Tag Archives: security

Christianity, Current events, doctrine, faith, politics, security, Theology

THE HATE WILL GET WORSE

But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.   And the gospel must first be published among all nations.   But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.  Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.   And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.(Mark 13:9-13)

How would any of us react to being physically assaulted for our faith? Over the past few decades, attacks on Christians has increased. I’m not talking about in the areas where Christians are being martyred, like Islamic held nations, Hindu held nations, or places like N. Korea and China. I’m talking about places like here in the US, or more recently, Australia.

A few days ago, an Assyrian Bishop in Sydney Australia (and 5 members of his congregation) were attacked by a deceived young man. By deceived, I mean influenced by a demonic darkness that has encompassed global society. ‘But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.’ (2Tim 3:13)

Two things stand out about this incident. The first is the Divine intervention. The youth’s blade did not activate from the switchblade, and all this young man could do was hit the Bishop with a blunt item. The second is the forgiveness of the Bishop. After the attack, before arrival of law enforcement, the Bishop prayed over his attacker. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-68814813 

This reminiscent of Pope John Paul the Second with his attacker. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/gun-shots-fear-prayer-and-forgiveness.html

I’m not saying that armed or unarmed protection is not allowable. Many churches today have started incorporating a security detail ministry. Nor is it against biblical teaching to put security measures in place nor to provide for armed defense. David asked God to make him ready for battle. ‘Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:  My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.’ (Psalm 144:1-2)

The angels had swords and Christ told the disciples to purchase a sword if they did not have one.‘Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.’ (Luke 22:36)

Yes, we are to be prepared to die for our faith. We are also allowed the ability to defend ourselves and others. There is not an either/or mandate. Forgiveness is what we are to do. ‘Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.   And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.’ (Luke 17:3)

But this does not remove the ability for self defense or defense of others. ‘ “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe.’ (Luke 11:21)

Time is wrapping up for this sinful and perverted world. There is only one way to forgiveness, salvation, and heaven. That is to kneel at the Cross of Christ. Repent of your sin. Accept the offer of atonement given by God. There is no other way to have eternal life with God than through Christ. ‘Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.’ (Acts 4:12)

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Current events, security, Uncategorized

A Shield for the Innocent

I came across a news story on my feed today that definitely grabbed my attention. In San Diego, Security Officer Amin Abdullah lost his life protecting an Islamic school from the armed attack that was meant to take the lives of dozens of children and staff. This article is to honor him, and the thousands of Security Officers that protect the lives of the innocent daily.

Most of the populace see these officers only in respect of the movie Paul Blart Mall Cop or as men and women who are wannabe cops that failed in joining a police department. Here’s the facts. There are an estimated 1.2-1.7 million security professionals in the US. Of those, there are an estimated 15-30% that are ex military and law enforcement.

Yes, there are those in the ranks that are the buffoonish type. Yes, there are those that have a superiority complex. But those are the fringes of the industry. The majority are those that due their duty with honor and pride. I have worked with them. But I have also worked with officers that truly believe they can make a difference.

While most jobs in the field can be mundane, they are still needed positions. And then there are officers that are specialty trained. Those that patrol industrial complexes (petroleum facilities, military contracted manufacturing facilities, etc). There are those that do diplomatic and executive security. There are those that are SRT and Cert trained. They patrol banks, prisons, and housing complexes in some of the worst neighborhoods. And many do it for less than adequate pay, often having to get their gear on their own dime.

I have been in this industry for over a decade. I have worked for the top three known companies: Allied Universal (and a couple they acquired), G4S (best known internationally and now part of Allied Universal), and Securitas. But I have also worked for smaller firms. I currently hold certifications in most major industries, US Court Services, and a plethora of federal certificates like incident command and weapons of mass destruction training. I have secured banks (unarmed) and private military manufacturing. But I have also secured holding lots, factories, hospitals, and college campuses.

And one thing I have learned. Like emergency dispatch, security is a highly underrated profession. The majority of us in the field, do so because we hope we can make a small difference in a world gone mad. And yes, we get the typical reactions, until the person needs us. A good officer has not only the respect of the client and the staff, but also of those we protect.

Take this with you. While there is no national memorial for those that fall in the line of duty, and the majority of the populace look at Security Officers in jest, when you go to NYC and look at the memorials of 9/11, look for the memorial to the 39 Security Officers that died doing a duty that most make fun of. When you travel, look for local memorials to to fallen officers.

And remember this. When you are making fun of them at your local mall, that man or woman you joke about and call Paul Blart, is the first one that will pace it all on the line to protect those that make fun of them.

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