| September, 2020
Greetings to our Alumni:
It has been quite a while since we’ve sent out a communiqué to all of you and my apologies for the delay in writing such. A lot has happened in 2020 and while uncertainty does continue to play a role in our daily plans here, we are thankful for the opportunity to continue ministry within the program.
Here is a rundown of what has been going on…
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- Our Spring Basic was cancelled due to the Covid-19 crisis and the unknowns surrounding how one should respond, but we did make the decision to continue Advanced Training. Classes in the spring included Diving, EMT, Flight, Missions and Campus Support Team. Numbers for the summer session, without a spring basic consisted of a small group of men returning from previous Basics for their 2nd Phase training, a Tech Rescue class and the Campus Support Team.
- This summer in June we held our first “Conqueror 101” program – a two week retreat for men interested in addressing issues related to addictive behavior, moral purity, finances, marriage and a lot more. Outdoor experiences included a hike in the Porcupine Mountains, enjoying the shores of beautiful Lake Superior, canoe trips and a lot of great lake activity. The camaraderie was a blessing and the setting in the Northwood’s was a beautiful backdrop. We plan to hold another one in June of 2021 so if you’re looking for some spiritual renewal mark your calendar and give me a call.
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| | - Deployments have included trips to the Northwood’s, a response to Hurricane Laura in DeRidder, LA and currently we have a team in Cedar Rapids, Iowa doing cleanup efforts from the Derecho (straight line winds) they experienced back in August. The needs in Louisiana particularly are great with the infrastructure still in rough shape and extensive damage across that area. Hurricane Sally will be hitting the shore as I write this so the need for help will only increase. I’d like to encourage as many of our alumni and reserves as possible to volunteer time in those efforts of recovery. Samaritans Purse, who we normally partner with, has somewhat limited housing due to Covid-19 restrictions. Covid testing is required before deploying with them so keep that in mind as you weigh your choices. Other organizations are also serving there so you might be able to connect with them for housing, meals and work orders.
- The wild fires in the west offer yet another opportunity to serve in cleanup efforts and the opportunity to take the gospel to those that are hurting in that area. Once again I’d recommend you check with SP about possible service opportunities. As I write of these fires they have touched ALERT in a more personal way when a guy from Unit 36 informed us they just lost their home and belongings to the fire while he was fighting blazes in another part of the county.
- We were able to hold our Quest programming in July and August with about 70 young men in attendance between Quest and Advanced Quest. If you would ever like to come back and assist in a leadership role for Quest please notify us to be put on our contact list.
- We will be holding a fall basic Unit 63 and have had an excellent response in registration with about 70 men planning to attend. A number of these men postponed their spring plans and will now be enrolled in the fall training. This is one of the largest groups we have had in some time so the challenges are great but God has blessed us with a great staff and Cadre to carry the load.
We thank God for the way he has protected us from any serious outbreak of Covid. To date we have had only one staff member contract the virus in addition to one young man who did Quest. We will be doing our best in enact protocols for Basic that, Lord willing, will reduce the chances of exposure and transmission of the virus. We truly covet your prayers during this time.
Continue to pray for us (as we do for you) during these unpredictable days in our country. More than ever we need extraordinary men who will rise to the occasion and take a stand for righteousness. We pray that you’ll stay the course in these unprecedented times.
Finally, if the opportunity affords I’m considering holding another Conquer Series Weekend Retreat in late fall or early December. We held one last year with 22 dads and sons in attendance. The material in dealing with the addictive behavior of pornography and how to begin to walk in freedom is second to none and I’d encourage you to consider attending and perhaps bring a friend. Many of you have been through this series already so consider this a time for refreshment, renewal and encouragement. This event is not on our calendar so you’ll need to text or email me if it’s something you’d consider attending.
Blessings on all you guys this fall and as always send your updates and prayer requests our way so we can minister to you as well.
In Him, |
| mbehr@alertacademy.com
Cell: 903-714-3481
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