Three things local groups can do to provide hope during difficult days
by Craig Duck
Firefighters and first responders continue to come to work everyday as
usual and volunteers still answer calls for help despite today’s health emergency.
The COVID 19 worldwide pandemic has not changed our normal everyday rituals
of assuming duty, answering calls, and interacting with the community. What has
changed, however, is how calls are answered, how we respond to the possible
threat of becoming infected, and a rising fear of the unknown. The Washington,
DC Fire Department currently has three confirmed cases of their members and
141 firefighters in quarantine. As the numbers continue to rise in our country it is
only natural that more and more firefighters will be infected.
Now is not the time for our ministry to sit idle on the sidelines and do
nothing in the way of ministry as more and more firefighters and first responders
are exposed to this new virus. It is only natural for firefighters and first responders
to become anxious and fearful as we continue to answer calls for help and come
in contact with potentially infected citizens. Thoughts of our family members and
loved ones are always present and we don’t want to bring home anything to
them. It is at times like these that our local groups can be a beacon of hope, a
house of prayer, and a proclaimer of truth.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people
light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in
the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may
see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16 ESV
- Being a light in this dark time means being a person of action. Christian
firefighters and first responders should be ministering to the needs of
others in their department. Groups can look for gaps in the system and fill
those needs in the name of Christ. Jonathan Williams, our Charlotte Fire
Department group leader, suggested contacting retired firefighters to see if
they need groceries or supplies. Perhaps your department has members
quarantined. Your group could contact them to see what you can do for
them. Being isolated can be difficult as people may feel like they are being
abandoned. A simple video chat or gifts sent to them can mean a lot.
It takes time and effort to identify the needs in your department, but the
effort can win an opportunity to talk about Christ and share your faith.
Share what you are doing with other groups. Our members are great at
encouraging each other to minister to others better. This COVID 19
pandemic is new to our profession and brings with it many challenges. Our
groups need to be a beacon of light as we minister to others.
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you
might be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is
working.”
James 5:16 ESV
- Prayer is powerful! But often we chose not to utilize this weapon
effectively. Often firefighters and first responders simply say “I’m praying
for you” or an announcement will come out with words of “our thoughts
and prayers” are with a person. Prayer is simply going to God directly with a
request. We don’t have to go to a priest to pray on our behalf. Christian
firefighters and first responders can pray to God, the one who can answer
our prayers. Local groups can still meet online to have focused times of
prayer. Do you have members in your department who have tested
positive? Let’s pray for them and their families. Is any quarantined? Don’t
forget them.
Others in our department can witness something truly amazing if they see
us pray. Not in some way that draws attention to us, but in a way that
draws them to God. Ask firefighters if they have any requests. You might
just be surprised who has mounting fear over this pandemic. Perhaps you
could suggest praying before meals, or at line-up, or before drill time. Take
every opportunity to pray. “Pray without ceasing” (I Thessalonians 5:17).
For leaders in your companies don’t make it mandatory. Simply invite
anyone who would like to pray to join you.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not
neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one
another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
- Since the very beginning of our ministry we have been meeting together in
various formats across the world to proclaim God’s truth. The COVID 19
pandemic should not change that philosophy. What must happen is how
we accomplish that task. Some of our group leaders have decided not to
meet as usual and that is ok. The local leaders have been placed there by
God and should make decisions that are best for their department and their
people. But with today’s technology there are other ways to meet.
Facebook live, Periscope, YouTube live, and other online platforms offer
todays groups options for meeting. We still must go to our firehouses and
maybe having smaller Bible studies is the way to go. Hopefully you have
been working on training your people to lead Bible studies and now is their
opportunity to step up.
The International Office is also stepping up its online presence to help
support local groups. For the next eight weeks every Monday night at 1900
hours EST we will be conducting an online Bible study we call our Back to
Basics study. On Tuesday nights at 1900 hours we have launched a
Tailboard Talk Group Discussion where we look at a fire tool or principle
and draw a Biblical analogy. FCFInternational would also encourage every
group to let folks know about Firehouse Chapel. This ministry is targeting
firefighters who are at work on Sundays or who had to train and couldn’t go
to their church. We would love to help your local group by providing solid
Biblical teaching during this time. Simply check the website to stay
connected with all of our ministries.
Vision – To glorify God in the fire service by building relationships that turn the
hearts and minds to Christ (I Thessalonians 2:8), equipping them to serve Him
(Ephesians 4:12).
As today’s firefighters and first responders are on the front lines of the
COVID 19 pandemic, lets resolve to minister to their needs. May we find ways to
encourage them and provide the hope that only God can. Let’s resolve to be a
beacon of hope, a house of prayer, and a proclaimer of truth in the fire service
that we love so much.
