Drew Buckner | Braveheart Chaplain Ministry
Drew Buckner, a past member of FBC Liberty City, serves as a full-time missionary chaplain serving emergency responders and citizens in crisis. He is a volunteer chaplain with the Kalispell, Montana, Fire and Police Departments. Some aspects of the chaplaincy service include building relationships with personnel to provide encouragement in their daily duties; accompanying them on calls; offering Bible studies and professional seminars; conducting personal counseling; coordinating family activities; participating in weddings and funerals; and celebrating the birth of children. This allows Drew to offer a consistent Christian presence and witness not only in crisis situations, but also in the everyday work of emergency responders.
Letter From Drew - 3/15/12
God’s activity is evident when people
express a desire for more spiritual input into their lives! Three new and
exciting developments are evidence of God’s stirring in the departments I
serve.
First, a chaplain led Bible study has begun for our
firefighters. Each week, one of the five chaplains who serve our city’s police
and fire departments, shares practical insights and help from Scripture. This
came at the request of a department member. The chaplains are thrilled to get
to offer such an important ministry that has been well received and
appreciated.
Second, a group of wives from the Sheriff’s Office
have begun a monthly prayer meeting. Their purpose is to pray for God to move
in a mighty way among those who work in the agency. My wife Brenda and I are
privileged to participate. In the few months since this meeting’s inception,
noticeable changes have been obvious in various individuals and situations.
Also stemming from this gathering is the desire and plans to practically serve
families within the agency, especially in regards to the birth of babies,
families needing meals, etc.
Third, a deputy’s study group is forming which will
provide spiritual encouragement and a challenge to be men of valor! This weekly
meeting will also offer accountability and motivation to pursue greater
godliness. Law enforcement can be a difficult environment in which to live out
one’s faith, thus making such a group even more essential. There has been a
positive response and desire to participate among officers.
In other news, in February, I had the unique opportunity to
be “Freezin’ for a Reason!” Emergency responders regularly serve their
communities in fundraising for various causes. This year I joined our police
team and some of their kids in jumping into the frigid waters of Whitefish Lake
in Whitefish, Mont., to raise funds for the Montana Special Olympics. The
police department and sheriff’s office both organized teams to participate in
the Penguin Plunge that raised approximately $54,500. Here I am pictured
jumping with my group off the ice into 38 degree water!
And finally, Brenda and I recently participated in a special
seminar on the physiological effects of working in law enforcement. While on
duty, an officer’s sympathetic nervous system produces a hyper-vigilance that
results in heightened senses, clearer thinking, and quick decision making. Off
duty, the officer’s para-sympathetic nervous system takes over, producing
apathy and withdrawal. Without an awareness of this cycle, officers can fail to
invest in their personal lives leading to strained marriages, confused
children, and removal of oneself from healthy involvements such as church,
recreation, and non-cop friendships. This training provided insight that will
allow me to assist officers in living healthier lives with this life-changing
understanding. Thank you for your
support that allows me to serve our community in this way.
The Lord bless you
and keep you,
Drew