Go CODE 7

11/11/2025

Code 7 Connection Newsletter Qtr 3, 2025 -

These past couple of months have been full of hills and valleys. Great things have happened and tragedy has struck. As Chaplain I get to celebrate promotions, retirements, weddings, captured criminals, and cases closed. I also take the journey with the cops through the valleys.  A recent deep valle...

08/01/2025

Code 7 Connection Newsletter Qtr 1 & 2, 2025 -

The year started off with a bang, literally. I was riding along with National City Police New Year’s Eve  when there were multiple callers to 911 about an argument at an apartment complex with a man having a gun. Everyone hurried to the address. When we arrived we saw a few people walking away an...

12/28/2024

Code 7 Connection Newsletter Qtr 4, 2024 -

A chaplains primary role is to help connect people with God. There is no cookie cutter way to  accomplish this but it is certainly influenced by the trust that develops between the chaplain and officers. •Confidentiality is KEY!

10/09/2024

Code 7 Connection Newsletter Qtr 3, 2024 -

Being called out to help families or police officers with su***de is one of the toughest assignments. Whether serving as chaplain or crisis responder, there is no easy entry into the deep water of this type of death. Families and loved ones are devastated believing they could or should have done mor...

06/12/2024

Code 7 Connection Newsletter Qtrs 1 & 2 2024

Quote of the Quarter
“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” ~ Jesus

RELATIONSHIPS
As a young man in ministry, one of my mentors told me that “relationships are more important than personal accomplishments.” The phrase grew in my heart and became one of my life values and a quote I have repeated over the years. The trajectory of that phrase influenced how I connect with people and serve.

When we esteem others as treasured and valuable, we build a community with sustaining support for one another when life takes its dips and turns. Our plans are not always God's plans, nor our ways His ways.
When life on this earth ends, I don’t think it will matter what the bank says you’re worth. I believe what will matter most is how you shared your years in relationship with others.

I think it is wise to keep your accounts short with others. What I mean by that is to resolve differences and conflicts as quickly as possible. If you can forgive and move forward, do it. If you work intentionally at fostering strained relationships and find a path of peace to move forward, I don't think you will regret it.

Honoring ACPC
CVPD Assistant Chief Phil Collum spent his lifetime serving others through law-enforcement. He was well loved by many and was a true influencer. Phil mentored and encouraged people to be their best and do their best. Phil‘s faith in God‘s supreme love made him a servant of many. Phil’s giant smile was his consistent welcome card.

Phil’s life was cut short by cancer but his legacy, policies, and dedication to service will live on through many whose lives he touched. A Celebration of Life service was held, and I had the privilege to speak and share a message of God's love to everyone in attendance. We’ve got it from here, Phil. We are glad you are at peace and now at home.

The Address
My phone rang unexpectedly one morning, and the dispatcher said a police officer needed my help. They told me that a police officer's parent died at their home, and the on-duty Lieutenant specifically requested I go and assist. When the dispatcher gave me the address, I knew who’s home it was.

I had been there before socially years ago. I went directly to the house, greeted the family, and stayed through the required process. The Lieutenant and another Armed Forces veteran saluted the officer's father as he was taken into the care of the mortuary. The Sgt said he had handled probably a hundred deaths but of course nothing hit so close to home - literally.

To be called on in times of crisis is what a chaplain does. We support and often spend an extended time of silence, simply being present, reflecting God‘s compassion, care, and presence in the midst of difficulty and tragedy. This is our role and a reminder to the family that God is not absent but He is present. In this case it was a relationship formed years ago that allowed me to serve in this moment of need.

Prayer Breakfast 2024
I was blessed with the support of Code 7 donors to be able to sponsor four tables at the recent Law Enforcement Prayer Breakfast. I was joined by both Chula Vista and National City Police Departments at the tables where we received an encouraging word and a gospel message.The room was filled with first responders, and it is always energizing to see so many I’ve met over the years.

Chaplain Rick
My partner in ministry and Code 7 Chaplain Rick Rojas is taking some time off. He ended up finding out, through a relatively small medical incident, that he had a form of blood cancer. Rick has been a trooper and is fighting with everything he’s got. Rick invited over the team from NCPD to hear his story. He captivated his audience of about 20 people on his patio as he shared his win-win situation.

As he describes it, it’s a win-win. He explained that if God heals him and he beats his cancer, it’s a win because he gets to be around and serve longer. Also, he said if the Lord calls him home, it’s a win because he gets to be in heaven with the Lord. His attitude is amazing and his testimony of how he’s handling his cancer and the difficulties are a reflection of his faith. We are praying for you, Rick, as you continue the battle.

Decompress
People ask me sometimes what I do to burn off my stress, so I included a couple of pictures of recent fun adventures. I like to mountain bike out in the hills of San Diego County with my friends. People ask me if I like to road bike and I say no; I’ll take the rocks and the rattlesnakes over distracted drivers on the highways any day of the week :-) Oh, and once in a while, I get to attend fun events and have a colorful parrot rest on my arm.

In Conclusion
Relationships are the basis for our Code 7 ministry to cops and the people in crisis. A relationship with Jesus is the most important followed by family and friends and the people you cross paths with. I encourage you to nurture the relationships closest to you and keep your accounts short. Thank you for your encouragement and support of this ministry.

Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective. James 5:16

12/15/2022

Code 7 Connection Newsletter Dec 2022

Celebration Time!
I’ve experienced achievement and idleness, heartbreak and happiness, tragedy and comedy. I’ve seen relationships shattered and restored, multiple promotions, a few too many terminations, and medical retirements because doctors deemed they were unfit to continue.

I’m still hopeful and trusting in God for the ability to be His hands, feet, ears, and compassionate heart to connect to others.

Living Water
With your help, Code 7 has provided an estimated equivalent of 2 million water bottles for our officers. Hydration and connection are our calling cards. A new sign was just approved to be attached to the wall above the water filtration and bottle filling station we placed during COVID. Here it is:

Over the Past 10 Years of Ministry
I’ve responded to house fires, too many su***des, motor vehicle and motorcycle deaths, and children deaths.

I have celebrated officiating officer weddings and grieved with families as I conducted cop funerals.

I was with the football linebacker turned cop when he stopped the squad car to listen for the faint cry of a kitten. He found the tiny exhausted feral fluff ball with its head stuck in the triangle of a chain link fence. He got out his leatherman and freed the poor baby. Watching the pride in his countenance as the youngster scampered away was priceless.

I’ve been in car chases, foot pursuits, stakeouts, seen infant CPR, and drunken individuals who have urinated themselves but insist they’ve only had 2 beers. I watched paramedics plug a bleeding gangster’s stab wound while he fought with them to stop providing care. I’ve seen individuals convulsing and foaming at the mouth, literally gasping for their final breaths, who, once medication had been administered, awoke and became angry that their high was cut short.

My partners have been needle-pricked while searching pockets, and stabbed in the face and arm while asking about a thrown object. I saw an ice cream truck that had smashed into a light pole, and I was the recipient of a melting treat. I’ve seen cars upside down, on their side, into fire hydrants, trees, and fences. I’ve been to intersections where people are sitting, passed out drunk, at the wheel of a running vehicle as the signal light cycles through green multiple times - yikes.

On your dime I have shared lunch with literally hundreds of officers around the county and enjoyed a few laughs as we relaxed. I’ve bought gallons of coffee to help my friends stay awake on their overnight shifts.

On many occasions I have shared my office and backyard with officers telling of their homefront stresses and asked for help. I’ve heard the disappointment and complaints of workplace politics and the relationship damage caused by the exposure to critical incidents. Through it all, I have been able to invest into the lives of our men and women of law enforcement who are sacrificing for us every day.

In Conclusion
Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your financial support through the ups and downs of the economy. Thank you for your encouraging emails and notes over the years. Thank you for your heart of graciousness and kindness to the police in your hometown.

I am celebrating the Code 7 anniversary by riding along on December 15th. I covet your prayers as we embark on the next 10 years.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1

01/03/2021

Code 7 Connection Newsletter Qtr 4, 2020

Quote of the Quarter:
“I might get in trouble after the COVID passes. I think I may tackle-hug a lot of people. I have catching up to do.” Wes Anderson
If you are a hugger or person who craves touch, you might be in trouble, too.

NEVER BEFORE - NEVER AGAIN
This is a once-in-a-lifetime event - this COVID 19 stuff. The wearing of masks, keeping distance and staying away from social gatherings has created a difficult year for everyone.The Covid virus has put enormous strain on personal and business finances and relationships. Never have we seen this before, and I never want to experience it again.

HOPE
As we close the year 2020 in a few days, I send out this note of Hope we have for the future. It’s the message of Christmas. God’s love was demonstrated to us in that while we were still sinners, He sent Jesus. Jesus was born, lived, and died to bring us forgiveness and the promise of life forever with Him in heaven.

There are many names and titles ascribed to Jesus throughout the scriptures, each one unique and revealing a facet of His character. One of my favorites is friend of sinners. The fact that Jesus is a friend of sinners means that He is my friend - our friend. Despite our sinful condition, Jesus desires a relationship with us and is waiting for us to acknowledge His presence and availability as a friend.

God’s love for us is almost beyond imagining. When we consider Jesus’ incarnation - His leaving heaven to be born as a helpless human infant in order to grow and experience life among us, we begin to get a glimmer of the depth of that love. When we add to that His sacrificial death on the cross, it is staggering and shouts of our hope.

Pictured below are some more titles and references worth investigation.

In Conclusion
Let’s pray for those suffering daily. Let’s do som**hing for those in survival mode and on the edge. For some it will take funds. For others a personal visit. For others an encouraging note, text or call.

Thank you for your prayers and support of Code 7. Together, we are blessing the lives of our law enforcement and their families.

05/11/2020

Code 7 Connection Newsletter Qtr 1, 2020

Quote of the quarter:
“The Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny – Essential Workers ~ Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s Prime Minister.

Here we are together facing a brand-new world. Everything is so different with our uninvited guest, COVID-19. We have words and phrases recirculating from mom like, go wash your hands and keep your hands off your face, as well as the new terms of N95 mask vs face coverings, essential workers, social distancing, school closures for the remainder of the year, and yes, TP. History is being written, friends.

Things are happening we never really planned on - being ticketed for parking at the beach and watching the sunset, standing in line outside the grocery store, and once completing our shopping, standing 6 feet back from the person in front of us in line without a thought of someone snaking in front of us to take our spot.

All of this comes, gravity still holds, and the world continues to spin on its axis as promised. God remains faithful. God remains close. God remains sure.

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? (No) Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death (by Coronavirus)? No; despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loves us.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:31-39 NLT

NCPD Police & Fire Promotions
I was honored this past quarter to give a prayer benediction for National City Police and Fire promotions. I’m honored to have influence and support our first responders as they continue to serve and do their new challenging tasks. Please pray for them as they have constant exposure to sick people in the p***c during this pandemic.

DUI Unit traffic Collision
There’s always a risk to drive at night. Less visibility, maybe the elements, the weather, but the worst has got to be a possible drunk driver.

The Chula Vista Police DUI unit was recently hit at night by yes, a drunk driver traveling way too fast. The officer sustained injuries due to the collision but is expected to recover. It could easily have been worse for everyone if the impact was just a foot different. Oh, the irony of it all though… of all the cars to hit…

CVPD Building Beautification
Chula Vista Police department repainted the touched up the first-floor interior space and hallways. After occupying the building for more than 15 years, I guess it was time. In one of the areas a wall mural collage of photos was put up. One of the photos is of your favorite Code 7 Chaplain. I guess I could say I made the wall.

In Conclusion
Thank you for all your special encouragement to our first responders. They are telling me stories of how the public is affirming their work right now. It send a powerful message for support when someone randomly buys a cop coffee for in the drive through line at Starbucks or Donny’s Café, or when someone lets them know they are being prayed for.

Thank you for your prayers and support for me too!

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. (NLT) Proverbs 11:25

Blessings,
Wes Anderson Executive Director Code 7

12/16/2019

Code 7 Connection Newsletter Qtr 4 2019

Quote of the quarter:

“Well, good morning, Chief, nice to see you here.” – an enthusiastic and enamored conference attendee greets me as I stand in full uniform preparing my final thoughts for a public invocation.

Apparently, the shape and position of the gold cross on my lapels are analogous to the stars of a chief. I had to conceal my chuckles as I initiated the prayer.

December 15, 2019
I was lying in bed awake in the early morning hours as I have many other days. At this point it feels natural - it’s som**hing I’ve grown accustomed to. Awoken with faces and situations circulating through my mind. I blanketed each image with prayer.

I made a note of the date today, because seven years ago today, I sent out an email to my family and friends informing them of what I believed my next step in life was establishing Code 7. It was my opportunity to initiate a support system, allowing me to stand in the gap for those experiencing crisis and trauma as well as to consistently serve our law enforcement.

Is it me or has the past seven years really gone by fast?

A Special Note:
To the handful of you who captured the vision and helped jumpstart Code 7 on December 15, 2012 - THANK YOU! For all who began supporting and never stopped - THANK YOU! For those who heard about us along the journey and joined for a season and those who share when you are able - THANK YOU! For everyone across the board who pray for this ministry and for our law enforcement across our nation - THANK YOU! I am inspired to continue by your faithfulness - THANK YOU!

899,360
I lost count of the exact number of water bottles we have provided to the police departments after the second year, but averaging the weekly consumption rate and utilizing some simple math, I came up with a fairly accurate estimate of bottles we, together, have provided our cops since inception. (40x44x73x7) = 899,360

THE WHY?
Why do we provide water for the police officers anyway? Well, studies reveal there are a couple of ways to process the storm of stress hormones and neuro-chemicals activated by the occupation-specific traumatic-stress exposure cops endure. The two main remedies are (1) 40 minutes of cardio exercise (which I can’t really influence), and (2) flushing the chemicals through constant hydration. It’s a bit more complex than that, but I realized, water I can do - so I did. Actually, we do.

‘Tis the Season:
If you work as a cop, this is the time of year for extra sacrifice. ‘Tis the season to miss Thanksgiving, Christmas morning, and the New Year’s Eve get-together. These are the months when you will probably miss the family gatherings, celebrations and, well, the in-laws because of your work schedule. While our families are roasting chestnuts on an open fire, our public servants are festively arresting shoplifters and ushering urine-stenched Santa-capped panhandlers out of the roadway so they don’t get smoked by a last minute Christmas shopper. It’s all just part of their sacrifice.

REST | REFLECT | RENEW
Sometimes, we all need a minute to rest, reflect on the great things around us, and focus on renewal. I took time the other day to get to the beach and accidentally (or not) landed on this terrific sunset in Imperial Beach. Enjoy!

K-9 Grill
Nice homegrown addition to the grill of our K-9 vehicles.

Formula C10H15N
It’s not a lump of coal, and it’s not a lump of sugar called rock candy. Today’s 15-letter spelling word - Methamphetamine. Here is a chunk of ice I saw the other day that landed its possessor in a heap of trouble. There is so much m**h on the streets nowadays, it's easy to understand how easily people get trapped in the circle of drugs. I pray at calls like this for deliverance from the grip of the enemy and his schemes.

In Conclusion
Code 7 plans to continue promoting physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional health of the law enforcement personnel. It’s what we were formed to do. We are able to do this because citizens, businesses, and churches participate in financially supporting our cause.
The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. (NLT) Proverbs 11:25

Blessings,

Wes Anderson
Executive Director
Code 7

“First seek to understand, then to be understood.” Stephen Covey

11/01/2019

Code 7 Connection Newsletter July/August/September 2019
“QUOTE OF THE QUARTER”

“Everything is recoverable short of death – you just need a great therapist.” L. Rankin

The 3rd quarter of 2019 began with our CAST volunteers and I serving with the Chula Vista Firefighters Foundation (CVFF) at their annual, very worthy Fourth of July Pancake community breakfast. CVFF funds go to support fire safety, community programs, and provide support to those displaced by fires. Plus it was a great occasion to rock my star-studded sports coat. Next year I will need to add red and white striped shorts. Don’t you agree?

A few days after celebrating our country’s independence, I was heartbroken as I officiated and walked beside a horse-drawn carriage carrying a very young child to her final resting place. It’s times like this that makes me thankful for every sunset I get to see at the end of each day.

During some recent tough times, I found a sobering meme about complaining. Maybe it will bring a fresh perspective to you, too.

Most cars function best on all four wheels, but sometimes people try to improvise summoning police presence. It always makes for an interesting call when responding to an overturned vehicle. Thankfully, no one was injured, and we all got to see the tow truck driver work his magic by turning the car right side up and hauling it away.

Two of my friends from National City Police Department were honored as they moved forward in their careers and departed from the PD. Best always to Lieutenant and Corporal. I’m certain there will be many more years of public service ahead of them both and that our paths will cross again.

I just finished up some great and needed training out of town. I’m feeling confident in the skills I refined and am happy to be a Distinguished Graduate of the course.

It’s October and you know what that means? If you guessed PSL, that’s incorrect. It’s Pink Patch Month, or otherwise known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Our officers proudly wear pink patches to honor those who have suffered with Breast Cancer. Donations and proceeds from these pink patches will again go to Loving You Through It – a ministry in Chula Vista helping those devastated by cancer to look and feel their best.

Will you please pause with me for a moment as you read this and say a prayer for the people you know currently battling cancer, their loved ones, and those supporting them? I strongly believe prayer changes things.

From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for your care and prayers. I am privileged to support and encourage women and men in law enforcement on your behalf.

May the LORD bless you and protect you.
May the Lord be gracious to you and smile on you.
May the LORD show you His favor and give you His peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Blessings,

Wes

07/07/2019

Code 7 Connection Newsletter April/May/June 2019

“QUOTE OF THE QUARTER”

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including YOU.” Anne Lamott

How is your mental, emotional, and spiritual health? Are you taking time on a daily/weekly/monthly basis to recharge your system and replenish your tank? Our resources can become depleted each time we encounter another human whose view or energy is contrary to ours. If you are in law enforcement, having your resources depleted is a daily occurrence.

Here is a short list of activities to help replenish your system:
1. Breathe – intentionally pausing to take in a few slow, deep breaths (4 seconds in, hold 4 seconds, 4 seconds out) can help not only re-oxygenate your blood, but it can also be the pause you need to reset your thinking.
2. Be thankful – briefly taking inventory of 5 blessings in your life will help re-focus your mind onto your most valuable treasures.
3. Pause for prayer – contemplating our dependence on our Creator for all things can recalibrate and remind us to lean on Him for wisdom.
4. Reflect on your relationships – taking a quick review of the people closest to you will reveal where you get a large majority of your influence and strength. Choose your friends wisely, your resilience and fortitude counts on it.

LE Annual Memorial Service SD

Each year at the San Diego County Law Enforcement Memorial wall there is a service remembering those from our county who have died in the line of duty. I was able to attend this year with a few hundred peace officers and family members of the fallen officers. There are similar events that are held in our state capital in Sacramento and in Washington DC during police week yearly. Pictured here is my friend and chaplain Chuck Price saluting the commemoration of the officers.

½ Marathon Sponsorship and Code 7 exposure

Code 7 was invited to host a hydration station at the San Diego Beach & Bay Half Marathon. It was our first venture into serving cups of cool water to runners along the race course. We had a dozen Code 7 volunteers who were able to provide water and generate funds for our nonprofit. Here are a couple of my favorite volunteers!

Grief is Messy!

Part of Code 7’s overall vision and a passion of mine is to help hurting people going through the dramatic stresses of life and grief. Death of a loved one, the break-up a relationship, traumatic incident, and even perceived losses can be life distressing issues. I have experienced my own handful of challenges, and they were, at times, debilitating. I snickered when I saw this graphic and thought I would share it with you. Reminder - there is hope along your journey, and people who care about you will help you along the way. Keep walking, keep your eyes open, keep pressing forward. You are worth it.

Challenges of LE

I was out on a ride along with a couple of officers a few weeks ago and observed these two officers going the extra mile - doing som**hing that is certainly not in the recruitment brochure. Putting on full body X-ray blocking gown, they helped a marginally compliant suspect stand in the correct position so an x-ray could be taken and his status evaluated. Also, here is a display how our cops can adapt in the field and work on the reports while guarding their (now sleeping) in custody assignment. Thanks, guys, for not complaining and just getting the job done.

California Chaplain Corps

I was called upon unexpectedly to serve with the California Chaplain Corps and went into the Donovan Correctional Facility to serve as a chaplain. My role was to support the prison guards in the aftermath of one of their co-worker’s su***de. The California Chaplain Corps is new for the State of California, and a business colleague of mine is running it out of Sacramento. A few local chaplains are being utilized to serve the law enforcement inside our state detention facilities behind the fences and razor wire. My first full day of service there reminded me that whether inside or outside the prison walls, everyone takes the loss of a loved one in similar fashion. Some were shocked, some in disbelief, and some of the prisoners rudely suggested other guards copy the behavior.

Speaking Engagements

I had the opportunity to join my friend David as he spoke to the San Diego County Women Leaders of Law Enforcement. He retold the details of the dramatic and tragic experience of nearly two years ago when he was attacked by a suspect with a knife. Listening to him share the experience, and being invited to add my perspective, continually reminds me of the value of life, friendship, and camaraderie we share. It’s an honor to serve these brave individuals. I can’t say enough about them. Much honor and respect is due for every person wearing the badge.

RUN, WES, RUN!

I did run. I ran a 5.3 mile leg of the Annual Law Enforcement / Special Olympics Torch Run through our city with a good posse of folks. Many law enforcement agencies from around the county participated in this unified event. I love that our community supports the Special Olympics.

Only 5.3….?
Continuing my fun running - on a personal note, I ran with my daughter and a friend through the streets of San Diego and completed the Rock’ n Roll half-marathon -13.1 miles. It was a bucket list item for my daughter and an extreme adventure. We, of course, had to pause at mile marker 7 for a photo in commemoration of Code 7. Fun times always with this girl☺

In Conclusion:
Serving our police officers and their families as they trek through this life is an honor to me. Knowing they are comfortable talking to me and being able to be an influence is honestly a privilege. Thank you for encouraging them and me through Code 7.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23 1-4

Blessings,
Wes

04/10/2019

Code 7 Connection Newsletter Quarter 1 - 2019

“QUOTE OF THE QUARTER”

“Acting stupid is not illegal – it’s just stupid.”

If I were to say the first quarter of 2019 was business as usual for Wes and Code 7, it might make it sound uneventful - like it was quiet for me as chaplain and for Code 7. Well, it was, but it isn’t. Confused? Lemme splain…

Once you have been consistently exposed to the stresses, elements and daily activities that come through the lens of a police chaplain and trauma/crisis responder for a period of time, the impact of the circumstances can become less impactful on your system, hopefully because you learn the art of healthy processing. Everything doesn’t land safely packaged and processed in the heart, but more can over time. Moving from crisis to crisis is still deeply personal, requires prayers, and my full presence to effectively provide comforting support to the ones I’m serving. It also takes follow-up. Prayers are ALWAYS appreciated.

Anyway, on to the NEWS for this newsletter…

Back to Back to Back - Epic Morning Activities:

Friday I had a great breakfast. Saturday, an early morning run, followed by emceeing the graduation of eight new heroes in my city – here is more about all that.

The breakfast. The 28th Annual San Diego Law Enforcement & Emergency Services Prayer Breakfast was held Friday morning. Somewhere in excess of 500 people were in attendance. Code 7 was blessed with a sponsorship of two tables from a retired cop. He told me he knows the value of these gatherings and wanted to make sure he helped facilitate his former coworkers getting together, having a breakfast, and potentially experiencing a life-changing morning. Mission accomplished. The speaker, J. Warren Wallace, is a retired cop who used the process and elements of a crime scene (cops love that stuff) to illustrate the need of exploring the facts of God’s existence and ultimately the need of a relationship with Him. He was so engaging, informative, and entertaining that we were eating out of his hand. Amazing presentation - epic morning!

The run. Running before and through the sunrise was a magnificent treat, as long as you don’t mind getting up in the dark and running. I don’t mind, especially when I get to do it with my grown and married daughter. She invited Daddio out of his distance running “retirement” to share a half-marathon with her, which is happening later this year. By sharing, I don’t mean we each run a portion--that would be nice--I mean we run it together.

With the So. Cal super-bloom in full effect, we ran to a spot where I know we could frolic in the flowers and run through the 8’ tall mustard plants. A picture is worth a thousand words, so I’ll be silent and let these pics finish telling the story.

The Heroes. For the past three months, roughly six hours a week, I have been participating in the training of eight amazing people who have willingly volunteered themselves to become trained as crisis responders through the organization called Community Adversity Support Team (CAST). Each individual felt a compelling urge to become trained to step into a stranger’s world at the request of the police or fire department, and provide real-time support when someone has died or become traumatically impacted. These life-altering moments require people incredibly gifted with compassion, empathy, and grace. To become involved in this type of service receives my utmost praise and generates applause for their completion of the academy.

Yesterday, as I stood before the graduates of CAST Academy #28 with the Chula Vista Mayor, Police Chief and Fire Chief to commission them in their service to our community, I couldn’t help but think of how blessed I am to be an influential part of such a valuable service to our community. A unique element of this particular class is that two of the graduates were recipients of care when their loved one died and determined in their hearts that they wanted to give back one day to someone else the care and love they received on the worst day of their own life. It’s so touching to know their lives were deeply impacted in a positive way by our team.

Here they are – the Amazing Eight!

EASTER

In a couple of weeks, we will be celebrating Easter. The day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus – the mighty power of God raising Him from the dead as He made payment for our sins. Is there a more glorious morning? I don’t think so.

This year I will be sharing a resurrection message at Glen Abbey Memorial Park’s first Sunrise Service at 6:00 AM. Wherever you are the morning of April 21, 2019, may the reflection of God’s work bring you in close connection with the one who loves you to death and provides eternal life.

In Conclusion
Ponder the unbelievable, unexpected, and dealing with the day-in-day-out drama our police officers and their families encounter as they serve the community. Please pray for them as they continue to serve us. Pray for their loved ones and the relationships they share.

I am blessed by your partnership as together we build strong and hopeful support for our law enforcement and their families. Together, the Lord gives strength for us to do unimaginable things.

I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope He has given… Ephesians 1:18a (NLT)

Blessings,

Wes Anderson
Executive Director
Code 7
“You are not here to save the world, but you are here to touch the hands that are within your reach” ~ Kathleen Price