In or Out

Peeking under a bridge, at midnight, is risky.

A flashlight is recommended.

I watched the eyes watching us.

The officer had a flashlight, radioed our location and opened the door to take a closer look.  Cops go under bridges, in the dark, all the time.  Chaplains ride with cops and we have 2-3 seconds to ask a simple question: "In or out?"

"In" means the chaplain stays in the vehicle as an extra set of eyes and ears.  If something goes wrong, getting on the radio and providing updates is the protocol.  "Out" means the ride-along exits the vehicle to accompany the officer.

"In," was the officer's last word before disappearing.

In the cruiser, in the dark, prayer for community members and cops is recommended.  Adopt-A-Cop, founded by Ken Rochell, is a nationwide prayer movement that connects officers with prayer partners.  Ken understood the power of prayer. 

In 1998, Ken Rochell was serving as a Michigan State Police Trooper.  

As a police officer, I know the importance of back up.  Nothing is more comforting than hearing the sounds of a distant siren coming to help you regardless of the color of your uniform or the department you work for.  As a Christian officer, I also know the importance of prayer.  I feel it has been the prayers of my family and friends that have kept me safe not only physically but emotionally.  Those prayers have also given me a heart for the people I have sworn to protect and serve.  It is comforting to know that I have people who are praying for me and my family every day I go out on the road. ~ Ken Rochell

Ken began Adopt-A-Cop to serve as a bridge between local churches and their local law enforcement agencies.   

Walking under bridges at night is hard.

Prayer helps.  

An officer shares her Adopt-A-Cop experience:

I received your card this morning and I wanted to extend my appreciation to you for thinking about me.  Your words were comforting and I received the seed of encouragement that was planted within your card.  May you be encouraged in knowing that your are making a difference and how little things, like the card and your prayers, equally counteracts the evil law enforcement face. ~ Lansing Police Officer, shared with permission

Click here to become a prayer partner.

Prayer partnership worked under the bridge.  Back up arrived and the tent city was found to be harmless.  Handshakes and smiles left things better than the officers found them.

'In or out', prayer partnership is strengthening outreach among first responders.  Together we're trusting Jesus to change lives.