Why Overwatch Security Advisors?

From the beginning

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. – 1 Thessalonians 4:16

Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. – Revelation 12:7-8

When I was 13 years old, I prayed to receive Christ as my Lord and Savior and thought that I would become a pastor someday……. OK, I will not start that far back!

I had a calling from God perhaps five years ago to begin a church security ministry. I did not know how it should look, or even how I should begin. The voice of God was so loud to me, that it was emotional to the core. As I shared this calling with others, I continued to pray that God would show me the path and how I should serve. I knew that I had to do it, but just did not know how I should approach the challenge. I began by taking over the responsibility for Church Security at The Bridge Fellowship Church (TBF) in Lebanon, TN because it is home for my family. This is where my children and wife go to worship. This is where my friends, brothers and sisters in Christ go to celebrate our Lord, Jesus Christ. This is where Pastor Phil and his great staff lead a Church of messed up believers and continues to push the envelope guiding more people to Christ. This is extremely important to me, because Christ has called us to love all and I cannot say I love all and at the same time not support activity that attempts to bring lost souls to Christ and heaven.

I learned a powerful word that is used in the quote below. To proselytize is to convert or attempt to convert (someone) from one religion, belief, or opinion to another.

I heard an interview about 10 years ago with atheist Penn Jillette, of the magician duo, Penn & Taylor and it’s always stuck with me:

“I’ve always said that I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize. I don’t respect that at all. If you believe that there’s a heaven and a hell, and people could be going to hell or not getting eternal life, and you think that it’s not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward—and atheists who think people shouldn’t proselytize and who say just leave me along and keep your religion to yourself—how much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?

“I mean, if I believed, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that a truck was coming at you, and you didn’t believe that truck was bearing down on you, there is a certain point where I tackle you. And this is more important than that.”

After getting TBF into better shape to manage an incident (natural or manmade disaster), I was led to other churches to assist with their plans and preparation. I have found that with a full-time job it is not possible to physically go to every church that needs help and manually assist them. There is only one of me and thousands of churches that need help. As with Nehemiah, who I love and respect…I prayed with humility. I took my lead from a great leader and warrior, Nehemiah:

“He based his petition in the absolute faithfulness of God (1:8-10). Nehemiah did not try to convince God to change, because God is already perfect and just. He fulfills his promises. The suffering of the people was not a failing of God, but the result of their own sin. This same faithfulness was the basis for Nehemiah’s hope. As surely as God had fulfilled promises to punish, he would fulfill his promises to rescue his chosen people.

He asked in faith (1:11). Finally, Nehemiah made his request. He asked that God open a door for him to help his brethren. He was preparing to ask the king to let him return to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls. Nehemiah placed his confidence in the Lord who is powerful to bless the plans of those who truly dedicate themselves to him.”

Recently God put Overwatch Security Advisors (OSA) in my life and since nothing God does is a coincidence, I realized that this was to be my path. OSA has given me the tools to help create a ministry to help all churches in need. Even the name Overwatch has significance. In Daniel’s last vision, an angel describes how the last days will play out for the Jews. It is at this time that Archangel Michael, “the great prince who stands in overwatch guarding the sons of your people will arise” (Dan 12:1). The Bible doesn’t say what “standing guard” entails, but it’s very clear that Michael has special responsibilities for Israel. I find connection with Archangel Michael who is not only the leader of Gods Army, but during medieval times the Catholic Church chose Michael to be the patron of the military. As a patron saint, he was an advocate and intercessor to God on behalf of the military… One can easily see why Saint Michael would be adopted as the patron of the airborne paratrooper in WW II. He is in overwatch of Israel.

Here is the prayer of the airborne and I pray similarly as I go forth with OSA to protect churches.

“Angelic Michael, hear my call as through the sky I now will fall.
Satan you once cast from here aide me now to conquer fear.
My static line has hooked to hold and then my chute it to unfold.
Suspension lines untangled be and open up my canopy.
From other jumpers float me clear, as safely down I persevere.
On angels wings I hit the ground, my father’s favor I have found.
In thanks, Saint Michael, I do pray, for God has helped me – all the way. AMEN”