Several years ago I was standing in the hallway at St Mary's Hospital outside the room of a tough, veteran police officer who was very sick. His wife and I discussed his physical need, but we also agreed that he had an even bigger spiritual need. There, in that hallway, we prayed together and asked that God would melt his hard heart and save his soul.

That was then - this is now . . .

"When Chaplain Northcut asked me to share my experience (finding the Lord) with my brothers and sisters in law enforcement, I was honored and apprehensive at the same time. It is always an honor to share salvation; on the other hand you never know how people will take it. I then realized that, if it truly comes from the heart, what people think about it or me, does not matter, after all it is the Lord, and my salvation.

In the not too distant past my life was truly a mess. I was unhappy being a police officer. I felt that I had gone as far as I could go. I seriously considered resigning and going elsewhere. This attitude was caused by several factors which are not important, but affected those police officers who worked around me. When everything came to a head, something happened that I cannot find words to explain. My wife, who I might add I love dearly, had been nagging at me for the longest time to attend church with her.

On the 15th day of February, 1997, there was a singing at the church where my wife is a member, Dover Free Will Baptist Church. I have attended functions there before, but I never got involved much. This night was different. As I listened to the people sing. a feeling that I cannot explain came over me. All of a sudden I was not the tough cop who believed that he was in control anymore, I was a person who the Lord knew needed help. I don't know how close to the end of my rope I was, and I really don't care to know. I did know that I was in trouble, and my only salvation was the Lord.

That night I found the Lord, I got Saved. There are no words to explain how it feels. The burdens that I have been carrying for so long had been lifted. You who know me knew that I could not talk without cussing. That night it stopped, I did not even realize it. I now realize those who have to cuss constantly are unhappy. I found happiness. My life turned around. I don't know if anyone noticed the change - that is not important. I found salvation, and salvation is happiness. This felt so good, I went ahead full steam.

I'm the Sunday School Superintendent, and a member of the Board of Trustees. My marriage is the best it has ever been. I felt like I had to be in control I guess because of my job. It is easier to let the Lord be in control, after all He knows best. My life has changed 180 degrees for the best. As for the job, my calling is just to be the best COP I can. I want some day to have a ministry, I really care for people. For now my ministry is in the Police Department.

You know it's funny, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. My loving wife tried to lead me to the Lord; I just didn't take the Lord in. Do you reckon if the horse hung around the watering hole a little longer it might get thirsty?"

Sincerely,

Sgt. Alan D. Bradley
Russellville Police Department

So, can God reach the heart of a tough, hard cop? You bet He can, just ask RPD 20.