December 2008 Newsletter

Greetings, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to Everyone

 

It seems hard to believe that I'm writing the year end newsletter for 2008; this year flew by.  I should have known it was going to be one of those years when we began responding to flooding in January, unbelievable.  Before this year was over, USECC had responded to floods, tornadoes, line of duty deaths, conducted numerous services, provided training and spoke at several organizations, churches and businesses.  All this was in addition to the day-to-day “routines” with our first responders. 

 

There was an impressive “first' that also took place in May of 2008.  Speaking and having a part in the inaugural memorial service at the National City Christian Church Cathedral during National Law Enforcement week in Washington, DC. 

 

Our 911 outreach was in Greensburg, Kansas this year and even with the rainy weather and a tornado passing within one quarter mile of our worksite, we still erected the shell of a 14,000 square foot building.  The Sunday Morning Memorial was absolutely fantastic, with many of the 900 in attendance saying it was the best ever. 

 

As it was with Hurricane Katrina and Rita so it happened this year as well.  While on response with Gustav, Hurricane Ike rolled in and we rode it out, becoming an immediate part of yet another recovery mission. 

 

If all this wasn't enough, I had a call to assist a major company with an employee death in west Africa, a true test of our materials working in a real cross-cultural setting. 

 

To be sure, these were only some of the highlights.  To see the detailed picture, read our newsletters on the website www.usecc.net  there are some really heart warming stories of what God allowed us to be a part of. 


November also saw a trip to the Little Sioux Boy Scout Camp in Iowa where four scouts were killed in a tornado this May.  It was truly a tragedy of terrible nature for these boys to experience, yet one where they used their skills and training with utmost proficiency.  Within a little over an hour they had the camp evacuated and everyone accounted for.  I will be participating in the re-grand opening of the camp in May of 2009.  As an Eagle Scout myself I couldn't be more proud or humbled to be there.
    

My sermon theme this year for the 911 Greensburg Memorial was “A Firm Foundation for a New Generation.”  Briefly, it recalled the tragedy Nehemiah faced with Jerusalem in shambles.  He encouraged the people to clear away the old ruins and rubble to find the foundation of the walls.  They were to build on the firm foundation for the betterment of themselves and those who would come after them.  

 

I believe that theme couldn't be more appropriate.  In spite of what so many would have us  believe, that the gloom and doom thinking is taking over, I couldn't disagree more.  In fact, I believe we may be on the verge of our best work.  In the face of such pessimism I truly believe this will be God's finest hour.

 

The second part of the message was “Your work is for a people you've never seen.”  There is no doubt we all want to carry on and do our best for those who will come behind us and for our families and neighbors.  

 

We look forward to the next year, 2009.  Here are just a few events that are on the calendar;  at least one trip back to the Beaumont/Bridge City Texas area for assistance, traveling to Washington, DC for meetings with the new people in the Department of Homeland Security,  the National Law Enforcement Memorial, Little Sioux Boy Scout Camp, an outreach at Sturgis for Bike Week, and our annual 911 outreach.  These are just a few of what we know we'll be working on.  All that in addition to the on-going work with our First Responders and clergy training. 

 

So much of our work is “for a people you've never seen.”  It's called faith.  Stepping into something we don't know the end result of, but having the determination to see it through. Why?  Because I believe these people are worth it.  I hope you believe we are worth it.
 

I would like you to stand with us and remember USECC in your giving.  As a non profit organization we depend on the support of our friends like you.  Quite frankly we cannot do it without your help.  I not only ask for you donations but would ask for you to consider a few new things in the way of giving for 2009.

Would you make USECC one of your charities this year?  I hope we will be your charity of choice in times of disaster.  Would you please consider in-kind donations of goods and services you may have in your business, church or civic organization?  Would you consider donating good used equipment and vehicles, or frequent flyer miles?

 

There are many ways to help that are not all that unusual nowadays.  Please contact us to look into these a little closer.  Also, our needs list will be revised shortly and posted on the website www.usecc.net  Let me thank all of you who assisted in this last year with the deepest appreciation.  I can truly say your gifts made a huge difference to many people and we could not have done it without you. 

 

“ I will keep Christmas deep within my heart and do my best to live it every day of the year.”  I wish I could remember who said that, it has great insight and is a challenge I have tried to keep.   This is truly the most remarkable time of the year when it seems everyone stops to reflect on so much.  

 

I can't help to remember one visit to Bethlehem and the tranquility of the birthplace of Jesus.  Let me encourage you to keep the land of Israel in your prayers for it's peace and safety.  Let me wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and the Happiest of Holidays. 

 

Blessings Always.....................Chaplain Steve