Capri Christian Honors First Responders

Capri Christian Church hosted first responders services on Sunday, September 13 at 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM. Local, county, and retired first responders were paid special tribute through a moving sermon on the definition of a hero.

Beginning with a warm welcome and inviting all current and retired first responders to the front of the sanctuary, the children’s ministry bestowed each serviceman and woman with a thank you bag filled with goodies that included a handmade painting by the children and a good meal on the church by way of a Mission BBQ gift card.

“We're thankful for Mission BBQ and what they do for our law enforcement, first responders, and the military,” Pastor Curt Ayers stated before addressing the men and woman who stood near the stage. “We want to make sure that you know that we appreciate you. We cannot say thank you enough for what you do.”

After an opening prayer, Pastor Ayers jumped into his message for the day. “The definition of a hero: it is a man or woman of distinguished character, of courage and ability, admired for his or her brave deeds and noble qualities. He or she might be considered an example for others, be called altruistic, and be unselfishly concerned for and devoted to the welfare of others. Serving the community, caring for others.”

The story of Audie Murphy, a famous hero who grew up in poverty with the weight of supporting his younger siblings on his shoulders, was shared.

Fighting tooth and nail to get by, when World War II hit and as only a teenager, Murphy knew he wanted to join the military and serve his country. But the military viewed his 110 pounds and small stature a disadvantage, eventually allowing him in but putting him the kitchen.

However, he trained and trained and was an excellent marksman. Murphy would go on to become the most decorated American combat soldier of WWII and served all over the world. He received every military combat award for valor available for the U.S. Army. Setting a precedent for how no one should be judged by their size and appearance.

Later in life he became an actor and a songwriter and was extremely picky on what roles he played as he did not want to set a bad example. He was a hero.

“We have a choice to be a good example or be a bad one. Regardless of where you are in your life, you have this opportunity,” Paster Ayers said.

He went on to reference a few passages of the Bible, including Philippians 2:4, “"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." And 1 Corinthians 10:24, "Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others."

Applying the scripture passages to his message on heroes, he continued, “A hero values the concerns of others over their own concerns. A hero sacrifices their wants and needs to benefit those around them. Many of these first responders chose to take that position even though they had opportunities to do other things. They chose to serve the community even though it was a sacrifice on their part and it was a sacrifice for their family.” He addressed the congregation, “Many have forgotten the risks that these first responders take each week that all of us do not have to face because they face them for us.”

“What a good day it is for us to be able to celebrate those who are serving us,” said Pastor Ayers. “Those who have dedicated themselves to be first responders. They all have different jobs, carry out different things, they all have their own set of risks and sacrifices that they make. Their families have made some very great sacrifices because of time, training, and risk.”

He looked to the first responders sitting in the pews, “We are grateful for our first responders.” He turned back to the church members and encouraged them to not leave that day before shaking the hands of the servicemen and women and telling them how much they are appreciated. “We need them, we love them and can rest at night because of what they're doing.”

The Lord’s communion was recognized and a closing prayer for the safety of the first responders and a call for all present to apply the aspects of being a hero to their own lives and modeling after the biggest hero of them all – Jesus Christ - was given.

The congregation stood and eagerly lined up to shake hands, offer a compliment, and express their thanks to the first responders present.

Coffee, donuts, and fellowship followed the first service, and a delicious lunch followed the second service. Each service was filled with laughter, appreciation, and lots of red, white, and blue.