In every ideal society, the police is seen as a very important arm of the state machineries that are needed to bring a nation to the required level of greatness. For there to be absolute peace and tranquility the police force is first to be relied upon but unfortunately it is not as such in Nigeria, for an average Nigeria sees every member of the force as his or her enemy. If asked to take a stand on either to pray for the police or rain curses, many Nigerians, surely would go for the later.
It appears that those in the Force are also aware of this disposition towards them, hence a question that makes the cover in one of the Christian Police Fellowship (CPFN) tracks that “ Y should I pray 4D Police: You can read what you have below for you understanding.
Why Should I Pray 4 D Police It’s indeed a million Naira question, considering the public perception of the police. But it’s a question that will bless your life, if you answer positively. Are you considering praying for the police. You may ask yourself if the Police actually need prayers. One is tempted to ask, how many Churches and men of God find time ot pray for the Police? Its is very necessary that they do.
The role of the Police is strategic and it cannot be undermined if any society must attain greatness. It is a fact that some people out of share hatred for the Police do curse them while others do not see anything good about the Police. Some are even indifferent, may be as a result of their experience with officers.
If you must curse the Police then be sure to be very righteous so that you will be justified to cast the first stone. (As when a harlot was brought to Jesus in Bible) Be reminded that the effect of curses is collective. It has a way of affecting everyone. It’s therefore necessary to change our attitude in this regard and begin to pray for the Police.
Why You Must Pray For Your PoliceMany people are familiar with Jesus instruction to visit those in the prison. But are not mindful of God command in Romans 13, to honor, respect and pray for those in authority. One may see the need for a Prison Ministry, but may question the need for evangelism in the Police. Some may have concluded in their mind that Police Officers souls have been sold to the devil.
You may be interested to know that the first gentile to be converted to Christianity in the book of Acts 10 is a God fearing man named Cornelius. He is an Officer of the law, an arm bearer, a Security chief, and of course a Police Offier. Are you aware the scripture speaks favorably of a Roman centurion. The Lord was so amazed at his faith. He is an army officer a Chief local law enforcement agent of his days. Apostle Paul made it a point to share the good news of Jesus with the officers of his time, not minding the way he was being treated by them. Phillippians 1:12 and 13, Act 16:20-34.
Too many people see Police Officers as brutal, corrupt and wicked, they see them as people who do not need God nor deserving of God’s Kingdom. Let it be known that officers inhabit a world most people never know and can’t comprenend. They see things most people never see, most of which are bad, and some are horrific and very disgusting.
Most officers live a live of physical and emotional stress, a life of hurt, ambush and hatred. These burdens not withstanding, they are expected to be super human; expected to carry out extraordinary, dangerous and difficult tasks without excuse or default. Tell me if it is possible to carry out such a task without Jesus. If your answer is no, then get ready to pray for Police.
You may not be convinced believing that Police officers are employed and paid to do those task. Yes it is, but be informed that the pay cannot compensate for the risk and damages suffered by offices and their families, simply for protecting your life and properties. The Lord said that the greatest Love you can show is to give your life for your friend (John 15:3). Most officers will passionately give their life to protect the citizen. By this Police Officers are your friends even if you do not consider them to be your own friend.
You may not care or see anything good about them. You many not even see any reason why you should waste your precious time in praying for the Police-if your reason is because of an encounter. You are solicited today to remember the command of our Lord. He demanded of you to make disciple of all nations. Mark 15:16. The Police is inclusive.
As a believer, you are not allowed to hate. If your experience with the Police is your reason for not caring and invariably considering the Police as your worse enemy I advise you to keep faith in the word of the Lord that enjoyed you to love your enemy and pray for those that persecute you. Romans 12:4. Be reminded that God cares. Jesus died for the Police on the Cross. He wants Police Officers to walk the beat of eternal life. Be a partner with God, be a minister of Peace, intercede for peace and pray for the peace Officers the Peace Maker. Matthew 5:9 who eventually is the Police. Pray for your Police, because it’s the plan of God to safe this nation. Your prayer count now.
If you are not a believer and you are prompted to pray for the Police, you need to repent for your sins for the Bible says that the Prayer of a sinner is an abomination unto the Lord Proverb 15:8.
Confess your sins and surrender you life to Jesus. Pray this prayer-Heavenly Father, thank you for your salvation, Today, I confess my sins before you. Have mercy on me and forgive all my sins through the blood of Jesus your son. I open my heart unto you Lord Jesus, come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior.
If you have sincerely prayed this prayer, believe that your sins have been forgiven. You are now a believer, a child of God. You can NOW pray for your POLICE.
For more information: Contact the nearest Fellowship Centre in any Police Station or Formation close to you or Lord of Lords Chapel, Lagos State Command Headquarters, Ikeja Lagos. This Track was released to the Christian Events Watch by: The Co-ordinator Lagos Chapter. CSP(Pastor) Matthew A. Amos.
Brief History of Christian Police Fellowship of Nigeria
The Nigeria Police Forec is today facing so many challenges that not ever the Federal Government can take care of the challenges with all the resources available to it. Not because the government is carefree but because it is only with God that all things are possible. This was aptly recognized by a group of officers in the Force. They also believe that as peace makers, the Police need the help of God for protection and guidance more than any other profession. In view of these facts, the officers on March 3, 2001 gathered somewhere in Ibadan, the largest city in West Africa and established a Christian Police Fellowship (CPFN) which today is relating with God for a change in the image of the force for good.
Relax and read the brief history of CPFNIn obedience to the diving prompting, on March 3, 2001, fourteen(14) Christian Police Officers of all ranks and four(4) pastors, gathered under a tree inside my official residence as the commissioner of Police Oyo State in Jericho GRA Ibadan to launch what is now known as the Christian Police Fellowship of Nigeria(CPFN). Almighty God, in the power of the Holy Ghost has expanded the fellowship from that small and humble beginning to almost all the State Commands in Nigeria today and beyond what anyone can ever imagine.
Many Police Chapels have since been built and more are still springing up in many locations to his glory. In the Force Headquarters Abuja, and the Annex in Lagos as well as in almost the twelve Zonal Command Headquarters and the thirty-six States, you can see policemen praying to Almighty God the maker of heaven and earth. Thanks be to the holy Ghost.
Also on March 21, 2001 as the CP Oyo State, I applied to the then Inspector General of Police for the establishment of Chaplaincy programme in the Nigeria Police like in the Armed Forces. I believe that as peace makers the police need the help of God for protection and guidance more than any other profession. The application was kept aside.
Again on Feb 25, 2003, as the AIG Zone 4 Makurdi, I wrote a reminder to the incumbent IGP, Mr. Tafa Balogun who referred it to Mr. Sunday G Ehindero, DIG Admin then, to look into the matter. But there was not positive result either.
At God’s appointed time, Mr. S.G. Ehindero became the inspector General Police. So in 2004, I met him and reminded him of the application which he was handling. To the glory of God, he wrote to the Federal Government and secured a formal approval of President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR. Today we have two Police Chaplains functioning in the Police FHQ Abuja. I know the program will extend to the Zonal and State Commands in the near future with sustained prayers by those who have the burden to pray.
OUR VISIONTo have Police Officers renewed in heart by the Holy Spirit so that they will have moral regeneration and possess the integrity of God to be able to shun corruption, injustice, and opprression, imbibe holiness and impact the criminal justice system for the transformation of Nigerian as well as the African continent.
As God hates injustice and the works of darkness, so must all Police Officers as social engineers, hate every form of oppression but zealous in maintaining peace, law and order with integrity and fear of God.
OUR MISSION-To encourage all police officers and their families to have personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
-To obey Christ in proclaiming His Gospel on one on one, and establish prayer fellowhip in all Formations, commands, Divisions, Stations and Posts, especially where no Police Chapel exists.
-To help all the believers to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and to grow spiritually.
-To train and equip all the believers to fulfill the Great Commission; to minister salvation, healing, deliverance, and thereby meeting the spiritual needs of the Police Community.
-To demonstrate a relationship with God and concern for righteousness and integrity while on or off duty.
-To promote and foster the love of God amoung all personnel and their families both retired and on active service.
-To train and encourage ceaseless prayers for individual, family and corporate needs of the Police, through regular Bible studies, seminars outreaches and night vigils.
-To network with other Christian Bodies in and outside Nigeria such as: the FGBMFEL, PACKPAC, PFN, CAN, Federation of Christian Police Fellowships(FCPF), Military and Para-Military Fellowships, for our spiritual maturity and other benefits, and more for the expansion of the God’s Kingdom in Nigeria, Africa, and the world at large.
-To promote and foster fellowship of the Christian Police Officers in that Unity which is enjoyed by those who are Born Again by the Holy Spirit of God.
-To Prepare policeman and their families to make heaven.
For with God nothing shall be impossible, Luke 1:37; Amen!
Presented By: Bro. Michael O. Okuo, AIG(Rtd) NPM, psc, JP. Grand Patron, CPFN. Lagos
SEEK THE FACE OF GOD TO FIGHT CRIME
……D.P.O. Advises Officers
Officers and men of the Nigerian Police have been charged to always seek the face of God in order to succeed in their attempt to rid the nation of crime. This brings to mind one of the scriptures in the book of Matthew 6:33 that “seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness, and all other things shall be added unto you.”
Giving the advice at a one-day conference held at the Itire Police Station (PCRC) Hall recently, the Divisional Traffic Officer, Superintendent of Police(SP) Bernard Ediagboiya who spoke on behalf of the Divisional Police Officer(DPO) Prince A.A. Oyekan(CSP). The theme of the conference was “Raising Godly police officers for Godly services.”
Pointing out that the work of policing was very tedious and risky, the DTO said “Hence we should always seek the face of God so as to succeed.” According to him, nothing can be achieved without God perfecting it.
Describing the theme of the conference as symbolic and thought provoking, the officer said he strongly believed that the battle of life was not for the strong but “when God is with us we will be able to deal with the cankerworms of kidnap and robbery, the way the Israelites dealt with the Philistines and the way David defeated Goliath.