by Chaplain Steve Holden
Just when you think the world is a mess and things are falling apart, God does something that makes you realize He has things falling in place. Coming from one of the least anticipated sources, the initiative features churches sponsoring events to show support for the rule of law, law enforcement agencies and the men and women in law enforcement through the Faith and Blue program.
This October the US Department of Justice has again endorsed the Faith and Blue program. Local churches partner with law enforcement agencies for a weekend of community outreach.
The Illinois State Police is driving the Faith and Blue weekend in Central Illinois and other communities around the state to hold community outreach, good will, and events for local cities.
In Central Illinois, Decatur will host a large event on Saturday, October 12th at Maranatha Church, 555 Imboden Dr. Law enforcement agencies participating include the Illinois State Police (ISP), Macon County Sheriff (MSO), the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Conservation Police, US Fish and Wildlife (USFW) and the Decatur Police department (DPD).
Some of the activities will be demonstrations from K-9 units from Decatur Police, US Fish and Wildlife and motorcycle units from ISP. Other items will include the Roll Over car from ISP, a drone demonstration by Macon County Sheriff’s Office, display trailer from IDNR and other surprises from other agencies.
In addition, you will not want to miss fantastic community awareness talks by ISP on Internet Crimes Against Children, and Human Trafficking.
These are a must see presentations, not only for parents but for our youth. Parents need to be informed concerning the challenges currently facing our school age children and parents need to understand how to spot problematic warnings so that our children don’t fall into the traps of child predators and the risks of child aged trafficking.
The day will begin with a community breakfast beginning at 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM followed by the two presentations. A carnival like atmosphere will commence outside beginning around 12:30 PM. Activities will include bounce houses, hula hoops, three legged races (with cops), a cake walk, puppets, and all types of other games for everyone. This promises to be a great opportunity to support our law enforcement community and meet new people. It will be an old-fashioned good time.
This event is open to everyone and completely free of charge. You don’t have to attend the Maranatha church to attend. In fact, it’s open even if you don’t attend church at all. Also, we encourage churches to bring a TON of Post It notes. We will write a short note of encouragement to the LEO’s and then stick them on their vehicles. This is done at the ISP booth during the Illinois State Fair and we would like to see lots of Post-Its on the vehicles of each department.
I think it would be a good idea if each church responded to this group email with the games they plan to provide or other involvement such as snow cones, cotton candy or any other snacks or drinks you want to have. If you would like to put up a pop-up tent like, or sun covering and post a sign with your church name you are more than welcome to do so.
This is the information I have at this time and the way things are going don’t be surprised if it grows and we pick up a few more surprises along the way.
Feel free to contact me with any questions you have. Contact ISP Chaplain Steve Holden at chap1070@gmail.com or 217-855-0931.
Here’s to thanking everyone for making this very first Faith and Blue a success.
Blessings.
Chaplain Steve
9:00 AM FREE COMMUNITY BREAKFAST
10:15 ILLINOIS STATE POLICE PRESENTATION… INTERNET CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN
11:30 ILLINOIS STATE POLICE PRESENTATION… HUMAN TRAFFICKING
12:30 CARNIVAL ON THE HILL: GAMES, FOOD, BOUNCE HOUSES, FACE PAINTING, PUPPETS, AND ALL KINDS OF FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY INCLUDING SCOVIL PETTING ZOO
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE……MOTORCYCLE DEMONSTRATION
DECATUR POLICE DEPT……..K-9 DEMONSTRATION
MACON COUNTY SHERIFF…….. DRONE DEMONSTRATION
CONSERVATION POLICE ……..WILD LIFE TRAILER
3:30 CLOSING BEGINS