Why Local Chapters Matter

Why Local Chapters Matter

by Craig W. Duck President/Missionary FCFInternational – Lieutenant DCFD (Retired)

 Traveling around the country I am often asked why local chapters matter. Our ministry began in 1977 with a handful of firefighters from the Denver, Colorado area and the local chapters were a big part of their ministry. Since that time chapters in various parts of the world have come and gone.

Local chapters do not seem to matter as much to the younger generation of firefighters as they did to the past generation.

Newer firefighters are less likely to be committed to an organization that involves their time and effort with no financial reward. According to pewresearch.org “Millennials, have become more detached from major institutions like political parties, religion, the military and marriage.” They go on to write that the millennials “are the least overtly religious American generation in modern times.”

This young generation of firefighters, however, is more confident, connected and open to change than generations of the past.

Where are these young and energetic firefighters going to find hope and healing in difficult days within the fire service? Who is able to give credible information to firefighters in a world that seems to be spiraling out of control? Where can they go to find truth?

The obvious answer is the Bible. Since this new generation is open to change, and most have little or no idea what the Bible says, we have an opportunity to connect them with God.

FCFInternational is available to firefighters worldwide in order to provide encouragement to those who are hurting by teaching Biblical principles that have helped every generation.

The Need

Firefighters today are exposed to many stressors that can easily discourage the most seasoned veteran. Terrorist activities, large difficult fires, multiple trauma related EMS runs and daily exposure to death and dying all add stress to a firefighters life until he/she reaches a breaking point.

Many churches are ill prepared or trained to handle congregants who are regularly exposed to these traumatic events. The average pastor has never personally experienced these types of emergency responses and has virtually no idea on how to resolve these potentially destructive situations.

In an article for FireRescue1.com Sara Jahnke writes; “Of the firefighters surveyed, 85 percent of career and 71 percent of volunteer firefighters reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days. Approximately half of career and volunteer firefighters reported binge drinking in the past month.”

Many firefighters attempt to hide their stress related issues through the use of alcohol. I have witnessed many firefighters whose alcohol use resulted in department discipline or loss of their career.

“Firefighter suicide is on the increase.” 

Mark Lamplugh reports that firefighter suicide rates are “beginning to catch up with the rates of law enforcement officers.” We are losing too many firefighters that could have been helped if someone had only reached out.

Local chapters are needed in order show firefighters where to find answers to their questions about life.

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25 NKJV

Local Chapters Matter – because firefighters matter to God

God loves firefighters. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 NIV

God desires every firefighter to have an abundant life relationship with Him. Because of our sin, we have become alienated from God (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23)

Local chapters can share the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

• John 17:3 – “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” ESV
• I John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” ESV
• Acts 4:12 – “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” ESV

Local Chapters Matter – because they provide hope

God wants us to regularly get together. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

FCFInternational continues to believe that local chapters matter to the life and vitality of not only Christian firefighters, but of all firefighters. Local chapters matter because firefighters matter to God, they provide hope during difficult days and they encourage firefighters to draw closer to God.

Keith Helms, retired Battalion Chief from the Charlotte Fire Department and International Board member, writes; “Local chapters provide an opportunity for Christian firefighters to engage with other believers. While we need to be clear that the chapters do not replace a believer’s need to be involved with a local church, the chapter can serve as an extension of the church. When we see all of the “one another’s” in the Bible (see note below), the local chapter enables firefighters to actively accomplish them. Social media is good for communication, however, it does not provide the closeness and depth that face-to-face interaction provides. Without local chapters, it is very difficult for us to fulfill Hebrews 10:24-25.”

Local chapters can be a safe haven for firefighters to meet together in order to sort out all of the negativity that they face day in and day out. Men and women can truly learn what the Bible has to say about the subjects that most interest them and read real life examples of how God works through the very same circumstances in the lives of His people.

Local Chapters Matter – because they cause growth

God wants a thriving personal relationship with firefighters. This can only take place when the Bible is taught to local chapter members. 

FCFInternational encourages chapters to study their Bibles. A lot of time and effort has gone into providing high quality Bible studies that speak directly to firefighters. Check out the website to find all sorts of resources that will help your local group to learn more about the Bible and be able to share that knowledge with others in your station.

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15 Holman Christian Standard.

The Question

The question then becomes, are you willing to put in the time and effort needed for a local group to exist? The sad truth is local chapters are rapidly dwindling in numbers. If we truly want to make good on our vision statement then we need people like you who are willing to step out of the boat and start or maintain a local group.

Who knows you just may change a life for eternity.

This young generation of firefighters wants you to show them how to live Godly in and ungodly world. They don’t want you to “tell them” the way, “yell at them” the way or let them figure it out on their own. I had great success as a lieutenant showing and living out how to be a great firefighter to the new generation firefighter.

I am convinced that doing the same for our faith will yield just as much success!!

Vision Statement – 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).

Keith’s Notes

Encourage one another: Hebrews 3:13, 10:24

Love one another: John 15:17

Forgive one another: Ephesians 4:32

Be devoted to one another: Romans 12:10

Submit to one another: Ephesians 5:21

Build up one another: Romans 14:19

Serve one another: Galatians 5:13

Greetings From The Mission Field - 1-15-2016

From the field
Things are finally coming along in the International Office. It seems like everything takes forever down here, but praise God we are working in the office. The heat was installed a couple of days ago and we praise God that the installer found two gas leaks that we have had since we moved in that we had not discovered. Now I can continue working in the office and providing resources for firefighters.

I have been working hard on the website. We continue to try and update the web in order to provide resources to firefighters. Please pray with us as we are trying to let the firefighters know we exist and we have many resources available to them. I am excited about the new interactive Encourager Magazine page and hope firefighters will frequently view and add to this page. Firefighters can view articles, submit their own articles, email the authors and leave comments. So far we have had little traffic, be we are praying that this page enables firefighters to study their Bibles more as they go through the articles.

In the next few weeks you will also find a Table Top Discussion page. These short Bible studies will be perfect for small groups to start studying the Bible and veterans to brush up on their Bible knowledge. Almost like a refresher course these quick studies will help firefighters to grow in their faith.

I will be traveling to Daytona Beach Florida for the fire conference there. Pray that God would open doors for the ministry and I can build relationships with firefighters.

Accomplishments for the week

• Memberships were mailed out to those who have renewed their membership. Memberships help to print the Encourager Magazine as well as cover office expenses and supplying Bibles to firefighters. Our membership is down in recent years, pray that God would build up an army of Christian firefighters who will work together to glorify God in the fire service. Please let me know if you have any ideas on how to increase our membership.
• Mailing for the Encourager was completed and awaiting the copies from the printer.
• Heat installed in the office.
• Website updated.

Prayer Requests

• Pray for a new Prayer Director. Our previous director resigned and we are in need of someone to coordinate prayer requests.
• New members from our younger generation.
• The Couples Conference to have at least 20 couples.
• Leadership of the Fellowship.
• More chapters.
• Our ministry is in need of fin aces in order to provide more resources to firefighters. If you would like to join our team by becoming a supporter please contact the International Office to find out how you can help.

Thank you for all you do to contribute to FCFInternational. It takes many individuals who are committed to the ministry in order to make it work. With your help we can truly make good on our promise to glorify God in the fire service. If you have a need in your life please do not hesitate to contact me.

Craig W. Duck

President/Missionary

FCFInternational

443-336-9859

The One Thing

The One Thing

by Chaplain Dan CleggInternational Board MemberFCFInternational

What is the one thing that FCFI needs more than anything?

Whenever you have a question come up, the best place to get the correct answer is the Word of God! As I look into and study the Bible there is one thing I see Jesus doing that I need to do in my life as well. Praying! That is what John 17 is all about, a prayer of Jesus. In the eleventh verse Jesus prayed that we would become one, just as He and the Father are one. Knowing this makes me ask, is Unity that one thing that FCFI needs?

So I ask, are we unified in purpose? We know that the bible says; “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God (II Corinthians 5:20 NIV).” The second part of that verse is just as important as the first as we engage men in the marketplace or fire station. “We implore you on Christ’s behalf. Be reconciled to God.”what a privilege to know Jesus Christ speaks through us today. We must embrace this idea of being ambassadors in the fire service.

In times like these, more people are asking questions. Some are firefighters, and we have an opportunity to provide them with the answers we find in the Lord’s Scriptures.

1 Peter 3:15 reminds us that we are to “be ready always to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

So I say to you do not be discouraged by the darkening culture. The darkness serves to make the light we have in Christ to shine even brighter.

Firefighter Marriages

Firefighter Marriages

by Craig Duck – President/Missionary FCFInternational

We have seen when fires spiral out of control. Typically, not just one thing goes wrong on the fireground, but several events happen which cause the incident to get out of hand. Read any line of duty death report and you will find that several key problems occurred which led to the death of the firefighters. If any one of those issues was quickly addressed, the loss of the firefighters or the structure would not have occurred.

No firefighters that I know of sets out to intentionally burn down a building or hurt other firefighters. In fact, many train hard on how to prevent these tragedies from happening. 

Some firefighter marriages can be viewed similarly to those fires. None of us starts out in our marriage intending to have a divorce or an unhappy life. Yet many folks have become discouraged with their home life situation.

So how does this happen? How can we as firefighters be better prepared for the difficulties that we will encounter throughout our service as firefighters? What must we do to prevent a tragedy in our marriage?

In the Beginning

First, let’s begin with a look at how God views marriages. He is, after all, the designer and creator behind firefighter marriages.

Way back in the book of Genesis – remember it’s the first book of the Bible – God designed marriage as we know it today. Genesis 2:24 – “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” ESV

In fact, the Bible reminds us that; “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” (Proverbs 18:22 ESV). 

God also intended for our marriages to last for a lifetime. Don’t you remember standing before the pastor and saying something like – “till death do us part”? Matthew 19:6 – “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." NIV 

God not only desires for us to be married, but wants our marriage to thrive.

Thriving Marriages

Thriving marriages don’t just happen by accident. We all know the time and effort it takes to become a great firefighter. Similarly, great marriages take time and effort. 

The less time you put into your marriage the less likely it will succeed when difficulties arise, and they will. 

Many firefighters today are self-centered. Don’t worry, so too is the vast majority of people today. Our generation has quickly become the “me” generation. If there is nothing in it for me, I will not get involved.

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4) This verse applies to our spouses as well. 

If we want our marriage to thrive – and who doesn’t? – we need to learn what our spouses needs are. First, we need to be a good student of our spouse. Then we need to follow through and actually fulfill his/her needs. Can you imagine learning everything there is to know about firefighting and never applying it to an actual fire? No, that is a ridiculous thought. 

When was the last time you did something nice for your spouse for no apparent reason? You might be shocked at the response.

Firefighters can also have a thriving marriage when both of the spouses are working together in unity. You don’t freelance on the fireground without suffering consequences do you? So if you wouldn’t act on your own on the fireground why would you try and go it alone in your marriage? 

Philippians 2:2 – “Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” ESV

Again, working together in unity takes time and effort. If you are not willing to put in the effort don’t expect you marriage to improve with age.

Here are some thoughts on how to improve your marriage:

• Communicate regularly
• Gentlemen – love your wife
• Women – respect your husband
• Be honest with each other
• Go on regular dates
• Share the load
• Attend a marriage seminar every now and then (check out our website for details on FCFInternational’s next conference)
• Read the Bible together
• Laugh often

Marriage is tough, especially in the fire service. Stress, long work hours, traumatic events, and mood swings can easily make our marriages fall apart. Firefighters need to learn how take the same energy that we expend on the fire service and apply it to our marriages. Then we will not only have a marriage that works, but is more pleasing to God.

Kenya After Action Report (AAR)

After Action Report – Nairobi, Kenya

     
     After action reports (AAR) are a good way for ministries to retrospectively analyze an event that they participated in. Fire Departments have been utilizing this simple idea for many years. We started utilizing this concept after big events, but now many departments write an AAR after almost every event. The goal of the AAR should be to evaluate what was observed, what was accomplished and what can be improved upon in order to prepare for next time. If Christian first responders were to commit time and effort to this simple process I am confident that we will begin to focus on ways to glorify God in the fire service and improve upon our service.

“And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, seeking his God, he did with all his heart, and prospered.” II Chronicles 31:21 ESV

     The Fellowship of Christian Firefighters International recently participated in a mission’s trip Nairobi, Kenya with an organization known as the Africa Fire Mission (AFM). This partnership was forged after several conversations with the president of AFM and the president of FCFInternational. The desire was to train firefighters from around the country of Kenya in order to improve their firefighting capabilities. FCFInternational was asked to participate in order to bring a spiritual element to the weeklong training. The following is a report from the November 2015 training.

What was observed

     As the team entered and spent the first couple of days learning the area, people, and local fire departments it quickly became apparent that the fire service in Kenya needs help. The standards within the fire service that we regularly take for granted in the United States of America do not exist in Kenya. From the number of firefighters per capita to the type of equipment and training each department utilizes in order to protect the sheer mass amount of people is far less than we are used to.
Kenyan firefighters however are hardworking and dedicated people who desire to learn how to better protect those they serve. Many of the firefighters traveled long distances in less than desirable conditions in order to learn from our

experience. These firefighters are far superior to most American firefighters in the area of resourcefulness and adapting to changing conditions. It truly was a blessing to not only share our experiences with the Kenyan’s, but to learn valuable life lessons from them.

What was Accomplished

     Members of the team conducted a first time ever weeklong conference for the purpose of training firefighters in the following areas; fire investigations, community fire prevention, leadership and urban search and rescue. Over 200 firefighters attended the conference which was held at the International Airport in Nairobi. One of the attendees even put to use some of the newly gained knowledge and skills in a fire that occurred near one of the training areas, rescuing two people from certain injury or death.

     
     FCFInternational was tasked with the responsibility of encouraging and training firefighters and team members with the Word of God. Daily devotions were conducted for each of the four classes as well as the instructors. A morning Bible study was held for the instructors and included a time of prayer for requests received from team members. President/Missionary Craig Duck was also on hand to assist with any counseling, mentoring, or encouragement in spiritual matters that presented themselves throughout the week long training.

     
     At the end of the conference a large formal graduation was held in honor of the Kenyan firefighters for what they had learned. FCFInternational presented each student with an Answering the Call New Testament. One of the highlights occurred when several Muslim firefighters took a copy of the Bible and thanked our ministry for giving them the gift. Many friendships were started through the discussions that took place during tea time, lunch and after the classes had finished for the day.

What can be Improved

     While this was a highly successful opportunity for FCFInternational, there is still more to be done. As a ministry let’s pray about our role in this opportunity for the future.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him”

James 1:5 ESV

.The following is a list of ideas on how to better be prepared for future ministry opportunities in Kenya.

•   One topic that regularly came up in classroom discussions was the need for critical incident stress management training. Having opportunities for FCFInternational to be able to conduct debriefings as well as training firefighters to continue the process is critical. Perhaps starting a local chapter of FCFInternational, fire chaplain ministry or other Bible based curriculum would prove beneficial in sustaining long term solutions.
  
•   The need exists to have more Godly members of FCFInternational attend the next conference. There were many members from the United States who were not Christian firefighters and thus we had two mission fields in which to minister to firefighters. In the future those assisting with the spiritual aspect of the trip needs to be better prepared for that situation, having both materials and resources available for the instructors as well as the students.
  
•   There was not a time set aside to have a dedicated Bible study for the Kenyan firefighters. Rearranging the schedule to allow enough time before or after the daily instruction would probably work best. Providing lessons on how to study the Bible on a regular basis would also prove beneficial.
  
•   More resources are needed, and should be shipped well in advance of the classes in order to ensure their arrival. These resources include study Bibles, Bible studies and commentaries.
  
       FCFInternational had a tremendous opportunity to minister to firefighters in Kenya through this first ever national conference. The need continues to be great and it is the desire of FCFInternational President/Missionary Craig Duck to continue to partner with Africa Fire Mission. Let’s begin to pray, plan and prepare for next year. Ask God how He might use you in this ministry as we seek to glorify God in the fire service. 
  
  If you have a desire to serve or questions to be answered please do not hesitate to contact the International Office at FCFIHQ@aol.com.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  “He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
  Luke 10:2 NIV 
  

Greetings from the Mission Field 5-4-2015

From the Field
Wow has time got away from me or what? Seems like forever in updating you all about what is happening in the field. Even though I have been silent in my reporting its not for a lack of activity. I have been scrambling around like a mad man in search of hidden treasure. Holly and I recently came back from Indianapolis where we attended the annual FDIC conference. What a blessing to see so many old friends and talk to some new folks along the way. We had many contacts, each with their own level of enthusiasm. Some firefighters wanted to start a new chapter and others wanted to learn more about the Bible studies and devotions we put out. Our prayer is still to equip firefighters to have a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ, whether that is through salvation or through growing in their faith.

Two conversations I would love to share with you and ask for your prayers for the ministry opportunities. First, we met a firefighter who belongs to an organization called African Fire Missions. This group goes over to Africa once a year to train firefighters. We are going to partner with them in order to share the love of Jesus with these firefighters once the training is over for the day. I believe God has opened a door wide open for us to walk through and I am planning on going over in November with the team. Our ministry will also be providing Bibles and other resources for the firefighters. Please pray that others from our ministry might join us.

The second conversation involved a believer from China who lives in Canada and works for a fire tool company. He stopped by our booth asking if we would be interested in training Chinese firefighters in hopes of also sharing the Gospel with them. This would be a complicated arrangement as the government is still not totally behind Christianity and the firefighters are actually soldiers in the army. Of course I said sure, God will have work out all of the details but I am excited about this open door. The very cool thing about this potential ministry is the fire tool company would actually pay our way over there because in order for us to go it would have to be a business venture. Please pray that God would continue to keep this door open and we would have more conversations with this believer.

The devotional book is in the final stages of approval by the publisher and I am excited about its release. My prayer is that God would use this to strengthen firefighters faith in God and help them to regularly read and study their Bibles. I have been praying that we get a million into the hands of first responders all over the world. Our goal is to begin another 90 Days of Encouragement soon.

I am excited about the addition of someone to head up our prayer team. For several years we have been lacking in this field and it is so important for our ministry to be praying for its members. John Schultz will be putting out a weekly prayer journal and establishing a prayer team that will go right to work when called upon. I have been praying for addition leaders to step up and help out the ministry. Please pray that God would challenge some of our members to begin to serve. I am thankful for our leadership team we have in place now but am mindful of the needs ahead. Our mission field has 1.4 million firefighters alone in America and who knows how many around the world. The times short and we need faithful members who are willing to go to work for God.

There is so much more going on, and I need to be more faithful in regularly updating you. Please join me in prayer for our ministry and help us to meet the needs of first responders giving them hope in a dark world.

Craig W. Duck
President/Missionary
FCFInternational
443-336-9859

www.fellowshipofchristianfirefighters.org

Greetings from the Mission Field 12-30-2014

From The Field
It is hard to believe that 2014 is almost in the history books. God has been so faithful to our ministry and I am so thankful for what He is accomplishing in the lives of firefighters. This past year has been a difficult year, but God is good. I am thankful for the new office and place to minister to first responders. My new department is very receptive to FCFInternational and we will begin to hold monthly prayer breakfasts starting in January. We are hoping to start a CISM team as well which is definitely needed in the area. Currently I am discipling two firefighters one on one and hope that others would be interested. Our ministry has worked hard at setting up a discipleship ministry and I want to be able tell others that I am discipling firefighters and they should be as well. I am thankful for all of the effort that went into setting up the DM and look forward to seeing how God will use that in 2015. In the office we are currently developing another devotional for firefighters to use. This one is called 90 days of encouragement and we are praying that God would use it in a mighty way. We are also preparing for a mens retreat in March, family camp in June, and Lord willing a couples conference in September or October. I am praying that these events will be used by Christian firefighters to invite their unsaved friends. Our ministry is not to replace the local church but to help them better minister to firefighters. Please pray for our ministry in 2015 that God would continue to use us in a mighty way in the fire service. With a 1.4 million mission field we are barely scratching the surface. I have been praying that churches would come to our aid and we would be able to help them minister to first responders in their local area.

If you would like to have me come to you local church to explain our ministry I would love to schedule a time. Feel free to email me at firequacker621@aol.com

Family
The family continues to be blessed by God. Seth is finally settled in at Fort Bragg and we are thankful that a good friend of mine Chaplain Worrell is down there to help him along. Andrew is coming up on his one year anniversary at his new job in Newport News, Virginia. Justin is working a local auto mechanic shop that is run by the fire chief in Boydton and Christopher is searching for a job. Please pray that Christopher would find a job in this area. Good jobs are hard to come by, but we are confident that God will provide. Holly is doing well and continues to be thankful for those who pray for her.

Prayer Requests

• Solid Christian believers to come alongside us and help with the work.
• The retreats and conferences would be well attended by firefighters.
• The discipleship ministry would continue to grow in 2015.
• Firefighters would draw closer to God and see their need for a Savior.
• Financial support for the ministry so we can put Bibles and resources in the hands of firefighters.
• Revival in the Fire Service.