Amens, applause offered for community solidarity

Ministerial Alliance Community Prayer Vigil well attended

Posted 8/3/16

The community gathering to demonstrate solidarity and unity attracted many people to St. Paul Baptist Church as the president of the Mineola Ministerial Alliance spoke of the urgency of togetherness …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Amens, applause offered for community solidarity

Ministerial Alliance Community Prayer Vigil well attended

Posted

The community gathering to demonstrate solidarity and unity attracted many people to St. Paul Baptist Church as the president of the Mineola Ministerial Alliance spoke of the urgency of togetherness and humility.

Pastor David Bethel told those present, “This show of solidarity here tonight is for real,” as he looked toward the police department seated to his left. “We are behind you,” as audience members could be heard agreeing. “How many of you have ever had to call these guys,” he asked and some in the audience confirmed with amens or claps they had.

Bethel recalled his own firsthand experience a few years ago when his wife and children were involved in a wreck on Highway 69. He was thankful for the police when he got the call when that happened.

“Those should not just be words. That really should be heartfelt as to how we feel about our first responders. I think we have the best.” He spoke of a chapter from Jeremiah in which he was making a prayer for peace in the city. He said it was practical advice, though hard to put into practice. “It has never been easy to pray for one’s enemies.”

He said it’s not easy for those who put their lives on the line to keep the public safe. “But if we would follow the words of Jeremiah, if we will pray for the welfare of our city, if we will pray for the safety of our homes,” he said, “pray for the good of our world and our nation it will not only benefit us individually but it will benefit everybody.”

He also referred to II Chronicles 7:14 in which the words, “`if my people… which are called by my name shall humble thyselves’, that’s a big if.” He referred to another phrase “and now,” saying those in attendance need to set out in making things better that very night. And he spoke of the peace that comes with repentance.

As he concluded he prayed for “a hedge or protection” around the first responders and their families and he beseeched God to “make us one in our community.”

The program began with beautiful music by the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church and a rousing welcome by host Pastor Demethrius Boyd. “Today is a good day. It speaks volumes not only in our county but in our country that we refuse to let the foolishness of some dictate the heart of the masses,” Boyd said to applause and amens.

“If we don’t take proactive measures, binding together to prevent some of the things that are happening on the outside, it will affect us on the inside,” the pastor said.

Mayor Rodney Watkins thanked the Ministerial Alliance for sponsoring the event and St. Paul for hosting it. “Let me assure you, Rev. Boyd and I have talked about it many times, we’re unified in our position I think, within the community that we serve together, we work together, we promote Mineola together and we live together everyday.” He asked the police officers and firefighters who were present to stand to be recognized and thanked them for their service.

The mayor spoke of what seems to be a time of division, the recent events in Dallas and Baton Rouge as well as many other times of sorrow across the nation saying, “We pray for comfort for all these families affected by these recent events… Everybody needs prayer, all lives matter and all these families should be comforted and uplifted.”

“The events in Dallas and Baton Rouge have brought to mind that our most valuable asset in the city of Mineola are our first responders.”

As he introduced Police Chief Chuck Bittner, Boyd repeated what Watkins said that “all lives matter.” He said there would be some community forums in the future to express concerns, communicate and educate “between brothers and sisters in Christ” to take the bad things that have happened and make something good from them.

“I want to thank the community of Mineola on behalf of the police department for the tremendous outpouring of support,” the chief said fervently, after the tragedies and events that have occurred across the nation. “The encouragement, the delicious baked treats, heartfelt handshakes and warm hugs we have received are truly priceless. Equally heartening are the many times citizens take time from their busy day to stop an officer and say thank you.”

The chief also thanked the public “for any prayers offered up for our officers and the community.”

“I have a vested interest in the city of Mineola,” he said, continuing “I tell you this so you realize the seriousness with which I am ready to address any concerns, problems or issues that are brought to my attention.” He has spent exactly half of his life as an officer and 100 percent of his career in enforcement in Mineola. He began as a reserve office and completed his degree in criminal justice, then went to the Kilgore Police Academy and completed his studies there. He began as a patrol officer and has served as chief for the past 10 years.

“Although public speaking is not my wheelhouse, policing, the police officers and this community are. My experience as a patrol officer on these very streets gives me insight to hold these officers to the high standards and at the same time not ask them to do something I would not do or have not done.”

“When I say officers, please remember they are men and women with basic needs, concerns, hopes and dreams. It’s important to see a blue uniform, but to see beyond it as well. To go that extra mile to cultivate an attitude of respect of officers in your own homes.”

He said he preaches to young officers that unlike large cities, they will deal with the same people “over and over again.” And they will be people whose children will share a baseball bench with theirs, they will shop Walmart together, or they may be one table over at a restaurant. “It is essential that everybody be treated with dignity and respect,” which brought some amens.

The chief spoke of the kindnesses his officers have shown to people who are down on their luck. He said the department once even received a call from an elderly woman asking them to go and change a light bulb. A young officer asked him if they do that. “I told him absolutely. We are here to serve. Change her light bulb for her.” And he spoke of the community policing the department has practiced for many years and the many programs under that umbrella including Texans Against Crime, DARE, Crimestoppers, Neighborhood Watch, Citizens Police Academy and Explorer programs.

He said it was his honor to introduce the Mineola Police officers. “I am very proud of them and the service they provide.”

He concluded by telling those present that his door is always open to anyone who would like to go to speak with him. The audience stood as they applauded.

The program included a spiritual song by Chris Gipson and the lighting of unity candles. Pastor Bobbie Maltas sang the benediction, blessing the food and the program concluded. Many took time to work they way over to the police officers and shake their hands, hug them and tell them thank you.