From: "Barb Kavouras (by way of Rev. Eric J. Stefanski, )" To: Subject: CLIMB: Field Report For Rev. Richard Turner Date: Friday, November 02, 2001 12:28 PM Barb K Cleveland kavouras@multiverse.com Field Report for Rev. Richard Turner, Chaplain FBI, Houston - now on scene in New York via: Rev. Dean Kavouras, Chaplain FBI, Cleveland 9/30/01 This evening I spoke with fellow FBI chaplain, Rev. Richard Turner, LCMS pastor from Baytown, TX. Chaplain Turner is currently assigned to Staten Island dump, where the rubble from ground zero is being taken and sifted through. Though he spent his first two days at the disaster site, he has found more opportunity for ministry at the Staten Island site. The NYPD Captain in charge of the dump, upon getting to know Pastor Turner, has asked him to come to the evening briefing and have prayer for his men before they start work each shift. Pastor Turner reverently makes the sign of the cross and leads approximately 75 officers and a contingent of FBI agents in prayer. His prayers are both petitions and Law/Gospel sermons, based on Scripture, covering everything from the weather to remembering our families back home. Chaplain Turner keeps his ears open and incorporates many of the concerns he has heard, in the prayer. The personnel truly appreciate it. LCMS pastor, Rev. Steve Unger also an FBI chaplain for the NY division is on scene. Rev. Turner reports that there are over 600 cars that have been destroyed in the area. Twelve city blocks have been devastated. Approximately thirteen office buildings will have to be demolished because its cheaper to rebuild them, than to attempt refurbishing. The WTC towers were 110 stories each, the area is still smoldering and there's a metallic smell in the air at ground zero. Pastor Turner has been talking to people one on one. He says people are anxious to talk, especially to a clergyman. He says the crews truly appreciate receiving cards and notes from older school children, writing letters of appreciation for the work they are doing. The Bureau has specifically told their chaplains on scene to be available to everyone, whether FBI, other law enforcement agencies, fire personnel, civilian contractors and volunteers. Chaplain Turner reports that the weather has been cold and rainy lately and it makes the work difficult. Pastor Turner will be going home on Thursday after ten days in service. Please pray for him and the people who are serving God and country in their vocations doing this work. They will pay a stiff price for many years to come, even as many war veterans have. I am on standby for NY and will possibly go the week of October 8th. I will keep you updated, and if I do go, I will try to supply you with regular field reports as I did from PA. I leave you all with the words of 1 Peter 5:6-10 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, and He will exalt you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be sober and alert, for your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you! and make you strong! firm! and steadfast!" Rev. Dean Kavouras Cleveland, Ohio chap7953@multiverse.com + + + Confessional Lutherans in Missionary Boldness + + + The CLIMB e-letter brings you unedited, uncut reports directly from the mission field, whether in South America, Africa, Europe, inner-city, rural, or collegiate America, or military installations and battle sites around the world. 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