Award winning Pit Master Mike from Iowa prepared the meat. “It was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had,” he said. “I want to do this every year from now on.”
“One question that was asked repeatedly was ‘Why?’” pastor Scott Nichols said. The law officers from DuPage County who attended a community barbeque in their honor wondered why a church would host such an event. Gospelife Church did so gladly.
“The Scriptures teach that God empowers law enforcement as agents for good in society,” Nichols said. “So Gospelife wanted to serve those who serve us.”
What they served was barbeque prepared by a world class grill master who volunteered his skills. “Mike was part of the Grill Gone Wild Iowa BBQ Team that won the World Series Royal Championship of BBQ,” said Director of Care Ministry Dennis Parrish. “I was really struggling on what we were going to serve and God pretty much answered those questions and prayers.”
About 75 people attended the cookout, representing local police and sheriff’s departments. The officers received giftbags, including the K-9 team. Afterward, church members packed up dinners for delivery to the late shift.
Officers in DuPage County received gift bags along with their barbeque dinners as expressions of thanks. Even the K-9 crew received goodies.
A representative of the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers USA was on hand. “It’s vital for the brave men and women serving in law enforcement to know that they are honored, loved, and not alone, especially during these times,” Retired Sgt. Dino Heckermann of FCPO Chapter 75 said.
One officer shared how he had recently transferred to the suburbs after a four-year stint in the city and a season in the military. “No one has ever done anything like this for me before.”
“The culture we live in often paints the police with a broad negative brush leaving many officers feeling alone, isolated, and unappreciated,” Wheaton Police Sgt. Dan Saltzman said. “While we don’t do what we do for the gratitude, a little appreciation can make all the difference in an officer’s life to remind us of the good in humanity. Thank you for making a concerted effort to remind us that we are not alone.”
“God always blesses when a church stretches to share Christ outside of their four walls,” Nichols said.