What a roller coaster of a ride the last month has been for Holly and I. We have seen some highs and some lows as we seek to serve firefighters around the world. I have had two opportunities to meet with firefighters and share the Gospel message as well as encourage them to disciple others. The first came in Western New York. I was asked to go and present a training class on Unified Command. Approximately 30 first responders attended and we spent several hours developing a strategy to handle a riot in their little town. Since we had representatives from local government, police, fire, and EMS it was easy to work through the scenario. I hope that this community has been able to use what they have learned in the recent snow storm. Afterwards a dinner was hosted and I was able to clearly give the Gospel message to over 100 folks. Pray that God would use that message to save those who do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Next Holly and I attended a marriage seminar in Canada. What a blessing to be able to teach firefighters and their wives the importance of treating our spouses like a CHIEF. This little acronym reminds us of the importance God places on communication, honesty, intimacy, encouragement and foreverness within our marriages. A Bible study will soon be placed on the web so others can study for themselves the truths contained in the Bible and how God views marriage. Canada has just as bad a marriage problem as does the States. The fellowship was so encouraging that both Holly and I remarked how we would love to once again have a marriage conference in several places in the USA. Please pray that God would help to see that happen.
The lows came with the losing of more support. The major contributor felt like we were not doing enough to help raise support for the ATC's that we helped to distribute. The letter that was sent made it sound like giving out the Bible was not important to us and so he pulled his support in order to give it to another ministry. We do continue to desire to get Bibles into the hands of firefighters. Biblica decided not to reprint the Answering the Calls and not us. The funds necessary for us to print them as well as the storage space made our decision to look for other Bibles necessary. Please pray with us as we seek to follow God's will for our ministry in everything we do.
Holly and I receive no personal support for our ministry to firefighters. God has allowed us to receive a pension from my retirement in order to support our needs. Those that give to the ministry can rest assured that every penny goes into ministering to firefighters. Our prayer is to be able to provide resources to firefighters at no charge and to encourage them to draw closer to God in a personal relationship. Please pray that God would provide support for our ministry so that we will be able to travel around the world in order to share the gospel with firefighters and encourage them to disciple others.
At this Thanksgiving time we have so much to be thankful for. Our ministry is moving forward and God continues to bless us in many ways. Faithful firefighters throughout this world continue to share God's love with those they meet. Our ministry continues to be debt free and is supported by faithful people. Lives are being changed as a result of our ministry, praise God Please continue to pray that we would be effective in the fire service this next year.
Vision
To glorify God in the fire service by building relationships that turn first responders hearts and minds toward Christ (Philippians 2:11), equipping them to serve Him (Ephesians 4:12).
Mission
To encourage one another to share the vision with the fire service community through Witnessing, Praying, Teaching the Word, and Walking worthy.
Prayer Requests
- Support for the ministry and support for Holly and I to travel around the world
- Men's retreat in March
- Couples retreat - to find a location and that firefighters would attend
- A local chapter in Mecklenburg County Virginia to begin in January
- A local chapter that just started in Massachusetts. The fire service in that area is difficult to begin anything with a religious title. Pray that the new leader will stand strong for Christ.
- For more local groups to begin, one for each state.
- That I would not get discouraged but press on toward that high calling in Christ.
Ministry Input
We are looking for your opinion. Please post a response to the following question;
How should the Fellowship of Christian Firefighters International best minister to local firefighters?
We are praying about coming up with a plan for 2015 that will help us to stay focused to our ministry and our calling. Your opinion matters so please be sure to leave your answers on this blog.
