“You were there for us!” Braveheart chaplains hear this declaration with some regularity. Whether a few days after a scene or months later, this is frequently expressed. In my sixteen years as an emergency responder chaplain, not once have I heard anyone say, “You shared the most startling information I have ever heard”, or “You … Read More
“I know that I have life insofar as I have love. I have no love except it come from Thee. Help me, please, to carry this candle against the wind.” -Wendell Berry As most people know, we have experienced some difficult days in the Flathead over the last month and a half. Death, pain, and … Read More
Dear friends of Braveheart Chaplain Ministry,It is with great joy that I’m able to announce that the Braveheart board recently voted to bring me on as a chaplain in a half-time salaried position. What started off as a quiet conversation with Drew a year and a half ago has now manifested into a reality. The … Read More
There has been a scourge of hopelessness in our community lately, and it has led to a large number of people succumbing to the demons pushing them to take their lives. The heartbreak of the survivors after a suicide is immense, and a lifetime of grieving takes a toll no one should have to bear. … Read More
When a Braveheart chaplain engages with a citizen in distress or stands alongside emergency responders, there is a chain of people who help make all of that possible. Braveheart chaplains do not stand alone in serving. We are one link in a chain of dedicated individuals who are committed to caring for our community and … Read More
In the last 10 days, I have witnessed the top of a car being ripped open in order to try and save someone, trainees honing their skills and newfound strength while learning from a master, a couple being talked down from a domestic disaster, and a person withstanding and surviving a surprise attack. These events … Read More
One of the joys I have is teaching Compassion Fatigue to each class of new nurses at our hospital. This seminar helps to equip these registered nurses to take care of themselves while they serve in a high-stress career that too often leads to burnout within their first year. Those who work in the caregiving … Read More
By Chaplain Chris Messenger A couple of weeks ago, I received a call from Drew Buckner, the head chaplain at Braveheart Ministry, and he asked if I wanted to go on a call with him concerning the death of a teenager in downtown Kalispell. Though internally not knowing what to expect, my desire to help … Read More
Getting hit hard hurts! Whether it is in sports, a surprise business downturn, the dissolution of a significant relationship or an unexpected tragedy, it causes pain! Around 8:30 a.m. last Thursday, I was contacted by a shift leader of an emergency responder agency. He and his crew were on the scene of a young person’s … Read More
Holiday recipes are for the purpose of creating something tasty to eat! Most families experience these traditions and joys every year. For some people, these same holidays can be a recipe for painful circumstances. In the emergency responder world, this is basically expected each year. This year was no different as Christmas afternoon was interrupted by … Read More
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