It's been awhile since our newsletters went out. April and May were very busy as I'm sure you have been too. I logged 22 days on the road and I don't even remember how many thousand miles. I thought about doing a combined letter but the content was just to much, so our May newsletter will be coming out sometime in the next few days as well.

In addition to the normal office duties April started off with the honor of participating in the awards ceremony for Illinois State Police, the awards also include those for honor and valor. The stories of heroism which put these officers lives at risk for our safety is remarkable. Please never take our law enforcement for granted, the rule of law is in place because of their efforts and determination. Let me thank those of you who hold us in prayer, don't stop now.

In the midst of all our work God does give us the little treats. For me, one of them is being called on to minister to biker events. I love to ride and having the opportunity to share our faith along the way is, well, it's no work at all as far as I'm concerned. I meet folks from all walks of life as you'll see in future letters. If you want to work an event in your area or need a speaker, by all means call and I'll do what I can to help out.

Wow, what a time we had in Washington DC for the GovSec law enforcement conference. Keynote speakers were as follows, Greg Massa, Chief of Joint Terrorism Task Force- FBI, Julie Myers, Assistant for Homeland Security-Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Greg Cade, Assistant Director of FEMA and head of US Fire Administration. I always enjoy being around other professional people who have excelled in their field. It inspires me to strive to do the same in mine and follow an example the Lord would be proud of. Our sincere thanks to the folks at GovSec for another terrific conference.

It was at this same show we formally introduced our DVD “He's The Closest Thing To A Hero”. It was met with great reviews as a tribute to our First Responder community. In past newsletters I had asked for business, churches and civic clubs to consider using this as an appreciation gift to a responder agency. I can't tell you how happy I was when Northrup Grumman was the first to do so. They have an incredible history of excellence in their field and service to this country. They have shown great innovation and scientific skills. Incidentally, it was Northrup Grumman who built and just commissioned the SS New York for the US Navy that was built from the remains of the World Trade Center.

Song Writer Jimmy Whitaker, Chaplain Steve, vocalist Frank Pizarro, and Jerry Buckwalter, VP Northrup Grumman Homeland Security

I also want to mention one more thing that stood out to me while in Washington DC. In the following photo you will see the Lincoln Memorial. It is not the memorial itself that stood out to me, look a little closer, what is it that stands out to you? 

I've seen this several times before but now is the appropriate time to comment. For those who are constantly depressed about this nation and it's people, this shot shows hundreds of youth who are in our nations capitol to learn and see our history and learn first hand of our heritage. Praise God for their willingness to learn and open their minds to the truth of what we have as such a blessing in the land we are so fortunate to live.

I'll never forget the comments of former Attorney General John Ashcroft at a National Day of Prayer service I attended a few years ago in the Capitol. In the interest of space I'll paraphrase; ... This is the only nation and capitol in which it was designed to be visited by it's people, and for those same people to actually participate in the governing process... Quite amazing when you think about it. With all the other monarchy's, dictatorships, and other ways to run a country in this world I wonder if we really take our freedoms for granted.

Let me plead with you to set a Godly example of what it means to be thankful to live in a country such as ours and encourage our young people to learn it's true history. Maybe I should look into leading tours, who knows.

As the month closed out it was with a bang at the annual WME conference in Kansas City. I can't begin to recap all the great information the speakers gave, truly a word from God. I will relate one personal thing I took away from the conference from one of the first people to share. It was about doing so much in our own power and the need to look for God's inspiration.

I was reminded of an almost unbelievable fact from the first wild fires in San Diego in 2003. One of the small communities that was evacuated sat at the bottom of a canyon 1700 feet from the crest of the surrounding hills. The pastor recounted to me watching the fire come over the top of the hill heading for the bottom of the canyon and their village. What he told me next I was totally unprepared for and still have a hard time fathoming. He told me the fire was a half mile wide and hit the bottom of the canyon and totally devoured the community in six seconds. That's right six seconds, I think the math comes to around 200 mph that left nothing but the stone chimneys and a few metal bars from chairs and tables.

This made me think of another fact in my fire experiences. We have some of the best protective gear that allows us to walk right into the fire itself rebuffing the flames. Of course we can't stay there long but the flame won't burn us. However you will be amazed to find out how a large number of burns take place.

Under our suits we usually just have on a t-shirt but still sweat a tremendous amount as you can imagine. I'm reminded of one firefighter who was in a fire filled mobile home and literally dove out a window before the entire room flashed over with an all consuming flame that nothing can withstand. He was not injured in the diving fall and he got out before the flames reached a critical level. However, he suffered second degree burns on his upper body. How? The outside heat made a steam burn inside his gear from his own sweat.

Think on that for a moment. As I reflected on the message from the one at the conference about doing so much in our own power this story came my mind. How many times have we been burned in our own sweat when we thought we had everything in line. I know I have. I couldn't get all this out of my mind for sometime. I know we all have more than a full schedule. I'll be the first to admit that even with all my “protective” thinking I get overwhelmed because I think I can do more than what I should.

I am very conscious now to be as aware as possible in looking for God's inspiration and not my own perspiration. Actually I have always watched for this sing of burnout and done pretty well. The fact still remains that it can still happen in spite of our best efforts.

In closing, let's encourage one another in this lesson. In fact, let's look for ways we could help and assist someone else in their ministry or business. Let's remember the principle of sewing and reaping to assist someone else in their struggle.

I'm reminded of the word of the Lord to to Zerubbabel in Zechariah's fourth chapter. Many have heard and quoted the 6^th verse, “Not by might nor by power but by my Spirit says the Lord.” If we however look at the whole chapter, we see two other significant points. First it came during a heavenly vision, and secondly, in vs. 10 we are told not to despise the day of small beginnings.

How many time in business and ministry have we wanted a better idea or vision of the issues we face and compared our situation to that of someone else only to get depressed about our own situation. I am again making a point to look back and see just how far God has actually brought me and give thanks. I will also be careful not to do too much in my own power and look for Gods inspiration and not my own perspiration. After all, I really don't want to get burned from my own sweat.

I covet your prayers and support, thanks so much. My best to you, until next time, I'll be..................

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