On Friday, 65 officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department joined some 28,000 personnel dedicated to security at the 2017 Inauguration Day ceremonies.
But on Tuesday, just three short days before the Jan. 20 event, many of those Charlotte officers sat crowded around tables in the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association headquarters. They shared in a time of prayer with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team.
“There is the potential for bad to happen in D.C. so it’s important that we have that protection, and we’re just aware and spiritually aware of what’s going on right now,” officer Shannon Finis said. “Having that support going forward is really great.”
Capt. Nelson Bowling, who wanted to have the special time of prayer, participated in security during the last two inaugurations for President Barack Obama. Bowling and his fellow officers are involved in the CMPD’s Civil Emergency Unit, which most notably responded during the unrest in Charlotte in late September and November 2016. In D.C., the Charlotte officers will be deputized to serve alongside the Metropolitan Police Department, and they will be assigned near the Washington Convention Center, site of two inaugural balls.
Bowling, a 25-year-veteran with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, was thankful for the opportunity to come together and lift up the team before Friday’s 16-hour assignment.
“Prayer is always important personally and professionally,” said Bowling, who adds that he often leans on Proverbs 28:1, which states, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.”
All eyes will be on the nation’s capitol Friday, and as many as 900,000 people are expected to attend reports state, including nearly 100 groups demonstrating for and against the 45th president. Historically, this is a peaceful transition of power, still the Rapid Response Team is keeping the entire event in prayer. Jeff Naber, manager of chaplain development and ministry relations, specifically prayed for safety over the police officers and peace for their families.
“Just to know that we have the capacity to do this is such a blessing,” said Naber, a former law enforcement official himself.
“We can pray, and we can stay in the Word and know that God will bless them, that God answers prayers and God provides comfort and protection.”
Would you please join the Rapid Response Team in keeping the inauguration ceremonies covered in prayer?
Are you anxious about the presidential transition? Find peace today.
