What began as a ministry to help support a single police officer amid a difficult time in 2020, has blossomed into a growing relationship between Oklahoma City, Quail Springs (QSBC) and the 114 officers assigned to the Hefner Division of the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD).
Looking for ways to serve the community with an eye toward supporting law enforcement officers, a member of the Quail Springs Together in Christ (TIC) Connect Group (Sunday School) suggested that the group minister to a police officer and his or her family. That comment ignited into a ministry that involves not just one officer, but also the entire Hefner Division.
Wade Crews, QSBC senior adult minister, his assistant Jessica Newsom, and four members of the TIC class met with OCPD Community Relations Officer Sgt. Bob Skalla, a member of Del City, First Southern, and Police Chaplain Clyde Caldwell at a local restaurant to discuss what church members could do to encourage and show appreciation to the officers.
From Left to Right: Wade Crews, Sgt. Bob Skalla, Sharon Willis
“That gathering resulted in a barrage of ideas on how to minister to an officer in our area,” said Sharon Willis, TIC director. “Sergeant Skalla mentioned an officer who needed help, and after we heard that story, we knew that was where we wanted to begin. One action led to another, and it has been such a great blessing to us.”
“When we first met and they approached us about wanting to help, I was hesitant, because, traditionally, officers don’t share that we need help,” Skalla said. “But the Lord told me, ‘Bob, you have officers who need Me.
They’re going through tough times.’ At the time, one of our officers was charged with manslaughter—and the Quail Springs senior adults took him under their wing. They loved on him so much it sustained him through his darkest times. And not just him. They loved on our entire division like we’ve never been loved on before, when some people were saying, ‘we don’t need the police, the police are bad.’
“But this church said, ‘We love you. You are the peace-keepers. We need you to help protect us.’ So, they basically helped us put on the full armor of God, and reminded us why we do what we do, and it just kind of snowballed from there. They started helping other officers in need. We recently had an officer who was shot in the stomach, and they just poured their hearts out to him. And then they partnered with us to serve a family we sponsored for Christmas. The Spirit of God is so evident and moving through Quail Springs and it’s been a true blessing to see the hand of God move.”
Officers’ Wellness Room
Since that time, the senior adults at Quail Springs have ministered to the officers in a multitude of ways, including converting a report taker’s office at the station into a wellness room where officers can unwind, rest, read, grab a cold drink and snack, or complete paperwork; painting blue stripes on the church parking lot, giving the officers a secure place to park their cars while filling out reports or stopping for a quick lunch or snack without being interrupted; conducting a first-responders appreciation service at the church, which included lunch for the officers and dedication of the blue stripes area, and bringing snacks and bottled water to the officers on a regular basis.
“The wellness room is the talk of the division,” said Skalla. “Other divisions don’t have anything like this. We’ve never had a church do what Quail Springs has done in the history of the police department.”
“What you’ve done with the wellness room is beautiful,” Major Ryan Boxwell told Quail Springs members during dedication of the room. “It’s exactly what these officers need. And just to know the church is praying for them gets them through the day.”
Now, the flooring in the wellness room needs to be replaced—at a projected cost of $5,000—and the TIC Class is exploring ways to help raise some of the funds to pay for the work. Although it’s a small room—about 225 square feet—Quail Springs member Stephanie Lewis, an interior designer, fitted the room with two leather recliners, an étagère with a Bible and devotional books, a table with snacks, a small refrigerator, artificial plants, several soothing pictures and a cross over the door.
Skalla emphasized that police officers sacrifice so residents can live in a safe community.
“It is critical that we have the public’s support,” he acknowledged. “We enjoy working with churches. They are our biggest supporters. Quail Springs senior adults have provided comfort, support and love which has helped our officers to be well-rounded and feel loved. These acts of love serve as therapy for the officers.”
“We believe this is a valuable ministry,” said Crews. “Who comes in contact with more hurting people than police officers?”
Crews added that the ministry “is funded solely by the generosity of our members.”
For more information about this ministry to first responders and to learn how it may be possible in your community, go to baptistmessenger.com/podcast
