It's hard to believe that we are closing out another year, 2007 was extraordinary to say the least.  Little did we know this time last year what we would encounter and achieve in the next twelve months.  It surly begs the question what will 2008 be like? 

As I look at the year in review, it takes me back to some very challenging responses that tried our faith, patience and turned us closer to the heart of God.  Personally, it was one of the most trying but rewarding times of my life.  Let's look at  just the bullet points that made the newsletters. 

It was my great pleasure to assist pastor Mike Shroades in Enterprise Alabama as he valiantly reached his community after a deadly tornado hit his town killing 8 high school students while in class as well as one senior saint of the community. 

We kept in touch with our Katrina contacts making several trips to the gulf in 2007 visiting both New Orleans fire buddies as well as civilians we made great friendships with. 

Performing a memorial for Bonita Keely who died at age 39 of cancer after surviving the eye of Katrina in Bay St. Louis Mississippi.  In her memory, the building of a house was  completed for Shirley Paulson, herself a grandmother and Katrina survivor battling leukemia.

Serving as Chaplain to the GovSec law enforcement conference in Washington DC and being at the National Law Enforcement memorial services during National Law Enforcement Week. 

Serving the family of little Tony Nata, an eight year old boy that survived Katrina after loosing his home and succumbing to leukemia this summer. 

Participating in the funerals of two of our State Troopers from Illinois and Indiana who were killed in the line of duty. 

I'll never forget our 911 outreach this year in Groesbeck Texas.  Rebuilding the home of James and Eva Vincent and providing assistance to enable disabled Vets to return to private  living.  Our memorial service was truly outstanding. 

Just as we thought things were settling down a bit, a little incident called the San Diego wildfires occurred.  Assisting the fire service there and firemen who lost their own homes while on the fire line was a blessing that touched me greatly. 

A trip to Greensburg Kansas was also in order to assist that community as well as clergy in the long term planning recovery.  This will truly be something to look forward too as the rebuilding of lives as well as property takes place.  In fact, as of this writing, plans for a little Christmas trip are in order. 

There are detailed accounts of several events under the “Newsletters” heading on our website  uschaplainscorps.net

These were just the events that were more talked about.  There are plenty of issues we were involved in that were just as significant but more confidential in nature.  Those issues well never be breached, yet countless lives were touched and encouraged. 

As with any ministry or organization, there are times  I wish we could have done more.  There were tears and disappointments as well as laughter, love, success, and at times, almost euphoric joy in accomplishments that seemed impossible when we began. 

There are a few things I would like to mention as we close out 2007 and continue our planning for 2008.  First, let me thank those of you who stood with us in prayer and finances.  Things were meager this year and yet I am so proud of what was accomplished. 

Two of the main goals for next year is to get at least one response bus operational.  When I was at Ground Zero, St. Paul's Chapel was just a couple of blocks away and was off limits for everyone except  first responders.  We could find solace there, a hot meal, be left alone, take a nap, talk, cry or just chill out.  It is my deep desire to get a couple of buses to be used as “Mobile Respite Centers”.  I have some definite ideas what models and how I want them outfitted.  It would be great to get them donated and refurbished.  I'm not talking junk, or large motor homes.  Most of those are not durable or mobile  enough to maneuver in debris cluttered areas.  Please join with me in prayer that someone will step up for this project.  You may not even have all the answers but you may have the contacts needed. 

The other major goal will be clergy and leadership training.  Discussions for this are taking place and we still need a couple more sites to act as host sites.  Please contact me with any thoughts or help you may be able to lend to this. 

In closing let me say thanks again to those who assisted this past year.  2008 looks to be just as challenging and I hope you will continue your support, it's needed now more than ever before. 

For those who did not support USECC I hope you will consider doing so in 2008.  I feel the  first responder community is well worth our efforts.  Believe me, this is not a duplication of services.   Please also see our needs list on the website.  These would be great projects for a youth group, civic organization, office pool, bible study or even a group of friends.  In fact, most of the things listed went unanswered so there is no lack of opportunities. 

I am flattered by the comments received about our newsletters.  Of the hundreds of listings only four people requested their addresses be deleted.  So, if you are a church, business, individual or representative for a group or organization let me ask you to consider a year end gift.  We are about $5000 in the red and hope to finish the year in the positive side of the balance sheet.  Remember, all gifts are tax deductible and no amount is insignificant. 

If you are a church, could I ask you to consider USECC as one of your missions projects for 2008.  If you are a business, would you consider making USECC one of your charities of choice.  Some businesses even have company grants or assistance you could assist us in obtaining. 

To one and all, let me thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping make 2007 an extraordinary year for us and the Kingdom of God.  May His richest blessings be upon you and your household.  Together I believe we will meet the high challenges of the years to come and prove worthy to the task, and worthy to our Lord.  Until next time, I'll be ..........

Responding to the Call.................Chaplain Steve