CEN News: CEN Announces the Appointment of Dan Graeber as National Safety Security Officer

 

Dan Graeber

CEN National Safety Security Officer 

In his role as CEN National Safety Security Officer, Dan Graeber leads the security network to be ready to respond to security incidents at home, church and in the workplace. And, in his role as CEN’s ReadyTX Safety Security Officer he connects with state and local law enforcement, coaches security teams, and provides timely actionable threat/risk information to the network to mitigate incidents. Dan, an experienced instructor, brings his vast security training experience to the CEN Institute. 

Dan is both the Vice President of Education and Training for the Center for Personal Protection and Safety (CPPS), as well as the Director of Faith Based Organizations (FBO). The FBO division of CPPS focuses on specific training for clergy, safety teams, and congregants to help them better understand how to identify potential life-threatening dynamic situations and know appropriate solutions to prevent or mitigate harm. Dan is a native Texan with over 35 years of experience in Training and Management. He has traveled 48 states and 25 countries training key personnel and trainers on everything from visual technologies to personal defense. Having a diverse background in threat identification from personal to electronic surveillance he helps companies and ministries identify best practices for keeping violence down while having a workplace of excellence.

Dan has held corporate positions as an Applications Engineer, General Manager, and Worldwide Training Manager. He has a unique approach to helping employees feel valued and safe in their positions, and he sees a company’s associates as the BEST assets the company or ministry has. 

Dan is a seasoned professional trainer in two very different industries. He has written a trend setting curriculum in both industries and continually refines methods of communicating key strategies to diverse demographics of students. He is also a Master Instructor and Trainer of Trainers in the firearms industry having vetted over 1100 Instructor candidates for over 3400 certifications in basic to intermediate training. 

In addition, Dan has worked with the physically disabled enabling them to understand the correct and efficient deployment of firearms for both recreation and defense. He has formed numerous cadres of key instructors at various facilities teaching how to serve diverse demographics of trainees. Dan is a licensed Security Consultant and certifies Executive Protection officers and Uniformed Security for general security work and specifically for church work.  

You will find Dan an encouragement to you and to your staff not only in his many areas of professional expertise but most importantly in his walk with the Lord which permeates all aspects of his service. 

To contact Dan Graeber:

dan.graeber@christianemergencynetwork.net

CEN Advisory: COVID May Have Long Term Effects

The  New York Post  Recently read an article documenting one in eight recovered Covid patients died from illness complications within five months according to a study conducted in the United Kingdom. Additionally, 1/3rd of hospitalized patients required further hospitalization within five months. The unfortunate reality from these statistics is after a patient recovers from Covid, there may be long-term severe consequences.

The article points out the effects are not just for the elderly or those with high-risk situations, but even healthy young individuals with no high-risk complications  may suffer life altering changes.

 The Guardian  also reports some disturbing data: 

“The research, which is still to be peer-reviewed, also found a higher risk of problems developing in a range of organs after hospital discharge in those younger than 70 and ethnic minority individuals.

“There’s been so much talk about all these people dying from Covid … but death is not the only outcome that matters,” said Dr Charlotte Summers, a lecturer in intensive care medicine at the University of Cambridge who was not involved in this study.

“The idea that we have that level of increased risk in people – particularly young people – it means we’ve got a lot of work to do.”

Many have the perception that the young and healthy are able to shake off the Covid virus with little after the fact. The Mayo Clinic reports lasting heart damage, significant long damage and brain strokes and seizures. Additionally, the Clinic reports other long-term symptoms:

• Fatigue

• Shortness of breath

• Cough

• Joint pain

• Chest pain

Other long-term signs and symptoms may include:

• Muscle pain or headache

• Fast or pounding heartbeat

• Loss of smell or taste

• Memory, concentration or sleep problems

• Rash or hair loss

King Solomon wrote, “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” (Proverbs 27:12) Additionally, Paul wrote, “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (1 Timothy 6:7) As a ReadyChristian we need to accept there may be certain risks, we have no choice but to accept. We need to understand and protect ourselves from the dangers of Covid, while at the same time relying on God’s protection for the unavoidable risk of exposure. 

Q/A:

How can I be notified when CEN Blogs are posted? 

Sign up to be notified as CEN News, Alerts, FAQs, By Invitation ONLY Security Briefings, Threat Information, or Prayer Prompts are posted in the upper right hand corner of this Blog.

Can I set up an interview with CEN Founder and President Mary Marr, or CEN National Team? Contact Public Information Officer John Phelps john.phelps@christianemergencynetwork.net 

Where do I go to network with other Christians in my area; receive online training; and receive timely actionable information from a Christian worldview? Become a Member of CEN

CEN Prayer - Ephesians 1:13-14

 

Verse: Ephesians 1:13-14

"And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession - to praise of His glory"

Prompt:

Praise God the Holy Spirit is His seal of ownership in our lives! 

Pray that ReadyChristians would believe in Christ and be marked by the Holy Spirit and be ready to give an answer for the Hope of Christ today.

Be a ReadyChristian TODAY!

CEN FAQs: Be Ready for High Winds

Recently a massive windstorm struck the inland Northwest knocking out power for 500,000 homes while doing tremendous damage ranging from lifting a few shingles off homes to hundred-year-old trees totally demolishing houses. Thinking through in advance our response to high wind alerts will help us be ready and mitigate potential damage.

A first step is to download any number of severe weather alerts to your smart phone which offer notifications. Additionally, an Emergency weather radio  with backup batteries will provide immediate threat information.

Most of us are familiar with hurricane and tornado warnings, which we need to pay attention to, but the National Weather Service also has other high wind alert thresholds. For example, a high wind watch provides an advance warning of strong sustained winds being possible while a strong wind warning indicates heavy winds are already occurring. When the weather service issues a wind advisory expect that the “wind velocity” would be less than the other warnings. When a severe thunderstorm warning is issued winds in excess of 58 mph are possible.

Most will take a tornado warning very seriously and find immediate shelter realizing the threat lives. Window alerts may be sloughed off or seen as less serious. We need to recognize these events may be fatal to the unprepared or the careless. Seek shelter immediately when experiencing a severe wind event and take similar precautions that you would during a tornado warning, staying away from windows and making sure you’re in a safe structure. If you’re on the road when possible get off the road, park and get into a safe structure.

I have driven in strong winds and literally felt my car one time shift by the wind 3 feet to the right, thankfully there was no vehicle in that lane.  Reducing our speed is the first step in taking precautions, the slower speed the less wind will affect our vehicle. If you’re driving a high-profile vehicle, like a van, trailer or larger truck consider pulling over and waiting for the storm to pass with the strongest winds. During the strong events when a tractor trailer can be turned on its side, we need to take precautions.

Most of us know to stay away from downed wires even if they’re not crackling and sparking, we have no way of knowing if they’re safe. Also, down wires can electrocute a person standing several feet away. Usually, rain accompanies a wind event and water, and puddles will conduct electricity a significant distance. When possible call the utility company or local police about the downed wires, never assume they already have a report.

There are steps we can take in advance to minimize the effect of a windstorm. First, we should make an emergency plan with our families, something we should do to respond to any emergency and will be effective in dealing with the wind event. We need to assume the power may go out and be prepared to shelter in our home with alternative methods of home heating,  cooking, and lighting.  

Before the storm hits, we should already have walked the perimeter of our property and considered steps we can take to protect our property. Trees should be trimmed or cut down when they pose a threat. One friend already had trees that were compromised and not removed. When the windstorm struck their house they were the victim. Also, we should check out our property and secure items which may become a missile like loose plywood, trampolines, and other items which could blow away or damage a home.

We need to protect our electronic devices. Computers should be backed up on a regular basis, such as using a cloud system, which will allow us to access the data from another location if necessary. You may also want to consider a power surge protector. 

Always be aware of how to turn off your utilities both electric, water and gas. If your home was damaged, you may need to turn off the utilities. And, if you have a possible gas leak because of home damage you don’t want to create a massive explosion.

After the storm make a careful examination of your property particularly checking out your shingles, siding and gutters. When you see a branch on your roof don’t just assume it can simply be removed. In our house we had a branch hit the roof, one branch created a hole through the roof that was not discovered till much later.

If you’ve had property damage take a significant number of photos from all angles of your property damage which will be helpful when you contact your insurance company. Further, do not begin to throw out any property until you have talked to an insurance adjuster. When items are tossed and not properly documented they will generally be disallowed from a claim. Your insurance adjuster will provide guidance in how to deal with ruined items.

Strong winds have always occurred as we read in Job 1:19: “when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"  Hopefully, the strong wind won’t kill your family, but solid planning will minimize the damage and inconvenience.

Learn more how to be a ReadyChristian helping your family and others in crises both large and small.

CEN FAQs: Emergency Toilets

 

In most of our homes when we use our toilets, we simply flush. However, in some emergency situations a toilet may not function for a number of reasons, like the water service is not functioning or the sewer line is backed up. Few things are less appetizing than toilets that don’t flush. A backup option for any homeowner just may save the day. A number of options may mitigate the situation, other than going into your backyard and digging a 4-foot hole.

A simple low-cost option is a toilet bucket, which is a basic toilet seat placed over a 5 gallon bucket container. The process is simple in that one places a plastic bag over the bucket, uses the facility and then removes the bag to store elsewhere.  A slightly different variable is a folding toilet, placing a bag over a folding base. While these are not particularly appetizing options, they work better than nothing, while not suitable for any long-term problems. Rather than simply using trash bags purchase and store bags designed for human waste disposal.  

A slightly enhanced version is the Portable camping toilet; it is larger in capacity and has a bit more stable base. Here is another option. Still while this one is useful in a crunch it is not your best long-term idea. 

Another idea for limited use is a car emergency potty, leave it in the car but in an emergency bring it inside for short-term use or have it if you need it while traveling - dual applications. 

Further, a bedside commode is also a viable option and may be useful in the event if a family member becomes ill or requires options while recovering from surgery. These have the same issues of requiring a bag use during an emergency, which is helpful when traditional toilets can’t be properly cleaned and flushed.

A more costly and more complex option is the dry flush option  which is suitable for long-term use but considerably more expensive. If you have room you could consider a portable outhouse  assuming your neighbors would not be significantly concerned.

In acquiring any of these backup options consider the chemicals that are necessary to keep the situation manageable. Some quick concepts: Poo Powder, Bio waste gelation, Disposal urine bags,  and check out some additional Emergency toilet chemicals . 

Remember to review the directions and chemical products needed for the emergency toilet alternative you select.

In Scripture, we read the Lord commanded the people, “You shall have a place outside the camp, and you shall go out to it. And you shall have a trowel with your tools, and when you sit down outside, you shall dig a hole with it and turn back and cover up your excrement. Because the Lord your God walks in the midst of your camp, to deliver you and to give up your enemies before you, therefore your camp must be holy, so that he may not see anything indecent among you and turn away from you.”  (Deuteronomy 23:12-14) As the Lord was directing the people through the desert for 40 years instructions were even given for toilet functionality. The wise person prepares even today.

Explore more about becoming a Ready Christian.

CEN Advisory: Are we being Exiled for God?

It is tempting to look at recent events across the world today and believe that somehow we are in a unique situation as Christians. We may even feel like we are exiles living in a foreign land because of so many changes and uncertainties from one day to the next. 

When we think of “exiles” we often are reminded of the Israelites who were exiled many times in biblical history.  Or, we may think of thousands of Christians in Sudan who are being exiled for their faith along with Christians in Syria, Egypt, and many other places around the globe right now. Open Doors confirms what we have known, Christian persecution is on the rise, whether here at home or in a foreign land. World Watch List reports that in 2021 over 340 million Christians are being persecuted.

And, while our forefathers may have been exiled for their faith in Great Britain at the founding of our nation, in the U.S. today we do not usually think of ourselves as having been “exiled” from one land to another. Yet in a sense, until we are with the Lord in our heavenly home we are all exiles in some foreign land. The Scripture reminds us to be thankful when we are being challenged for our faith. The question is, are we retreating to a safe zone or are we being exiled for God?

Scripture says: “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:7

For the Christian, no matter what earthly home God places us in, we are exiled from our heavenly home into a place for a reason - to share the Hope found only in Jesus Christ! Our earthly home may not be conducive to sharing our faith, much like Christians find themselves in a hostile environment as in Nigeria today. We do not choose the time or the place God wants to use us. And, in a sense as Christians, we are all in bondage to God’s purpose regardless of what earthly home He places us in.  It may mean facing great hardship to be exiled for God.

And, now as Christian persecution rises worldwide with an estimated 200,000 dying each year for their faith, we may be tempted to think – oh, we are safe in the U.S., this persecution will not come near us! But for those who are exiled into any form of treachery, the tribulation has already come. We also may be tempted to think, we will just let biblical prophecy play itself out, it does not matter if I take a stand because it will happen anyway. These two perspectives are not rooted in Scripture where we need to be praying for the peace and prosperity of our world, nation, state or city rather living in denial or fatalism, neither of which is biblical. It may mean coming out of denial and facing treachery or death itself to be exiled for God.

When much is given, much is required.  We may even feel inadequate to the task, but our human limitations are not what God asks. He asks us to seek the peace and prosperity of the city He has placed us in, and realize He has carried us into exile within that place for His purposes - to pray, care and share Christ to the maximum until He returns. It may mean realigning our priorities to be exiled for God.

Will you PRAY over for the whole of Christ’s Church and your city standing on the words of Scripture: “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:7

Will you CARE for those God has placed in your path as you are being exiled for God in your city? Stand with Christian leaders in your community who  understand the threat and risk posed to the Christian community right now while urgently preparing to be a ReadyCity.

Will you SHARE with other Christians how they can stand with other righteous leaders for such a time as this! "Be ready to give an answer in word and deed for the Hope of Christ within you." I Peter 3:17

CEN ACTIVE Threat News

In the past 48 hours open source news outlets, with a vast national and global reach, have been issuing articles on concerning topics such as the:

• Use, consolidation and weaponization of global technical and communications

• Increase in threats of expanding lockdowns due to virulence virus strain

• Widespread mobilization of military and law enforcement

• Vast movement of material assets in the past week being deployed to all 50 states 

• Increase in the fall out of local law enforcement and military due to civil unrest 

• Alterations in enforcement of border laws  

• Use of surveillance to detect non-compliance 

• Change in timelines, and trends related to non-traditional security policies

• Loss of timely actionable Threat/risk security briefings afforded those tasked with authority

• Increase in the marginalization of Christians in the media with unfounded accusations, name calling and labeling on what constitutes free speech, what qualifies as a “hate crime” or who is a domestic terrorist? 

Given the current and more recently expanded Martial law has not been rescinded by the U.S. Congress, and we are in a time of transfer in governance where aspects of the current emergency law have been implemented, it is our God-given right and responsibility to ask serious questions of those in authority. 

In addition, it is being reported a call has gone out for restrictions on personal defense consistent with a national emergency executive order. CEN cannot confirm whether an order has been signed as of this posting. 

Open Source News References:

With Mall, bridges and streets closed in D.C.celebration is devoid of its citizens (WP)

Guard troops pour into Washington as states answer the call (AP) 

States activate National Guard, close capitol buildings over possible violence (FOX News)

Biden outlines ‘Day One’ agenda of executive actions (AP) 

FBI investigating if foreign actors funded Capitol rioters (The Hill) 

‘Armed protests’ puts officials on alert ahead of Biden inauguration (CNN)

Up To 25,000 Troops Descend On Washington For Biden’s Inauguration (NPR) 

Armed capitol rallies "will continue" as planned, Boogaloo group member says (CBS) 

Facial Recognition Technology Being Used (The Hill) 

Facebook to Ban Protective Weapons (Reuters) 

Virulent Virus Strain Evidence

Mexico Publishes Confidential U.S. Case Files from Narco-General’s Case (Breitbart) 

Hidden Money Transfer (Breitbart)  

Good News from your CEN National Team:

In the midst of chaos Jesus is Our Light, Our Hope, and Our Mission is still to Glorify Him. Pray fervently, Care for your family and others, and be READY to give an answer for the Hope of Christ within you. 

I Peter 3:17

Based upon open source reports, meetings with trusted partners and hearing from our network partners on the their “need to know”, the CEN National Team has provided these recommendations: 

CEN National Administration Officer, Mary Marr - Author, Speaker, Christian Broadcaster,  Member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Faith based Advisory Committee (20 years),  and Co-Chair of the DHS Preventing Targeted Violence Against Faith based Communities, says:. “The Lord commissioned CEN twenty years ago to write it down and make plain what the Bible says a ReadyChristian is to do when crises come for such a time as this. He showed us what a ReadyChurch needs to do now to return to the principles of the Early Church and not rely upon top down leadership structures, event and performance driven platforms, or keeping buildings afloat which are failing their flock. And, He gave guidance on what ReadyCity leaders do when they have both human and material assets locally, but need to know how to raise up godly leaders like Nehemiah to facilitate them for the Gospel. Find Christians with the same understanding of our times and sense of urgency. Join the Network!”

CEN National Safety Security Officer, Dan Graeber - National Safety and Security Trainer says: “It is a good reminder for all Safety and Security officers to be on alert for unusual activity and, of course, preservation of life, should be first priority over buildings and properties. Having a CEN ReadyChurch security team and plan in place for your specific facility, especially if you are in the known danger zone, and communicating the plan to all concerned is a Best Practice.I am reminded that many times in scripture, we see accounts of God’s people in conditions that looked completely impossible.For many, the present situation in our country may look hopeless and you see yourself in a situation of biblical proportion.  The word “unprecedented” over the last several months has almost been worn out, and yet remains the truth.  Regardless of what side of the political landscape you find yourself on, none of us wanted troops in our capital or continuing riots and civil unrest.  So remember to stay vigilant having done all to stand, stand therefore in expectation of our God.  Peace in the midst of these battles will keep your hearts and minds in Christ.” 

CEN National Finance Officer, Steve Marr, former President and CEO of the fourth largest import export company in the U.S. says: “The marketplace is a giant auction where individuals have things to sell including your wages, to the highest bidder. When you have a large influx of undocumented immigrants you increase substantially the number of individuals now bidding for unskilled jobs thereby depressing the wages employers have to pay. The beneficiaries are typically larger business operations, like fast food restaurants or hotel chains. Lower skilled workers in your community pay the penalty the most. Our focus should be on laying up His treasure in heaven for such a time as this, as Scripture reminds us. Find out how you may do this more cost and efficiently through CEN ReadyCity.” 

CEN National Operations Officer, Michael Boler, former U.S. Navy Information specialist (Middle East Theatre) says: “As a ReadyChristian, we are being called to be AWARE, READY and THERE as soldiers in God’s army. Watch this inspirational video ” 

CEN National Logistics Officer, Sherry Buresh, National Volunteer Organizations in Disaster award winner, says: “Hurting. Reach out to your neighbors and community.  People need people rather due to the pandemic, isolation or lack of income from job loss/economy. Volunteer to help deliver food, in food banks, call isolated elderly, the needs are huge. God tells us to love our neighbors and treat others the way you want to be treated. I believe by following His guidance we can collectively make the difference during these uncertain and difficult times. Remember the words of the Lord: LOVE your neighbor on these words rest all the law and the prophets!”  Learn how to love your neighbor as the Bible guides in ReadyChristian

CEN National Public Information Officer, John Phelps, Executive Protection and Christian broadcaster says: “The incoming administration is making no secret of an aggressive agenda during the first hundred days. Some members of Congress have stated people with opposing political beliefs should be re-educated and it appears a frontal attack on our Bill of Rights has only just begun. There's never been a more crucial time to stand for Christ! At CEN, we've been informing and preparing for twenty years for such a time as this. Keep your heads on a swivel for timely actionable information coming from your partners at CEN, be ready and in a state of relaxed vigilance! Sign up now for daily CEN Blogs. ”

CEN National Prayer Officer Deputy, Sandie Sangster says: “Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory forever and ever. AMEN” (Galatians 1:3-5)         

CEN National Care Officer, Major Don Gilger, The Salvation Army Global, Regional, and current Executive Director of TSA Kroc Center and TSA Church says: “Given these uncertain times, God is granting us yet another opportunity to care for others with tangible acts of kindness and love bringing the Hope of Christ to bear wherever we see heartbreak, fear and hopelessness. Soldiers who are ready for battle also know their battle space and their mission. God has placed you in your battle space and sharing the Gospel is Our Mission!” Learn more about being a ReadyChurch

CEN Share Officer, Ed Smith, CRM responder to CRM Deputy Executive Director, former President/Director of VRM and current law enforcement chaplain for various departments in Texas says: “This is a time to PRAY for the Peace of Jerusalem! (Psalm 122: 6);  to CARE for your family and others to be READY and persistent, full of faith in His power. (Daniel 10: 12-13); and to SHARE by serving God will all your heart in making His Truth known.(I Samuel 12:20) and embrace Isaiah’s words: ‘You are my witnesses, declares the Lord and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe in me and know that I am He. Before me there no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior.’ (Isaiah 43:10-11)” Become a ReadyChristian today!

CEN Blog: Are We Being Exiled for God? 

Collaborate with other Christians: Join the Network