A few weeks back I wrote a short article for our church website, sharing my thoughts about what I learned in working with Joaquin Guerrero on his memoir.
Michigan & Rookie: Guardians of the Night was released last September, in time for the 10th anniversary of 9/11, and from reader comments, it is evident that the book is touching people in deep, meaningful ways.
There's a distinct message in Joaquin's story, one that applies to us all:
God still speaks today.
Are you listening?
Michigan
& Rookie: Guardians of the Night
When
people share their testimony, oftentimes they mention hearing “God’s voice”. People
aren’t sure if the Voice is audible or in their mind, yet it’s distinct enough
to change their life. In fact, most Christians have either experienced this or at
the very least believe it to be true. Hebrews 3:7 says, “Therefore, as the Holy
Spirit says, ‘Today, if you will hear His voice.’”
What
if we as a church body took that verse literally, expecting to hear God’s voice
today….and each day?
When Officer Joaquin Guerrero from Saginaw, Michigan
first asked me to write his memoir, I thought it was going to be a simple story
about a man and his dog.
I
was wrong…
As a young man starting out in law enforcement, Joaquin
heard God’s voice calling him to work the dangerous night streets of Saginaw,
Michigan—a city ranked #1 as having the most violent crime per capita in the
US. Saddened by seeing so many kids caught up in gang life, God’s voice
prompted Joaquin to action. He created Precinct 131, an educational program to
help vulnerable children say “No!” to gangs, guns, drugs, and violence. Using his
K9 partner Rookie as his mascot, what began as a short K9 demo turned into a
multifaceted ministry that reached hundreds of thousands.
When terrorists attacked America on a beautiful Tuesday
morning in September, Joaquin responded to New York City with Rookie to help in
the search efforts. Joaquin’s first glimpse of the massive destruction took him
to his knees. The smoldering pile was too much to process. He gripped Rookie’s
leash and cried out to God, “What should I do, Lord? This is too much…”
Trust your dog and
I’ll do the rest, came God’s reassuring voice.
The more I discovered about Joaquin’s life, the more I
was struck with all that he accomplished, both as a K9 officer and a community
volunteer, all because he continually listened for God’s voice. One K9 expert
said of Joaquin in reference to K9 handlers, “Joaquin set the bar high.” I
would say the same is true for a man with a servant’s heart.
Joaquin continues Rookie’s legacy today with Rookie II,
another K9-trained German shepherd. They will be appearing at Trinity on
Sunday, June 17, 2012 at both services. Invite a friend to come and hear
Joaquin’s testimony and this remarkable story of goodheartedness and faith.
Joaquin will be sharing the full story at Trinity E-Free Church in Lakeville on Sunday, June 17, 2012 at both services (9 am and 10:30 am). If you're in the area, please join us for this moving story of service to community and country. For details & directions, please visit
www.Trinityefc.net .
Blessings,
Barbara
