Nov 2000 Volume 81 Number 11
"serving the protectors"
| Nov 2000 Volume 81 Number 11 "serving the protectors" |
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Shaping Young Lives |
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| By Dianna Bartlett |
As one of the newest and possibly the youngest chaplain, I am a wife and mother of four with a daughter aged 10 and three boys aged eight, six and four. Pokemon and Nintendo are big in our home and I (most embarrassingly) admit I can name many Pokemon - as probably many of you who have young children can. I do, however, leave the Nintendo to my husband and children.
If ever you encounter my children, be prepared. They get so excited to see a police officer and are thrilled to be able to sit in a police car. Where does this excitement come from? The officer who smiled from the patrol car, said hello while on the job or came to the public event has planted positive seeds in the minds of not only my children but many other children, too. What terrific PR!
As adults, our words and actions are constantly being absorbed by children. At home and in public, children view adults as their walking, talking examples of life. We can create a positive memory by a kind word or add to the negatives of life by a harsh one. It isn’t easy being constantly on show. Choosing our words a little more carefully, or making the extra effort to be positive, can make a big difference to a child.
Once a year my church takes some 2000 seven- to 12-year-olds camping for the weekend. The main aim is to allow the children from many backgrounds to experience the church in a fun, safe and loving environment. We have beach time, craft, animals and a side-show alley, plus a musical, a play and rock band all rolled into a 24-hour programme. One adult is leader to five children who eat, play and sleep (a bit) together for the weekend.
Children come from Port Lincoln to Broken Hill and all places in between. Apart from being absolutely exhausted, I am thrilled that I have been able to create a positive memory for the children I lead, which I hope will last a lifetime.
Jesus was fond of children. In Mark’s gospel, the disciples spoke sternly to the parents as they brought their children to Jesus to be blessed. Jesus, however, was indignant, and said: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
So when you are dealing with your own children, grandchildren or someone else’s, remember your words and actions will be shaping their view of life. It may not be a memorable moment to you but, to a child, that moment could last a lifetime.
SA Police Chaplains
Welfare Section 58 David Marr 8364 3567 Senior Police Chaplain. Academy 8 Mark Thomas 8296 9616 Adelaide: Angas Street 158 Bruce Grindlay 8295 2220 Adelaide: Hindley Street 62 Bruce Grindlay 8295 2220 Adelaide Hills Division 54 Adrian Stephens 8398 2510 Office: 8398 2517 Ceduna 214 Bob Borgas 8625 3503 Christies Beach 20 Vacant Clare 202 Michael Dutschke 8842 3681 Communications 172 David Hand 8376 5612 Elizabeth 52 Stephen Brooks 0418 840 739 Far North 210 John Folkman 8672 5011 Firearms/Records Dianna Bartlett 8337 8552 Focus 21 Richard Lawton 8362 4936 Gawler 52 Brian Tscharke 8522 2288 Glenelg 22 Malcolm Thomas 8377 0772 Henley Beach 18 Brenton Daulby 8443 8286 Holden Hill 44 Rod Dyson 8365 1170 Kadina 71 Vacant Kingston 208 Mount Gambier 208 Brian Ashworth (w) 8723 1353 (h) 8725 2537 Murray Bridge 200 Malcolm Bottrill 8532 5536 Naracoorte 208 Bruce Cliff 8737 2457 0417 811 702 Norwood 60 Lynton Wade 8362 2227 0418 831 703 Nuriootpa 204 Andy Kowald 8562 1011 Port Adelaide 6 Jeff Oake 8341 5930 Port Pirie 206 Steve Ardill 8632 3977 Prosecution Services 176 Vacant Port Augusta PS 210 Vacant Port Lincoln 214 Vacant Riverland 212 Robin Zadow 8588 1540 Salisbury 53 Vacant South East Terry Natt 8571 1114 Sturt 12 Chris Beal 8278 9578 Tea Tree Gully 48 Bob George 8395 9363 Thebarton Barracks 32 Joe Grealy 8338 3225 Transit Division Wayne Shepherd 8443 4895 Whyalla 218 Tony Redden 8649 3593
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