God Works On His Time Frame!

On Sunday at approximately 1600 hrs I was dispatched to a local business who had a complaint of some local homeless men drinking and trespassing at the back of their business. My zone partner was on scene just a minute or so ahead of me and as I approached on the main road I could see three of our local homeless man walking southbound on the main street away from the business.

As I pulled my marked patrol unit into the business parking lot I spoke with my partner and told her that I had seen three homeless men walking southbound. My zone partner yelled back; "Yeah, but you need to come over here". Now, for a brief second I thought to myself, "what's the deal, she can't shoo a few homeless people out on her own?" As I approached the back of the business with my partner she yelled for one man to come out of small shed. The man exited and my partner indicated that she knew him by name, "Michael" a local homeless man whom she had not seen in a couple of years. I noticed almost immediately that this man did not seen like he was one of the regular homeless, this guy seemed different. Many of the local homeless have lost the sparkle to their eyes, covered in alcohol and soiled. This man was clean shaven, did not reek of alcohol (but did have possession of a couple of unopened beer cans) and did have a sparkle in his eyes (and no, it was not glassed over).

As I asked him questions, I noticed that he was respectful and that there was just something different about him. I told "Michael" that I needed to conduct a Field Interview Card (FIC) on him and was going to issue him a trespass warning for the business and to follow me over to my patrol vehicle.

I thought to myself, "man I would love the opportunity to 'speak" with this guy" about his status and more importantly about God's love for him, what his purpose in life is all about, and how he's sees himself as giving back to God. These are usually the three things that I will discuss with people with whom God lays on my heart this desire to speak with.

As I thought about this, I also thought that I could not discuss this matter with my zone partner present and thought that I would like to have some alone time to complete my FIC, Trespass Warning, and speak to this man. At that exact moment, the alert tone on our radio went off. "beep...beep...beep". This is our alert tone for a crime in progress and is most often used for a hold up or an armed robbery of some type. In fact, it was a report of a strong armed robbery taking place with screaming in the background. My zone partner said; "gotta go" and took off.

Now alone with Michael and after a few minutes of the standard line of questioning I asked Michael "what did he see as his purpose in life?" Michael replied "What do you mean?" I noticed that Michael had a tattoo of a cross on his left hand. I asked him "what about that cross tattooed on your hand, do you believe that you were created by God?" Michael replied "Yes I am a Christian".

I asked Michael, "then how do you think that you should honor God and give back to him for creating you?". Michael thought for a moment and said, " Well sir, I don't know, honestly I've never thought about God like that before". I explained to Michael that God created you for a specific purpose that God gave each one of us special gifts and talents and that we should use those gifts to honor him and not to honor ourselves. I told Michael that he was not honoring his creator by being homeless and drunk all day long. Michael agreed. Then I noticed that Michael had a gleam in his eye and said; "I believe that God gave me the ability to play music". I love music, and until I sold my guitar for beer money I played Christian music".

Tears began to weld up in Michael's eyes and he said; "Sir, I've made some very bad mistakes in my life". As I finished up the FIC card and the computer checks, I told Michael that I was not here to condemn him. I showed Michael a bracelet that I wear. On the bracelet is the words "Forgiven". I asked Michael to read these words, and tell me what do they say? Michael read the bracelet and stated slowly the words, "Forgiven". I said, "Michael, God has already forgiven you for the sins that you (and I) have committed but you have never forgiven yourself". Tears began to flow now down both sides of Michael eyes.

Michael said, "Sir, tell me again why did you come here today". Seizing this opportunity I told Michael that "God sent me here to tell you clean yourself up, go to a quite place alone, get on your knees and get right with God, and go and forth and give back to your creator for the things that he has given you". I handed Michael a "You Have the Right to Remain Silent" tract and give him directions to visit a local church and the name of one of our department chaplains who is a pastor at that church.

Michael said, "Sir, I do believe that God sent you here to me today to talk to me". I have never had another police officer ever talk to me like you did, thank you".

I tried to hurry Michael along because I wanted to go help the other four patrol units and our helicopter go look for this armed robber as I put my car in drive, Michael said, "Sir, can I shake your hand one more time?" I put my foot on the brake and shook Michael's hand again and he said, "Sir I promise you that I will go and pray and think about you said". Michael asked, "how can I reach you?".

I told Michael to not worry about trying to reach me that the best gift for me would be for me not to see him out here on the streets anymore and that one day we would see one another in heaven. Michael looked down at the ground and shook his head in acknowledgment. I told Michael that I had to go now, but that I would pray for him and told him "God Bless" as I drove away. Michael said; "No sir, God bless you".

As I pulled out of the business parking lot I turned my patrol car to the north and started to head in the general direction of the armed robbery call that my partner had hurriedly rushed off to. I checked my MDC computer at the call. I noticed that all the patrol units were now cancelled and cleared off the call. I looked at the complaint on the call and it said; "Unknown". Comments by the dispatchers and officers into the CAD call read; "Searched parking lot of any witnesses and victim, no flag down and no witnesses". Dispatchers did make contact with a female caller who stated that she did not want any help, that there was no crime, and did not wish to speak with any police officers". I shook my head in amazement and stated "Thank you God for giving me time with Michael".

Say what you will, but I believe that God created a time frame in a instant for me to speak with Michael.

Some Questions For Review

Bible verse for reading: Hebrews 13:2 " Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it"

• Can you allow God to create time for you to work on the spiritual needs of those in your community who are hurting?
• What words can you say to help those who have needs like Michael?
• Can you see pass the obvious to those who are spiritual in need of Christ's salvation and love?
• Would you have seen Michael as just another 'homeless drunk'?

Thought That You Had A Bad Week?

• I received this e-mail from a fellow Deputy Sheriff who works in another county Sheriff's Office here in Florida about 100 miles from me. I thought it was something that every officer who reads this blog could appreciate as we have all been there at one time or another (but not all at once) I immediately called this brother officer to tell him "God Bless" and "WOW" What a week! I also thought of some great Bible passage to go along with this post. Please read them and keep them in mind as you read his e-mail which has been edited for content. Also, this particular Deputy Sheriff does read this blog so feel free to post him a comment of encouragement at the end.
• James 1:12 "God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
• 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness".
• Hebrews 13:5 "For God has said, "I will never leave you or abandon you".
• Isaiah 52:12 " But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard. (NIV)

Dear Mike,

Glad to hear from you!! It has been a very rough period for my unit and agency. The State of Florida voted on a massive tax cut back and our people have been on edge for some time, but I have been trying to keep the positive. Our agency is a very lean one. The current sheriff has prided himself on keeping pay at competitive levels and maintaining a strong workforce. Now with the mandated budget cuts, we are looking to laying off a minimum of 25 sworn and 15 civilian staff. If the county gets its demanded reduction in our budget (which I cannot see happening) we will lose 104 deputies and 25 civilian staff!! There has always been a struggle, because as you know Florida Sheriff’s are in charge of their own budget. My Court Security Section is down 25% staff. Okay. This just sets you up for the environment.

Two weeks ago, one of my best and brightest deputies, that worked directly for me at one of our satellite court facilities, asked to go home early when his duties were done. A little while later, he told his wife he was not feeling well and laid down for a nap. His wife went to wake him up for dinner and he was dead. This Deputy was only 31 years old and a fantastic guy; however, though I was working on him, he was not a believer, as far as I can tell. Since his passing, I have heard some disturbing things from some of his friends that leads me to believe he was kind of keeping me humored.

During this deputy’s funeral, I get word that another one of my deputies, had just been taken to the hospital ED for possible cardiac issues. Turns out he has SIGNIFICANT blockage. Part of his heart muscle is calcified. He is still in the hospital and stable. He has had open heart surgery, but they could not take care of everything and he looks to be out for some time.

Another employee I have been having problems with since I got to this unit in July, causing me to activate the progressive discipline program for a number of wild and crazy things not to mention failure to call-in when not showing up for work. This deputy has been here for 11 years and has used ALL ACCRUED LEAVE TIME. Then suddenly this Deputy is served with Admin Leave w/Pay (you know what that means). The following week, we had a felony warrant for this same Deputy on doctor shopping charges where she has fraudulently obtained over 5000 narcotics and other controlled prescriptions.

Then, just last week, One more of my brightest and best and the “Radar O’Reilly” of the Court Security Section dies from a massive heart attack while at home. Danny was 53 years old. He had arranged for the day off to see his doctor about a messed up shoulder. He had been on light duty since December. This guy was fantastic. He knew where everything was, how to get it, how to get it fixed and what to do with it. Just a great guy. He had been with our agency starting as an auxiliary and then to Court Security for 30 years. This guy had it together. He definitely was a Christian and he and I had several conversations about Jesus and how He has worked in our lives.

Then comes today, Danny’s funeral was today at Noon. We had 120 jurors coming in, 85 inmates, and because of budget cuts and light duty staff and etc. we barely had enough to cover critical areas. In fact the Lt. and I were covering those. I call Patrol for assistance to cover during the funeral. The judges who could clear their dockets did, but we would still have some inmates and a couple judges that would have to continue. I was promised three deputies by the Patrol Shift commander.

About 0930 today we get word the construction doing demolition to part of our courthouse had just cut through the elevator power supply and we had jurors stuck on the elevators between floors. As we are getting them out, my daughter’s school calls and she is sick. I go down and verify there is no one else stuck in the elevators. I confirmed, we did a yell to the other elevator and no one answers (you see where this is going). I go pick up my daughter from school and get back to the office with her (cause it will take too long to get her home before the funeral). Get back and see fire/rescue pulling up. I ask what’s going on and they say they got a call from a woman on her cellphone that she is stuck on the elevator. After all the calls to the other elevator, she never answered and she did not use the elevator phone to call for help or ring the bell. Then, when 9-1-1 gets the call they don’t even call us on the radio to let us know that someone called!!

We get the lady out and I get my daughter in the car to go over to the funeral. Just get settled there and the guys I have left at the courthouse (who would not go to the funeral) call me and tell me that now we had a total blackout at the courthouse and that the inmate / holding cell elevator and the judge’s elevators are both stuck. So, I get back in the car, missing my deputy’s funeral, and head back over to the courthouse. Oh, and I forgot to mention that the Patrol Shift Commander “forgot” I called him. When I asked where my relief was about ½ hour before the funeral he said, “Nobody asked me…I don’t know anything about it.” He was surprised when I told him that I had called him directly and requested the personnel and was told, “Don’t worry about it. It is taken care of.”

Okay, so how’s your day!! LOL. Although I am frustrated and tired of the STUFF going on, I still know God has my back. (Isaiah 52:12)

Sorry for such a long e-mail, but I got yours at just the right time. Thanks for being there, Mike. I hope all is going well for you and your family. Looks like God is truly working on your end as well. Take care, brother.

Yours in Christ,

Troy

God Has Your Back! Isaiah 52:12

The following e-mail was sent to me from a police officer and Christian friend who was recently involved in an officer involved shooting. He asked that I allow other officers to read his e-mail in order to glorify God. Some of the events have been changed.

Dear Mike,

Well, I’d like to share a bible verse that assured me that God was with me that day and everyday. I was reading the book of Isaiah and chapter 52:12 caught my attention: But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard. (NIV) I interpreted this verse as God will never make me retreat in shame but lead me to victory because he’s got my 360. As I moved on to read the remaining chapters in Isaiah, I kept on reading this particular verse.

During the incident, things unraveled so fast that I had no time to think but react to the situation at hand. As I entered the store, I announced my presence and the Masked Bandit, without hesitation, ran toward me with his butcher knive at the ready. The rest is history.

After the incident, I kept on thinking about the what-ifs: What if my gun had jammed; what if I hesitated, what if he had a gun instead of a knife. The most likely answer to all the above questions is that at least I would be stabbed on my left collar bone with an approx. 8 inch blade.

While I was reading the Bible, I read Isaiah 52:12 again. Then, I realized that God was covering my 360 and nothing else would have happened. Everything that happened was in my favor. I can’t explain anymore how God had protected me that day, but if God was with you, you’d know, too. I guess it was foolish that I even thought about the what-ifs and probably says a lot about my faith in him.

Some people in the office call me a hero, but I’m not. I’m just glad that it’s over. God is the hero and may all the glory go to him. Just remember, David killed Goliath with 1 stone. If God can make a young teenage boy took down a giant, nothing is impossible for him. PRAISE THE LORD!
When you put on your uniform and go out to "protect and serve" just remain faithful in pray and remember Isaiah 52:12.

Has the Die Been Cast For You as Yet?

The following statement was e-mailed to me by a man that God used to uplift and encourge me after what seemed like a very difficult week on the job. I came home and opened this e-mail and could sense God's message to me, saying; "good job, well done my good and faithful servant, keep it up". I have printed this out and have placed it where I can read it whenever I start feeling sorry for my self. Thanks to Ron Leonard for sending this e-mail, and to Andrew Cowan for helping me put this into real words that all officers can understand.

Mike Dye
03/02/08

"I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed! I have the Holy Spirit's power! The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made-I'm a disciple of His!

I won't look back,let up,slow down,back away,or be still. My past is redeemed,my present makes sense,and my future is secure. I'm finished with low living,sight walking,smooth knees,colorless dreams,tamed visions,worldly talking,cheap giving,and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence,position,promotions,plaudits,or popularity. I don't have to be right,first,tops,recognized,praised,regarded,or rewarded. I now live by faith,depend on His presence,walk by patience,am uplifted by prayer,and labor with power.

That's what it means to be a disciple of Jesus"!!

(A national pastor who was later martyred in Zimbabwe Africa)

It is always interesting to look at our respective careers both while in the midst or at others who have retired. When we are on the job we too often focus on the rank, the position and the resources under our control. It seems that we also attribute (as do the public) our rank as decidedly marked to our abilities. How many of us and the public have looked at the 50 year old front desk guy as a performer or wonder why they don’t just retire and how did they even get hired? In reality some of the best cops I know are the lifelong Constables who never strove for promotion, never wanted glory and day in/day out performed their duties simply to make a difference.

We all started out this career wanting to make a difference, to change lives or to help someone but somewhere, somehow along the way may have lost sight of the bigger picture. Rank, honours, accolades don’t matter at all in the scope of eternity yet we all at some point strive for it. What matters is that where you are and what you are doing is where He wants you to be and intends to use you.

If you are feeling down, wondering why that promotion passed you by or what is in store for you wonder no more; God has something bigger and better in store as He is in control of it all. Two years ago I wondered why a job which seemed perfect didn’t come through. Now I know the answer: a promotion this fall was named only weeks after the passing of my wife which also meant that I didn’t have to move the kids, had staffing off my back for at least 2 years, didn’t have to move offices and amazingly enough, it was better that “that perfect job” two years ago. Funny how it all works out even when we wonder at the time why He didn’t give it to us then….

I am always amazed how God can speak when we just take time to listen and remember that He is in charge.

God Bless
Andrew Cowan
FCPO Canada, National President