. We had so much going on here at the Barnabas House that I was questioning why I retired and moved. Praise God we are beginning to get everything set up in order to better minister to firefighters and first responders. Here are a few things we have been working on.
- Office
The office is almost 100% complete. What a blessing to have a dedicated place to organize and plan for the ministry. When completed we will be able to have meetings and Bible studies, as well as work on videos and internet projects. Lord willing the office will be complete within the month. If you are in the area of Boydton, Virginia and would love to visit the new office please give us a call, we would love the fellowship.
- Barnabas House
Plans are still on track for opening the Barnabas House in January of 2015. The plan is to offer this facility to LODD families, fire chaplains or firefighters who are looking for spiritual care after a traumatic event. We have been working with chaplains to develop a five day curriculum that will help work through areas they are struggling with. We will have several chaplains coming in October to finalize that area of ministry. In November we will have a LODD family to help work through how we can assist families. As we strive to make this possible we still need financial support to make this ministry happen. God has provided enough funds to handle 2015 if the families can get here. Lord willing we will be able to provide transportation expenses as well. God is able and we will trust in His perfect will.
- Discipleship Ministry
What a blessing to be already discipling two members of the BVFD. We are working on the "9 appointments with the chief" curriculum and the "what we believe" curriculum. These studies are specifically designed for firefighters and first responders. I hope to be discipling at least 5 firefighters by the end of the year and encouraging them to find others to disciple.
- New Local Group
We have started a new FCFInternational local group here in Mecklenburg County. Our plan is to meet the second Saturday of every month and to begin by working through the Ephesians Project. This 16 lesson inductive Bible study was written specifically for firefighters. Our new group will begin a CISM team for the county and will receive training starting next year.
- Firefighter Sunday
FCFInternational still desires to have the second Sunday in September set aside as a day of prayer and remembrance for first responders. Boydton Baptist Church held a service this year and asked me to speak. What a blessing to be able to say thank you to those who serve and share with the congregation how they can assist firefighters with their walk with Christ.
- Pod Cast
Yesterday I was able to be apart of a podcast that goes out to firefighters all over the world. We were able to set aside 45 minutes and talk about how faith plays an important part of my life in the fire service and how faith can help other firefighters as they serve in their departments. This program goes out to many firefighters who typically do not regularly attend a local church. Please pray that God would use that in a mighty way.
- Bible Studies
Our team continues to work on Bible studies specifically designed to reach firefighters and first responders. We are finishing up on a "back to basics" study, a leadership study and a marriage study. If you would like to help with these projects please give the International Office a call. Check out the web site to view the Bible studies we continue to add to our library. www.fellowshipofchristianfirefighters.org
Prayer
- Please continue to pray that God would use this ministry to change lives in the fire service.
- The recent LODD that have occurred.
- The Barnabas House support.
- Leadership of FCFInternational
- New Local groups to start with a prayer for 1 in each state.
- Local churches to partner with our ministry.
Craig W. Duck
President/Missionary
FCFInternational
