Pitmasters BBQ


This past week has been a tough one for the policing community in Toronto and the surrounding area called the GTA. We lost two outstanding officers through the madness of others and yet God somehow still managed to orchestrate something that brought a measure of peace into the week.

A gentleman in the church I attend, started something called Pitmasters Appreciation BBQ's for First Responders in Peel Region. For the past 3 years, First Responders have been appreciated through the efforts of various church and community groups. This year, I had the privilege of offering this in Toronto at 11 Division where I am Chaplain. We planned this 3 months in advance and yet God knew ahead of time why Saturday, September 17th would have a greater significance for each of us.

We fed over 125 TPS officers from 3 different divisions, including the newly appointed Chief of Police. We were able to put a smile on the faces of those who serve us each day. We had sponsors like Dickson BBQ who supplied tents and Gordon Food Service who supplied $450 worth of Kabobs and extras for my "pit". We did not serve hamburgers or hotdogs. Aside from the kabobs, we had 3 different flavours of chicken wings, Romanian Mici, meatball sandwiches and corn on the cob with all the fixings.

Next weekend the Memorial for fallen Peace Officers takes place in Ottawa. On Wednesday we lay Constable Andrew Hong to rest in Toronto. In the midst of it all, we cry out to the Lord for His peace and comfort. Yesterday I saw firsthand, how God makes a way where there seems no way. 

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