This past August 23rd, Iloilo Baptist Church held its 7th annual Police Appreciation Night.  All six police precincts in our city were present as well as the Iloilo City Mobile Group, SWAT team, and the Iloilo City Police Office (Women’s and Children’s Desk, Intelligence, Administrative, Operations, etc.)  In all, 166 policemen and police women came, not including some family members who accompanied them.  We were joking that it would be a good night to rob a bank with so many police in the service!  This year the church honored Senior Inspector Hari Decena, who recently had a stroke and is making some progress in his recovery. 

We also honored the widow of SPO3 Rafael Managuit, a SWAT team bomb-disposal specialist who was killed just a few months ago by a grenade blast.  Incidentally, she was the 19th police widow we have honored.  Both of these special guests were given plaques and Mrs. Managuit was given flowers.  

After the service, a meal was served to these men and ladies.  My son Ricky made a video presentation entitled “Iloilo’s Finest,” about the men who gave their lives to protect the residents of Iloilo, which is posted above. 

It was a touching service.  A flag ceremony with all the historical flags of the Philippines and the playing of the Philippine National Anthem and “Taps” proceeded the awards. 

I preached about a Christian’s relationship with the police, mentioning law enforcement officers in the Bible such as the Centurion in Capernaum (Luke 7), Cornelius the Centurion (Acts 10), Julius the Centurion (Acts 27), the two centurions in Jerusalem who saved the Apostle Paul, and the town clerk in Ephesus (Acts 19).  It was mentioned that these men were ministers (Romans 13) and how they should be appreciated.  An invitation was given and many received Christ as Saviour, including at least a dozen policemen.  (Photo below shows some policemen who were saved being introduced).

As I have had the privilege of getting to know some of these men and women, I’ve grown to respect them.  Ricky did most of the planning and organizing for this day and the Lord used him to bring nearly all the policemen and women who attended.  The members did a great job in being friendly, which I believe opened the hearts of many of these officers to the Gospel.  Of course, many of our members led policemen to Christ at the invitation.  My wife led a young lady on the SWAT team to the Lord-the only female SWAT member in the city.  

As we mentioned two weeks ago, you can log on to Missionary Clark Graham’s site: grahamsinthephilippines.org (see link at right) to view the four-minute Police Appreciation Night video from last year.  Just click onto his “videos.”  I believe you will really enjoy the short video.  We appreciate those who prayed for this service.

Brandie, TJ, Ricky & Senior Inspector Decena