FIREPROOF: Opening Weekend

We've been keeping you updated on the movie FIREPROOF and the opening weekend was amazing. Playing in just one-third of the theaters than many of the other movies, it made 6.8 Million Dollars and came in 4th place. Ten-Four Ministries had the honor to participate in a viewing and I was given the opportunity to present the Gospel to the crowd afterwards. I can't wait to tell you about the night. Today, I have printed a review from one of our viewers and supporters of Ten-Four Ministries. Thanks Joy for your review:

"I L-O-V-E-D this movie. I know it's cliche but it made me laugh and cry. Honestly, I figured the quality of the production would not be that great but I was pleasantly surprised. Beautiful imagery and shooting. The shots of the woods with the cross were georgeous. This is the only movie that I know of that talks about the true meaning of love--not the romantic type of love--but agape love. I am so glad one of the major themes was about love being an action and not a feeling and how we can't trust our feelings at all times. This is a desperately needed movie concerning fighting for your marriage when we live in a culture where divorce is so rampant.

The most moving scene for me was when Kirk Cameron's character and his dad were in the woods by the cross and he kept saying, "How can I continue to love her (his wife) when she rejects me again and again?" and he looks at his dad and his dad is standing by the cross and it hits him like a freight train that God has been
loving him all these years despite his rejection and apathy. I felt the Holy Spirit moving in the theatre during the whole movie, but during that scene it was so quiet in that movie theater...and the presence of the Holy Spirit was so powerful...it was amazing.

The acting was great...it is hard to believe that these were not professional actors and that they were all volunteers. I have to admit that a few of the characters did sound a little stiff and like they were reading their lines but overall I thought the acting was good.

Another thing that surprised me was how funny the movie was. I really thought that the jokes would be very "corny" for lack of a better word and not very funny but I thought the movie was hilarious and well-written.

Our church had rented out the Malco in Fort Smith, AR. tonight and I can tell you that people were rolling with laughter throughout most of the movie. Funny stuff.

Another thing I appreciated was how they presented the gospel. It was in a kind and gentle way--not pushy or demanding which is great for when non-believers watch it.

I really feel that many people will be saved as a result of this movie."

Hard To Believe

Below is a wonderful interview of Pastor John MacArthur. I have learned so much from this man and I consider him one of the greatest preachers/teachers of our day. I was able to meet him a couple of weeks ago and he was as kind and generous as you would expect. In this interview, he discusses one of my favorite books: Hard To Believe. This is simply a must read book. Next to the Bible, it is one of the most important books in my library.

Kirk Cameron Interviews John MacArthur

FIREPROOF "Hottest Ticket"

FIREPROOF starts this Friday and we are excited about the opportunities this movie provides to believers and non-believers. We have been hopeful that thousands would see this movie and it would be recognized by a large viewing on opening weekend, which generaly causes many more to see the movie. It appears that FIREPROOF is well on it's way to a great opening weekend. It is currently rated as the hottest pre-sale on Fandango.

Ten-Four Minsitries has spoken about this movie often and it has not been without some criticism. A recent e-mail stated that "Christians need to realize that supporting a movie just because other Christians made it is really lame." It was one of the few things I agreed with in the e-mail. I do not condone supporting anything just because Christians are involved but there is one reason and one reason alone to support FIREPROOF. Because the Gospel is in the movie. There have been other movies that have claimed to be Christian and some that even throw in small elements of a partial Gospel but FIREPROOF is different. Once someone has watched this movie, there will be no doubt as to what God demands of us and what it takes to become a born again believer of Jesus Christ. That alone is why Christians should support this movie.

Sheep or Goat?

A good friend of mine runs Evangelism Team and he recently attended one of the largest Christian Festivals in the country, held in South Dakota. With permission from the organizers, he interviewed 200 kids who proclaimed to be Christians. He asked them 4 questions:

1. Are you a Christian?
2. What does it mean to be a Christian?
3. What does it mean to be born again?
4. What happens to people when they die if they are not a Christian?

The answers were all over the charts, including reincarnation, etc. With the state of the current American Church, the answers were unfortunately expected. The project was not done to embarrass but to reveal a very real issue in today's church's.

The visible church is in a horrible state; we need to return to our roots (the authoritative words of Scripture). I believe the decline in the visible church is a direct result of what's being preached in the pulpits and professing Christian's personal time reading, understanding, and applying the words of Scripture.

This site hits very close to home for me. I routinely speak to kids that claim to be Christians and cannot even tell me how to become one or why they are one. Recently, a kid told me he became a Christian "because it was the thing to do." I am routinely told that all you have to do to become a Christian is "to pray." These are kids that have grown up in youth groups, that claim to be a Christian.

Let me encourage you to send this site to your church leaders, to parents, to believers, etc. We cannot assume because someone "claims" Christianity that they are indeed born again believers of Jesus Christ. We must examine these claims within the scriptures.

To the church leaders and to parents: We should ask our youth and our kids these questions. We should help them examine their faith. I hope this site will be a blessing.

Here's the site: www.sheeporgoats.com.

FLYWHEEL - Giveaway

I watched a movie last night called FLYWHEEL. It was made in 2002 on a $20,000 budget by Sherwood Baptist Church. The church has now made three films. After FLYWHEEL, they made Facing The Giants and the upcoming film FIREPROOF.

I watched FLYWHEEL not knowing what to expect but I was curious based on the recent movies the Church has made. To say I was inspired by the movie is an understatement. We would like to bless someone with a copy of this movie. Comment on this Blog and we will choose a random reader in a couple of weeks and send you this movie for free.

Featured Sermon

If you haven't found it yet, we are now hosting sermons on our main site, www.tenfourministries.org. While the most current sermons will be on the front page, we will archive all sermons here.

Our featured sermon this week is from our good friend Leon Brown. You can listen to his sermon on the Apostle Peter and Obedience here.

How Do You Know You Are Saved?

7 Years Later

Seven years ago today, our Country became close and personal to evil. On September 11, 2001, Americans saw evil in a way we had never experienced before. We witnessed with our own eyes as 2,996 people were murdered by Terrorists.

72 of those victims were peace officers, 331 were firefighters and 44 were paramedics. The loss to our first responder community was devastating and the work done that day was nothing short of heroic. It is estimated that over 25,000 lives were saved by the first responders who helped evacuate civilians.


Those that responded on September 11, 2001 and continue to respond today are as true as a Hero as we will ever see. We should take the time today and every day to pray for all of our first responders. They are facing challenging times and the event of 9-11 should be a reminder to all of us that tommorrow is not guaranteed. Eternity is waiting all of us and the largest Hero of our time, Jesus Christ, is waiting to accept us into His Kingdom. Are you prepared? Click Here to find out.

Christless Christianity

A new book by Dr. Michael Horton called "Christless Christianity" will be coming out soon. Here is a video by Dr. Horton on the new book.

Last Words Radio

I had the honor of being a guest on Last Words Radio last night. My wife and I joined Tony, Greg and Kelly on the one hour radio show based in Los Angeles that encourages others to share their faith in Jesus Christ.

Greg (above) the co-founder of Last Words Ministry is coordinating the show.

I also met Chris out on Brand Blv. in Glendale who helps find folks to witness to live on the show. Chris is a great supporter of Ten-Four Ministries and law enforcement in general. I had a great time of fellowship with him and his wife. Everyone involved in this ministry has a heart for the lost and is so sincere in what they are doing for the Lord. I was so privileged to get to be with them for a few hours last night and I encourage each of you to listen to their show each Saturday night.

Here is the link to last night's show featuring Ten-Four Ministries: Click Here

You can listen to all of their shows here.

You can also subscribe to their show in I-Tunes.

Greater love has no one than this....

"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13.

I took off work today and it was not an ordinary day off. My wife's father, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Lt. Pat Grimes was killed in the line of duty on May 26, 1978. My wife was 4 years old at the time. In the 30 years since there have many tears shed and many holidays and special events that Lt. Grimes has been sorely missed at.

I didn't know Lt. Grimes but from everything I have read, researched and been told tells me he was a great guy. He was loved by many and well on his way to even greater achievements with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. With just 12 years of service, he had already entered middle management and until that fateful day over 30 years ago he seemed to be destined to accomplish great things.

Today, a bridge in my wife's hometown was named after her father. It was a proud day for so many in Pat's family that have missed him so much through the years.


Oklahoma Highway Patrol Commissioner Kevin Ward (above) speaks at the service dedicating the "OHP Lt. Pat Grimes Memorial Bridge."

It is unbelievable to think that long after the Lord calls me and my family home, this bridge will always be here as a reminder to the sacrifice and dedication that Lt. Grimes and his family have made for their community.


My son (above) with Oklahoma Lt. Governor Jari Askins.

While Pat left an incredible legacy of service behind and his death at the age of 36 left a wife and daughter heartbroken, he did something much more important before his death. It was more important than being a Trooper, Father or Husband. He gave his life to Jesus Christ by repenting and trusting in Jesus Christ alone as his Savior. Lt. Grimes did not lose his life in a shootout in 1978, he gained his life in eternity. My wife and my mother-in-law will one day see Pat again and I will one day meet him for the first time. His death was a tragedy for those left behind but at the same time there is a peace in knowing that Lt. Grimes is in Heaven and awaits our arrival.

New Challenge Coin

We have received the first image of our new Challenge Coin. We are currently working on a Gospel Tract to go along with the coin and we are excited about the opportunity the coin will give you to share the Gospel with fellow officers and others.

There is still time to get the coin and Take Up The Shield for free for a $50 donation to Pennsylvania Sergeant Tom O'Connor. You can get details here.

FIREPROOF - Free Tickets

I recently reviewed the upcoming movie FIREPROOF. You can read that review here. Ten-Four Ministries has partnered with two churches and will be providing free tickets to first responders.

If you are in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area on Saturday, September 27th, we would like to invite you to a free showing of FIREPROOF. If you are a Christian we ask that you bring an unbeliever with you. We have purchased 199 tickets to the 7:45 showing at the Cinemark (71st/Hwy 169).

If you would like to attend, please contact us prior to September 21st. We have obtained permission from the movie theater to present a Gospel message after the movie is over.

We welcome you to this exciting event.

Bulletproof Vests Tie Shoals to Philippines

Muscle Shoals Police Lt. Clint Reck is a close friend and supporter of Ten-Four Ministries. Clint coordinated an effort to give every officer in Muscle Shoals the book, Take Up The Shield, in 2007 and he never misses a chance to Glorify our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Bulletproof Vests Tie Shoals to Philippines

Wednesday, Aug. 20, was pretty much a typical day for Muscle Shoals police Lt. Clint Reck.

He handled his usual responsibilities at work and went home to spend time with his family.

Without his knowledge, an event took place in the Philippines on the same day involving another member of the law enforcement community. The officer had his life spared that day, largely the result of action taken by Reck, Muscle Shoals officials and members of a Tuscumbia church.

Reck, who attends Parkview Baptist Church in Tuscumbia, worked out a deal that resulted in 24 outdated police vests from his department being sent to the Philippine National Police Department in Manila.

The day after being issued a bulletproof vest from Muscle Shoals, a ranking member of the national police found himself in a potentially fatal situation as he and a fellow officer approached three suspects from a carjacking and robbery case.

"They chased the stolen car to a dead-end road (in Cabuyao)," Reck said. "As the officer walked up to the car, a passenger shot him in the chest from point-blank range with a 9mm gun.

"Fortunately, he was wearing one of those body armor vests. Obviously, he would have been killed."

The other officer involved in the chase ended up killing the three suspects during the shootout, according to Primitivo Tabujara, superintendent and intelligence chief of the Philippine National Police.

The officer's name has not been released by the intelligence division of the national police. Without question, however, his fate would have turned out dramatically different had he not been wearing the vest.

"All you can say is God's hand was involved," said Muscle Shoals Police Chief Robert Evans. "What do you think the chances would be of someone sending vests from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to the Philippines and the following day one of the vests saves someone's life? It's an amazing story."

Reck became aware of the national police department's need and recommended to Evans that the outdated vests be sent to the Philippines. Reck then talked to Mayor David Bradford and he presented the issue to the council, which gave unanimous approval.

Three members of Parkview Baptist Church visited the Philippines on a missionary trip in June and took a vest with them to show police there what they would be receiving. After Tabujara signed a waiver relieving the city of any potential liability, church members packaged the 24 vests and shipped them to the Philippines - just in time for the officer.

"The warranty on the vests runs out after five years, and they have to be replaced," Reck said. "We cannot use them after the expiration date, and we had several stored. We weren't using them and had no plans to use them, so I figured it was worth a chance to see if we could work out things."

Reck said he and other Muscle Shoals officers have tested the outdated vests on the city's firing range and they held up without any problems, so he was confident the vests would stop a bullet.

"The superintendent was very thankful and appreciative that we worked with them," Reck said. "I'm thankful to the church for their help in this, too. This shows how God is in control, even on the other side of the world."

Bradford said there was no hesitation on the council's part to allow the vests to be sent. He added that the city would likely consider doing it again should the need arise, "especially now that it has turned out saving someone's life."

"It makes you feel good to a play a part, even a small role, in something like that," Bradford said.

Bernie Delinski can be reached at 740-5739 or bernie.delinski@TimesDaily.com.

Courtesy: TimesDaily.com

Original Article: Click here

Copyright Times Daily 2008. All rights reserved. Format differs from original publication.

Last Words Radio

I will be in Southern California next weekend and plan to attend and participate in an evangelism outreach in Glendale and I will appear on Last Words Radio, 99.5 FM - KKLA, at 9 pm on Saturday, September 6th. If anyone is around Glendale, please let me know. I would love to meet you.

In addition, we have received word that Community Spirit Magazine will be doing a featured article that will discuss Ten-Four Ministries. It is expected out any day and we will keep you posted.

We welcome your prayers for the ministry. We are in discussions on several different projects that will expand the ministry tremendously. I will pass along details as I am able. For now, please pray that our meetings scheduled this week will produce fruit and doors will be opened to help us reach more first responders.

Sermons Now Online

We are now posting Sermons on the front page of our website. We hope to add new sermons each week on a variety of subjects. The focus of Ten-Four Ministries is not just evangelistic but we want to do what we can to disciple Christians, particularly Christians in the law enforcement profession. Due to alternative shifts and schedules, many officers are unable to go to church on Sunday. Whether an officer or not, we hope that these sermons will bless you and feed you in the Word of God.

We have several sermons listed now but here is one that will not go up until next week. Since you are visiting, you get the sermon today.

This wonderful sermon by John Macarthur and Grace To You discusses several issues important to Christians. From Luke 10:25-29, what does it take to be saved? What does the Law of God have to do with that? Does the Sinner's Prayer save you? How should we evangelize? Find out here.

Sergeant Tom O'Connor

Tom O’Connor is a Sergeant in the Pennsylvania State Police. He resides in Monroeville, Pennsylvania with his wife and two young children, ages 5 and 7. In early 2007, Tom was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone cancer and he had extensive surgery to remove a tumor from the upper portion of the tail bone. Tragically, a complication resulting from the surgery left Tom permanently blind.

In July of 2008, Tom learned that the cancer had returned, causing a recurrance of the tumor. Tom's doctors found that the cancer had metastized and spread throughout his body. Tumors were located on his upper thigh bone, hip bone,upper arm bone and the T9 vertebrae and on the front of his chest.

Tom has requested to be enrolled in a clinical trial in which he would receive an experimental cancer treatment drug that has not yet been approved by the FDA.

Since being diagnosed last year and subsequently losing his sight, Tom has been unable to work. He has exhausted all of his paid sick leave with the State Police, and he is currently on leave without pay. Tom’s wife Jen is unable to work full time due to the level of care that Tom and their two children require. Understandably, their family is now under a heavy financial burden.


Above is a photo of Tom's Children.

I am asking all of the Ten-Four Family to pray for Sgt. O'Connor and his family. We will be making an immediate donation to Tom and his family through the 10-33 Fund. Our fund is limited and I wanted to give you the opportunity to help Sergeant O'Connor and his family.

To make a tax-deductible contribution towards assisting Tom, please make your check payable to: Missionary Church Western District. Please write "10-33/O'Connor" on the memo line.

You can mail the check to:

Ten Four Ministries
P.O. Box 52005
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74152

For a donation of $20, we will send you a free copy of Take Up The Shield. For a donation of $50, we will give you a copy of Take Up The Shield and one of our new Challenge Coins.

We are so appreciative of your prayers in this matter.

FIREPROOF Giveaway

Ten-Four Ministries wil be giving out tickets to the movie FIREPROOF on opening weekend. You can read our review of the movie here.

We have a special behind the scenes DVD of FIREPROOF and we will be giving it away in the next week. To have a chance to win, make a comment on this post and we will annoounce the random winner next week.

Below is the trailer of FIREPROOF.

Ten-Four Ministry Coin

One of the most popular items the ministry has developed was our Challenge Coin. Over 500 were sold or given away and since we ran out, I often get questions about when they will be available again. We are excited about our brand new design and the potential to fund our 10-33 fund through the sales of the coins. The 10-33 fund is dedicated to providing financial support to members of the law enforcement family (sworn, reserve, or civilian), in times of need. All proceeds of the Challenge Coin will go to the fund. The coins will be available in 6 weeks and they will cost $10 each but we will soon announce a pre-sale of the coin at a special rate.

FIREPROOF Movie Review

I had the opportunity to review the new movie Fireproof last week. The movie opens on September 26th and prior to viewing it, I had no idea the impact it would make on me.

Lt. Caleb Holt lives by the old firefighter's adage: Never leave your partner behind. Inside burning buildings, it's his natural instinct. In the cooling embers of his marriage, it's another story. After 7 years of marriage, Caleb and Catherine Holt have drifted so far apart that they are ready to move on without each other. Yet as they prepare to enter divorce proceedings, Caleb's dad asks his son to try an experiment: The Love Dare. While hoping The Love Dare has nothing to do with his parents' newfound faith, Caleb commits to the challenge.

The audience will be challenged as well. I found myself emotional throughout the movie as I literally saw myself in Caleb's shoes. I have not been a Christian my entire marriage and seeing the transformation of the main character (played by Kirk Cameron) was as real as it gets.

Caleb's best friend and fellow firefighter, Lt. Michael Simmons, is identified early on as a Christian and his behavior, attitude and talks with Caleb plant seeds early on in the movie. Caleb tells another firefighter "We may not agree (with his faith) but he is the real deal."

A common theme in the movie is where Caleb's focus and love is (or where it is not). He is shown driving his new red truck and going into a new house. A fight with his wife revolves around the money he is saving for a boat. Caleb's dad lovingly tells him that "whatever you put your time money into will be what you care about." This movie is not only for first responders but everyone.

First, it is simply a good, entertaining movie. That will be a benefit because it is of the utmost importance that three things happen with the release of Fireproof on September 26, 2008.

1. Followers of Jesus Christ must see this movie. Even if you feel like your marriage is strong, this movie will still help.

2. Unbelievers need to see this movie. The Gospel message in this movie is nothing short of unbelievable. The message delivered is complete, clear and biblical. I found myself wanting to jump out of my seat in praise as the father of the main character, Caleb, tells his son that "saving someone from a fire does not make you right with God. You have violated his standards and one day you will be judged for that...... I love you too much to not tell you the truth."

3. As Christians we need to support this movie. It will be released across the nation the weekend of September 26th and there is no guarantee it will run past that weekend. The movie will continue to play as long as people go see the movie. Please encourage your church, your friends and anyone else you know to go see Fireproof.

There are many opportunities for ministry with the release of Fireproof. A book called "The Love Dare" is being released and a six week small group study on marriage is coming out that will use clips from the movie. Those and other resources can be found at www.fireproofmymarriage.com.

I am excited about the opportunities this movie will provide. Ten-Four Ministries will be doing several things in the next month to prepare for the release and we will certainly keep you posted. If you would like to help in your community, you can visit the official website for details. At a minimum let me encourage you to take an unsaved friend to this movie and please be in prayer to do even more than that.