The Law Enforcement Officer's Prayer

When Jane and I are out driving and see someone in law enforcement, we are careful to take time and pray a prayer like the one you see below.  We ask that you might implement this in your daily prayer life.  Let me remind you that every 57 to 59 hours an officer or deputy is killed in the line of duty in our nation.  I believe it is our responsibility to pray them.  Would you join us?

 

Almighty Father, whose great power and eternal wisdom rules the universe.

Watch and guard over all law enforcement officers.

Protect them from harm in the performance of their duty to stop crime, robberies, domestic disputes and violence in any form.

Father, help them keep our streets and homes safe night and day.

We ask for them your loving care because their duty is dangerous.

Give them your eternal strength and courage in their daily duties.

Dear Father, protect these brave people, give them your almighty protection.

Bring them home safely to be united with their families after their duty has ended.

In Jesus Name, Amen!

Chaplain Vernon McGee

We Will Never Forget!

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Area D Meeting

Area D Chaplain’s Meeting Hosted by Pomona Police Department.Location:  Council Chambers at 505 S Garey Ave Pomona, CA 91766.

Parking will be near the corner of Garey and Mission Ave.

“Chaplain’s Confronting PTSI/PTSD”November 5th from 6:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Special Guest Speaker Andrew Chapman 18 years as a law enforcement officer. Peer support and chaplain assistant at West Coast post trauma retreat.

Subject

Post-traumatic stress injury and how it affects those in Law Enforcement. Speaking about his own injury and emotional well-being as he saw his fellow officer killed. He was present at the La Conchita mudslide where there were mass casualties. Chaplains will receive tools that will help them in the spiritual and mental challenges they face.

Refreshments will be provided RSVP Chaplain Bob Keller rejakeller@gmail.com

714.865.9177

Candlelight Vigil for Officer Shaun Diamond

Shaun Diamond Vigil Flyer

Operation Hope

Operation Hope

Please be advised that the time for this event is 3:30 P.M.

Thank you from Pomona Police Department

PD Campout thank you Jane

PD Campout thank you Bob

National Night Out in Pomona, CA

Summer 2015 Newsletter

Dear Friends of In Pursuit Ministries  CA:

I often say we help people who are in great despair due to traffic collisions, suicides, homicides and many other situations. Please pray for us as we continue to serve the Lord in this capacity. We love what we do, but without God's power we would be useless. Here are some examples of what I mean by the statement above.

Back on Father’s Day, we were dispatched by the Pomona Police Department to report to the Pomona Valley Hospital in Pomona to help a family who left their 3 year old in the car seat of their vehicle for several hours. The parents and their other 4 children all went in the house and took a nap and thought she was in the house. When they discovered she was not, they realized they had left her in the car. They went out to the car and found her not breathing, called 911, she was rushed to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. This was one of the hardest calls we have had lately. Please pray for this family. Recently we went to see them and shared the gospel and prayed. They are doing well under the circumstances but still have a long way to go. Many of the calls we go out on, we may not have the chance to share the Gospel at the time but when we go back to followup the Lord seems to open the door.

I received a call from the Pomona PD asking me to report to the scene of an accident involving two young men about 18 years old. They had just gotten off work about 4 in the morning and were driving home. The driver was driving at excessive speed, lost control of the vehicle and hit a tree. The vehicle ended up in 3 pieces and they were pronounced dead at the scene. We were dispatched to help the family deal with this. Very difficult one!

On another call, a young lady crossing the street was struck by a SUV and the driver took off. We are not sure, but he may have been driving under the influence of alcohol. Did you know that every 15 minutes someone is killed by a drunk driver? Due to the cameras in another intersection they found the driver 4 hours later. The driver was arrested and placed in our jail. Great job by the Pomona Police Department! There were about 20 family and friends on scene that we were trying to comfort. It was about 2 am before we left. We usually wait until the coroner arrives, and everyone leaves before we leave.

One evening as Jane was riding with an officer, they were dispatched to a traffic collision that was involving a car and a motorcycle. Jane and the officer were the first to arrive on scene. The motorcyclist was killed. The driver of the vehicle was present. Jane was asked to direct traffic as this happened on a busy roadway. She was also asked to place crime scene tape up to keep people back. It was quite an experience that she will never forget. Jane was able to speak with the driver briefly before his family arrived.

One afternoon we were out patrolling in the Citizens Vehicle Patrol car and came across this accident as you can see here. Everyone was okay but a little shook up. We had the opportunity to bring comfort to the family members. Chaplain Tim Sherman from Minnesota was out here visiting and was with me that day. He had the joy of bringing great comfort to a little boy in the vehicle. In fact he went with the EMT’s to the hospital so the little boy could be checked out. He checked out okay. So glad Tim was there to assist me.

Our latest call was 187/homicide! Without going into detail, we did talk with the family of the victim and prayed with them. They were very receptive to our visit and hearing the Gospel.

In September we are hoping to kick off a continuation course for chaplains. We will be using webinar. Chaplains can call in and continue their training over the computer/phone.  We will be covering topics like Post Traumatic Stress Injury, (PTSI), How to Give a death Notice, Emotional Survival Among Law Enforcement and many other topics. The class will be 45 minutes and 15 minutes for Q&A, just once a month. We hope to get speakers such as Police Officers and Chaplains to help us with these classes. We plan to conduct the class from September through June. Appreciate your prayers! If you are interested in joining, please give me a call at 714.865.9177 or email me at rejakeller@gmail.com. There is no cost for these classes!

In June we were invited to speak at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Delano Ca. to share the ministry of In Pursuit Ministries of CA. Had a great time and is a great church. If you are interested in having us come just to share the ministry and how your church can get involved, please give me a call at 714.865.9177 or email me at rejakeller@gmail.com.

A Word about the Military Entrance Processing Station

We are not able to be involved at MEPS like we used to be. We were told that it was a DOD decision not to have anyone with a religious connection there. We still have a good relationship with the 1st Sgt. He called us recently to assist an employee who is in the Army, dealing with the death of her Mother. We have met with her and are trying to set up another visit. Pray we will be able to go back to MEPS and once again minister there on a weekly basis.

Training:

Jane & I both received certificates for attending a course entitled “Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support.” This was a 13 hour course on how to deal with people in crisis. Extremely helpful! We also attended a course on "Mental Health and First Aid" This course was 6 hours and was designed to help us better help people who are mentally ill. The course was mandatory for all Pomona Police Department personnel to attend.

Back in May I attended a 3 day course called "Disaster Relief for Chaplains." This course was designed to train us to help in situations such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires and terrorism. Jane will be taking the same course in September.

This last weekend we attended an orientation on how to effectively help police officers who are suffering from "Post Traumatic Stress Injury". This is just the beginning of our training. We will keep you updated on our progress. Did you know that law enforcement officers suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Injury?

How thankful we our on June 9th we received a certification of appreciation from the County of LA, Probation Department for our ministry to Pomona Police Department.

One last item I almost forget to mention. On July 9th Jane and I celebrated our 44th wedding anniversary. “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.” Proverbs 18:22. Jane is a tremendous wife and partner in the ministry.

Special Need! We drive approximately 1500 miles a month just for the ministry. Our 2010 VW Jetta has over 100,000 miles on it. Our need is this! We need tires which cost about $400.00. If you can send us a gift to help pay for the tires, we would appreciate it so much. Just click here to give a donations, thank you!  inpursuitca.com/support/

Membership

As you have already heard In Pursuit Ministries of CA is 501 (c) 3 non-profit ministry. If you would like to become a member please click on http://inpursuitca.com/membership-letter/

For those who have supported this ministry for many years, once again we want to say thank you!

Sincerely in Christ, Bob & Jane Keller http://inpursuitca.com

PS. I hope you can see by this letter that we are busy in the Lord’s work. I hope you consider supporting this greatly needed ministry!  Thank you!

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Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement

This book addresses the dynamics that can transform within a matter of a few years, idealistic and committed law enforcement officers/employees into cynical, angry individuals who begin having difficulties in both the personal and professional aspects of their lives. It points out how law enforcement personnel develop a social perceptual set that can potentially see employees engaging in inappropriate behavior patterns and decision-making that leads to both administrative and can unfortunately in some personnel lead to criminal difficulties.  This is a must read for every chaplain!

To order copies of this book, please click on the link below!

http://emotionalsurvival.com/book_order.htm

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The Differences Between Pastors and Disaster Relief Chaplains

Last month I attended a training seminar on "Disaster Relief Chaplains."  I took the training so I will be better equipment to help in times of disasters such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and mass shootings.  The training was tremendous and from time to time I am going to share some of the important subjects that were covered. I would like to begin by sharing the "Differences between a Pastor and a Disaster Relief Chaplain".  Over the years I have discovered that some believe that pastors and chaplains are the same or they they don't know the difference.  As you read the information below you will see the difference between the two.

A Pastor:

• Ministers to one "set" group of people on a long-term basis.
• Knows the people fairly well or very well.
• Ministers in "ordinary" times.
• Ministers to a group of people who have like or similar religious beliefs.
• Ministers to a group of people who have chosen to be a part of this group.
• Ministers in the context of common cultural identities.
• Given authority by a congregation or ecclesiastical body.

Disaster Relief Chaplain:

• Ministers to people they have never met or do not know very well.
• Ministers to victims who do not call them or choose them.
• Ministers to people who are in crisis when they meet.
• Ministers to a wide variety of cultural and ethnic groups of people.
• Ministers to many different religious traditions
• Ministers to people who do not know "what" a disaster relief chaplain is.
• Given authority by an institution or agency to seek an invitation by victims.

This information is taken from:
The Chaplain Training Manual of the N.A.M.B., SBC

I hope you have found this helpful and have a better idea of what we do from week to week.  Thank you!

Area D Meeting at the Pomona Council Chambers TBA!

Due to unforeseen circumstances the Area D meeting had to be cancelled.  It will be rescheduled in the next coming months.

There will be an Area D Meeting in Pomona for Chaplains, Law Enforcement & First Responders  TBA at the Council Chambers, 505 South Garey. Refreshments will be serve. We have seating enough for 75 people. Please RSVP!

Our speaker will be Chaplain Mike Macintosh who has a deep commitment to the law-enforcement and first-responder communities, Mike serves as a Chaplain for the San Diego Police Department, the Newport Beach Police Department, and the American Red Cross. As a certified trainer through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Mike has facilitated many critical incident stress management debriefings, and has provided training to first responders across the US and in Mexico. Mike also serves as a committee member for the California Commission on Peace Officer’s Standards and Training (POST).

He will speaking primarily on post-9/11 rescue efforts in New York City and the Sandy Hook shooting. He was dispatched to both incidents.

Mike holds Master of Arts, Master of Religion, Master of Divinity, and Doctor of Divinity degrees from Azusa Pacific Graduate School of Theology, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is an adjunct professor at Azusa Pacific University, and the author of several books, including When Your World Falls Apart, drawn from his experiences as a Chaplain responding to the New York World Trade Center disaster.

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Please Sign Up for Updates!

If you are interested in receiving updates about "In Pursuit Ministries of CA", please go to the bottom of any page on the website and follow the instructions. Thank you!

Congratulations!

On April 9th four Pomona officers receive awards from the California Office of Traffic Safety & MADD for their high number of DUI arrests during 2014. Congratulations to Officers Cesar Rivera, Jason Conley, Chris Lewis and Trevor Stevenson.Thank you for a job  well done!

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Chaplain Bob & Jane Keller

 

Room of Grace by John Lynch - Abundant Life International

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rfy03PEVUhQ http://www.abundantgraceintl.org

Pomona Police Department Blood Drive

Blood Donor Flyer - Shaun Diamond Jan 2015

Coffee With A Cop

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National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK-0UvwasUc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Friday, January 9, 2015

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In light of recent negativity directed toward law enforcement nationally, there is a need to show law enforcement officers that our citizens recognize the difficult and sometimes impossible career they have chosen, in public service to us all.

Can you imagine going to work each day and wondering if you'll survive your shift and see your family that night? Most people can't. But in law enforcement, this is a fact of life. Each day 780,000 police officers across our country put a badge on and go to work knowing they may face extremely dangerous situations. Yet, they go to work anyway. Being a law enforcement officer is not just a job, it is a calling. The pay is low, the hours can be terrible, and there is sometimes little appreciation for what you do. Yet, they do it anyway.

What the public doesn't see is the lengths law enforcement takes to keep our communities safe. On average, between 105 and 203 officers die in the line of duty each year, 50,000 officers are assaulted in the line of duty each year, 14,000 officers are injured in the line of duty each year, and over 300 officers commit suicide each year. There is no other profession in the world, except possibly the military, where you will find these kinds of statistics.

Being a law enforcement officer truly is an impossible job. You must be professional, courteous, caring and yet be ready to protect the public at all times. You must be prepared to make life and death decisions at a moment's notice. You take an amazing amount of abuse at times, but have to view this abuse as just "part of the job." You do not have the liberty to express your emotions during many situations.

Law enforcement officers play such an integral part in our society; without them, chaos would reign. Have you ever thought about what you would do if you were in trouble - a car accident, a home invasion, an assault - and you did not have someone to call for help? No matter how much abuse law enforcement takes, they continue to do their job, and do it well. They are the guardians of our way of life and they deserve our support.

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On January 9th, we call our nation's citizens to action in support of law enforcement. Those citizens who appreciate law enforcement and are discouraged about the negative attention being given, are encouraged take time on Friday, January 9th to show their support. Support can be shown in a number of ways:

1. Change your profile picture on social media to the image at the beginning of this proposal
2. See a police officer? Thank a police officer
3. Wear blue clothing in support of law enforcement
4. Send a card of support to your local police department or state agency
5. Share a positive story about a positive law enforcement experience on social media
6. Ask children in your community write letters in support of law enforcement
7. Participate in Project Blue Light by proudly displaying your blue light in support of law enforcement
8. Organize an event or a rally in support of your law enforcement officers
9. Advertise your support through local media outlets/billboards

If you would like to give a donation to "In Pursuit Ministries of CA," please click on the link below!

http://inpursuitca.com/support/

Funeral Arrangements set for Pomona Police Officer Shaun Diamond

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Pomona Police OfficerShaun Richard Diamond

1969 - 2014

Law Enforcement Biography:

Los Angeles Police Department 1995 - 2002

Montebello Police Department  2002 - 2003

Pomona Police Department  2006 - 2014

Pomona Police Department History

Officer Shaun Richard Diamond had been a police officer for 16 years and began serving the Pomona community in 2006. Shaun had a passion for working SWAT and served as a member of the Pomona SWAT Team for the past 6 years.  He served as a Field Training Officer and was assigned to the Pomona Downtown District where he worked as a law enforcement Liaison with the local businesses and the community.  Shaun contributed greatly to numerous community events such as the Special Olympics and Tip-A-Cop, including K-9 and SWAT demonstrations for numerous local school children.  Shaun really enjoyed working with children and loved  to tell them about his job while showing them all of the SWAT equipment that the team used.

Shaun Richard Diamond was a model Law Enforcement professional and was truly a wonderful human being with an incredible sense of humor and a beautiful contagious smile.  Shaun will be forever missed by his Pomona PD Family.

The funeral arrangements for Pomona Police Officer Shaun Diamond are as follows:

Date

Thursday, November 6th at 10:00 AM

Funeral Service Location

Citizens Business Bank Arena

4000 Ontario Center Pkwy., Ontario, CA

Graveside Service (Immediately Following Funeral)

Forest Lawn - Covina Hills

213 Via Verde Dr., Covina, CA

July & August Newsletter, 2014

FALL AND WINTER FESTIVITIES © 1998 PhotoSpin www.powerphotos.com

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Ride Along, Routine?

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One night in early May, Jane and I were out on a routine ride along. Before each ride along we attend the briefing before the officers are dispatched to there assigned beats.

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After the briefing we began our ride along and I stated to the Officer that I wanted to ride, until about midnight and that I needed to get home early that night. He said that would be fine. Each ride along is always a pleasure to ride with the officers and this ride along was no different. We had a number of different calls throughout the night, nothing out of the ordinary. Jane was also out that night riding with a different Officer. The evening was calm and quiet and nothing much going on in the city. Frankly, I like quiet nights because it gives me a chance to talk with the officer with no interruptions as we patrol the beat. About midnight he drove me back to the station. figured the night was ending, and that Jane and I would meet up and go home. After we reached the Stationwe were almost immediately dispatched to a situation where 4 deceased bodies were found in a house. When we arrived at the scene we learned there were three murdered people with a fourth body who had committed sucide. Oh my! As the Officer and I approached the house to go inside, the Corporal on the scene asked me to talk with the family, as I was needed there. He kept me from going inside the house. I am so thankful for that and later I told him so. I sure don’t need that memory. The Corporal pointed me to two family members on the outside perimeter. On my way to the family, I spoke with a Sergeant and a Patrol Officer that gave me a quick debriefing of what happened. The Sergeant asked if I would tell the family members that there were four deceased people in the house. I did hesitate somewhat, feeling the gravity of the situation, but knew my job was to give the death notices and comfort the family. In the back of my mind I was praying, I hope Jane is on her way, I need her to help me with this. Matthew 18:20 states, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” That verse came to mind that night. As I approached the family, I quickly ask the Lord to give me the right words to say. The family’s response was overwhelming as I stood there trying to comfort them. Just after I shared this tragic news, I saw Jane walking up the sidewalk with the Officer she was riding with. Wow! I was so happy to see her. In the eleven years we have done this, she is not only my partner in life, but also my partner as a chaplain’s wife. I’ve said it many times that I could not do what I do without her by my side. I am so thankful for her! We stayed with the family for almost 3 hours trying to comfort them in the most tragic time of their life. Psalms 37:23 states, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” Our steps were certainly ordered y the Lord that night. Praise the Lord we could be there to assist the Officers as well as the family members. We did finally make it home that night and got to bed about 5 AM.

A few days later I received a call from one of the family members asking us to tell their children of deaths of their loved ones. The following Saturday we visited the family and learned that the children were already told of the news. There were about 30 family members and friends. By God’s grace, we tried to comfort them and pray for them. Later, the family requested that we attend the viewing. It was very sobering to see three caskets in the front of the room. This was a tragic situation, but I am glad we could be there. I often say that chaplains have the opportunity to go places where a pastor could not go.

This is the not the scene of the accident

The next day on Sunday night after church, we had stopped at our local market to pick up some groceries. On our way home, we were sitting in the left turn lane waiting for the light to change when we heard a bang sound to our right. We saw a vehicle coming with sparks flying out from under it, out of control, about 10 feet in front of us, moving to our left. It then hit a 3 foot flower planter at the gas station, went airborne about 15 feet hitting the awning of the gas station, then dropped onto 2 gas pumps, knocking them off their foundations. The vehice rolled and landed where you see in the photo. We were watching this as it was happening. I thought we were watching a Hollywood movie! I quickly drove our vehicle over to the gasoline station and parked and ran into the station and told the attendant to turn off the pumps. Jane called 911 while I proceeded to see if I could offer any assistance to the people inside the vehicle. There was no response from the occupant of the vehicle. We waited for the first responders and the police. They ere there within minutes! I was asked to give my statement as a witness to what I saw happen to the police officer. He asked me what my occupation is and I stated I ama police chaplain, the Officer was delighted and I gave hi my card.  We learned later that there was only one person in the vehicle.  They were able to get him out and rushed him to the hospital and that he was going to be okay.  What a blessing for us to be chaplains and have the opportunity to help people when they need it the most.

We are excited about introducing our new 7 minute video about In Pursuit Ministries of California and would love for you to watch it.

http://www.vimeo.com/inpursuitca/churchpresentation

Once you open it up you will need to key in the password which is:

ministry.

Please take time to watch it!

Faith Baptist Church, Taylors, SC

During the month of June we attended our annual FBFI endorser agency’s training held at Faith Baptist Church, Taylors, SC where I was ordained and served on staff many years. It was great to be back. During this time saw many of our chaplains and received some very intense training. During the meetings Dr. John Vaughn showed the video to all of the chaplains as well as the Board of the FBFI. Many of the those who saw it said it was an excellent video. !

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Many of you know, we have family that lives in South Carolina. While we attended the FBFI Annual Fellowship meetings mentioned above we had the joy of seeing our children. We met with our daughter, Charmaine, and her two children, our grandchildren, our son Nathan and his wife Rochelle and their new 6 month old, our new granddaughter, Isabel, As you can see in the photos, she is beautiful! It was great to seeour family again after almost 4 years.! ! While we were there we stayed at the Barnabas House mission house owned by Rod & Linda Hochmuth, Nathan’s in laws. We thank you Rod and Linda for inviting us to stay. What a blessing! !

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We were also invited to speak at the Westview Baptist Church in North Charleston. Westview Baptist has been supporting us now for over 6 years. Pastor Howell and his wife Mary as well as the church treated us like we were Kings from a far away place. Pastor gave me the whole Sunday to preach and give an update on our ministry including the chance to share our 7 minute video. I hope you will take the time to watch it! They gave us a wonderful love offering to help with our expenses for the trip.

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We have not served at the MEPS, Military Entrance Processing Station in El Segundo since last Fall. We have asked many of you to pray that they might invite us back. When we were in South Carolina I received a call inviting me to perform the invocation for the Change of Command Ceremony on June 25, 2014. While we were there we did ask would it be possible to come back on a regular basis? They stated, they will check into it. They certainly would love to have us back and said many times how much they missed us. Please pray we will be able to return. Our new commander is Lt. Col. Robin Branch-Hoeflein, US Army. Obviously we got to meet her and she is a delightful person. Our former commander is Lt. Col Matthew J. McDivitt, US Marine Corp. We will miss him! His new duty station will be Paris Island, SC.

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Last June we have served as volunteer Chaplains for 11 years at the Police Department. We praise the Lord for the opportunity to serve!

Hope you enjoyed reading this newsletter and please take 7 minutes to watch our new video and don’t forget to pray for us! Thank you!!

Sincerely in Christ, Bob & Jane Keller rejakeller@gmail.com www.inpursuitca.com

P.S

. If you are interested in

inviting us to your church to share the 7 minute video,

please call me at

714.865.9177

. Perhaps we can show it in Sunday School or an evening service.! !