Fire Chaplain Blog

So, at 0220AM I am awakened by my cell phone, I had already missed the call on my home phone.  Emergency Dispatch 911 was contacting me "Fire Chaplain One" to go to a home where someone had just died.  It is now 0515AM as I write, being convicted by the Holy Spirit.  I came home and as I started to pray (Phil. 4:6) I know I needed to post.  As I was driving to the scene, one of death and chaos, I was scared, what will I say, what will I do; I prayed, I received comfort (Is. 41:10) and the fear was gone, I still trembled.

     With the confidence of God and fully trusting Him (Prov. 3:5-6) I walked into the valley of death, Psalms 23:4.  There, in front of me was a family; a young woman lay dead on the floor; a son, a daughter, a sister, a mother, all there; and into their world I enter.  "Have no fear the chaplain is here" quickly turned into the reality of "what have I done, what have I ask for?"  With my chaplain vest signaling to all, I was ready to walk back out.  Then without thinking, the Spirit of the living God empowered me, Eph. 3:16. What a difference.  Immediately I began to pray out loud, I began to use the power of touching, hugging, speaking the truth and love of Jesus Christ.  God took over, and through me I could feel the Holy Spirit working.  There it was, "the presence of God ministry" that I was supposed to be involved with was happening right in front of me ( Matt. 5:4; Exodus 14:13; Psalms 138:3; 2 Cor. 1:4). God had placed me right there, standing in the gap! Ezek. 22:30.

     Shortly after the hearse left with the body, I said good bye and prayed again before leaving.  As I drove back home I prayed for all the family, the first responders, and the families pastor, who came to be with them.   I know the days ahead will be rough on the family, but I know one who can help with the healing, can comfort, and who I can count on (Is. 41:10; Psalms 62:5-6; Matt. 11:28-30; Deut. 31:6; Rom. 8:38-39).

     God willing, I will be able to once again answer the call to "serve those who serve", to "stand in the gap", and show others Christ love be being "a ministry of the presence of God".  "Father, bless those who read this and hear my prayer to serve you in what ever way you want to use me. May we all be the hands and feet of Christ.  Help me to show love to those who need your love." 

     In Christ love and service,  Pastor Rufus "Chaplain One".

 

 

 

During the holiday season most people are full of joy and for many it is a time to spend with family.  Some people are lonely, depressed, spending their first Christmas without their loved one.  Perhaps they have lost a spouse, child, parent or grandparent.  Keep an eye out for those who you know that may be having trouble dealing with the "Christmas cheer".       Suicide and attempted suicides seem to escalate during this time of the year.  If you hear someone who says they are thinking such thoughts please reach out to them and notify someone to help you.  Will you pray for those who have problems and pray for those first responders who have to respond and deal with others in crisis.  It could be a friend, a co-worker another firefighter, EMT, or even yourself.  Please talk to someone about this. 

     As the ACFA-FC I wish you a merry Christmas and remember 'Jesus is the reason for the season".  God knows you and He knows all about you.  God loves you and He wants the very best for you. He sent His Son.  God has a gift for you this Christmas.

     In Christ love and service,

          Chaplain 1, Pastor Rufus.

The first book in the Bible is Genesis.

The first verse is Gen. 1:1.