Mission First Alliance was launched out of the heartbreaking reality that I faced daily in the Seattle Police Department, through the relentless nature of the job, and my misplaced priority and purpose in the badge. I felt alone in these struggles… but discovered I was not alone. The Lord recaptured my heart and gave me a burden to reach other struggling first responders with Real Hope. I desired to live Mission First, for God’s Kingdom. 

For over 10 years, God opened doors for me to encourage and unite isolated ministries, bring awareness to pressing issues, challenge the chaplain status quo, walk alongside churches, and disciple other first responders. Many of our nation’s 4.6 million first responders and their families are hurting and in need of Real Hope. I believe this is one of our nation’s greatest unseen mission fields.

What can you expect from this blog if you follow it?

1)  Stories or Real Hope from active or retired first responders and their families.

2) Highlights about first responder ministries and resources all over the country.

3) Challenging devotions about living Mission First for Christ.

4) Different perspectives from first responder spouses, kids who grew up in a first responder home, or others who love and respect our nation’s heroes. 

5) Lessons learned from chaplains, or church leaders.

All to love, support, and challenge those who are, or have served as a first responder (and their family members), and to bring awareness to this unseen mission field, and the need for Real Hope in Christ. Together we can have a greater Kingdom impact!   

Who are considered first responders, and why should we support them? 

Here is a portion of the White House Proclamation on National First Responder Day, 2023 – “Every day, Americans across the country witness the absolute courage and selfless sacrifice of our first responders. Whether they are police officers and sheriff’s deputies protecting our communities; firefighters running into burning buildings; or emergency medical technicians, paramedics, 911 dispatchers, 988 crisis responders, and other public health workers providing emergency care, these heroes are always there for us when we need them. On National First Responders Day, we honor and celebrate these extraordinarily brave women and men who put themselves in harm’s way to keep our Nation safe.”

“Being a first responder is not for the faint of heart. Every day, you are put to the test – in mind, body, and spirit. You must be willing to sacrifice everything in service of others. First responders are true heroes.” (by Renee Gordon, First Responder Network Authority Board Vice Chair)

“He is God’s servant for your good” – Romans 13:4.

“Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” – Psalm 127:1.

I anticipate there being multiple blog posts per month, either written by me or several other guest authors. There are so many leaders around the country who inspire me, and I think you will also be inspired by how I see God moving among our nation’s heroes today. Interact with this blog, share it, invite others to join this community, and reach out anytime if you have good ideas.