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When we take a look around at the events that are taking place across America, we can see the tensions that are increasing throughout the land; racial tensions, Ferguson, Baltimore, across the world, and possibly even in our own communities. There is an elephant in the room that, for a long time has not been talked about and only the church can remedy: racism. As a man who has more than 30 years of experience in a multitude of areas, from community involvement, leadership, law enforcement, and a believer in Christ, Assistant Chief of Police David Alexander not only has a real – world perspective when addressing racism, but also a Biblical perspective.
Hear the full conversation of what was shared, how the Church can remedy and respond to the elephant that is in the room, what it means to say “go back to the way things were”, how we are to move in justice, how we can be involved in our communities, as the Church, and so much more. Greg and Assistant Chief of the Pensacola Police Department, David Alexander shared in this segment.
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LISTEN NOW! It was a powerful moment when the city of Pensacola Florida’s first African American Chief of Police, David Alexander, took the stage to address a crowd gathered to pray for the nation. After responding with a standing ovation to his beginning words on the microphone, everyone in attendance listened attentively to each of his words.
As Chief Alexander recalled a recent instance of a woman walking two energetic dogs down the street, he highlighted the importance of unity in order to walk with those around us. When Adam and Eve sinned, they resorted to blame, instead of seeking humility in the face of God. As the Chief continues, “If we’re so busy blaming each other, there’s no way in the world that we can walk together, and there’s no way in the world that we can please God.” If this weren’t applicable enough, he describes how this is happening right now in our present society in America. “So now you got racists blaming each other, you got police blaming the people, the people blaming the police, you got parents blaming children, children blaming parents. When are we going to seek His face?” It doesn’t get any clearer than that! Be greatly encouraged as you see the full statements from the Chief and so much more. Also, shared in this segment: agreement, unity, prayer, humility, repentance, and healing. Greg and Steve shared in this segment.
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These statements are not only encouraging and inspiring, but also affirming to the prophetic dream given to Greg Lancaster when President Obama walked him to the White House. Once inside, Donald Trump and his transition team was there. When Greg Lancaster extended his hand to Donald Trump, Trump grasped his hand and wouldn’t let go. It is important that we continue to pray for our current President, President Obama, as well as the President Elect Trump, and this important season of transition as there is much responsibilityabout to be given to President Elect Trump. Be encouraged as you see and hear these words, and so much more. Also, shared in this segment: unity, healing, speeches, White House, Oval Office, and prayer. Greg and Steve shared in this segment.
The City of Pensacola, on September 11, 2016, witnessed an awesome answer to prayer as multitudes gathered upon the Pensacola Bay Center for a time of praying for the city and the nation. It was a consuming moment to walk through the doors of this venue, which is usually packed for sporting events and music concerts, and witness people with the sole purpose of lifting up the name of Jesus Christ and praying for their nation. Pastor Joey Rogers, from Pace Assembly, and Pastor Ted Traylor, from Olive Baptist, led this encouraging and stirring event. What some may not know was that this event was first a declaration of faith by Pastor Joey Rogers and Pastor Ted Traylor after a previous prayer gathering was held a few months prior.
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LISTEN NOW! (Be Sure to listen to Part 1 to this program. This is part 2 of the program focused on seeking justice for Roy Middleton who was shot 15 times by two deputy sheriff’s – see report of incident and details at NorthEscambia.com)
Greg, John and Pat begin a conversation regarding the Roy Middleton incident where an innocent man was shot by two Escambia County Sheriff Deputies resulting in his car being riddled with bullets and the shattering of Mr. Middleton’s femur. Greg interviews Captain David Alexander III of the Pensacola Police Department to share his own personal views and perspective of what is happening in Escambia County as they begin a conversation to acknowledge realities with a goal of bringing healing to the county.
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Captain David Alexander III who is also an assistant Pastor at Jesus Holy Tabernacle Church shares his personal views and not the views of the Pensacola Police Department. He continues to share that there are a lot of issues that need to be addressed. He shares that it is very rare for an officer to shoot at a suspect so many times when most officers in their career my never even have to fire their weapon. Captain Alexander continues to share that it is his opinion that whenever there are problems in your community those problems will be reflected in public life. [LISTEN NOW TO: NO ONE CRIES FOR JUSTICE, by Greg Lancaster] “The real problem is the lack of trust.” Captain Alexander says. He shares that this just doesn’t make sense relating to what happened to Mr. Middleton and the first response from others was to defend the actions of those involved. Greg shares how Captain Alexander is not merely offering rhetoric but as one who has faithfully partnered with the community not only as a law enforcement officer but also as a minister as well as his participation in
Sheriff David Morgan |
the Pensacola Father and Son Camping trip. We have to begin to demand honesty from those who serve the public. Mr. Middleton shares that he felt like he was in front of a firing squad. This begs to questions as to why there has not been a public acknowledgement, any empathy or an apology for Mr. Middleton. Sheriff David Morgan says “Mr. Middleton was both a suspect and a victim.” Sheriff Morgan then goes on BLAB TV, a local television program where Roy Middleton lives, on the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech and lectured the African American community about why crime is so high crediting it to their culture. [See Sheriff David Morgan Video Below] They continue to discuss how Christians should respond to this injustice as every single person is important to God. The reason given as to why Mr. Middleton was shot was he failed to comply. What essentially is being said is shoot until the person complies. Captain Alexander continues to underscore the importance of having a good relationship between law enforcement and the community. It’s important not just to talk but to have real compassion. Mr. Middleton is a human being and is made in the image and likeness of God. When Mr. Middleton was asked what do you want? This was his response, “I cannot say what I want because I am still asking why?” God is just. May the Lord Grace us to begin a conversation that acknowledges injustice and one that fosters healing in Escambia County and in the entire nation.
Image Credit CNN.com
Image Credit: CNN.com and City of Pensacola
Related Article:
SeekingJustice for Roy Middleton (Part 1 of 2) LISTEN NOW TO: NO ONE CRIES FOR JUSTICE, by Greg Lancaster Sheriff on Shooting Unarmed Man in his Driveway: “He Did Not Comply” NorthEscambia.com – Details Emerge In Deputy Involved Shooting Of Unarmed Man
Article updated: September 24, 2013 C1I2V3I4L5 |