I
first meet Donald and Tina Gibson some years ago following an
online search. I had been in the ministry since the 1980's, but
my ordaining body had been through minister and name changes and
I was seeking to bring my credentials current. It was important
that I find an organization that could issue an Ecclestical Endorsement.
The
Gibson's and I soon became friends. I was amazed what they had
been able to do, mostly just the two of them working from cramped
quarters of their home. Taking no pay, just serving others to
the best of their ability. Many of you who recently became a part
of Chaplain Fellowship Ministries International have no idea of
the story of CFM, and of its founders Donald and Tina. They love
the Lord and their only desire is to serve God's people.
There
are many organizations about the country, around the world for
that matter that cater to various types of ministry. But CFM is
one of a kind; their entire emphasis is on Chaplains. Not just
police, or fire, or military Chaplains, but any type of Christian
Chaplaincy, anywhere. The lives of Donald and Tina Gibson since
I have known them have been totally dedicated to Chaplaincy and
Chaplains everywhere.
Not
everyone knows that Donald is a Vietnam Veteran. He has battled
numerous scars left by his service to our country. And without
going into detail, suffice it to say that Dr. Gibson is a tremendous
asset to especially police and military Chaplaincy. He knows all
to well how to fight the demons of PTSD.
Donald
has fought for every inch of ground CFM has achieved. The battles
have been tough, but as the scripture says, "The battle is
not ours, but is the Lords" Don and Tina have devoted their
time and money, when CFM was just beginning. They have bailed
it out again and again with their own money, when it was in the
hole. But they were able to forge out an organization we can all
be proud of. I just finished looking at the newly updated website
for CFM. Wow! It is hard for many of you to imagine how far CFM
has come.
Today
CFM credentials are recognized worldwide from the civilian to
the military. For municipal to federal government, Chaplain Fellowship
Ministries International has a rich history and a staler reputation
of endorsing and licensing only the cream of the crop in ministry.
CFM would not be here today, had it not been for the sacrifices
Donald and Tina made for the Lord Jesus Christ on our behalf.
CFM has been duly recognized by the IRS and now has affiliate
sub ministries. If you only knew the background it takes to get
there.
I
say all of this so that each of you, especially those who have
joined lately, will know that the reputation you enjoy with us
all today didn't come easy. It was due to Don and Tina's unselfish
acts of sacrifice. Today when you show a CFM ID card or wear the
CFM logo, you can be proud to know they are backed by one of the
strongest Chaplaincy associations world wide.
So
Don't Despise Small Beginnings, and as we begin a New Year make
sure you take time to stop and pray for Donald and Tina and all
of CFM. And please take the time to thank Dr. and Mrs. Donald
Gibson, for without their obedience to the Lord non of this would
have occurred.
We
love you Donald, Tina and your family!
Sincerely,
Dr. David J.
Fair, PHD
David J. Fair, Ph.D., D.Min., B.C.E.T.S., F.A.A.E.T.S., C.T.S.
President of American
Police Officers Association
Deputy Chief
Director Law Enforcement CFMI
Brownwood, Texas
Certified Master Chaplain
Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress,
Fellow, American Academy of
Experts in Traumatic Stress
Professional Affiliate Member of APA Divisions
Division 17 - Society of Counseling Psychology
Division 19 - Society for Military Psychology
Division 52 - International Psychology
Member Society for Police and Criminal Psychology
Member The American College of Forensic Examiners
ICISF, CISM Trained Member
Crisis
Response Chaplain Services
TraumatiCARE
www.traumatiCARE.org.
Post Office Box 753
Brownwood, Texas 76804
USA Cell: 325-647-7171
International Cell: 44-7921-690292 (Origin England)