Counties Evangelist, Steve Cowles, explains how his job as a police chaplain gives him the privilege of sharing Jesus with hearts heartened by life.
We are Steve & Debbie Cowles. I grew up in the Arizona desert and my wife Debbie is from a farm in Kansas. We have been married and in full-time ministry since 1986. We have lived in Texas, Germany, and Guatemala, Central America, where I did construction work for Wycliffe Bible Translators. We have now been in the UK for 30 years and became British citizens in November 2012. I have been the volunteer lead chaplain with Lancashire’s Constabulary since 2007. In addition to being a chaplain, I speak in schools, churches, and youth clubs, and organise dads-n-lads events. My wife has a ministry to women including an online Bible study for international women. We love being part of Counties where we can use all of our gifts to reach others with the good news of Jesus Christ.
Steve Cowles with Lancashire police
STEVE’S STORY
“Can I finish the book I started last time?”
That was the question asked by someone being ‘locked up’ by the police for the second time in the cells at Blackpool police station. The book was one of the Christian books I have been able to place in the custody department. A custody sergeant had asked me for books that young offenders could read in hopes that they would change.
I have told the offenders that this is their time to think as they sit in the cells and contemplate their lives. It’s a ‘time out’ for them that could change their lives. Most of these books are about criminals meeting Christ in cells and turning from their sinful lives to serve God. Books such as “Taming the Tiger” and “The Cross and the Switchblade” are new and old titles but still touch the heart. These books have been purchased by local churches wanting to help me work as a Lancashire Constabulary chaplain. This is one of many ways churches are reaching out to help the police in their towns and cities.
“Let’s say thanks.”
That was our idea for the Police Family Fun Day at Capernwray Hall in North West Lancashire. In May 2023 we had 1350 police, staff, and their families for a day of food and fun. The Bible school students manned the free events for the officers and their families = from bouncy castles to canoeing, climbing to face painting, carnival games, to archery. And when they were hungry they were offered free hot drinks and delicious cakes baked by members of local churches. This was our 14th year and we received many wonderful comments from the officers who were so touched by this labor of love.
As a Chaplain I would ask you to consider how you can help your local police station. Bake some cakes and go in and say ‘thank you’ and tell them your church is praying for them and would love to know what areas of the city especially need prayer. They have a tough job and see our broken world each day in ways you will never know or believe if they told you. It really can make them hard and cold towards God and they need a lot of love and kindness.