Christian Emergency Network

“If at any time I (God) announces that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned.” Jeremiah 18:7-8

AWARE - READY - THERE

AWARE:

Are you Aware of these uncertain times? Do you know how to pray, care

and share Christ effectively? Signup: CEN FREE Alerts/Advisories and

CEN Blog Notifications (upper right corner). Forward CEN Blog *LINKS*

READY:

Are you Ready for such a time as this? I Peter 3:15 Join the Network

THERE:

Are you sharing the Good News? For interviews with CEN’s National Team or to share how you, your Church and Christian Community are “Battle Ready” praying, caring and sharing Christ in the midst of chaos contact: John.Phelps@christianemergencynetwork.net

Helpful Resources:

House of Worship Website

Preventing Targeted Violence Against Faith Communities

Responding to Civil Unrest Guide

Homeland Threat Assessment (HTA)

Houses of Worship Security Self-Assessment Tool

Active Shooter Preparedness

Active Shooter: What You Can Do Online Course

If You See Something, Say Something®

Employee Vigilance Through the Power of Hello

Securing Soft Targets and Crowded Places

Hometown Security

School Safety and Security

Center for Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships

Insider Threat Guide

Ten Reasons why Churches are Soft Targets

Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide and Fact Sheet

Security Guide

Security Fact Sheet

Protecting Your Church from Vandalism

Blogs:

Notifications: Sign up on the upper right corner of a CEN Blog to be notified as

CEN News, Advisories, Alerts, FAQS, TINS, Briefings, or Prayer Prompts are posted.

Comments: Take a moment to leave comments, Scripture verses or other helpful information for the Christian community at the end of CEN Blogs.

Distribution: CEN TINS may be widely distributed by forwarding the html link to a friend and inviting them to sign up for FREE CEN Blogs. Do not Forward the Blog or you may be unsubscribed from the CEN opt in mailing list.

Briefings:

CEN provides Incident-specific Briefings for CEN Members with a CEN.net email address to alert and equip Christians in being “battle ready” to respond together. I Peter 3:15

CEN.net Members ONLY

Classification Information Codes:

CEN uses Traffic Light Protocol: (TLP) to designate the sensitivity and distribution level of the content provided.

WHITE/GREEN - CEN Blog FREE - *DISTRIBUTE WIDELY*

AMBER/RED - CEN.net Members ONLY DO NOT DISTRIBUTE

“Be ready to give an answer for the Hope of Christ within you.” I Peter 3:15

Keep your CEN TINS Coming!

DONATE to CEN’s All Volunteer Ministry

Friday, February 5, 2021

CEN Advisory: Protecting Churches from Rising Vandalism

Vandalism has caused untold damage to church property over the years. Several recent examples indicate a concerning rise in burglaries, arson attempts and vandalism at church sites. In the past week a Jonestown, PA church was severely vandalized and a number of artifacts stolen from the church while in Cass County, Texas a man was arrested whom police believe was responsible for six church vandalizing events. And, in Knoxville,Tennessee a church was defaced thought to be a racially motivated attack.

CEN Blog CEN TINS Threat Information Service News

These are only a few examples of vandalism which are now plaguing the church today. Churches need to take steps to protect property from unwarranted damage:

Lighting: adequate lighting is extremely important, particularly by doorways, parking lots and behind buildings. Evildoers don’t like being exposed by the light. Adding motion detectors to exterior lighting will cut down on the electric bill while at the same time startling those looking to cause damage. The outside lighting should also be out of reach making disabling considerably more difficult. Additionally, given the church building may be vacant for significant parts of the week, timers should be installed on lights to give the appearance of activity throughout the evening.

Alarm System: install an alarm system which includes a very loud siren or alarm which will alert neighbors and those driving by. Establish a church policy when the alarm is to be set, which should be anytime the building is empty. Wise to change the alarm code every few months and keep a list of those provided the alarm code. Make sure the alarm is tested on a regular basis and if any parts of the system are not functioning, such as a door or window contacts service properly. Finally, prominently display alarm signs and decals on the property which will discourage many.

Vehicles Secured: church buses and vehicles are targets for many. If possible, keep these vehicles in a shed, out of sight and secure, or alternatively have a staff member or volunteer take the vehicles home where they are far less apt to be vandalized in a residential neighborhood. Also, discourage overnight parking which provides a tempting target for some.

Clean up: if a church is the unfortunate victim of graffiti or other defacement clean up the mess as quickly as possible, or copycats will be encouraged to continue the attack.

Security Cameras: installing security cameras provides coverage of the outside and inside of the property. Record the camera feeds in a secure manner, preferably with cloud off-site storage so a perpetrator can’t destroy the evidence. Cameras provide both a deterrent and gather evidence to bring vandals to justice.

Valuables: should be secured like computers and valuable musical equipment in locked rooms. Most vandals or burglars breaking in are going to want to spend the least amount of time possible in the building and every barrier placed in their way will protect your key property. Close all window coverings when the church is vacant to keep prying eyes away from equipment allowing others to see the building is vacant.

Community Watch: participate, or start if necessary, a Community Watch program and connect with your neighbors and other churches in the area as community outreach. CEN’s Ready Church. training shows you how to work with other churches to become more resilient and to set up your Church Safety Security Team. This effort will strengthen the church’s role in the community. Encourage neighbors to call you as well as local law enforcement when seeing anything suspicious. Help them write down the time, and what the suspicious activity was observed. Neighbors are more inclined to call when the church is already involved with Community Watch and they may attend your church because you are a Lighthouse in your neighborhood.

The Lord taught, “But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. (Luke 12:39) in today’s darkness the church must take tangible steps to protect property from vandalism. Learn more about becoming a Ready Church.

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

CEN FAQs: Use Disposable Products During an Emergency

During an emergency we don’t want to assume that we're going to be able to operate our dishwasher or even clean plates, cups and cooking utensils in the sink. A ReadyChristian prepares alternative products for use during an emergency. One reason to use disposable options is during the crisis whatever steps you’re able to take to simplify your life is a significant plus.

Paper plates are a good first step. Purchase solid products that won’t collapse when food is served. Keep in mind children may not support the plate optionally so provide good security alternatives. Acquire different size plates for different utilization. Also, add some bowls for use in serving soups or cereal.

A good selection of plastic eating utensils including forks, spoons and knives is important. Purchase the serrated knives as they are going to be easier to use in cutting items.

Purchase a selection of drinking cups in different sizes. Keep in mind smaller children may not handle larger cup sizes easily. Also, use insulated cups for coffee and other hot beverages. Additionally, you can serve drinks to little ones with a top on, just insert a straw, which you should also have in storage as these containers have less spills.

Further, it’s always good to have a good supply of paper towels and napkins available in your pantry for easy cleanup. Adding some baby wipes or cleaning wipes is helpful for easy cleanup. When stored for a long period of time the wipes have a tendency to dry out, but they are easily reconstituted by adding water.

An option to make cleanup easier in the kitchen is to purchase pan liners which are easily placed in a pan and the cleanup simply consists of removing the plastic and tossing the garbage. This product when used may be heated to 400°. Additionally, assuming you have electricity, crock pot liners are also available and make for easy cleanup.

If you use your paper products for picnics be certain you restock properly to avoid diminishing your preparedness stock.

In Scripture we read about the importance of having clean eating utensils, “When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.” (Mark 7:4) In some situations we may not be able to wash our knives and forks but having basic backup paper products will provide a clean eating environment.

Monday, February 1, 2021

CEN ACTIVE Threat News

CEN’s Threat Information News Service (CEN TINS) provides timely actionable situational awareness with a Christian worldview highlighting

how God’s peace brings stability even threats to Christians increase. He’s calling Christians to readiness for such a time as this! Don’t stand alone. We are stronger together!

The killing of Christians internationally is up 60% in the past year; a strong military presence remains in Washington D.C. with U.S. troops deployed in state capitals; inflammatory “ridiculing and marginalizing”rhetoric is being fueled against Christians in all forms of media; and there is a sharp rise in arson and bomb threats to local churches being reported in open source news. These and other threats against Christians are troubling. Yet, we take comfort in the words of Our Lord when He told the sea: “Be Still”. God’s Word gives us a pathway to calm the raging waters, have joy in the midst of chaos, and stand ready to give a Hope-filled answer when asked: “Where is God in this?” I Peter 3:15

INTERNATIONAL

Israel and Sudan: Close to a Treaty. Is prophecy being fulfilled?.

Iran: US Officials pushing war? Believers need to pray.

Congo: Last Month over 100 killed, many Christians, in the Congo

Ethiopia: Massacre of 700 Ethiopian, Christians fleeing violence

Kenya: Listed Hardest place to be Christian amid rising violence

China: Threatens War with Taiwan, threat for Christians, missionaries?

Egypt: December Violent Attacks on Christians

NATIONAL

Americans most likely to trust medical professionals over Pastors

Hackers Shut Down Synagogue- Churches next?

Deploy National Guard for Covid - 19 vaccinations?

Pandemic had a positive effect on families and faith communities

Christianity on display during Capitol Riot

Stealing Food, Time for Christians to Pray, Care and Share?

U.S. Airlines test requirements for travel in the U.S.

Pelosi says enemy is within, believers should pray

Terror Alert for alt right extremist attacks - Churches vigilant?

Capitol Police not forewarned of Threat or to be Ready?

Will Biden Stand up for the MOB?

White Christian Evangelicals Pose National Threat

Conspiracy Theories on the Rise in Churches

White Christian Nationalists remain a potent force

STATE

WA: Government Introduces law banning guns at protests. Churches next?

AL: Suspect ID in Cherokee County Church Fire

AL: Church Extensively Damaged and Teen Killed by Tornado

OH: Heart of the Hubbard Church saved by Firefighters

OR: Portland lives out the Gospel in the midst of unrest

AWARE - READY - THERE

AWARE:

Are you Aware of these uncertain times? Do you know how to pray, care

and share Christ effectively? Signup: CEN FREE Alerts/Advisories and

CEN Blog Notifications (upper right corner). Forward CEN Blog *LINKS*

READY:

Are you Ready for such a time as this? Join the Network

THERE:

Are you standing ready sharing the Good News? For interviews with CEN’s National Team or to share how you, your Church and Christian Community are “Battle Ready” sharing Christ in the midst of chaos contact CEN PIO: John.Phelps@christianemergencynetwork.net

Helpful Resources:

House of Worship Website

Preventing Targeted Violence Against Faith Communities

Responding to Civil Unrest Guide

Homeland Threat Assessment (HTA)

Houses of Worship Security Self-Assessment Tool

Active Shooter Preparedness

Active Shooter: What You Can Do Online Course

If You See Something, Say Something®

Employee Vigilance Through the Power of Hello

Securing Soft Targets and Crowded Places

Hometown Security

School Safety and Security

Center for Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships

Insider Threat Guide

Ten Reasons why Churches are Soft Targets

Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide and Fact Sheet

Security Guide

Security Fact Sheet

Briefings: CEN provides Incident-specific Briefings for CEN Members with a CEN.net email address to alert and equip Chrisitans in being “battle ready” to respond together biblically.

I Peter 3:15

Notifications: Sign up on the upper right corner of a CEN Blog to be notified as

CEN News, Advisories, Alerts, FAQS, TINS, Briefings, or Prayer Prompts are posted.

Comments: Take a moment to leave comments, Scripture verses or other helpful information for the Christian community at the end of CEN Blogs.

Distribution: CEN TINS may be widely distributed by forwarding the html link to a friend and inviting them to sign up for FREE CEN Blogs.

Do not Forward the Blog or you will be unsubscribed from the CEN opt in mailing list.

Classification Information Codes: CEN uses Traffic Light Protocol: (TLP) to designate the sensitivity and distribution level of the content provided.

For AMBER/RED information Join the Network

WHITE/GREEN - CEN Blog FREE - *DISTRIBUTE WIDELY*

AMBER/RED - CEN.net Members ONLY DO NOT DISTRIBUTE

“Be ready to give an answer for the Hope of Christ within you.” I Peter 3:15

Keep your CEN TINS Coming!

DONATE to CEN’s All Volunteer Ministry

Labels

Monday, February 8, 2021

CEN ACTIVE Threat News

Friday, February 5, 2021

CEN Advisory: Protecting Churches from Rising Vandalism

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

CEN FAQs: Use Disposable Products During an Emergency

Monday, February 1, 2021

CEN ACTIVE Threat News