Click Link For Full Story:
Missionary from Southern University Killed in Micronesia - WRCB Channel 3 Chattanooga News, Weather
Missionaries are a topic that we have not talked about yet on this blog. Anytime one travels overseas they are potentially placing themselves in a more hostile environment then if they were to remain in the United States. This statement is going to fluctuate based on the location that they are visiting. It has been my experience that most missionaries tend to travel to locations that are less familiar with the gospel. These same locations also tend to be in more remote areas, many times having higher crime rates and a lower presence of law enforcement. Many of these governments are corrupt and even hostel to the work that the missionaries are attempting to complete. Some of these remote locations have poor health care therefore good medical service is not always available.
Check with your local insurance provider on the many options available for international travel insurance. Don’t get caught overseas without the proper medical and financial coverage.
Safety and Security for Churches, Conferences and Religious Institutions.
Monday, November 30
Sunday, November 29
Texas: Scare of their Life
Click for Article:
http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/76603547.html
"It's a place where you would think you would be safe, but churchgoers in Madisonville had the scare of their life at the House of Hope Church on Wednesday night."
The above article was brought to my attention for an old co-worker and friend from the fire department (Hat Tip: Matt)
http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/76603547.html
"It's a place where you would think you would be safe, but churchgoers in Madisonville had the scare of their life at the House of Hope Church on Wednesday night."
The above article was brought to my attention for an old co-worker and friend from the fire department (Hat Tip: Matt)
Saturday, November 28
Shot in Head then Crashes into Church
Click Link >
Motorist dies after shot in head, crashes into South Side church :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Metro & Tri-State
You never know what to expect when you wake up each morning... Police are still investigating the cause of this man’s shooting. After being shot in the head his car crashed into the side of a church. By God’s grace no one at the church was injured. There is not much that could have been done to prevent this scenario from occurring. It seems to be a random act unrelated to the church that ended bad.
This story should be a reminder to all of us to look at our current church facility. Are there barriers that are in place that would prevent a vehicle from driving into our building? Most government facilities have changed their security prospective to take this into consideration for all their buildings. The reason is not related to a random person being shot and then crashing into their building, but a more organized attack like a car bomb or suicide attempt that would purposefully involve someone driving the vehicle into the building. I am not suggesting that major construction has to take place at your church, but I am asking you to think about how you can design your church if you may be considering a remodel or new church construction project.
Motorist dies after shot in head, crashes into South Side church :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Metro & Tri-State
You never know what to expect when you wake up each morning... Police are still investigating the cause of this man’s shooting. After being shot in the head his car crashed into the side of a church. By God’s grace no one at the church was injured. There is not much that could have been done to prevent this scenario from occurring. It seems to be a random act unrelated to the church that ended bad.
This story should be a reminder to all of us to look at our current church facility. Are there barriers that are in place that would prevent a vehicle from driving into our building? Most government facilities have changed their security prospective to take this into consideration for all their buildings. The reason is not related to a random person being shot and then crashing into their building, but a more organized attack like a car bomb or suicide attempt that would purposefully involve someone driving the vehicle into the building. I am not suggesting that major construction has to take place at your church, but I am asking you to think about how you can design your church if you may be considering a remodel or new church construction project.
Friday, November 27
“Sorry but I’m poor, Forgive me Lord”
Click for Article:
http://www.popfi.com/2009/11/27/growing-criminal-trend-church-robbery/
I know there’s usually money somewhere on church property thanks to the collection plate, but I never realized just how much electronic equipment there is in your average house of worship.
For the fourth time in two years, a building in Ellenwood, Georgia has been broken into by desperate criminals. However, this is the first time the robber has left behind a written plea for forgiveness after his crime.
The criminals wrote the words “Sorry but I’m poor, Forgive me Lord” on a side wall of the church before departing. The words alluded to the fact that the criminals needed money. Often time’s churches are viewed by criminals as easy targets. The writer of the linked article stated: “I know there’s usually money somewhere on church property thanks to the collection plate, but I never realized just how much electronic equipment there is in your average house of worship.” Criminals have realized this too! Most church collect money and it is a source for easy cash during a break-in. Churches big or small tend to have thousands of dollars worth of sound and musical equipment. More times than not these are the items that the criminals are targeting. Music and sound equipment made quick cash when handed over to the local pawn shop!
Reflections:
Why was this church broken into 4 times in two years? From the picture it does not look like it is stuck in the bad part of the inner city…
What could the church have done after the first break-in to make it harder for the 2nd, 3rd & 4th ones to occur? (New Locks, Alarm System, Cameras)
Churches should keep an itemized list of all electronic equipment. This should include serial numbers, photo’s and estimated values. The insurance company will need this information once the items are discovered stolen or damaged. Another law enforcement trick is to have the names, telephone numbers, and fax numbers of all pawn shops in the area. In the event that items are stolen they you can fax your list to all locations which may help you in the recovery of lost items.
http://www.popfi.com/2009/11/27/growing-criminal-trend-church-robbery/
I know there’s usually money somewhere on church property thanks to the collection plate, but I never realized just how much electronic equipment there is in your average house of worship.
The criminals wrote the words “Sorry but I’m poor, Forgive me Lord” on a side wall of the church before departing. The words alluded to the fact that the criminals needed money. Often time’s churches are viewed by criminals as easy targets. The writer of the linked article stated: “I know there’s usually money somewhere on church property thanks to the collection plate, but I never realized just how much electronic equipment there is in your average house of worship.” Criminals have realized this too! Most church collect money and it is a source for easy cash during a break-in. Churches big or small tend to have thousands of dollars worth of sound and musical equipment. More times than not these are the items that the criminals are targeting. Music and sound equipment made quick cash when handed over to the local pawn shop!
Reflections:
Why was this church broken into 4 times in two years? From the picture it does not look like it is stuck in the bad part of the inner city…
What could the church have done after the first break-in to make it harder for the 2nd, 3rd & 4th ones to occur? (New Locks, Alarm System, Cameras)
Churches should keep an itemized list of all electronic equipment. This should include serial numbers, photo’s and estimated values. The insurance company will need this information once the items are discovered stolen or damaged. Another law enforcement trick is to have the names, telephone numbers, and fax numbers of all pawn shops in the area. In the event that items are stolen they you can fax your list to all locations which may help you in the recovery of lost items.
Thursday, November 26
Dry Tree vs Watered Tree
Happy Thanksgiving!
The video below is a demonstration showing how flammable a dry Christmas tree can be as opposed to a tree watered regularly. This test was conducted by the National Fire Protection Association and Underwriters Laboratories.
The video below is a demonstration showing how flammable a dry Christmas tree can be as opposed to a tree watered regularly. This test was conducted by the National Fire Protection Association and Underwriters Laboratories.
Action Point:
Water your Christmas Tree Everyday!!
Wednesday, November 25
Fire breaks out in 100-year-old Church
Fire breaks out in 100-year-old West Side church :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Metro & Tri-State
This is yet another example of why you should take a closer look at fire safety at your church!
Arround this time of year many churches, as well as, church members start decorating for the holidays. A common tradition is to place a chismas tree in your home or church facility. The below video illustrates how fast a christmas tree can burn. The video is a result of a test from the National Instutue of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg, MD. Make sure that you and your family have a plan in place in the event your home caught on fire. Knowing that there is an increased risk of fire during the holidays churches should consider reminding their congregations of what plans you have in place in the event of a fire emergency.
This is yet another example of why you should take a closer look at fire safety at your church!
Arround this time of year many churches, as well as, church members start decorating for the holidays. A common tradition is to place a chismas tree in your home or church facility. The below video illustrates how fast a christmas tree can burn. The video is a result of a test from the National Instutue of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg, MD. Make sure that you and your family have a plan in place in the event your home caught on fire. Knowing that there is an increased risk of fire during the holidays churches should consider reminding their congregations of what plans you have in place in the event of a fire emergency.
Tuesday, November 24
FBI Reports Hate Crimes up for Religion
New FBI report shows that hate crimes were up it 2008 over past years.
Of the 7,780 single-bias incidents reported in 2008:
- 19.5 percent were motivated by religious bias.
Report on Religious bias
There were 1,606 hate crime offenses motivated by religious bias in 2008. A breakdown of these offenses shows:
65.7 percent were anti-Jewish.
13.2 percent were anti-other religion.
7.7 percent were anti-Islamic.
4.7 percent were anti-Catholic.
4.2 percent were anti-multiple religions, group.
3.7 percent were anti-Protestant.
0.9 percent were anti-Atheism/Agnosticism/etc.
Click to View Full Report:
http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/hc2008/documents/incidentsandoffenses.pdf
Of the 7,780 single-bias incidents reported in 2008:
- 19.5 percent were motivated by religious bias.
Report on Religious bias
There were 1,606 hate crime offenses motivated by religious bias in 2008. A breakdown of these offenses shows:
65.7 percent were anti-Jewish.
13.2 percent were anti-other religion.
7.7 percent were anti-Islamic.
4.7 percent were anti-Catholic.
4.2 percent were anti-multiple religions, group.
3.7 percent were anti-Protestant.
0.9 percent were anti-Atheism/Agnosticism/etc.
Click to View Full Report:
http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/hc2008/documents/incidentsandoffenses.pdf
Monday, November 23
Assault of Church Secretary
Click Link for Article:
http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20091121/NEWS01/911210317/1002
"After the secretary told Taylor the church had no money and referred him to other organizations, she said he punched her in the face, implied he had a hidden gun"
What are you doing to protect the administrative staff at your church?
Are they left alone in your church building?
Do they sit in an area that is isolated from the rest of the office?
Does your church have a policy for how they should handle strangers entering the building?
Here are a few ideas for you to consider:
Two person rule: Adopt a policy that mandates two people being in the church at all times
Panic Button: Install a button that the secretary can push for an emergency
Telephone Crash Alert: Telephones can be set up to allow for a button to be pushed and permit the phone line to stay open so those on the other end of the phone can hear what is going on. (Speaker Phone Concept)
Camera System: The entry location of your church, as well as, the reception area should be monitored by cameras.
http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20091121/NEWS01/911210317/1002
"After the secretary told Taylor the church had no money and referred him to other organizations, she said he punched her in the face, implied he had a hidden gun"
What are you doing to protect the administrative staff at your church?
Are they left alone in your church building?
Do they sit in an area that is isolated from the rest of the office?
Does your church have a policy for how they should handle strangers entering the building?
Here are a few ideas for you to consider:
Two person rule: Adopt a policy that mandates two people being in the church at all times
Panic Button: Install a button that the secretary can push for an emergency
Telephone Crash Alert: Telephones can be set up to allow for a button to be pushed and permit the phone line to stay open so those on the other end of the phone can hear what is going on. (Speaker Phone Concept)
Camera System: The entry location of your church, as well as, the reception area should be monitored by cameras.
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