Open Letter to Pastors of Fayette County

Two weeks ago I was called in to assist police and family members in the suicide of a veteran.  Since that time I have fielded as many as 24 calls in one day; 14 hours on the phone late into the evening. The highly publicized and public loss of a hurting person has unvealed the reality that many in our community are hurting.  Many nights as late as 3 AM I have carried on similutaneous chat conversations from those who have thought of suicide or had loved ones they were worried about and did not know what to do.  Some have been members of your churches. 

On February 9th we will offer the Listen-Learn-Lead Suicide Intervention one day workshop as part of the 4th annual I WILL INTERVENE CHALLENGE (IWIC). The IWIC is part of Armed Forces Mission’s NO MORE SUICIDE CAMPAIGN. Don’t let our name confuse you. Yes, Armed Forces Mission is a veteran led organization and our primary focus is veterans. But we are veterans serving the people of the United States of America in accordance with the creed we swore to when we donned the uniform. ANYONE who wants to learn the skills that save lives should join us. Register Now 
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Pastors. at this point we need a venue suitable for up to 45 participants. I call upon the faith community to heed the call. We are looking for as many churches as will join us and will continue this effort monthly throughout 2016.  I have posted often that I am coming home to my roots to focus our attention once more on our local community, but I can’t do it without the help of those who believe that saving lives is a worthy cause. Normally we have many months of advance prep to secure venue, but time is of the essence. This is a call to action to all whose hearts break over the loss of life.  If your heart breaks over the loss of life this is your CALL. As I heard on Sunday from another pastor “Do what is in front of you.”