Emmanuel & Race
Our Black Brother’s & Sisters
Gary Polk
May 26, 2020 will be a day I don’t think I’ll ever forget. I remember scrolling through my phone and seeing news of a “Black man killed in police custody.” The article also mentioned that the event was caught on video. I read the article. Then I watched the video. I was not prepared. My immediate reaction? Continue Reading
Apryl Hurst
When I saw what happened to George Floyd it took my breath away! I deeply gasped, hand over my mouth, eyes wide open like a deer blinded by headlights. Yet, it wasn’t headlights that shocked me but a black man, like my black husband, my black sons, my black brothers laying hand cuffed, face down on the hot, hard concrete crying, “I Can’t Breathe!” Continue Reading
Woodie Grayson
When I first heard about the Ahmaud Arbery murder, I immediately wanted to see the video. Not because I wanted to see something macabre, but just to see for myself what happened. All to often, when these things happen you start to hear the negative of what the victim did to deserve death. (Travon Martin comes to mind, like here we go again) Then to hear that the case was months old and there hadn’t been any arrest, I was infuriated! Then we get Breonna Taylor, killed in her own home… and again I want to see video. Because I want to prove to the world that these unnecessary executions are taking place. So, by the time George Floyd was murdered, I was numb…. Continue Reading
Dave Hogan
I am Dave Hogan and serve as an elder at church. Pastor Ken asked me to write about an event that happened to my daughter and her husband several years ago. I am a white man as is my daughter. Her husband is a black man. I am very proud of both of them. Their walk with God is exactly where it should be. His love and respect for my daughter as his wife is also exactly where it should be. Their love for God is what fuels their love for each other. Continue Reading
Samantha Golay
I emailed Pastor Ken with a Subject “Emmanuel in BLM Movement.” I expressed that I’d missed last Sunday’s sermon so forgive me if there’s anything covered already that I’m requesting of him. My question: “what is Emmanuel doing to take a stance for the Black lives in Paramount and Compton? Will we talk about it? Will there be dialogue and shared experiences since we have the most powerful unifying force (Holy Spirit) on our side?” Continue Reading
Our Police Officers
Johnny Youngblood
I am writing you this letter as a Christian, an African-American, a Father, Son and Police Officer. In this letter, I will be addressing the recent events with regards to Racism and Police Brutality towards African-Americans in our communities. First, as a person who has been in the law enforcement field for the past 20 years, let me start off by saying that NOT ALL COPS ARE RACIST towards African Americans. Now, let me define the word racist and provide an example of what a racist act would be. Continue Reading
Warren Asmus
I am responding to your invitation to comment as a Christ follower and law enforcement officer for over 37 years, on the recent rioting and protests. I will be brief, but hopefully give you a perspective as a Christian police officer. Although this has not been a foundational passage in Scripture throughout my career, it has become so with violent protests becoming more common, and me growing older and through the grace of Christ more spiritually mature. That foundational scripture passage is from Ephesians 6:12, where Paul wrote, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Continue Reading
Dennis Mowery
Brother Ken, thank you for your love and concern for our Christian, and non Christian, law enforcement family. It is so unfortunate for the law enforcement community, and more importantly the public, that there is a small percentage of officers who, for many different reasons and experiences that each officer has had in their lives, give the good and honest law enforcement officers such a bad name. Continue Reading
Darren Wybenga
I am have been a police officer for 25 years. Most of my career has been spent as a patrol officer serving the South Los Angeles area. The office I work in patrols much of the Unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County along with the LA County Sheriff Department. We also border the LAPD in several locations. Working this area has enabled me see and serve a wide range of races and socioeconomic groups. Continue Reading