The heart beneath the badge: Faith Matters clergy column by Pastor Don Sturiano

National Police Week begins Sunday.

In addition to being lead pastor of our church, I also have been given the privilege to serve as chaplain to the amazing men and women of the Bradenton Police Department.

Now going on year seven, this assignment continues to be a ministry highlight in my life.

While my knowledge for this position and experience has grown, the principal increase has been in my loving affection, honor, and respect for those in blue. With so many negative comments in our nation toward law enforcement as of late and recent loss of life, I wanted to share what I have seen and heard so to perhaps give you a glimpse into "The Heart Beneath The Badge."

"Write the things which you have seen"

-- Revelation 1:19.

Before I begin to share these brief stories, I want to communicate how the officers I work with resist accolades. As well as convey that this is a fraction of the noble deeds that are done beyond the call of duty.

It is noteworthy to mention that the badge is worn on the left side of the uniform, just over the beating heart of a person who has chosen to lay down their life on the line for you and I. A heart created by God and called into the service of keeping order and peace on the earth.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God."

-- Matthew 5:9.

There are very few occupations that leave wives, husbands, children and parents with the recurring thought; "Will they make it home today?"

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends."

-- John 15:13.

One day while at the station a number of officers came hurrying down the hall to go out on a raid. As I began to pray for their safety, some of them took a moment for a brief prayer before they left asking for protection from the Almighty. All went well; all made it home safely!

Another officer, who recently has had a beautiful baby daughter, shared with me the immense amount of time he spends pursuing and thwarting the efforts of those who would violate children; thankfully he continues to experience a great deal of success!

A couple of years ago I was on a ride-along with an outstanding veteran officer. As we went into his zone, we saw a woman walking towards us who sadly spends much time on the streets. He knew her name and also knew she was suffering from cancer. When she saw us approaching in a marked car, rather than going another way, she picked up her pace to approach us and greeted him with esteem. The officer respectfully admonished her for being out on the streets, and then introduced me as the Police Chaplain which gave me the opportunity to pray for her. His demonstration of respectful strength for the law, combined with compassion was moving. It was clearly evident of the positive impact it had on her life.

Just two weeks before Christmas one year, two detectives in the gang unit took me out to a zone they worked to hand out flyers to families so their children could shop with a police officer for free Christmas toys; this was their idea! It gave me the opportunity to meet men in a rough lifestyle who also have little children in need for the holidays. With some resistance in tone and expression initially, the encounter ended with hugs from them and their children, paving the way to show the love of Jesus Christ at Christmas.

The following scripture supports law enforcement and confirms how this career, is a great calling is from God.

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4 For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience."

-- Romans 13:1-5.

Don Sturiano, is pastor of Kingdom Life Christian Church, which meets at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at 825 Ninth St. W., just across from Turner Donuts. Information: 941-776-0026. Faith Matters is a regular feature of Saturday's Herald, written by local clergy members.

This story was originally published May 13, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "The heart beneath the badge: Faith Matters clergy column by Pastor Don Sturiano ."