Counseling Announcement

Emergency Chaplains, a nonprofit ministry to the area's first responders like law enforcement officers, fire fighters and emergency medical personnel, is establishing a counseling center where not only first responders, but their families, can be served.

Grey Stone Baptist Church, 2601 Hillsborough Road, is providing space on its campus for the counseling center to serve individuals, couples and families.

"We want to thank the staff at Grey Stone for their kindness and understanding and especially for their commitment to Biblical counseling and our local ministry," said Chaplain Ralph Thompson.

This service is offered by appointment. Call (919) 280-8908 or send an e-mail to Ralph@echap.org to set up a time. The counseling is provided free of charge to first responders and their family members.

Chaplain Thompson is certified by International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and has a master's degree in Biblical counseling from Master's Divinity School. His wife, Chaplain Carter Thompson, has a BA in psychology/Christian Counseling from Louisiana Baptist University and is currently working on her master's degree.

Hometown Hero: Paul Boyer

Back in October we advised you of an EMS line of duty death at Fort Bragg. Paul Boyer, a career paramedic who formerly worked for Durham EMS, died in that accident.

(Click here for story)

Paul Boyer

While Paul was in Durham he became good friends of Paramedic Rob Stabbe and his son, Ben. They continued their friendship through the years. They attended Carolina Hurricanes games together and Paul also became one of Ben's biggest fans when he played youth hockey.

Earlier this month Ben's team, the 18U Sharks, took second place in the 2009-2010 Canes Cup of the Triangle. Ben and Rob received silver medals and immediately dedicated the season and their medals to the memory of their biggest fan and encourager, Paul Boyer.

Rob describes Paul as a man who loved God, loved people, loved hockey and made a

Ben and Rob Stabbe

profound impact on him and an even greater impact on Ben's life.

We salute the memory of Paul Boyer in this issue. A man who lived his life wide open and gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving others.

In Jesus' Name,

Chaplain Ralph

J.D. GREEAR AT SEBTS 20/20 COLLEGIATE CONFERENCE

Naming some of the cultural objections to Jesus' claim that He is "the way, the truth and the life," Greear said most see this approach to God as archaic or arrogant.

"It's not being arrogant, but being convinced that Jesus is who He says He is. There can be just as much arrogance among the people who say Jesus isn't who He says He is."

Greear said many claim a more postmodern approach, saying whatever works for each person is fine for them.

"To say that religion is subjective and has no objective truth doesn't make that true," Greear said. "We can't just define God as we want Him to be -- He is what He is. You don't get your own personal Jesus. He gets to define Himself."

One of the most widely-used excuses may be that Christianity is divisive and unfair.

"All religions are exclusive, but the Gospel of Jesus is unique. It's not based on what we have done but what Christ has done for humanity." Greear said. "The Gospel, if you really understand it, doesn't lead you to exclusivism. It leads you to grace."