Chaplain

Hello Everyone,

My first words today are to say “Thank You” for all you are and do. I often use that phrase at the end of an email when writing to an Officer or Member of Staff. I truly mean that so much. Having the privilege of walking alongside you, I have some insight into the amount you give of yourselves, in your daily lives to others.

Again, we have a death in Surrey. I am working with those organising plans for coming together to remember PC Ian Harding. Arrangements will be shared internally with you, when finalised.  I am so sad for his Family, his Friends and Colleagues. If with my Chaplain’s hat on; I can support you personally in any way, please contact me.

On entering Woking Police Station a few weeks ago, visiting as their Chaplain, I opened the door with my ID, as an Officer made his way to leave the building. I didn’t know him.

We smiled at each other. I then said, “Are you on your way home (which I thought was unlikely as it was 3.30pm) or on to another place?”. He replied,  “I am doing further visits then home at some time”. We continued to chat for a few moments. Eventually he said “Who are you?”.  I had my ID so he knew I was allowed in the building, but he had as it turned out, other reasons for asking me who I was. I gave him my name and explained I was the Chaplain at Woking Police Station. He immediately came back with, “I knew it, I knew it”. He went on to say; “You had to be someone who cares about us, to spend time with me. We do not have time to be concerned for each other due to the pressure of work we are under”. I fully understood where he was coming from. At that moment he said Goodbye and thanked me very sincerely for our chat.

I have continued to think about that conversation over the weeks. The following comes to mind:

He said, “Freely, freely you have received, freely, freely give. Go in My Name and because you believe, Others will know that I live”.    (Maranatha! Music)

Please know that I am not preaching at you, just encouraging you as His Children to share His Love with those around you as you see them in need.

I will be Praying for you as you minister to such Colleagues.

Blessings in His Name

Alice.  

Just before Christmas; we held here in Surrey Police, a Family Christmas Event. I noticed a very happy little girl, thrilled to be with her Mum and Dad and so excited. It was Precious, the little girl who has had Leukaemia. She is so much better and looks to start school in September. She does have to attend hospital from time to time, but what a thrill to see her. Thank You Lord for answering our Prayers for this special little one.

I chose some time ago to start this New Year’s PL with a “Massive Thank You” to you all, for who you are and what you do. I so admire you and appreciate you.

Then New Year’s Eve arrived.
I decided to spend the change-over of the year in The Force Control Room as I am the Chaplain there. I went in armed with homemade cake goodies; to be warmly greeted by the Operations’ Controller, shaking my hand and asking me if I would like tea or coffee. Before I could answer him, he said “We have a truck in the river” followed very quickly by another person saying “We have three trapped people”. Having driven through Guildford to get to HQ and having been passed by a Police Car and Ambulance on Blues and Twos and travelling in opposite directions to each other around me, I assumed it was the river in Guildford that was being referred to.
No, it was the beginning of the horrendous collision near Heathrow. Slowly I was being drawn in to these unbelievable happenings. I wandered around the Room watching actions being taken and realising this was resulting in many Emergency People being called to the area.

Since then of course we have learned of the seriousness and who these people were who lost their lives at that moment and another still seriously ill in hospital.

My gratitude grows every day for each one of you, as you respond to many needs. I so truly admire you all. Thank You.

I eventually arrived home, wondering what was happening at the scene at Heathrow. I switched my lap top on and there was a message to encourage me in who I am in Christ Jesus. I knew at that moment it was meant for each one of you, I have written it before and I am sure I will write it again. Please be encouraged.

“You are here for such a time as this” Esther 4.14.

God knows you and loves you and knows He can trust you to take His Love and care to others.

God Bless you and keep you. May you know His Peace. AMEN.

In Him
Alice.