CPADear Friend

Welcome to the CPA’s May e-news broadcast.

Update

MAY 2015

The Seat of PowerOn 7 May the nation will elect those it wishes to govern them for the following fi ve years. It may well be that by the time you read this article the electorate will have already decided and those duly chosen will be then be taking up that mandate awarded to them.

Although such democracy is right and proper it should not be forgotten that ultimate authority over all things comes from God. Despite many Christians’ understandable concerns that those elected to represent them may not readily acknowledge this, the House of Commons is not bereft of such reminders. Indeed, inscribed around the Star of David on the fl oor of Central Lobby in the Houses of Parliament in the centre of the building is Psalm 127 verse 1 which declares, ‘Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labour in vain.’ This is a constant reminder that despite what some politicians may think, Christ is the ultimate authority and decision maker. Psalm 127, commonly attributed to Solomon, continues with this declaration that without the blessing of the Lord all human toil will be worthless.

It is also of interest that before every sitting in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, prayers are read. Although beliefs and attitudes have changed over the centuries and secularisation has swept through both society and the places of government, it should not be forgotten that when the Houses of Parliament were built there was clear recognition that it was only through an acknowledgement that God holds the key to real power, wisdom and authority that ministers could expect to lead effectively, which they would do by putting their trust in him and approaching their roles with a servant-like attitude. Although that belief may sadly no longer be universal and despite what some may think, it can only be good that those working in Parliament are still reminded of truth on a daily basis as they conduct themselves in the service of others.

With thanks to Mandy Godfree, Bedfordshire Branch Leader, for her assistance with this article.

Pictured: The Lobby fl oor in the Houses of Parliament.

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27

MAY 2015

Looking to HimGod is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea... Psalm 46:1–2

For many, and especially for those within the Police Service, the economic pressures that are being ever applied can easily leave individuals feeling isolated and alone as each face the future with anxiety and uncertainty.

But also as Christians the pressures of uncertainty are very near as we listen to the news and read in our newspapers of what is happening day by day around the world, and how Christians in many countries, some not many fl ying hours from the UK, are being persecuted.

This can then lead to asking, ‘How strong is my faith and will and do I put my trust in the Saviour?’ This then also raises the question of how each of us can seek to reassure others that God is indeed our comforter and protector and will always be there through all the diffi culties that we each face.

A Prayer

‘Dear Lord, help me to keep my focus on you, as I see such huge changes in how I need to address myself, not only within my work duties, but also in my daily walk with you. Help me to comfort those who see everything as pointless, and help and direct me to give them the support and encouragement that can only be found in you.’

Mike Quinnell – Regional Coordinator, North East

G.O.D.Imagine there was a unique day when every Christian in the world shared the gospel with another. Fanciful? Well, in 2012, and for the fi rst time, millions of people were mobilised to do just that. Since then in various parts of the globe Christians have marked this now annual special day as one in which denominations and churches across the whole Christian spectrum can come together to reach their area. This year on Global Outreach Day (G.O.D.) millions of Christians will utilise their God-given gifts and opportunities to share the gospel in a variety of ways.

Last year, the founders of G.O.D. were invited to the home of Billy Graham where Will Graham declared that he wanted everyone to play their part in the day, which would be a wonderful opportunity to lead others to Christ.

Now in its third year, Global Outreach Day has gained tremendous momentum, with some 93 countries now actively participating. However, at the centre of the outreach are the actions of each individual. In response to the G.O.D initiative a police offi cer working in Latin America described asking his pastor to help him and his colleagues make a plan to work with 30 other local churches so that collectively they could reach 100,000 homes with the gospel. Having been part of that plan the offi cer then found that on the actual day he was required to work and so with a heavy heart informed his Pastor. However, his Pastor encouraged him to share the gospel within his own police station – something he had surprisingly never previously considered doing. Having done so, it was with absolute delight that he later reported that three colleagues at the station had that very day accepted Christ as their Saviour.

Further information regarding this special day can be found at www.globaloutreachday.com

MAY 2015

The Silent VoiceIn March 2015, The Salvation Army in South Africa launched their ‘Dress’ campaign. Although being an emotive and often taboo subject, this initiative then rapidly went viral across the social media. The campaign successfully highlighted the plight of victims who often suffer in silence. Sadly, one in six people are victims of domestic abuse, and statistics would suggest that within the UK police family alone it is likely that each member of the service works with at least one colleague who is a victim of domestic abuse. However, reluctance to ask for help or seek support is often to the fore as individuals, for fear of having to share or disclose personal information to work colleagues, remain silent.

The Salvation Army UK helps and supports victims of domestic abuse. Their service is confi dential and free of charge, and can also provide temporary accommodation or fi nd access to education and life skills for individuals. Dependent upon circumstances The Salvation Army can also support individuals and children as they seek to ‘move on’.

Mandy Godfree, Bedfordshire Branch Leader

If you need confi dential help or know of someone who may then contact either your local Salvation Army or email them at safeguarding@salvationarmy.org.uk or by telephone on 0207 367 4500

A Time to CelebrateIn April, Paul Fisher (Wiltshire Branch Leader) along with his wife travelled to Moldova to be part of CPA Moldova’s three-day Conference, this year celebrating their 10th anniversary. Along with Paul’s UK representation, delegates from Spain and Switzerland also gathered to worship and celebrate together.

The June Update will carry a more detailed report from Paul in what was a time of great blessing and outreach.

Pictured is Veaceslav Birsa the Executive Director CPA Moldova, who seems to have managed the art of cultural diversity in his own unique blend of uniform styles.

MAY 2015

Street Pastors praisedAt the third annual Devon and Cornwall Street Pastor Conference, Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer speaking about the work of the Street Pastors expressed his personal gratitude for what he described as ‘their incredible contribution’ not only to the Police Service in general, but to every person they had helped.

The conference, held at Middlemoor Police HQ and supported by Devon & Cornwall Christian Police Association, attracted twenty of the twenty three Street Pastor teams currently operating across the two counties. The 55 delegates heard presentations on both human traffi cking and the Best Bar None initiative, along with receiving an informative update from Ascension Trust.

Across the Devon and Cornwall area more than 600 trained pastors supported by nearly 300 prayer pastors deliver annually an astonishing 40,000 hours of visible patrol at the very time of the week when police resources are at their most stretched.

Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer commented, ‘Devon and Cornwall Street Pastors continue to amaze both me and my colleagues day on day and year on year. Street pastors combine belief and compassion with practicality and common sense in a non-judgmental way. Their timely interventions and support both save and transform lives. Without them we would be stretched to beyond capacity more and more often.’

Devon & Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg, who had spent the previous night on patrol with pastors in Exeter added, ‘Street Pastors are doing a tremendous job and give so much to our communities.’

Inspector Roger Bartlett, Regional Coordinator, South West

Worth Flagging UpAcross time, the fl ag has come to symbolise much about those that it represents. Indeed a fl ag describes not only identity, but also the presence of those people, organisation or nation where it is fl own.

But what about CPA? At special events such as the National Day of Prayer for the Police there would be opportunity to ‘fl y the fl ag’ for CPA and give a clear and visible reminder of our organisation’s presence and purpose on that day. However, as commendable as this may sound we are inhibited from doing so by one simple yet profound fact, in that as an organisation we don’t actually have a fl ag. So as such we need design suggestions for a fl ag which could be utilised at both national and local level.

Having now ‘raised’ this matter and ‘given it some air’ I feel that the time is right to run this ‘up the fl ag pole’ and see what transpires. (Sorry about that). But we need your help. Why not get creative and think what design of fl ag you would like to see. Suggestions don’t need to be intense works of graphic design but can be hand drawn just to give an idea of what the fl ag could look like, being mindful that it would need to be easily identifi able as ‘CPA’ . A simple sketch would be fi ne. Then just email your ‘fl ag’ suggestion (light-hearted or otherwise) to me, after which a highly esteemed panel with hearts maybe afl utter (woops) will consider the ‘designs’. I am indebted to Nigel Tompsett for initially raising this issue. The chequered fl ag will fall on this around the end of June.

Pictured is Roger Federer who when asked what was the biggest advantage of him living in Switzerland responded, ‘Well, the fl ag’s a big plus.’

Allan Spencer

MAY 2015

Why not donate to CPA on line?You can do so securely through give.net via the link https://my.give.net/cpa_national/Donate/GiftDetails

CPA Update is a monthly digest of news and testimony, with prayer diary, that is intended to inform, encourage members/other contacts and enhance communication.

NB. Views expressed are not necessarily that of CPA Council. Please submit items for Update, including key prayer items. Deadline is the 20th of the month. Please be aware that any material submitted may be published publicly on the internet. Please advise if you wish to anonymise the material. Thank you.

Items should be forwarded to: offi ce@CPAuk.net

National Day of Prayer for the PoliceEach year the Christian Police Association lead and coordinate a National Day of Prayer for the Police Service. This year it falls on Thursday 14 May (as always, set to coincide with Ascension Day). Supported by praying groups and individuals around the UK, the day encourages the wider community to lift up not only the Police Service in general, but in particular those who work in a myriad of roles in the Constabularies, and who have to address numerous and challenging tasks and responsibilities with ever-diminishing resources.

Events and activities are being organised at various locations around the country. In the North East, Cleveland Branch have organised a regional event with guest speakers and informal buffet to be followed by a short service hosted by the Bishop of Whitby. The event takes place on Saturday 16 May at St Barnabas Church, Middlesbrough, to which all are warmly invited.

Opposite is a one-hour prayer guide produced in conjunction with this special day of prayer. This can be downloaded from the CPA website.