CHAPLAINS CALLING Newsletter

The IFOC has been talking about a way of letting all of our members know what we have been doing, and what IFOC Chaplains are doing out in the field.

The IFOC “Chaplains Calling” is that avenue of sharing all of the information that is pertinent to assisting you with your ministry, as well as letting you know what is going on with Chaplains in other areas. This Newsletter is not only our way of letting you know what is going on with in the IFOC, but it is also your Newsletter. We would like to know what is going on with you.

Any new ministry ideas that you are trying? Have you written a book lately? Have you received any accolades recently? New baby or grandbaby in the family? Or maybe you have a car,boat, motorcycle or Camper you want to sell.

This Newsletter is for the benefit of all. So please if you have something you would like to share with your IFOC brothers and sisters, feel free to send it.

Read it here!

IFOC Chaplains Respond to Central Texas Wild Fires

Chaplain coordinators from IFOC and Victim Relief Ministries (VRM)arrived in Bastrop county Monday evening, September 5, 2011 just one day after a massive wildfire started which would eventually destroy about 1,700 homes and burn about 34,000 acres, or about 25 percent of Bastrop County. VRM chaplains also began arriving on Tuesday, September 6, 2011. On Wednesday, September 7, 2011, five (5) IFOC chaplains from Albuquerque, New Mexico traveled to Bastrop, Texas in response to one of the most costly disasters in Texas history.

The eleven (11) chaplains were all based at Camp Swift, a National Guard camp located north of Bastrop. Also based at the camp were almost eight hundred (800) firefighters and emergency operations support staff from every state. Overtwo-hundred (200) fire engines were also based at the camp.

Beginning before dawn each morning the chaplains ministered to firefighters before and during breakfast. This was followed up by encouraging and praying for them as they prepared their equipment and fire engines for early morning departure. Chaplains returned each evening to share supper with the returning firefighters and emergency operations support staff. Again this was a great time of bonding between the chaplains and the firefighters. The sleeping quarters and hygiene facilities were also shared by the firefighters and chaplains. The chaplains were never separated from the firefighters accept when the firefighters went out to the fire lines.

Displaced homeowners who did not have any place to go, were housed in temporary shelters throughout the county. These shelters provided sleeping accommodations, food, personal hygiene facilities, clothes and medical assistance. Chaplains spent many hours at the shelters praying with, encouraging, giving directions and just listening. All of the citizens the chaplains encountered were in some way affected by the fires.

The Bastrop Convention Center was the location of the Emergency Operations Command Center (EOCC) and it was where hundreds of citizens came each day to find out the latest facts concerning the fires, where to obtain supplies and when they could return to their neighborhoods. Chaplains visited the EOCC numerous times to encourage the staff and visit with the citizens. With the high level of anxiety and frustration experienced by the citizens, the chaplain's presence, listening ear and caring heart were a soothing comfort.

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers were stationed throughout Bastrop county blocking entry to dangerous areas. Chaplains visited, prayed with and encouraged these troopers.

Chaplains were welcomed wherever they went and words of gratitude always followed. The chaplains prayed with hundreds of citizens, EOCC staff, firefighters and support staff throughout their stay in Bastrop county. Chaplains also gave Bibles to citizens, firefighters and support staff. These Bibles were provided by the Gideons.

When chaplains thanked everyone for their work, the response was almost always, "No, Thank You for what you are doing!"

IFOC and VRM chaplains ceased operations and returned to their home bases on Monday, September 12, 2011.


Regards,

Harvey J. Pendleton
Texas Chaplain Coordinator
IFOC

Magnolia, Tx Fire

They have made tremendous progress this weekend with the help of the DC 10, and 4 black hawks. I think by weeks end, everything will wind down with just a base staff and crew, unless something unforeseen happens, but for now things are looking good.

This fire was so close to my house we had on many days ash and embers falling like rain.

I was asked to do a a 9-11 prayer for the 7am and 7 pm shift change briefing yesterday at the command  post. I saw 100-150 beautiful faces before me. they were covered in soot, mud, and sweat, but they were
glorious!

Then I was asked to do a small service at 9 for those that wanted one...there were about 10 people there, very small, but the ones there needed to pause and remember.

I got to meet the big guns that came from California...go into the planning room....computers, wall maps..amazing...looked like a war room.

Also waited with the people last Wednesday at the road block to their neighborhood, the were the first ones let back into an area, and I got to go in with them. I drove around and stopped when I saw folks.

One man told me as he pointed to two green spots of grass in his otherwise burned yard (his house was fine, the one behind his gone) that before he evacuated he knelt down in those two spots and prayed....it was a holy moment.

I am so glad IFOC was able to work the shelter., it freed me up to be at command post...I really needed to be with these firefighters...they came as far away from Wyoming to help us.

Love you guys!

Bless you,
Tara Dorroh
Chaplain Tomball Fire Dept