First Responders Night

 In the summer, our church invites the local first responders, including dispatch, fire, E.M.T, police, and even the Army Black Hawks. This night honors those who protect us, educated us (and our kiddos), and is a fun event to invite others to. In addition to seeing all the vehicles, K-9 demonstration, and have 2 choppers nearly blow us over, the kids got to participate in a presentation where there is a simulated fire in a "house." They learned about fire safety, crawled out under the smoke-filled room, tested the hot door for fire and escaped through the window. Abigail was a bit scared, Isaac loved it, and we all learned a little something.

Kids watching the Life Flight helicopter

The chaplain for the fire department shared, in a very real way, the joys and hardships of their job. The very night he was sharing, there was a two-year-old who was crushed. There were several of the departments represented there were actually involved. It was sobering. As my kids ate a hamburger and listened, there were responders out there who attempted to save a little boy. The little boy died. They have to go to bed, knowing they did all they could, yet still knowing the grief the family is suffering. I cannot imagine doing that job. The chaplain said he is there for the department in those situations; he is also there for the families of the ones in the tragedies. When the circumstances make it seem hopeless, he offers hope. He said, apart from Jesus Christ, he could not do this job. He shared how Jesus was his foundation and the hope which he shares.

Romans 13:1-7 (NIV)
 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.  For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.  For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.  Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.   This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.  Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Pray for all our first responders. They risk their lives for us daily. They sacrifice for us. They carry the burdens of so many they have helped (those who made it and those who didn't). They are servants. We owe them our respect...our thanks.

Lord,
Thank You for those who strive to protect us. I pray for Your hand upon them. Give them wisdom, courage, accuracy, strength and hope that can only be found in You. I pray for unity in their teams and departments. I pray for their safety. I pray that You continue to give them hearts of both compassion and discernment as they do their jobs. I pray that you would carry them trough the times where the job can be too much to bear. I ask the same for their families. I pray for You to work through all the chaplains who minister to these men and women. I thank You that You are using Nick Breit in Dundee to minster there. Be with him, especially, physically, emotionally and spiritually. May his life, boldness, knowledge of the Word, testimony, and joyful attitude in trials be an encouragement to those he shares with. May the good news of Jesus come alive to those who don't know Him and be a stronghold to those who do. Thank You for our city and those who serve us in the various facets that make our life so amazing. Help us, in tangible ways, express our gratitude.