Fear
Sees an obstacle- Faith Sees an Opportunity Chaplains News and Field Reports! (Page 11) Romans 12:1-4-8 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Testimonies,
Praise reports, news, special interest and Field Reports are being
posted here in order to give others an idea of the different types
of ministries that our chaplains are involved in. We receive many
calls each year from chaplains who ask for advice on starting ministries.
We hope that by posting these reports it may give others some ideas.
Always remember everyone needs a kind word, or a helping hand, all
we have to do is stop and look around us, there is need every where.
Members
please post your testimonies, news and field reports 
Memo
to all members from the home office: Due to the every changing
requirement for disater & emergency response chaplain's idenification
we are working on going to magnetic stripe ID Cards for certified
disaster and emergency response chaplains. These cards will have the
chaplain's training and certification encoded on the magnetic stripe
on their ID cards. Members who are certified diaster and emergency
response chaplains are the only members that will be able to receive
these cards. The qualifications to receive certification as a disaster
or emergency response chaplains will be set by the leadereship of
Chaplain Fellowship Ministries in October at the 2012 conference this
year. These cards will not be ready for issue until after that meeting
in October. Those who may be interest in receiving certification and
one of these ID cards can start their training at the following training
site 
This will not be the only training required, it will help get those
interested started towards certification. Thank you! Chaplain Gibson
Chaplain
Thelma Gonzales-Ortega from Texas reporting in: Dear Chaplain
Donald Gibson I'd like to express my most sincere gratitude for the
entire CFMI organization. Last October, I was able to attend the last
day of the conference where I met you along with many of the other
active chaplains. Since my ordination in Dec 2010 and after thorough
studies of the material provided by Community Chaplains of America,
I've gone out into the field providing moral and spiritual support
to people in hospitals and those that mourn after a loss of a loved
one. My heart goes out to those especially who mourn and feel comfortless.
I've been there and understand the emotional pain when one is grieving.
That is a time when people are more receptive to open their hearts
and an excellent opportunity to witness the love and compassion of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Some of the people that I visited
while they were in the hospital later went to be with the Lord. Some
recovered and are doing well! Praise the Lord! Brother Gibson, I am
also employed by 2 agencies in home health care. There are 2 clients
that I serve as their primary home care attendant (caregiver). One
is an elderly gentleman who is 86 years Of age. The other is a disabled
woman who is 49 years Of age. These 2 clients/patients count on me
to assist them with their daily chores and with their physical needs
as their are experiencing difficulty with mobility. Between the two,
I work 45 hours a week. These patients do not drive and I take them
to their Doctor visits and pick up their meds. Bro. Gibson, I see
a lot of need where the elderly and disabled are concerned. There
are many senior citizens that are shut in. Some of them have been
abandoned by their own family members. Some don't want to inconvenience
anyone and try to handle life as best as they able. Bro. Gibson, I'd
like to thank you once again for your prayerful support. I am forever
thankful for being a member of CFMI as a chaplain. I will stay in
contact with you by this means or by phone. Sincerely, CH Thelma Gonzales-Ortega
Thank you for your report and your service. Working with senior
citizens and young people has always been my passion in ministry.
My heart breaks for those who have been deserted or left alone to
die in nursing homes. It seems like seniors and young people now days
have a lot in common. They get dumped and left behind because no one
wants to deal with them or the problems they have , it is heart breaking,
very sad! Chaplain Gibson
MEMBER'S
MEMO: Greeting everyone. Each year Chaplain Fellowship has
been able to send handicapped and terminally Ill children to the circus.
This year we were blessed to be able to send 25 children, their tickets
include all the booths such as the face painting booth. This is made
possible through donations made by our members and member partners.
This is just one of the activities Chaplain Fellowship support every
year. We keeps this private except for sharing with our members. Next
year we are going to work on sending a 100 children to the circus.
Thank you for your kind support that makes these activities possible
each year. Chaplain Gibson
Chaplain Walter Campbell from Georgia reporting in:
Still in service to God and to country. This month God has opened
a new door for me to serve weekly on a military installation sharing
the gospel to members of the armed forces. It has been very rewarding
to me to be able to see so many servicemen and women accept the gift
that has been offered to them by the grace of God. I pray to be in
a position that I will able attend this years conference in Texas.GTG. Chaplain Walter Campbell. Thank you for your report and service to the ministry. Chaplain Gibson
Chaplain
Edward R Untalan reporting in from California: I just wanted
to share that God opens the door of opportunity, it's His timing not
ours and He will definitely provide divine appointments. I was appointed
in Nov 2011, and was struggling with not being able to enter in facilities
to minister and share the gospel. I was able to connect with another
chaplain in the prison and juvenile ministry in our early morning
prayer, and that was the connection God had set in place. I was recently
cleared to become a chaplain with the San Mateo County Juvenile facility
in California. In-conjuction with that, God is working in a mighty
way and we are putting together another chaplain team for the Juvenile
facility and working on launching a Elderly and Senior Care Ministry
with our church. I wanted to encourage all, the bible tells us to
continue to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and not lean
to our own understanding" Prov 3:5. The Lord knows His servants
heart and will make a way. Thank you for allowing me to share. God
Bless Chaplain Edward R Untalan , Thank you for your service and
report! Chaplain Gibson
Chaplain
Leigh Anne Lowden from PA reporting in: Chaplain Gibson &
the staff at CFMI, I have been so blessed by becoming a part of this
blessed group of chaplains. I minister to our aging friends and the
many resources offered through CFMI have been so valuable to my ministry.
I am honored and humbled by God's grace. Encouraging and sharing the
love of Jesus with assisted living residents, alzheimer patients and
hospice patients is where God has called me to serve. I gain my strength
from His overflowing abundance of grace. Thank you Chaplain Gibson!
Senior Chaplain Leigh Anne Lowden. Thank you for your report and
your service in the Lords' ministry. Chaplian Gibson
MEMBER'S
MEMO: Chaplain Michael Merriweather will be working with troubled
youth in the juvenile system in California. Chaplain Michael Merriweather
is a Former NFL All Pro Linebacker. Mike sent in a few autographed
photo we want to share with our members. Mike was a third round draft
choice by the Steelers in 1982. He got into nine games in his rookie
year, then earned the starting job in 1983. He had three interceptions
that year, and scored the first touchdown of his career. Mike made
his first All-Pro team in 1984, when he recorded a career high 15
sacks. He returned to the All-Pro team the following year when he
recorded four sacks and took an interception 35 yards for a touchdown.
Mike made his final All-Pro team in 1986, when he had six sacks and
two interceptions. He ended up with the Minnesota Vikings in 1989.
In 1990, he recorded the only safety of his career, and scored a touchdown
off of an interception. He matched his career high of three interceptions
the following year, and took one for a career long 73 yards. He also
took a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Mike then scored the last
touchdown of his career in 1991, when he took his only interception
for 22 yards. Mike played with the New York Jets and Green Bay Packers
in 1993, he retired after that season. Great Steelers linebackers
like John Reger, Levon Kirkland, and Chad Brown deserve mention, but
I chose Mike Merriweather for his 31 sacks, 11 interceptions, and
two touchdowns in his six seasons with Pittsburgh.
to see photo 1.
to see photo 2. Thank you Chaplain Merriweather for the Photos,
Chaplain Gibson
Education
Department Update and Ministry Appointment: Dr. Dorothy
King has been appointed as the Vice President of degree programs for
Chaplain Fellowship Ministries International inc. Dr.
King is the Founder and Chancellor of Bethel Bible College and Seminary,
Central Christian University of Jonesboro and President of St Johns
Theological Center Canada. Dr. King is a Commissioner of Transworld
Accrediting Commission Reviewing Board of Commissioners and Directors.
We believe this will be a very blessed relationship formed between
Chaplain Fellowship Ministries and Bethel Bible College and Seminary
for
the benefit of our members and the ministry. Dr. Dorothy King and
her husband Dr. Savoil King were two of the first members of CFMI
many years ago. You can visit Bethel Bible College and Seminary's
web site
Thank you for your time! Chaplain Gibson
Chaplain
Victor Brown reporting in from Louisiana: Chaplain Gibson,
Just a note to say thank you again for your allowing me to serve as
a chaplain. Since 2003, the Chaplaincy Ministry has afforded me some
good opportunities. I have ministered in doing weddings, funerals,
graveside services, family hours, communions, prayer meetings and
lots of teaching assignments. Recently, I was asked to serve as Dean
of Training for a new School of Ministry here in the Shreveport area.
Serving at the funeral home has also been an experience and a blessing.
Thanks so much and God bless you and family. Chaplain Victor BrownShreveport, LA. Thank you for your report Chaplain Brown. Chaplain Gibson
Chaplain
Terry Wildman reporting in from Missouri: Disaster
in the heartland. As you all may know tornados have been hitting the
Midwest hard,we need to all pray for these people that have been hit
and lost loved ones and some every material thing they own,also pray
for the volunteers,first responders,and chaplains. I have been asked
to deploy to Harrisburg Illinois on Friday morning and stay until
Tuesday. I have been in the small towns in Missouri that have gotten
hit this past week,also the town of salyersville KY has been hit hard
and they are not getting the help that the bigger areas such as Harrisburg
are getting so they are needing volunteers too. I will be sending
in a full report next week sometime after I get back. I can't emphasize
enough how important it is for chaplains to get the disaster response
training. Chief Chaplain Terry Wildman. Thank you brother for your
service and the update! Chaplain Gibson
DISASTER
RESPONSE: Please be very careful, Chaplain Terry Wildman has
been in the field since day one. He went out in a area that was hard
to reach to warn other responders that another tornado was spotted
in the area when a tornado came out of nowhere. He made it to a shelter
just in time! Everyone responding please be careful and keep your
eyes open at all times, always expect the unexpected when working
in tornado stricken areas. We want to thank Chaplain Wildman for keeping
us updated. Chaplain Gibson
MEMBER'S
MINISTRY UPDATE: Greetings everyone, It has come to our attention
that some of our members have had trouble find the ministry Items
we offer that are necessary in the performance of their duties as
chaplains and ministers. Some of these item are but not limited to,
badges, patches, dash cards, pocket guides and training courses. We
have updated the member's area with Catalogs complete with order form
and credit card authorization form that can be downloaded for the
following items. Training pocket guides "New- Just added"
& Training course. Member's ministry supplies, Member's clip on
card, Member's document and ID card replacement order form. We will
be adding the bible course catalog this week. We have also posted
a picture of the official CFM-Uniform, the links below will take you
to the members area where all the links are listed.
Bless everyone as you go about doing the Lords' work! Chaplain
Gibson
Chaplain
Dan Cotto reporting in from Las Vegas: I would like to share
my blessings this New Year with my fellow chaplains. In March I'll
incorporated Cotto Orphanage & Humanitarian Rescue Mission in
Las Vegas, Nevada with Gods' blessings. If Gods willing by end this
year I'll be done with my full time employment that has taken most
of my life. I'll be free by the end of Nov. 2012, to started my Rescue
Mission in USA following; In India this August, November in the Philippine's
and, December in Africa. I'll keep you up dated. Thank You for always
being there for my Rescue mission ! God Bless You ! Chaplain Dan F.
Cotto Sr. Thank you for your report! Chaplain Gibson
Chaplain
Louise Wimbish Jennings from Virginia:
I'm not quite as active in ministry as my husband has lung cancer
and there are days that I can't leave him alone. I'm still Chaplain
for the women in Rockingham Harrisonburg Regional Jail and am on call
at Middle River Regional Jail, but have someone else doing the Bible
Study there that I was doing. We have just added some more members
to our Board of Directors and are doing a little reorganizing to take
some of the responsibility off of me at this time. It is wonderful
how the volunteers have stepped up and helped. I received the Harry
Denman Evangelistic Award at the Virginia Annual Conference United
Methodist Church in June. It was quite a surprise. There were over
3,000 people in the auditorium when it was presented to me. It was
awesome. Spreading God's love is what it's all about. Pray this new
year will be a great year for you and Tina and Chaplains Fellowship.
Chaplain Jennings is an elder of Chaplain Fellowship Ministries with
ten years as a member. Chaplain Jennings is a wonderful blessing to
all those she touches. Chaplain Jennings has help countless inmates
over the years start new lives when they come out of prison, and helped
them stay out of prison. Please keep Louise and her husband Shel in
your prayers. Thank you! Chaplain Gibson
CONGRATULATIONS:
Posted by requested of CH Bruce Francis in Oklahoma. Congratulation
to Jennifer Tevis on the birth of her son Dominic Jett Tevis,
5lb, 13oz who arrived on Wednesday, February 15, 2012. Jennifer is
one of the founding members of Chaplain Fellowship Ministries of Oklahoma.
God Bless Chaplain Bruce Francis
CONGRATULATIONS: Chaplain Dave Fair of Brownwood was
recently nominated by local officials to receive the Citizen Service
Before Self Honor, a national honor for America’s “unsung
heroes.” Every day in this country, ordinary Americans become
extraordinary. It can happen in an instance of bravery or through
a lifetime of placing others before themselves. These acts of courage
and selflessness would inspire us all, if only we knew about them.
Now, the time has come to stand up and celebrate, in our cities and
in our towns, the selfless heroism that symbolizes the American spirit.
Chaplain Dave Fair is a former Board Member of the International Conference
of Police Chaplains, where he served as Chair of the Education Committee.
He is a Senior Chaplain for the Texas Department of Public Safety
and the Brown County (TX) Sheriff's Department where is also serves
as a reserve deputy. He is Chaplain Emeritus of the Brownwood (TX)
Police Department. Fair is a member of the Board of Scientific and
Professional Advisors of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic
Stress. He has written numerous articles on Chaplaincy and Traumatic
Stress. He has had touching articles published by Officer.com and
quoted in our local newspaper too many times to mention. Chaplain
Fair is President of the American Association of Police Officers,
Chaplain Fair is a a
licensed peace officer who holds
a Ph.D. in Pastoral Counseling and Psychology from Bethel Bible College
and Seminary and a doctorate in Clinical Christian Counseling from
Central Christian University. Dr. Fair is a member of the Curriculum
Committee of the American Board of Certification in Homeland Security,
as well as a member of the Commission on Forensic Education. Fair
serves as Chaplain Coordinator for the Texas State Guard, has been
assigned to the 111 EN BN, the JIATF-T, and has been deployed to over
a half dozen hurricanes. Also first responder Dave Fair went to Ground
Zero days after the attacks to support the recovery effort. Dave has
served his city over 24 years as a longtime Brownwood city councilman.
He serves as a part of the local AT Planning Team. Fair also serves
at the volunteer team leader for our Community Emergency Response
Team (CERT) for Brown County. Local representatives, Dave Fair and
Sheila Evans, along with Brownwood area schools spearheaded a fundraiser
for The Hope for Haiti Medical Mission Team. Chaplain Fair has been
a member of Chaplain Fellowship Ministries for over ten years and
hold the position of Commander of Law Enforcement Chaplaincy. Congratulations
brother! CH Gibson!
Chaplain
Steve Timmons from New Mexico: First and foremost, let me
tell you that my wife and I lifted special prayers this morning for
you and all of our CFMI brothers and sisters. May our Father richly
bless our work on His behalf in this new year! My wife (a very precious
woman and blessing in my life) wants to join me in my chaplain ministry.
While my crisis-focused work will of course continue, she and I are
also feeling led to bring a ministry of presence and counseling to
couples. I will ask for your prayers as we move in that direction.
We spent this morning going through the CFMI website together, and
she would like to make application to be a Basic Chaplain. We will
get her application together and off to you in the mail, and she's
excited to take this new direction in her service to her Lord Jesus.
I just wanted to give you a heads up that as a Master Chaplain...not
as a husband...I could not give a person a higher recommendation toward
the ministry. She brings a servant's heart and passion for her Lord
to this world each and every day. She will make a wonderful Chaplain.
Thank you brother, CH Gibson
Chaplain
Ken Tamplin reporting in from California:
Just wanted to give you a praise report about a few things going on
in the ministry. We (our family) worked very hard recruiting about
80 unsaved kids from the costa mesa newport beach area to get involved
in the "Young Life Program." Our 501c3 sponsored about 30
of those kids to also attend the young life camp. Over 25 of them
came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ (several of these kids
were staunch atheists and many angry at God). They are now attending
various youthgroups in the area and are very active in the Young Life
ministry. God Is GOOD! (it's now about follow up). We are also continuing
to support our orphanage in Africa which has been a blessing. Our
kids have decided to become sr. leaders within both Young Life and
now College Life and have developed a program out here in this past
6 months that has gone from 5 attending kids in each group to over
30 kids in each group. We plan on trying to get to Europe's Young
Life groups this summer to get involved with Young Life International
as well. I will forward you a recent e-mail from a boarding school
in Africa we support as well. IHS Chaplain Ken Tamplin. Thank you
for your report! CH Gibson
CONGRATULATIONS:
Chaplain
Mindy Vacek of Texas id the president and founder of Dream Builder
Ministries. Dream Builder Ministries has become an official affiliate
subordinate ministry of Chaplain Fellowship Ministries International
Inc. One of Dream Builder's main missions is to provide affordable,
quality housing for the homeless, displaced, disabled and/or low income
residents of the community. Chaplain Vacek and Dream Builder Ministries
will be working with the US Government housing and Unban development
programs. Dream Boulder's goals for 2012 is to build at least 15 homes
to accommodate people in crisis. We are happy to have Chaplain Vacek
and Dream Builder Ministries as an affiliate ministry in the mission
field working hard to make a difference for those in crisis. We pray
the Lord will bless them in mighty ways. CH Gibson
Chaplain
Walter Campbell reporting in from Georgia: 2011 was a year
of many blessings. Even with health issues I am still able to serve.
Still primarily serving in nursing homes I have been called to perform
many duties as chaplain in the facilities. Serving as a resident chaplain
in 4 nursing homes, working with hospice and a domestic violence and
rape crisis center. I was interviewed and approved to serve as a motor
sports chaplain serving organizations like NASCAR, INDY and many other
motor sports arena's. I thank God for opening the doors that I might
be in His service. Thank you for your hard work and dedication,
CH Gibson
CONGRATULATIONS:
To the following members. The following Chaplain are the
first to be certified in the new disaster Response Certification program.
1. Chaplain Henry Curtis -
New York 2. Chaplain Terry
Wildman - Missouri 3. Chaplain
James Moore - Texas 4. Chaplain
Robert Schmidt - California 5.
Chaplain William Rigg - South Carolina.
6. Chaplain Danny Battle - California. The purpose
of this training and certification is to prepair chaplains to assist
their own communities in time of crisis or diaster. Every day volunteers
respond to numerous disasters or emergencies in their communities.
Most often, these incidents are managed effectively at the local level.
However, there are some incidents that may require a collaborative
approach that includes personnel from: 1. Multiple jurisdictions,
2. A combination of specialties or disciplines, 3. Several
levels of government, 4. Non-governmental organizations, and
5. The private sector. This certification is only offered to
CFMI members in good standing. If you are a member who are interested
in this certification for full details. .
All requirements must be meet before certification will be issued.
Congratulations to the chaplains who have completed all the courses
and became certified in Disaster Response. Great job! Thank you CH
Gibson
Chaplain
Terry Wildman report in from Missouri: the disaster program
is moving forward. in the past week i have had meetings with the red
cross and c.e.r.t. also have meeting scheduled with local fire dept.
and emergency managers. planning on having chaplains conference in
june to introduce people to the many different programs available
for chaplains it will be a one day event,in the past few months i
personally have been hit very hard with sickness,death of my sister,stroke
with a fellow chaplain and car accidents of a friend and a stranger
that her husband passed away in front of a friends son that he had
come to me with questions. I want to tell you how important the classes
offered thru chaplain fellowship ministries are that I have taken,
they have helped me tremendously with dealing with these situations.
I want to thank Chappy,Tina and the cfmi staff for offering these
greatly appreciated and much informative courses. I encourage all
chaplains to partake in these classes they will be of great help to
you in your ministries. Remember it is not about the talk but about
the walk, have a great day! chief
chaplain terry wildman. Thank you for your hard work and dedication
- CH Gibson
NOTICE
TO CFMI MEMBERS - Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) training:
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people
about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area
and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety,
light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises,
CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace
following an event when professional responders are not immediately
available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency
response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness
projects in their community.
to get involved and get your free CERT's training! Thank
you CH Gibson
NOTICE
TO CFMI MEMBERS - WEDDING MANUAL: This manual is in word format
and includes 19 wedding ceremonies that can be customized as needed.
It also includes a reservation form and wedding policy. Members
can download this manual in the member's protected area. If
you have misplaced your password contact the home office with
your name and ID Card number. The password will be sent to you by
e-mail.
To contact the home office. Thank you CH Gibson
NOTICE
TO CFMI MEMBERS - SUICIDE PREVENTION MANUAL: This manual was
a labor of love, determination, dedication and commitment by several
members of the San Jose Fire Department in California. Sadly enough,
it was written after several years of sadness and grief experienced
by the families, extended families and the fire family of San Jose
Fire Department Firefighters. This manual is in memory of several
beloved San Jose Firefighters. We miss them each and every day. The
authors hope to provide a resource for firefighters should they find
themselves, their coworkers, their families or someone they know in
need. Their hope is to open our eyes to a word that is seldom spoken
and difficult to talk about, but one that touches the hearts and minds
of the survivors of suicide forever. Download the Suicide Prevention
Manual. Members can download this manual in the member's protected
area. If you have misplaced your password
contact the home office with your name and ID Card number. The password
will be sent to you by e-mail.
To contact the home office. Thank you CH Gibson
Chaplain
James Manning from Georgia reporting in: Chaplain
Manning is in the process of getting the Georgia Chapter up and running.
Hopefully and prayerfully Georgia Chapter will function within the
next ninety days or less. I need all of your prayers. I maybe contacting
some of you for some assistance. Chaplain Manning was appointed as
the Commander for the state of
Georgia at the 2011 conference. Bless you Commander Manning, CH
Gibson
Department
of Homeland Security: We have several members who are working
in ministry to help cut down on human trafficking. Human trafficking
is a hidden crime, and the first step to combating it is identifying
victims so they can be rescued and their perpetrators brought to justice.
To help raise awareness about the issue and indicators of human trafficking,
the DHS Blue Campaign has collaborated with a number of stake holder
groups to conduct outreach and develop training materials available
at http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/human-trafficking-awareness-training.shtm.
More information can be found at the following Homeland Security web
site. http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/humantrafficking.shtm
This training is good for chaplains, you will learn a lot about human
trafficking which is a lot bigger problem than most would admit. The
training is free folks so why not take advantage of it. Good
chaplains work in many different areas. Human trafficking is destroying
countless young people and their families. Get
involved and help make a difference. Thank
you CH Gibson
CONGRATULATIONS
Master Chaplain Scott Willis: Master Chaplain Scott
Willis has been commissioned as a Major in the Texas State Guard.
We now have 4 members in the Texas State Guard. (LTC) David Fair:
TXSG, NGTX, HHSC, 111 EN BN , (LTC) Larry Todd, TXSG Army Component,
(COL) Thomas Mohler TXSG Air Force Component and (MAJ) Scott Willis
, TXSG Army Component. We had several of our military Chaplains resign
their commission in 2011, we now have 4remaining military Chaplains.
(CPT) Carl Hagwood VaARNG Virgina National Guard Chaplain, (CPT) Franklin
Caldwell Army Active Duty Battalion Chaplain 1192nd DDSB, (LTJG) Allan
Bushnell III active duty Chaplain and (1LT) Nathan Graeser Army National
Guard 144th Field Artillery. As many of you know CFMI stopped endorsing
Military Chaplains about a year ago. We have started recruiting again
depending on the need for Chaplains in the military. We will continue
our relationship as partners with friends at Chaplaincy Full Gospel
Churches for our member's
endorsements for our military and VA chaplains. Our Texas State
Guard Chaplains will continue to be endorse under CFMI. Thank
you CH Gibson
Citizen
Corps Partners and Affiliates: An End of Year Thank You for
Serving Your Communities. In 2011, America logged the highest number
of major disaster declarations since the inception of Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) reporting in the 1950s. Events this year
included Hurricane Irene which impacted 14 states, fires in the Southwest,
the earthquake on the East Coast, flooding in North Dakota, and the
devastating tornadoes that hit the Midwest and South. Americans in
nearly every state and territory were affected by some type of disaster,
and many are still in the recovery process. That is why we here at
FEMA’s Individual and Community Preparedness Division would like
to take this opportunity to THANK YOU for serving your communities
and building resiliency in them to these disasters and the ones yet
to come. Without your tireless work, much of which is voluntary, disaster
survivors wouldn’t be as equipped to recover. Our neighbors might
not be as informed and prepared. And we as a nation certainly wouldn’t
be as ready to respond to whatever comes our way. I applaud you for
your amazing work and I encourage you to continue to help each other.
Help your friends and neighbors “Resolve to be Ready” in
2012.” Visit www.ready.gov resolve
for more information designed to encourage citizens to make disaster
preparedness a New Year’s resolution. Spread the word to local
businesses, schools, faith-based, and other community organizations.
And by all means, please lean on us for support. Visit www.citizencorps.gov
for a variety of resources geared toward supporting and coordinating
volunteer activities. If there is something you need but don’t
see it, please let us know and we will locate it for you. We are here
to serve you, just as you serve your communities. Thank you again
for your dedication to a prepared and resilient country. We wish you
a safe and healthy 2012! Paulette Aniskoff, Director, Individual and
Community Preparedness, The National Office of Citizen Corps, FEMA
Individual and Communtiy Preparedness Division. Thank
you CH Gibson
Master
Chaplain Lindsie "Roc" Whitted reporting from Philadelphia,
Pa: . Overview of activities. Philadelphia Police Department
Chaplain assigned to the 12th Police District. Attending and addressing
48 different roll calls during the hours of 10:00p to 12:00 am shifts.
Participate in monthly district chaplain's meeting and advisor board
activities throughout the year. Conducted at roo calls various subjects
such as Managing Stress on and off duty, Holiday grief, Suicide Intervention,
PTSD, Depression, and Compassion Fatigue. Available at 12th Police
District for prayer and individual consultation. Spiritual Care Chaplain
for the American Red Cross of the Southeastern PA Chapter. Response
to Fires and other disaster as requested. Participate in on going
redness training such as CPR/AED/First AID, Foundation of Disaster
for mental health, psychological first Aid.Contact Crisis/Suicide
help line- Perform volunteer service on phone lines for crisis/suicide
at about (18) hours a month. Honor for 21 years of volunteer services
on line. Participate in, in service training. Crisis Intervention
Team Instructor-Trained (480) Police officers,correction officers
and other police departments in De-Escalation techniques, the art
of active listening, suicide awareness and intervention and PTSD.
Currently part of sub-committee of the Philadelphia Task force that
meets monthly to discuss training/policies for Police Officers interaction
with returning veterans with possible PTSD. Attending the following
training: Applied suicide Intervention skill training Feb. 9-10. AACC
Leadership Coaching Light University March 25-30. Building Law Enforcement
Capacity to serve Immigrant victims Feb.24. CMI Education Institute
Suicide and self mutilation May 15 coping with grief June 10. AACC
Financial coaching (Light University) Sept. 15-20. This concludes
my activitie report for the year 2011 from January to December. Respectfully
submitted. In His service. Master chaplain Lindsie "Roc' Whitted.
Thank
you for your hard work and dedication - Ch Gibson
Chaplain
J.D. Nolin from Florida reporting in: After serving over 30
years as a law enforcement officer myself before being called into
the ministry, I know all to well the dangers both physical and spiritual
that law enforcement officers face every day. I know that true officer
survival is more than just a gun and bullet proof vest, it is having
a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
I feel God has called me to bring and to share the Gospel of Jesus
Christ with all those in law enforcement and their families. To carry
out this calling we provide Free bibles to Law Enforcement Officers
A Memorial bible to the family of any officer that is killed in the
line of duty. A 24 hour,7 days a week, on-line bible study for officers.
A web site where officers can pose a biblical question, share a praise
report ,or make a prayer request. Encouragement, comfort and aid to
Law Enforcement Officers or their families in times of crisis. Speaking
engagements anywhere the perspectives and expertise of Christian Law
Enforcement Officers could be of benefit. This year we have provided
over 400 free bibles to officers which made a request through our
web site at www.bcleo.org. Also this year we have had 158 officers
killed in the line of duty or to die from a duty related injury and
we have provided a memorial bible to every family of each fallen officers.
We also provided a memorial bible to each of the fallen officer’s
agency chief administer ie: Chief , Sheriff, or Superintendent. We
have had many officers take the opportunity to use our on-line bible
study. We have also had numerous prayer requests, and praise reports.
I also had hospital visitation with several local officers and their
family members, within these visitations, I had the honor of leading
many officers through the plan of salvation, many of these officers
excepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior !! This year, I have
had the opportunity to speak at five churches and to share what great
things God is doing within the law enforcement community. I also had
the honor of officiating four weddings for Christian law enforcement
officers. I want to say thank all my brothers and sisters in Chaplain
Fellowship Ministries for everything you do, for all you have done
and for all I know you will do in his service. May God Bless you all,
and kept you safe. Chaplain J.D.Nolin. Thank you for your hard
work and dedication - CH Gibson.
Chaplain
Mike Bowen reporting in from Maryland: I became a Fire Department
Chaplain. I have been doing a lot of training including CISM Training
and Basic Chaplaincy with the Federation of Fire Chaplains. In addition,
I was recently sworn in as the Assistant Chaplain for the Southern
Maryland Volunteer Firemen's Association covering Calvert County and
assisting with St. Mary's and Charles Counties. I have also been added
as the secondary Chaplain for the Maryland State L.A.S.T. Team.(Local
Assistance State Team) serving all of the State of Maryland in the
event of a LODD. I can't thank you and CFMI enough for helping me
move forward as I have. God has blessed me in ways I will never be
able to thank him enough for. As I continue my work, I will be taking
more training to take me to the highest level that God will allow
me to go to. I will keep you up to date as things go.May God Bless
you and keep you in His care and may you and your family, friends
and other members of the CFMI have a Blessed Merry Christmas and a
very Happy New Year! Chaplain Mike Bowen Prince Frederick VFD. Thank
you for your hard work and dedication - CH Gibson
Firefighter
and Police theme songs: Hello, my name is George Dare and
I am the creator of both the Firefighter and Police theme songs. These
songs are already used by many Firefighter and Police Associations,
at Graduations, Award Banquets, Retirement Parties and Last Call/Fallen
Officer services. All I am hoping to do is share the song with Chaplains
who might not be aware of this and might like to consider using them
at funerals. They can be listened to and also downloaded for free
at Fire
Fighter Theme Song and the Police
Theme Song. Please feel free to share the link to these songs
with your fellow Chaplains. We hope you enjoy both these Songs!
CH Gibson
CONGRATULATIONS:
Chaplain
Dave Fair has been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel peer directive and
orders of the Commanding General Texas State Guard. A formal ceremony
was held at Camp Mabry. He was also cited for taking over the chaplaincy
as Coordinating Chaplain in light of the State Chaplain's retirement.
CH Gibson
To
all CFMI supporters and partners - Thank you!:
Chaplain Fellowship has a program that makes sure each year a poor
child has a very Merry Christmas. This year due to the economy we
have decided to use these funds to help feed poor families who will
not have food during Christmas. Thanks to our members who are loyal
ministry supporters and by the Grace of our Lord we will be able to
help around 16 families this Christmas. We look forward to the day
which will come when we will be able
to feed hundreds of families every Christmas. We know the Lord will
bless everyone who helps make this possible. bless everyone! CH
Gibson and the CFMI Staff
Chaplain
Ken Tamplin Director of music ministry and Chaplain Joshua Hallas
from California: If you have
not seen Chaplain Ken Tamplin's testimony page yet please check it
out.
You can also see one of his music videos .
Also check out Chaplain Joshua Hallas
Chaplain Joshua Hallas may be appearing on America has talent in the
near future, we will let everyone know as soon as the date is set.
These chaplains are wonderful men who are on fire for the Lord, they
are our first two music Chaplains. Thank
you, CH Gibson
FROM THE
STAFF OF CHAPLAIN FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES: Bruce,
Don, Tina, Shannon, Todd, Andrew "The Future Pres" Tracy
and Shawn. From
all our families to all of your have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.
As we pause to thank Him for the blessings He has bestowed upon us,
we must also give Him thanks for the lessons we have learned through
the difficult times He has brought us through. Please remember to
keep our troops and their families in prayers. Bless you, and thank
you CH Gibson.
Chaplain
Ed Untalan reporting in from California: Just got back from
from Hungary and Slovakia, mission trip ministering to the Gypsy camps
and several churches in the region. God is really doing an amazing
work and testimony upon testimony of salvation, healing , and sharing
prophetic word. I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to serve
the Lord in this compacity. Thank you for report! CH Gibson
CFMI
MEMBERS GET AWAY: Get away from it all! If you are looking
to get away for a week end or longer look into the Star of Texas Bed
& Breakfast in Brownwood Texas. Chaplain Don Morelock and his
wife Debbie own the Star of Texas Bed & Breakfast. Chaplain Morelock
and his wife Debbie is offering CFMI members discounts on their stay
at the Star of Texas during certain times of the year.
to visit their web site and for contact information. If you decide
to visit the Star of Texas Bed & Breakfast let Chaplain Morelock
know you are a member and give him your ID number as verification
to receive your discount. Tina and I are looking forward to spending
a week or more at the Star of Texas next year. This
information is provided strictly for members who would enjoy spending
some quality time away from all the hassles of daily life. We would
like to thank Don & Debbie Morelock for their kind offer to CFMI
members. From the leadership, Staff and all CFMI members, Thank you
Don & Debbie, CH Gibson
Chaplain
Skip Straus from Texas: Texas EMS Conference (Nov 20th-23rd)
attendees! Dr. Steve Arze and Chaplain Skip Straus of Emergency Ministries
will be co-lecturing in Austin at the Texas EMS Conference on Tuesday,
November 22 at 8:45am. Their topic is called "The ABCs of DRT"
and addresses a tough situation
- how to speak with a family member on scene of an obvious death or
upon termination of resuscitation efforts. Chaplain
Straus was honored on the floor of the Texas State House of Representatives
for his service at Ground Zero. He is an author and public speaker.
This is going to be a very good conference Thank you CH
Gibson
Chaplain
Dwight Menix reporting in from New Mexico: My apology for
not checking in since the first of September; time just seems to fly
by too fast these days. I am still working on my Daily Devotionals
to start sharing with friends, family, and members of the community;
moreover, trying to find the time to teach school, grade papers, write
my devotionals, and work with members of the community is getting
more and more challenging. However, I do set aside the time to sit
and minister to one of my former 4th grade students from last year.
This 10 year old girl's step-father was tragically killed in a horse
accident at their home in early September. With his passing he left
a wife, a 10 year old step-daughter, and a 2 year old son. After talking
to this young girl, she stated that she does not believe in God and
the reason is that people make fun of you if you do; also, she is
mad that her step-father was taken from her and her family. For the
past two months I have been ministering to this young girl and planting
the seed of salvation in her heart. With God's Grace and Mercy I will
reach this young girl and lead her to accept Christ as her Savior.
Please pray for her. Thank
you CH Gibson
PLEASE
TAKE THE TIME: Today please take the time to remember those
in the armed forces serving in harms way world wide. Keep them and
their families in your prayers. We give thanks to all members of our
military on active duty military, the members of the National Guard,
the members of the Reserves. We thank all our warriors in the military
for protecting our rights to enjoy our freedom. Take the time to view
this video by Oliver North honoring our troops.
Please keep all our troops and First responders in your daily prayers.
Thank you CH Gibson
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