Serving Christ in the Midst of a National Tragedy
Field Reports from Rev. Dean Kavouras, FBI Chaplain

The following are the assembled field reports of Rev. Dean Kavouras, who serves as a chaplain for the FBI Cleveland Division.  These reports were posted to the Confess and Teach for Unity "Table Talk" Email list (http://www.cat41.org) by Rev. Kavouras’ wife, Barb.  Rev. and Mrs. Kavouras have granted permission to share these reports on the condition that each report be distributed in its entirety.  Introducing the September 20th report, she wrote:

Many people have asked if they may share my husband's field reports with others.  My husband asks only that if you pass the field reports on, that you do so in their entirety.

Your continued prayers and messages have been an enormous source of strength to my husband and our family.  I have passed on every message I've received. I also thank those who are keeping him in their prayers regularly but haven't sent a personal message.

In Christ,
Barb K
Cleveland
kavouras@multiverse.com

I have endeavored to honor this request while presenting the reports in a format that is more reader-friendly than the original Email messages that contained them.  To achieve that end I removed all “quote-back” prefixes; the “> ” marks which are useful when reading Email become rather tiresome in a longer document.  Also, the last several reports included a reminder about reproducing these messages in their entirety when sharing them.  I shall expect the above quote to serve that purpose for the entire collection as presented here.

Mrs. Kavouras’ own comments, which occasionally introduced the Emailed reports, are rendered in italics for convenient recognition.  Comments regarding format, readability, or other suggestions regarding this specific compilation of Rev. Kavouras' reports should be directed to me, not Rev. or Mrs. Kavouras.

Finally, the following words from Mrs. Kavouras accompanied the October 10th  report:

I am also repeating the address to which donations may be sent because several people have asked me to do so.  This corporation was formed by my husband to support *his* chaplaincy work.  All tax deductible donations go directly for that effort.

Safety Forces Chaplain Service, Inc.
5948 W. 24th Street
Cleveland, OH  44134

Please consider supporting this ministry of the Gospel.  

May God bless and inspire you as you read these reports.

Keith G. Chuvala
Keith@Chuvala.com
http://www.chuvala.com

(This first report was posted on the Table Talk list on 17-September-2001)

My husband called this evening and gave this brief report on what has happened since he arrived at the crash scene in Somerset Pa.

The scene of the crash site in Somerset Pa is divided into three sections. The actual crater where the plane impacted can only be accessed by evidence recovery personnel.  Another section is the morgue. The final section is where the airline is housing the families of the victims.  Debris is scattered everywhere -- he mentioned that papers were spread out over several miles, including hand written notes from those on the plane who knew they were going to die in the crash.

He went to the FBI command center and within a short while was involved in bringing the Law and the Gospel to those around him.  Several of the members of the EPA (there is concern that the jet fuel has contaminated the well water) team were very grateful that he stopped by.  They have been so busy with the work involved that they have not had a chance to sort out their reaction to the disaster.  Thank God that He has placed a faithful minister of the Gospel there at this time.  He had the opportunity to talk with several people about where God is in all of this. He handed out brochures which were made before he left (thanks to the help of Scott Schreiber and to donations from these lists).  The brochures included the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, The Gospel lesson of Jesus stilling the storm, the words to My Hope is Built on Nothing Less and also Our God Our Help in Ages Past.  One of the men, after looking over the printed material, asked for more to leave in the command center and to send to his mother. 

There is a makeshift memorial to the victims with their pictures and at the top of the memorial is a large cross draped with white material (like you would see at Easter).  Some of the people wanted to know about the white cloth and my husband used the opportunity to proclaim the Gospel through the Resurrection.  This is one chaplain who doesn't just *hold hands*!

Continue your prayers for him.  Tomorrow he meets with the victims and will have the opportunity to meet with more of the workers.

Barb K
Cleveland
kavouras@multiverse.com

Rev. Dean Kavouras, Chaplain
FBI Cleveland Division and
Cleveland Safety Forces
Cleveland, Ohio
chap7953@multiverse.com

Field Report 9/18/01, Somerset, PA

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This report comes to you from Somerset PA. It's now evening and the crews have ended their 12 hour shifts.  The Pennsylvania State Police are on duty all night guarding the sites and the surrounding areas.  Security is very tight, the watchful eye of God's ministers (Rom. 13) is vigilant!  May He give them the strength to do their duty to God and country.

I started out this morning at the place where the families of the deceased are staying, which is one of three sites being maintained.  The airline has emergency response teams who come to such scenes and provide every conceivable service to the families.  Though it's never just routine for these folks, this event is even more personal and special to them.  Like many others, they're asking two questions: 1) why, and 2) what good thing will come of this?  Both marvelous opportunities for answers of rock solid truths from God's word, answers of Law and Gospel.  As one good brother noted on the sermon list recently, Lutherans don't have one message for good times and one for bad.  Rather our message is always the same: the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life, in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 6:23).  I did not visit with any of the families today - however a memorial service is planned for Thursday for the families who have not made it in yet.

My next stop was the morgue.  This is the place to which all human remains are brought. There are pathologists and technicians of every type, doing what they do in such a situation, making identification as best their science can.  The FBI personnel are assisting in this process through fingerprints and other forensic sciences.  It's notable that on the entrance door to the actual large room being used as the morgue there is a prominent posting of Psalm 27:1-3 "The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear."  Read that (whole) psalm again in the light of this event (remembering that the LORD, is Christ) - what true comfort it gives.

Many of the FBI agents and Evidence Response Team (ERT) personnel were most happy to see their chaplain!  I also spoke with other personnel on scene - airline, medical, military, police, marshals etc.  I was able to speak to these folks about how we should interpret this event, and to hand out simple, yet solid, Christian literature to them.  This will do them much good and bring them true comfort because it comes from the mighty Word of God!  What a difficult job they have.  Pray for all involved.  I've also encouraged them with Romans 13 to encourage and inspire them with their work in God's left hand kingdom - a kingdom which is by no means unimportant to our Father, Creator and Sustainer.

While other chaplains and the wretched clergy around our country have nothing to give but their "presence" and their pixie dust -this chaplain has, in addition to his presence, the Balm of Gilead, the saving and healing Gospel of Jesus Christ.  He has the all-sufficient, life-giving Word of God, apart from which his presence means little.

At the crash site itself, I dare say that the Pennsylvania State Police preached a truer Gospel than any other person on-site.  Last week they erected a huge cross which appears to be about 16 feet tall, made of two sturdy 8x8 beams, and draped with a white shroud.  Though I was not present, I was told that when one person objected (will we never learn where true peace lies?) a trooper said to him: we're in charge and that's how it is.

That cross still stands.

It's a reminder of the blackest, most unjust and tragic death of all history, that of the innocent Son of God; but also the reminder of humanity' s finest hour, for on that cross the sins and guilt and curse of all the world, of each person, no matter how great their transgression, was expunged; and on that cross death and hell were conquered.  In Christ, God opened His loving arms and embraced the whole world (John 3:16).

In the shadow of those two pieces of wood, I preached the Word to a number of people. Many of the airline folks were brought from the family site to the crash site today to pay their respects. When they looked at the memorial, the pictures, the mementos, and received an explanation of the work going on, I asked if they'd like to join in a prayer.  I read Psalm 27 in its entirety along with 1 Peter 5:6-10 (check out these fine words below!).  We then prayed the Lord's Prayer, and all joined in.

One particular trooper was overtaken with grief.  I talked with him and told him that Christ died on a cross like the one before us, for the sins of the world, and that on Easter Sunday He rose from the grave; and that all who put their hope in Him, will likewise rise to everlasting glory.  I explained to him that there is no other hope and no other message in all the world which can help us now; that no psychologist or politician or financial wizard can make sense out of this.  I quoted and talked on John 11:25-26 where Jesus says "I am the resurrection and the life, he that believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live, and he that lives and believes in Me shall never die."  I explained to him that in his baptism God had made an everlasting covenant of peace with him and would never let him go, not now, not ever.

My biggest frustration is that the words of Romans 10:14ff are coming true before my very eyes. "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"  Best I can tell, few if any Christian clergy, here or anywhere else, are preaching the one, true faith; which imputes the righteousness of Christ to us by faith; and delivers men from eternal death.

Christian priests, pastors and ministers are preaching about an unknown, un-predicated supreme being, who is without true name, true form, or any sure word upon which we can rely in the hour of our deepest need!  "You may know him", people are told "as allah, or yahweh or jesus or bhudda"!  I had very strong words with two Christian clergymen today, upbraiding them for this and telling them that there is: no other name under heaven! given among men, by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12); that further, there is only one God - the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and all other imposters; that there is no other word which can heal these poor people than the words of Christ our Lord.  And I reminded them of John 6:68, the words of Peter "Lord, to whom shall we go, for you have the words of eternal life."  I told them that while the flowery orations of the world may soothe one's psyche for a few minutes, only the Word of God, as found in Scripture can heal their souls and restore them to some modicum of peace.

In closing I leave you with words worth memorizing, posting on your wall, teaching to your children and keeping very handy for days like these:

1 Peter 5:6-10   Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, and He will exalt you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.  Be sober and alert, for your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you! and make you strong! firm! and steadfast! 

Rev. Dean Kavouras, Chaplain
FBI Cleveland Division and
Cleveland Safety Forces
Cleveland, Ohio
chap7953@multiverse.com

Field Report 9/19/01, Somerset, PA

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today was a day of amazing lows that ended on a very high note.  I thank you for your prayers and I thank God for the answers to those prayers.

First, the day itself was pretty normal regarding my work with the personnel.  I had opportunity to preach the Word in several one on one and small aggregate sessions.  Though I am an FBI chaplain there are no other clergy on site and so I talk with whoever wants to talk.  I normally mill about, introduce myself (I wear a clerical collar, FBI jacket and hat - so I 'm clearly recognizable) and chit-chat with folks.  Some of this leads to discussions, or the handing out of the literature which I mentioned yesterday.  And sometimes just my presence as a man of God, there in the "foxholes", brings to people's minds thoughts of their Lord associated with His servants.  However, while most of "Christianity" thinks this the summit of ministry, I don't consider it nearly adequate, for only the Word, and not Dean Kavouras (Oh wretched man that I am!) can deliver men from the death of sin.

At the morgue I sat and talked with several of the area coroners, listened to their pain and talked about "the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting."

Personally though for me, today was the lowest day yet.  I was asked to participate in Thursday's memorial "service" which the American Red Cross will provide (at United Airline's request) for the families of the deceased. I was told that the name of Christ may not be mentioned at all! and that there may be no reading of Scripture there!  I spoke to the other clergyman here (there is one more, though I can hardly call him a clergyman) - one of the two I confronted yesterday for their "universalism" and told him: I will have no part in this, I will not attend, nor I will not be in the vicinity of his person lest God rain down judgment upon him and I get struck as collateral damage.  I told him that he cannot in good conscience as a man who wears a collar and calls himself a Christian minister, have any part of this service, and that if he denies the Savior before men, then that same Lord will deny him before the heavenly Father.

I put in a call to the ARC (or should it be AR-) headquarters for this site and told the top man I wanted to meet with him, which I did.  I laid out my story to him, told him that most likely 99% of the people there would be Christian and that if he called himself a Christian and believed in the cross he wore in his logo, that he cannot allow this in good conscience. He referred me to the head AR- chaplain(ette), a Catholic.  She explained to me that the "service" must be: compatible for everyone.  To this I responded that for every Christian there it would be exactly, in-compatible; because a Christian may not pray except in the name of Christ.  I warned her as well that in good conscience she could not allow this and that she was denying her Lord.

The day was so bad I went over to the Salvation Army tent and talked with one of their officers, inquiring about their doctrine, only as a point of curiosity.  There I found a Christian brother whose church body teaches salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone; that there is no salvation apart from Him (he quoted John 14:6 for me as proof); the virgin birth and the unconditional and complete divinity of Christ our Lord.  The sacraments, of course we disagreed on, and I told him I didn't come to argue, only to inquire; but that he had been a great comfort to this poor lamenting Jeremiah and dejected Elijah.  Please don't take my words as approval of that denomination, for they do err on many important points but thank God for what was good and true there.  He was as dismayed as I regarding the AR-.

All this having transpired I had the comfort of dining with Pastor and Mrs. Dan Hahn and their five lovely children in Johnstown, PA, about 30 miles north of the site.  When I learned last Saturday I was coming here I searched out area pastors who might lend me their assistance and counsel while working in a strange area.  Pastor Hahn has been a willing and able assistant and friend to me.  Tomorrow evening I plan to teach his midweek Bible class on Psalm 46.  At his dinner table, "the worm slowly started to turn" for me.  His evening devotion was from a children's book which the family reads each night and the theme verse was Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be *discouraged*, for the LORD (Christ) your God will be with you wherever you go."  At the conclusion I asked Pastor Hahn to read the verse one more time. Now I'm no touchy-feely kind of guy, as you all know, and I didn't break down and cry, but I sure needed that verse on this night.  It was an answer to your prayers when you asked "give Pastor Kavouras strength and courage in his work".

And the worm continued to turn.

Last Saturday I began to talk with Special Agent Steve Spruill from Quantico who is in charge of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for this site, they look after the mental health of our people.  This is the unit under which FBI chaplains work.  Today Steve and three other EAP personnel arrived on scene.  We met briefly and went about our work.  This evening I stopped in to Steve's hotel to see whether he had settled in okay, and we began to talk.  He said that he wanted me to know that he was a Christian, formerly LC-MS, but now Baptist and that Christ had changed his life and that he was still alive today because of his Lord Jesus Christ and a second chance given him.  He told me he supported my work and was thrilled that I was on scene and to move forward with all vigor.  After I recovered consciousness - I said that we needed to talk.  I told him my story, and when *he* recovered consciousness, things began to change.

I offered that on Friday, if he thought it appropriate, we go below to the recovery site rest tent, and offer to those recovery personnel who are interested, a Christian prayer service to be led by Chaplain Kavouras.  To this he readily agreed and outlined how he would publicize it.  I'm proposing we another for our personnel at the morgue.  So, though the Word of God may not be preached to the poor families (it might, yet), at least the people I have been assigned to shepherd (and others agencies here as well) will hear it.

In closing, the people of the area have been bonded into one and give us everything and anything we need, often for free, or for greatly reduced rates.  Two massage therapists from the area offered their services and set up what they call a "chair massage".  Many of us took advantage of their ministrations.  I took a helicopter tour of the whole crash area with the Pennsylvania State Police; it was quite a sight.  The helicopter pilot tells me that he * surmises * that the plane came down nose first at about 600 miles per hour, that most likely the passengers rushed the cockpit, knowing from cell phones that other places had been attacked; that they forced the plane down before it could reach its destination - greater love hath no man than this, than to lay down his life for his friend.

I viewed some of the recovered US mail (the flight was carrying 2000 pounds of mail) and other personal articles.  How real that made it for me (and yes, this is where I cried if you must know).

Before I close again with 1 Peter 5:6-10, I ask you not to use what you've read here to say anything to or about the Red Cross, I will deal with that most effectively later.  We are engaged in a war, the Church is, but it's not against flesh and blood.  The LORD of hosts (Hebrew "sabaoth" which means "armies) is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge.  Onward Christian soldiers.

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, and He will exalt you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  Be sober and alert, for your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.  And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you! and make you strong! firm! and steadfast!" 

Rev. Dean Kavouras, Chaplain
FBI Cleveland Division and
Cleveland Safety Forces
Cleveland, Ohio
chap7953@multiverse.com

Field Report 9/20/01, Somerset, PA

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As time allows I will continue to send these reports, which I design to be both informative and faith-building, in that they clearly proclaim the rich mercy of the world's Savior, our Lord and our only Hope, Jesus Christ.  It is at His pleasure I do what I do, and in Him that you and I have fellowship one with another.

I thank Christ Lutheran Church for including these chaplain duties in my Call document, making this an important and recognized work of God's people, and not just the desire of Pastor Kavouras.

The highlight of the day was the heavy rain which made sifting the sand for remains, impossible.  This forced the recovery teams to stop their work, to rest and to come up to the command post.  There I met many of them for the first time since Monday night when I arrived.  In my usual fashion I mingled among them, greeting and chatting with them.  The clerical collar was like a magnet to these weary workers looking for solace.  After much banter and good-natured kidding about the Browns and Steelers, I asked if they'd like me to have prayers with them for their work.  I didn't have to ask twice, their souls were very hungry.  One agent spoke for all when he said that none of them have had a chance to think about this, or to grieve for our nation's tremendous loss.

So Sunday morning I will go down to the dig, the "valley of the shadow of death", and *there* will proclaim that with Christ the Good Shepherd who laid down His sacred life for us, and who leads us beside still waters - we need fear no evil.  He is with us.  His rod and staff, His cross and His resurrection, His Word and His promises will comfort us and revive us, as no other power on earth can.

I asked Pastor Hahn, my faithful assistant in the area, to see if he can dig up an organist and a (get ready for the K word, you know, a k,k,keyboard - but that it has to be a good one that sounds like an organ).  I told him to call up some of the CW pastors in the area and inquire, which only goes to show, that even they! can sometimes serve God's purposes.

And for this too your prayers are earnestly requested.

The last group of family members was brought to the crash site today.  I did not attend the "service" which allowed neither Christ nor Scripture; but I thank God that somehow the Salvation Army handed a New Testament with Psalms to each person there.

I did talk with a few of the people returning to the busses, which would transport them to the main non-Service, also attended by the vice president's wife.  Again, I did not attend this caricature of Christianity where so-called Christian ministers allowed their witness to be silenced; and who withheld the precious gift of God's healing from people crushed by sin and death.  One particular family member who sought out my collar, was a 17 year veteran of the NYPD who had lost his father in the crash - and who only a week before this crash buried his younger brother who had died in a car accident while on his honey-moon in California.  Pray for these people my friends, that from Scripture's hallowed pages they may know the victory of Christ over death's bloody reign.  "Oh death, where is thy sting?  Oh grave where is thy victory?  Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!"  1 Corinthians 15:55ff.  Or as we sing in the great Easter hymn:

Jesus lives!  The victory's won, death no longer can appall me.
Jesus lives!  Death's reign is done, from the grave Christ will recall me.
Brighter scenes will then commence.
This shall be my confidence.

(TLH 201)

In one more fascinating event of the day, I now relate to you the story told me by Master Sergeant John Mikolich and Staff Sergeant Ernie Nicholson of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.  These two soldiers, normally in the recruiting office, were among others dispatched to the crash site within 90 minutes of impact.  They told me of the huge crater in the ground, but because of the sheer force with which the craft hit, that all was nearly disintegrated and the crater all but empty.  As they stood there frozen in disbelief they noticed the only moving thing, about 10 feet away, a book with its charred pages flapping in the wind.  Upon further investigation they found that it was a Bible with a piece of debris keeping it opened to Luke chapter one.  After a few moments of silence I asked Sergeant Nicholson: what, if anything, did that that mean to you?  He said that even though destruction such as he had never imagined surrounded him, the Word of the Lord still survived.  And that, he said, gave him great hope with which to carry on.

In Matthew 24:35 Jesus says "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away", and thank God for that; for that mighty, true and life-giving Word which strengthens and comforts us, now and always.

Pastor Hahn invited me to come to his church this evening and teach the adult Bible class.  There we studied Psalm 46 "God (Christ) is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, therefore we will not fear! *though* the earth give way and the mountains (order and strength) are swallowed up by the sea (chaos and death)"  We sang and talked about "A Mighty Fortress" and found the message of the Psalm, thereby exquisitely delivered to our troubled hearts.

Tentatively the FBI's role will be completed here on Sunday and I hope to return home at that time.  Depending on how things progress in NY and Washington, I may at a later date go there to serve as well.  If I may call on your help at this time, I have spent about $1400 of my own money since I've been here.   Over $200 was for literature, the rest for individual things that personnel needed, for which no official money could be requisitioned without great effort.  If you are *willing* and *able* I would greatly appreciate your tax-deductible donation, see below for the address.

Rev. Dean Kavouras, Chaplain
Federal Bureau of Investigation

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, and He will exalt you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  Be sober and alert, for your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you! and make you strong! firm! and steadfast!" 1 Peter 5:6-10 

Saftey Forces Chaplain Service, Inc.
c/o Rev. Dean Kavouras
5948 W. 24th St.
Cleveland OH  44134

Rev. Dean Kavouras, Chaplain
FBI Cleveland Division and
Cleveland Safety Forces
Cleveland, Ohio
chap7953@multiverse.com

This is the sermon which my husband will have the privilege of preaching tomorrow to the FBI workers in Somerset PA.  They will gather near the actual crater.  An organist will be there. Hymns have been duplicated and a service folder printed.  The workers themselves requested this CHRISTIAN service. I will send the service itself in a separate message.

You must have special clearance to be at the crash site so the workers at the morgue asked that the service be repeated for them.  The second service will be held at the morgue.

In Christ,

Barb K
Cleveland
kavouras@multiverse.com

Somerset Pennsylvania Crash Site
September 23, 2001
by: Rev. Dean Kavouras, Chaplain
FBI, Cleveland Division
chap7953@multiverse.com

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Dear friends in Christ Jesus our Lord, today is Sunday!  The day which every week commemorates for us, the resurrection of our Lord from the grave. His resurrection, after what could only be called the most senseless and unjust death of all history proves that He is in truth, "the resurrection and the life" - and He became those things for you!  For all who have been baptized into his name, all who put their hope in Him, all who call on Him to save, especially in times of crisis - will likewise leave their graves, however humble or anonymous or ignominious those final resting places may be.  And so this morning, let Him be your hope, your comfort and your only source of strength.  Not just here in "the valley of the shadow of death" where we have all lived and worked and cried and anguished - for 13 ghastly days, but always!  Because our status as God's beloved children, the glorious liberty we have in Christ, is always challenged by the devil.  But fear not little flock, for it is the Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.  And He is able to make good on His every promise of love to you.  So again, may the glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ lift your drooping spirits this Sunday, and restore the joy of salvation to you - most especially as you suffer the slow deaths and tiny deaths which plague us all  - and may the restored life of Christ give you victory over each grave which would bury you, even as it will over the final one.

Dear friends, I would be a fool to stand before you today and offer you anything that I know or possess of myself.  Dean Kavouras as such, is nothing and has nothing to give.  My sympathy, my concern, my emotions, those are all nice things, but they will do little more than soothe your psyche for sixty seconds or so.  My presence will not deliver health and healing for your wounded souls.  Rather, I stand before you today as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and I assume those of you who have come here today have gathered to hear (or at least to investigate) what message the Word of God might have for such a time as this.  And I dare say that fully one half of the Bibles message speaks of nothing other than what we see hear today - the death brought about by our sin; BUT the other 50%, the more important, precious and life-giving half, is the life freely offered for each of us from sin, from death and from the power of the devil, by the Son of God - who loved us who gave Himself over to a death more gruesome and innocent, than the ones we've beheld for the last 13 days in our beloved land.  But while these deaths were senseless, our Lord's had a reason; one planned from eternity, carefully timed and orchestrated by our Heavenly Father, all with only one, GOOD goal in mind - to do battle with death and to conquer death, and to give each one of us, our Lord's dear and beloved children, non-ending life and non-ending glory in Heaven.

Now I can give two answers to the questions that trouble us today.  I can give you the "feel good" answer!  I can spray pixie dust in your eyes and make you warm and fuzzy for a spell.  Or I can give you the real answers! The ones that at first, and let me stress that, "at first", are hard to hear, but in the end, will give you true peace, lasting comfort and hope to take home with you from this place.  I think today I'll give the real answers!  And that for two reasons. First, only they will satisfy you and as none of you have been derelict in your duty, I will not be derelict in mine. Second, I would not last five minutes as a chaplain, serving such an august body of investigators of veracity as you are, unless I told you the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.  Though you have become accustomed in your daily work to hearing hard truths, today, you will hear in addition, the most soothing message and powerful medicine ever given for stricken souls.

Beloved in Christ, the answer to the current crises can be encapsulated by one short verse of Scripture, St. Paul's letter to the Romans 6:23 where he writes under the guidance of the Holy Spirit "the wages of sin (is) death, but the gift of God (is) eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  The biggest question people are asking today is: why did this happen?  And now I'm going to answer that for you on two levels.  The surface answer is this - because sinful people did sinful things, that's why!  Because a self-appointed, self-righteous, supercilious son of the devil could not sleep at night, unless he shed innocent blood, in direct opposition to God's fifth commandment "Thou shalt not kill"  A commandment which by the way does NOT apply to the work you do when you apprehend these people, bringing them to justice, or . . . justice to them.  God says in the Bible about the governments agents: that you are His ministers and that you don't carry the sword (today, the gun) in vain.

Bad people doing bad things.  Okay so far.  But why do people do evil? Because dear friends, ALL OF US have been infected with a congenital heart disease known as sin.  We inherited it from our parents and live out its twisted dictates in all we think, all we say and all we do.  Sin rules us and drives us.  Each of us makes regular and generous contributions to the boiling cauldron of the world's sin, both large and small.  But God's penalty phase is always the same, as we read "the wages of sin is death." Each violation of God's un-revised, universal code; the ten best and truest commandments ever given to men by which to live, rules that if followed would make our world heaven on earth (have no other gods; use God's name with reverence; keep the Sabbath day holy; honor parents; don't murder; don' t commit adultery; don't steal; don't lie; don't covet) - each transgression of duty to God or neighbor, carries a mandatory sentence of death.  Death now and death forever.  What we saw here 13 days ago, beloved, was only one of the smaller manifestations of God's judgment on us all.  But stay with me here, for the cleansing of the wound is now over, and the healing is about to begin.

Please understand and hear my aright.  God does not do evil!  Our Heavenly Father does not take pleasure in evil!  But He will use even this to bring about good for us; to exalt us in His own way; to lift us up high above our enemies; to give us and instill in us the things which will make for true peace for us and for our children; humility, faith, hope, a greater love for Him; a mind-set of authentic service; lips to praise Him and a greater and more genuine tenderness for one another as we travel the storm-tossed seas of life together - a love I dare say most admirably displayed by you all, and which has not nearly reached it's conclusion.  Please note, that every person born into this world dies - do we have any doubt?  Some young, some old, some justly and some unjustly, but one and all - we perish.  Even our Lord, though the world was made by Him, did not exempt Himself from death, but His death was different than all others - and that in three ways. First, He was innocent of all sin.  He was the holy and righteous Son of God who had no sin for which to receive the "wages" He did.  Secondly, He died in the place of another - and you are that "other".  It was a substitutionary death! a life-giving death; a death-conquering death; accomplished for us and in our place.  And by His sacrifice, our guilt, our curse, our penalty for all sin is removed.  The wages of our sins were paid to Him, collected by Him.  On the cross, our record of wrongs before Heaven' s court, was expunged and in the sight of God, you and I are now holy! Think about that for a moment, for that is the chief truth of the Christian religion, that our sins have been removed from us and we now stand justified, innocent and holy before God; all by virtue of our connection to the crucified and risen Savior.  (That's why the Bible calls every Christian, a saint!)  By faith in Christ, you are Righteous in the truest sense of the word.  A righteousness you cannot buy with any currency; cannot merit by good behavior; cannot win though you suffer oh so terribly in this life.  For it is, in fact, a gift.  The gift!  The gift of God, bought and paid for by your Lord Jesus Christ.  Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God. Third, his death was different in that He did not stay dead!  And the great hope of the Christian church, the message which we believe, teach and confess with all vigor, the thing every believer in Christ confidently expects and looks forward to - our own resurrection from the grave!  The Bible says that Jesus was the "first-fruits", which is an agricultural metaphor which means "the first of many yet to follow."

He was the first; and you, dear friends, are the "many".

For when you were baptized into the strong name of the Trinity, you were made a beloved child of God.   At baptism, you were united to our Lord's death; you were buried with Him; and you were - and yet will be - raised with Him, by the glorious power of the Father, into new and abundant Life. And it is for this reason that the Scriptures confidently give us words of life and encouragement; words such as those spoken to Joshua as he was about to commence the taking of the promised land; and words which every Christian can take as his own in the battle we all fight with sin, death and the devil; these words which are true, good and powerful; and able to prop you up in the face of grimmest death.  Joshua 1:9  The LORD said to Joshua: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." He 's with us here.  He's with us in the crater.  He's with us in the grim woods.  He's with us in the morgue.  He's with us in the offices.  He's with us at the hanger.  He's with us on the streets and in the dark places where we go to find and arrest criminals.  He's with us in our hearts and in our homes!

And now the peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.

Rev. Dean Kavouras, Chaplain
FBI Cleveland Division and
Cleveland Safety Forces
Cleveland, Ohio
chap7953@multiverse.com

(The following is the Service Folder from September 23rd’s “A Christian Service of Comfort, Strength and Healing.”  The original was produced with plain and bold type for officiant/congregation reading.  I have not attempted to reproduce the bold face entries here, though I think anyone familiar with the Liturgy of the Church will be able to "read" each entry correctly. -- kgc)

In The Valley Of The Shadow Of Death
Somerset Pennsylvania
September 23, 2001

A Christian Service of Comfort, Strength and Healing

Notes: 

1) plain type spoken by Chaplain; bold type spoken by Congregation.

2) If you know the hymns, or possess enough musical knowledge to sight-read, please help to lead those who are less familiar with them.  If you wish to just listen, or follow along silently, this too is acceptable.  

3) You may keep service for personal devotional use for yourself and your loved ones.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen!

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.  And also with you.

Hymn:  A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

Responsive reading of Psalm 91 (Please remember that 'the LORD' in the Psalms is your dear Savior Jesus Christ.)

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.  He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.  A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.  You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.

If you make the Most High your dwelling-- even the LORD, who is my refuge-then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.  You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

"Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.  With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.  As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end, Amen.

Joint reading of Psalm 23:  The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Epistle Lesson:  Romans 8:18, 28-39 Gospel Lesson:  Gospel John 10:1-19 Hymn: Our God Our Help In Ages Past

Sermon: Based on Romans 6:23 "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life."

Prayer: Create in me clean heart Oh God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with thy free spirit.

Apostle's Creed: I believe in God the Father Almighty,  Maker of heaven and earth.  And in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate; Was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from there He will come to judge the living and the dead.  I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Christian church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting.  Amen.

Let us pray:  Heavenly Father, God of peace and harmony, You would have Your children on earth live together in peace and quietness.  Never-the-less, in Your wisdom You have permitted this attack of terror to be unleashed against our nation.  Watch over, we pray, all those whose lives have been touched by this disaster. Heal the injured, comfort those who mourn, and give patience and strength to those who now wait to learn more of their loved ones.  We pray especially for those relatives and friends connected so intimately to this particular site in Somerset Pennsylvania, the ones we have personally gotten to know and sympathize with; the ones whom You have called us to serve.  Give your kindest blessings, and the peace which the world cannot give, to all rescue workers, evidence recovery teams, law enforcement agencies and investigators; to all who examine the remains, and labor for an orderly and reverent treatment of them; to all the support people who feed and house and clean up after us and plan and provide the services that we would never think of.  Bless our military, here at home and abroad with courage and victory.  We pray for all your people in this area who have been sorely affected by death in their own backyards, and thank you that they have valiantly risen to support us and encourage us and pray for us.  We thank you for once again welding our nation together, even if in the forge of fire. Smile upon our families back home whom we miss and who miss us and worry about us.  Assure them that we are all in your tender care, in life and in death.  Yea, even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil, for Thou art with us.

Lord's Prayer:  Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.  Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever.  Amen.

Benediction:  The LORD bless you and keep you.  The LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.  The LORD look upon you with favor, and give you His peace.   AMEN!

Closing Hymn: I Know That My Redeemer Lives

 Officiant: Rev. Dean Kavouras, Chaplain - Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cleveland Division - chap7953@multiverse.com

Organist: Mrs. Kathleen Shaffer of Hooversville Pennsylvania.  Thank you, Mrs. Shaffer, for your service to God and country.

 ...the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.  Isaiah 60:19-20

Rev. Dean Kavouras, Chaplain
FBI Cleveland Division and
Cleveland Safety Forces
Cleveland, Ohio
chap7953@multiverse.com

September 25, 2001, Cleveland, OH

Final Field Report

Dear Friends,

This report comes to you from the comfort of my office in Cleveland, having arrived home on Sunday the 23rd.  Many of you read my field reports from the Somerset, Pennsylvania crash site, and the lows and the highs associated with it.  Today, however, I will end on the highest possible note.

On Saturday the 22nd my wife forwarded to you, a copy of the Service and sermon this chaplain provided for the troops.  A few days earlier I had asked them if they wanted me to come below with them and begin their day with prayers.  This germ of an idea evolved into a formal Service for Sunday morning, which as it turned out, was the final day.  It was held once (at 9:00 a.m.) down below, near the actual crash site (rather than up at the Command Post area); and once at 11:00 a.m. back at the morgue, for those who did not have crash site clearance, about 20 Red Cross volunteers and others helpers.

I was able to find an area organist (with the help of Pastor Hahn) who located a portable organ and amplifier.  I told her that besides the hymns, I wanted prelude music and postlude music and that it was to sound reverent and solemn; only music which would make them think they were in the finest cathedral, instead of on a makeshift road "in the valley of the shadow of death".  She came through beautifully and that music helped the comforting and healing process tremendously, for nothing drives theological truth home like reverent music.  The Pennsylvania Army National Guard brought folding chairs down to the site and hooked up a public address system.  They rigged a microphone onto a piece of copper pipe with duct tape and off we went. My pulpit was the portable stair and little landing used to get into one of the many office trailers, my vestments, an FBI raid jacket.

There were about 150 FBI agents, ATF agents, Federal Marshals and people from other agencies.  We sang A Mighty Fortress (LW version), Our God Our Help In Ages Past and I Know That My Redeemer Lives (TLH).  My organist, Mrs. Kathy Shaffer of Hooversville, PA copied the hymns very neatly onto two sides of one sheet of paper.  The singing was as hearty as any church on a Sunday morning.  I consider this a great thing because many people were unfamiliar with the hymns, but wanted very badly to join in the peace that hymn-singing gives.  I let them keep the Service sheet and music sheet for further devotional use, which included Psalm 91; Psalm 23; an apropos prayer; Apostle's Creed; Lord's Prayer and more.

With many people in front of me on folding chairs and many more behind them on a 10 foot bluff, both standing and sitting, I preached to them about the wages of sin - death; and the gift of God - eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Near the end of the Service I had them all face the crash site and did portions of the interment Service from the Agenda (It has pleased Almighty God in His good providence to call out of this present life the souls of our departed brothers and sisters.  Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.).

Judging from the rapt attention during the Service, the request for printed copies of the Sermon afterwards (which my "deacons", two FBI agents, had ready to distribute) and the numerous heart-felt thanks and tears of gratefulness afterwards - I'd say the Word of God did its job and uplifted many weary souls.  I take no credit for this!  I only report to let you know how God has worked through His mighty Word, that you too may be encouraged.

Thank you all for your support: money, prayers and messages of encouragement.

In closing I pass on two emails I received from people in response to this Service.  The first is from an FBI agent, the second a member of United's Accident Scene Team.

The agent writes: Chaplain: "Driving home to Virginia this afternoon, I listened to news reports of the memorial gathering in Yankee Stadium . . .A sound bite from Oprah Winfrey was aired - apparently, a few "VIPs" were in attendance. I immediately flashed back to the Service you gave this morning and thought about how lucky I was to have been in attendance."

The member from United writes: "Dear Rev Kavouras,  I was given a copy of your message notes on Sunday while waiting for my flight home at the Pittsburgh airport.  I can't tell you how much they meant to me.  I am a member of the United Airlines Accident Scene Team. For 13 days I had felt numb, in spite of reading my bible and praying. Your notes brought up the tears within me, and helped to reaffirm what I knew was true... Our God is still in control.  Thank you for being faithful in delivering such a powerful message."

Thank you all again for making this ministry possible,

Rev. Dean Kavouras, Chaplain FBI, Cleveland Division 

9/30/01, Cleveland, OH

Field Report for Rev. Richard Turner, Chaplain
FBI, Houston - now on scene in New York

via:  Rev. Dean Kavouras, Chaplain FBI, Cleveland

This evening I spoke with fellow FBI chaplain, Rev. Richard Turner, LCMS pastor from Baytown, TX.  Chaplain Turner is currently assigned to Staten Island dump, where the rubble from ground zero is being taken and sifted through.  Though he spent his first two days at the disaster site, he has found more opportunity for ministry at the Staten Island site.

The NYPD Captain in charge of the dump, upon getting to know Pastor Turner, has asked him to come to the evening briefing and have prayer for his men before they start work each shift.   Pastor Turner reverently makes the sign of the cross and leads approximately 75 officers and a contingent of FBI agents in prayer.

His prayers are both petitions and Law/Gospel sermons, based on Scripture, covering everything from the weather to remembering our families back home. Chaplain Turner keeps his ears open and incorporates many of the concerns he has heard, in the prayer. The personnel truly appreciate it.  LCMS pastor, Rev. Steve Unger also an FBI chaplain for the NY division is on scene.

Rev. Turner reports that there are over 600 cars that have been destroyed in the area.  Twelve city blocks have been devastated.  Approximately thirteen office buildings will have to be demolished because its cheaper to rebuild them, than to attempt refurbishing.  The WTC towers were 110 stories each, the area is still smoldering and there's a metallic smell in the air at ground zero.

Pastor Turner has been talking to people one on one.  He says people are anxious to talk, especially to a clergyman.  He says the crews truly appreciate receiving cards and notes from older school children, writing letters of appreciation for the work they are doing.

The Bureau has specifically told their chaplains on scene to be available to everyone, whether FBI, other law enforcement agencies, fire personnel, civilian contractors and volunteers.

Chaplain Turner reports that the weather has been cold and rainy lately and it makes the work difficult.  Pastor Turner will be going home on Thursday after ten days in service.

Please pray for him and the people who are serving God and country in their vocations doing this work.  They will pay a stiff price for many years to come, even as many war veterans have.

I am on standby for NY and will possibly go the week of October 8th.  I will keep you updated, and if I do go, I will try to supply you with regular field reports as I did from PA.

I leave you all with the words of 1 Peter 5:6-10  "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, and He will exalt you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  Be sober and alert, for your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you! and make you strong! firm! and steadfast!" 

Rev. Dean Kavouras
Cleveland, Ohio
chap7953@multiverse.com

Field Report 10/3/01, Cleveland, OH

Dear Friends,

Though I am back in Cleveland, my chaplaincy work has not stopped.  I have been very busy, spending time with the Cleveland Police and Fire Divisions, but mostly with the FBI, because they are the first line of investigation and defense from further attacks.  Today there were several interesting occurrences.

I spoke with one agent this morning, a young lady of Orthodox background, who told me a few weeks ago that she had become disgusted with her church and had not attended Divine Services in many years.  But after talking with her chaplain, and in the light of our immanent national peril, she went back to church last Sunday.  She told me that she didn't really know how to pray, but listened intently to the liturgy and just kept asking over and over again, "Jesus, save me;" and for the first time in many years she received communion.  When I talked with her this morning, she was quite distraught because she had heard a "Christian radio" broadcast on the way in, telling how all these things are predicted in the Bible and how the end of the world was very near.  She wanted to know what I thought of that.

I told her that there has been a contingent within Christianity taking that tack for 2000 years; that their theology and interpretation wasn't true then and that it's not true now.  I told her that these signs have been with us from the beginning; that Revelation was a "vision" and had to be interpreted as such by its own admission "sent and *signified*; and that we must all be prepared for our own personal "end" at all times.

Based on these questions and her return to the "shepherd and bishop of her soul" I preached the Gospel to her.  I told her that the Son of God bled and died for her sins; that on the cross, He washed her clean from all transgressions and that in baptism, she was crucified, buried and resurrected with Christ, and that He would never leave her, not in life and not in death.  I told her further that in receiving the true body and blood of her Lord in holy communion, that Christ came to her to make it all as personal as it can ever get.  And she seemed to find great comfort in that.

The Greyhound bus matter in Tennessee has the FBI tuned to an even higher state of alert - if that's possible.  Things are tense.  Though the person who did this was a Croatian, many Croats are Muslim.  It is unknown yet whether or not there is a connection to 9/11.

Because of the extra stress, as I walked through the office greeting and chatting with folks, one of the secretary's indicated that she wanted to talk a bit.  She's a widow with two growing children and is quite upset by the events of the day.  She just wanted to tell me that as she was driving into work today, she was thinking about me, and hoping I'd stop by.  These folks seem to find great comfort in the fact that a man of God takes interest in them and in their work.  We didn't talk about anything too serious, but I did notice that the booklet of Bible verses I gave her two weeks ago was still open on her desk to Psalm 46.

But just to keep me humble, the Lord had a little test for me to take.  One of the senior agents handed me a flyer for an "Interfaith Prayer Service" to be held on October 11th at St. John Cathedral here in Cleveland.  He said that they specifically requested an FBI chaplain to take part in it.  Part of the brochure reads "...all are invited to participate in this interfaith service.  Readings from the Sacred Scriptures and *Sacred Books", Prayers and Hymns...."

While other parts of the brochure had some very noble sentiments, this part was like a red flag.  At first I balked, asking him to contact another chaplain.  After being informed that this particular chaplain was busy, I asked him if he had a few minutes to talk.  I asked who would be taking part, specifically if there would be people of non-Christian religions.  He said there definitely would.  I told him that I must decline; that in good conscience I cannot do this.  That while I stand arm in arm with these other people as men and as Americans we have diametrically opposed faith and that I wouldn't give theirs credence by my presence.  I told him I hope he understands that I'm not a nut-case or sectarian.  He's a seasoned veteran of the FBI and a fine gentleman and he assured me that he did understand, and that he would try someone else.

May I suggest that all of you plan and publicize a "memorial" or "prayer" service to be held in your church on 10/11.  Ask your members to come and to invite their friends.  And preach the Gospel there as it hasn't been preached in public yet. 

Rev. Dean Kavouras, Chaplain
FBI, Cleveland
Cleveland Safety Forces
chap7953@multiverse.com

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, and He will
exalt you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for
you.  Be sober and alert, for your enemy the devil prowls around like a
roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the
faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are
undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called
you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while,
will himself restore you! and make you strong! firm! and steadfast!"
1 Peter 5:6-10

Field Report 10/5/01, Cleveland, OH

Dear Friends,

This report will be short, but I do wish to keep you informed, and hope that you find these reports enlightening and faith-building.

I will be leaving Tuesday October 9th for NYC.  I'll work seven straight days, in eight hour shifts, at the dump on Staten Island.  This is where all debris is brought and sifted to recover human remains, evidence and any personal effects which might be identified and, later returned to the families.  Consider this an official solicitation of prayers on my behalf, as well as for all who are ministering to those who serve and protect us.

Today is my 6th anniversary as a chaplain.  I've had great opportunities in those years to bring the Gospel hope to many people, firemen, policemen, agents of the FBI and more than a few victims of crime and fire as well. Now it seems that the opportunity is increasing exponentially, because we're waking up from our slumber and asking the important questions.  God's judgment (whether preached or demonstrated in real time) has a way of doing that, and it is all meant for our good.  If we hear the answer we do well - believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.  (Acts 16:31) That's a promise you can take to bed with you at night and to your grave.

As regards my going to NYC, this all came about because of the troubles I've already told you about at the Somerset, PA crash site.  I told you of the opposition I faced, and explained how the head agent sent there was a Christian.  I told you that he agreed with my strong stand on preaching the Word of God rather than "feel good" bromides, to these beleaguered FBI souls.  You heard further of the great success which the Word of God accomplished in bringing supreme comfort to them.

Apparently, this agent gave a favorable report to the head chaplain in Washington, who requested my presence in NYC.  This is unusual because they like to rotate chaplains, and give everyone a chance at the plate.  Now this is not meant to glorify Chaplain Kavouras.  My only claim to fame is the same as St. Paul's in 1 Timothy 1:15 "chief of sinners" in whom the mercy of God is greatly active.  But it is intended to say that what some people meant for evil, God meant for good (Gen. 50:15).  God-willing I will find more plentiful opportunity to impart the Words of Life from Scripture to many burdened souls.

There was one notable discussion today with a person at the Cleveland (FBI) Division.  It seems that one employee was quite upset because in her church they preach that we should turn the other cheek and that revenge over this matter is wrong.  What a terrible thing to burden any conscience with, since this is wrong-headed theology at best; and worse to burden the conscience of a person whose God-given (Romans 13) vocation it is to bring about that justice - at the point of a gun if necessary - and it will be.  I explained to her that she was the victim of sanctimonious non-sense, especially since self-defense can hardly be called revenge.  Further, though revenge belongs to the Lord (Romans 12:19), He often carries it out through channels such as armies and law enforcement agencies.

Pastors, please be sure to review the difference between the "kingdom of grace" and the "kingdom of power" and teach this to your people.  Check out the meaning of the fifth commandment in the catechism and also Article 16 of the Augsburg Confession for more explanation of the Bible's correct teaching on these matters.

Most likely my next communication will be from NYC.  Till then, the peace of God which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ.

Remember to invite your people and neighborhood to your own special memorial/prayer service on October 11th.  Use the familiar and comforting hymns, prayers, liturgies and portions of Scripture for this.  Below is a text you might want to preach on.

"Whether we live, therefore, or die, we are the Lord's"  
Romans 14:8

Rev. Dean Kavouras, Chaplain
FBI Cleveland Division and
Cleveland Safety Forces
Cleveland, Ohio
chap7953@multiverse.com 

Field Report 10/8/01, New York City

Dear Friends,

May the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ our Lord, give you all comfort and consolation at this time; not only from the wars without, but for the wars within.  As St. Paul writes in Romans 5:1 "Having been justified therefore by faith, we now have *peace* with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." With that all-important peace in place, the other troubles of our lives rapidly recede.

This field report will cover two days, October 7th and 8th.  On Sunday the 7th I drove from Cleveland, Ohio to NYC.  The trip took 8 hours from door to door. It was during the drive (near Scranton PA) that I heard of the retaliatory strikes on the radio and my thoughts turned homeward - but my car somehow kept moving eastward.

Beginning midnight Tuesday (10-9-01) I will be working the midnight to 8:00 a.m. shift at the land fill on Staten Island, ministering to the FBI agents and NYPD officers there, doing the evidence recovery.  This is where all debris from the WTC is brought, raked and then sifted with ¼ inch sifters. Evidence and human remains (HR) are recovered, examined, photographed and logged.  Whenever remains of fallen policemen or firemen are found, the respective departments send an honor guard to transfer these to the morgue in Manhattan.

Though I haven't officially started my tour of duty yet I have been busy. Sunday evening I had a long walk through Midtown Manhattan and a leisurely dinner with an agent who is a Christian.  Though he knows that he is a Christian and understands his salvation, he felt that because he has a fear of death that his faith isn't strong enough.  I was able to assure him that fear of death is at work in Christians too, even though we are assured that through Christ we will be with the Lord when we die.  I told him that God created an exceedingly strong drive of life within us; that even the best Christian has faith smaller than a mustard seed, so he was not to worry about it.  I further explained that such faith, grounded in Christ's atonement for his sins, is a gift which was given to him by God - who not only *created* that faith, but also *maintains* it at all times and through all the changing scenes of life.  I explained that he was to look to His baptism where by God's power he was crucified, buried and resurrected with Christ.  This seemed to work wonders for him.  And why should it not, for this is the Gospel, the power of God unto salvation for all who believe (Romans 1:16).

On Monday the 8th I briefly visited with my niece Kate Kavouras, who is on a one year tour of duty with Americorps and is now working in NYC. Her group is processing paperwork for families of the deceased and for those who lost their jobs due to the attack, to get Red Cross assistance.  It's quite sad dealing with all the families, but the Americorps volunteers are carrying on with precision and compassion.  Kate and I will have breakfast together on Tuesday morning.

After visiting with Kate, I walked to the morgue, about a mile from my hotel, and there talked with some NYPD crime scene specialists who process HR.  A big part of my job at these scenes is to "loiter with intent"  If people have questions of a theological nature we talk, if not we just chat. They are *always very happy* to see a law enforcement chaplain who is there just for them. I leave them with good literature, which I suggest they read before bed, so that they can rest with the greatest medicine ever put into words on their minds.  It's a special one page brochure written for the occasion, with familiar and comforting words: the Lord's Prayer, Apostle's Creed, Psalm & New Testament verses and the words to two hymns.  Also the booklet called "God's Words of Encouragement" put out by God's Word to the Nations Bible Society.  It consists of appropriate verses for all kinds of distressful situations of body and soul.

This gives them Real Comfort - especially in contrast to the useless bromides imparted by many, even by those who call themselves Christians. Please don't get me started on that subject again - it's here too just as in Somerset.

The early afternoon of the 8th was spent in an enjoyable lunch with Pastor Jimmy Coffey from Greenwich, Connecticut.  As Pastor Dan Hahn afforded me local assistance in Somerset PA last month, Pastor Coffey has agreed to aid me while in NY.  He has spent each of his days off since 9/11 coming to the city and walking the perimeter of the WTC site, dressed in clerical collar, giving the comfort of God's Word to workers and whoever else wished to speak with him - which were more than a few people.  Here again, true restoration and strength are being imparted to God's children by God's pastors.

I also spoke with a fellow Lutheran from Grand Rapids, Michigan this afternoon who is working to restore the Verizon tower near ground zero. He requested we get together, and if possible, receive the Lord's Supper.  He works long days, and I work nights, so we'll see how that goes.

Tomorrow I'll tell you more about ground zero and the landfill.

Your donations have been very helpful.  As it turns out I will be reimbursed for some of my expenses, but not nearly for all.  Its a long story as to why - in short it has to do with FBI regulations in place regarding chaplains, which were not nearly adequate to cover such a large scale disaster as this.  If you've been able to help with the cause I thank you.  If you have not yet done so, but are able, the need is still there.

As I prepare for my first shift I leave you with something out of the ordinary - a quote from Walt Whitman, in which he describes his countless visits to field hospitals during the Civil War.  I found his progression from "friend" to "chaplain", as well as some of his methodology, very helpful in my own work.  He writes:

"In my visits to the hospitals I found it was a simple matter of personal presence, and emanating ordinary cheer and magnetism, that I succeeded and helped more than by medical nursing, or delicacies, or gifts of money, or anything else.  During the war I possessed the perfection of physical health.  My habit, when practicable, was to prepare for starting out on one of those daily or nightly tours, of from a couple to four or five hours, by fortifying myself with previous rest, the bath, clean clothes, a good meal, and as cheerful an appearance as possible."  (Specimen Days, My Preparations For Visits, p. 34)

When Walt Whitman began his visits among the camp hospitals (Falmouth Va., December 21, 1862,) seeing piles of dead bodies and amputated limbs he stays outside the hospital, then going in he says:

"I went through the rooms downstairs and up.  Some of the men were dying. I had nothing to give at that visit, but wrote a few letters to folks home, mothers, etc.  Also talked to three or four, who seemed most susceptible to it, and needing it".  (Specimen Days, Down At The Front, p. 21)

However, by the summer of 1864 he says this:

"In these wards, or on the field, as I thus continue to go round, I have come to adapt myself to each emergency, after its kind or call, however trivial, however solemn, everyone justified and made real under its circumstances; not only visits and cheering talk and little gifts; not only washing and dressing wounds, {I have some cases where the patient is unwilling anyone should do this but me;} *but passages from the Bible, expounding them, prayer at the bedside, explanations of doctrine, etc.  {I think I see my friends smiling at this confession, but I was never more in earnest in my life.}  In the camp and everywhere, I was in the habit of reading or giving recitations to the men.  They were very fond of it.*" (Specimen Days, Summer of 1864, p. 47ff.)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,

Rev. Dean Kavouras, Chaplain
FBI Cleveland Division and
Cleveland Safety Forces
Cleveland, Ohio
chap7953@multiverse.com

Field Report 10/9/01, New York City

Dear Friends,

If there's one bright spot to this current crisis it's that the Word of God and the Life that is gives, is being sought with new fervor.  Though many people don't really understand the great foundation that it provides - they do perceive that there is one there, and they earnestly hope that they can stand on it now.  As we sing in the hymn (and I pity those from whom this treasure of majestic and awesome Gospel comfort has been taken away) "My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus' blood and righteousness.  I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name.  On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand."  (TLH 380)

This is a bright spot I say because God's mighty Word imparts what it promises to us: the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation.  He that believes and is baptized shall be saved.  Grant this Lord unto us all.

After returning to my hotel at 8:00 this morning, bed was the only thing on my mind.  I had been up for 24 hours and was useless to anyone.

Last evening about 10:30 p.m. my partner and I, an agent from Kansas City, headed for the Staten Island landfill by way of "ground zero".  After six check points manned by New York's finest, troopers of the New York Highway Patrol and Military personnel we parked the car and walked the entire inner perimeter trying to take in the magnitude of the destruction.

The piles that had been the twin towers have been reduced to about 40 feet in height by my loose estimate.  The large treaded excavators climbing up and down the piles reminded me of Lilliputians scaling sleeping Gulliver. But that's not all the damage.

The Verizon building, a massive behemoth of sturdy frame did not come down, but sustained serious damage both to its exterior and its interior electronic contents.  Other buildings which have no particular name on them, have whole sides with shattered windows and who knows what loss within.  A few office structures still stand but with massive fire damage.  This is something you don't usually see in large office buildings, for under normal circumstances such fires are quickly dealt with, and contained to small sections.  But that day, there was no stopping the devil's deadly woe. Truly "on *earth* is not his equal".  And this was confirmed ever more poignantly later in the night when I toured the vehicle section of the Staten Island landfill.

There I beheld hundreds of vehicles which had been crushed, twisted and burned, like so many bunches of thoughtlessly discarded aluminum foil. And most prominent and most desolate among them, resting in their own special section, lie dozens of fire apparatus.  Hook and ladders trucks, pumpers, ambulances and the like - who like our Lord Himself, had succumbed to the fate from which they had saved so many others, but in the end would not save themselves.

At ground zero, we talked to many of the hundreds of people working to bring these remains (human and otherwise) to their final resting places.  Such a spirit of human cooperation I have never seen in my 51 years; and the spirit of humility and of reverence, long absent from American soil, was most encouraging.  Truly the Law of God has been preached here in all its severity without a single word being spoken.  One familiar with the Bible could not walk those grounds without thinking of our Lord's words regarding Jerusalem: "there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down" (Luke 21:6)   But a person familiar with that same Bible will also find hope! for it tells us that: we are "strangers and pilgrims on earth" and that "here we have no continuing city".  But that by virtue of our connection to Christ, we are headed for a heavenly city, one whose builder and maker is God.  This is a city with foundations which will never fail, not now and not ever.  For God is in that city, and our dear Lord Jesus Christ rules it with His love and grace.  All who have been baptized into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are heirs of that City and can take refuge in this blessed truth, even when steeples are falling!

Once we reached our intended destination, the Staten Island landfill where all debris is brought, sifted and processed, we met with many people glad to see God's presence among them, in the person of a Christian pastor.

There I was pleasantly surprised to see two people from United Airlines who had worked in Somerset PA.  I didn't recognize them and at first they didn't recognize me.  But as we talked and the subject of Flight 93 came up both men said: you're the chaplain who did the Service at the crash site in Somerset aren't you?  Having confirmed their suspicion I was most gratified to hear that they had received much comfort from said Service and that one of the two had sent a copy of the sermon to his mother, who also obtained strength from it.  How comforting it was to find such people in what many would call: a God-forsaken place.

And so it seems to all but the eye of faith.

Many hundreds of people sifting through rubble, in the cold and the dark and the wind and the rain and the smells, in 12 hour shifts; dressed like actors in a second rate sci-fi movie; working like so many ants.  But turning up evidence, and piecing together a story (yet to be told) that only these blessed ministers of God's justice from the FBI and NYPD could ever find.

Talking to them in the rest tent, where they had to be de-contaminated to enter, I found many a forlorn person.  As we talked and the subject of fear came up, one burly NYPD detective, whom I am sure has seen it all . . . and more besides, said "we're scared, chaplain".  A brief silence ensued.  I wish I could say that I had some great words of wisdom for him, but at the moment I didn't.  As the conversation wound down and they went back to work I offered each of them the booklet "God's Word of Encouragement" which I customarily pass out.  They each opened their white, zippered suits, and signaled for me to put it in their inner pocket.  I'm sure (or I'd be at home right now instead of this God-awful city) that my presence, and the Word of God which I would bet they each later read, gave them something that will benefit them much.  This along with *your* prayers for their well-being will give what no other agency on earth can.

Later that night/morning, I was present for the 5:30 a.m. roll call. I offered to the Lieutenant that I would open up this shift with prayer if he liked, to which he readily agreed.  This was no time for innovation.  I offered a very few feeble words of my own, then closed on the highest possible note by inviting them to pray a prayer that God will never deny, the words given us by the Son of God Himself.  And how heartening it was that all there, perhaps 75 detectives in all, knew those words by memory and called together on "Our Father."

On the lighter side, everything you've ever seen or heard or read about NYC is true.  Five minutes into the city last Sunday and I thought I had been magically transported into a television program.  Its loud, fast, weird, never sleeps, filled with taxi cabs, hundreds of different smells, restaurants, theatres, thousands of (literally) hole-in-the-wall cheap trinket shops - it's a parody of itself.  No one speaks English without an accent of some sort, including (and maybe especially) the natives; and some large percentage (40%?) don't speak it at all.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, 

Rev. Dean Kavouras, Chaplain
FBI Cleveland Division and
Cleveland Safety Forces
Cleveland, Ohio
chap7953@multiverse.com

My husband asks that if you forward this report, that you do so in its entirety.  I am also repeating the address to which donations may be sent because several people have asked me to do so.  This corporation was formed by my husband to support *his* chaplaincy work.  All tax deductible donations go directly for that effort.

Safety Forces Chaplain Service, Inc.
5948 W. 24th Street
Cleveland, OH  44134

Barb K

Cleveland
kavouras@multiverse.com

Field Report 10/10/01, New York City

Dear Friends,

Let's begin on the lighter side tonight.  After all,  there's been plenty of the other, and we'll cover some of that as well.

Here's a simple test you can give your friends to determine their intelligence.  Question: what color is a "black box"?  If you said "black" you'd be wrong.  The correct answer: orange.  Then why do they still call it a "black box" ?  That I can answer in one word: tradition.  Among other people at the Staten Island land fill are people from the airlines and the NTSB whose main function is to wait for the "black boxes" (each jet contained four of them) to be found.

And here's a simple sanity test for you as well.  Borrowing from the comedy routine "you know you're a Redneck if." allow me to create the new (and hopefully informative) category "you know you're crazy if.".  If you hang around abandoned garbage dumps in the middle of chilly autumn nights, lit by hundreds of klieg lights, working 12 hour shifts, wearing a respirator so you don't contract who-knows-what; if you prefer porta-potties and decontamination rooms to your own cozy bed and shower; if you favor eating in mess tents with dirt floors and seeing hundreds of people walking around in space suits; if you pass your break time reading safety posters advising you to wash your personal clothes twice, and apart from the family's regular laundry; if you like the non-stop sound of heavy machinery moving piles of rubble that were once arranged in a way most pleasing to an architect's eye; if you don't mind dealing with human remains and possessions which once well-served fellow human beings; and if you do this day after day with like-minded individuals - then you might just be a little bit off.  Or, you might just be an agent of the FBI, the Secret Service or a detective of the New York City Police Department who does this duty by choice.  ("Greater love hath no man than this....")

A few days ago I mentioned that I had met fellow Lutheran Mark Niendorf from Michigan.  He is working on restoring the Verizon building which is just a few hundred feet away from the WTC site.  He's been away home for several weeks and has not had a day off, even to go to church.  Learning of my presence in NYC, he wondered if I would meet with him for the purpose of receiving the Lord's Supper, which we will do tentatively, tomorrow evening. I told him to inquire if there were others and invite them as well.  Since that time I met a woman in the hotel laundromat who also is an LCMS Lutheran working with the SBA.  She's here to help people re-establish their businesses since the disaster.  I also informed her of our communion service.  So it may be two, or three, or even a few more.  I'll let you know.

The state of Christianity in our country is still very poor.  Though many people are talking about a god, whom they desire to bless America, it seems that few if any know who he is, how to get in touch with him, or if he is even interested in us.  To quote from St. Paul's missionary speech in Athens (Acts 17:23)  "as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you."

With these words he began to preach the true Word of God to them; the good news of creation, preservation and most importantly that crowning message, the Gospel.  The Good News of God's love for our lost world - the giving of His Son, who suffered death in our place and for our sins, and who was resurrected from the grave to give non-ending life to all who put their hope in Him.

The greatest offenders against this very specific, and often offensive, message of the Gospel, and of its simple access via the Word and the Sacraments, are the clergy of our own land.  Clerics from every denomination, including yet one more NYC Lutheran pastor (a wolf in shepherd 's clothing) who for fear of the consequences, denies Christ before men. And what can one say about a physician who has good medicine but will not give it to the sick and dying to relieve their pain and save their souls?

I watched in horror as this same wolf administered poison to one of Christ's holy people.  In our weekly meeting, an agent wanted to tell this wolf about his experience reading the Koran - how he (the agent) began to read it in connection with his part in the investigation of crime; and how he had found it wholly offensive, violent and de-grading of all non-Muslim people, especially women.

The wolf listened for a moment and then quipped that the Bible is a violent book too (how greatly he misunderstands the Scriptures!!!) and that the Koran isn't as bad as everyone is making it out to be.

By the time he was done with his politically-aromatic exegesis, he had elevated the Koran and completely undermined the agent's faith in God's true Word, the Bible.  That very same Old Testament Word of God in which our Lord Himself, in His earthly life, found strength and true comfort.  I watched the agent's face as the color noticeably drained from it (and this a person who does "poker faces" for a living).  His body-language began to show signs of extreme nervousness - meanwhile the wolf obliviously bayed.  In that immediate venue I could not effectively intervene - so I just watched, awaiting my opportunity.  A few minutes after the conversation was ended I introduced myself to him and quietly said that I too was a Lutheran pastor, and there's quite another side to what he had just been told.  Great relief seemed to fill him that instant and I said we could talk later if he liked. He liked.  We did.  And will continue to.  Because when the assignments were given for the week, he was made my partner.

Our night at the landfill together was passed very successfully, working and complementing each other; and all for the welfare of these truly blessed heroes whose love for their neighbor is larger than Staten Island itself. He cared for their needs of body and mind, I for their souls.

I think one last incident from our night is most telling.  I closed the 5:30 a.m. NYPD roll call (shift change) with Scripture, prayer and a few words of encouragement.  Being somewhat sensitized to this church/state non-sense myself, I announced that we would now have a short Christian prayer service for their strength, comfort and encouragement; but that if anyone had duties which could not wait, that they were free to leave.  The roll call Lieutenant said (in his heavy NY accent no less, and in a way that will always endear this miserable city to me) words to me which I will never forget.  He said: forget about that stuff chaplain, we all want what you do and need what you do, so do it for us now.

God bless you Lieutenant!  And with the help of the NYPD even "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  (Phil. 4:13) 

I thought you might be interested in "listening" in as my husband ministers to those at the landfill.  He starts each shift praying with the workers. He has left several of these in the tent at the worksite for those who want to have a copy.

Barb K
Cleveland
kavouras@multiverse.com

A Prayer at the Staten Island Landfill

Rev. Dean Kavouras, Chaplain
FBI Cleveland Division
chap7953@multiverse.com

(You may keep this sheet for future devotional use for yourself and your family.)

+ In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

My dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to take me by the hand and lead me safely through this tour.  Watch over me and all the people I work with.  Give your tender love and powerful care to the people I love, who worry about me even as I worry about them.  Be my strength in this crooked and perverse world; my Rock in the hour of temptation and my Refuge in every trouble.

As you have rescued me from the kingdom of darkness by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ from the grave, preserve my faith, weak as it is, little as it is, assaulted from every side as it is.  Fill my heart with the joy of your forgiveness and let me walk with you every hour of every day praising your name in all I do and say.

Uphold me with your everlasting arms of mercy and goodness, which are more powerful than any weapon an enemy can employ against me.  Truly, a thousand may fall at my side, ten thousand at my right hand, but it will not come near me, for you have vowed to rescue me.

Let me not be discouraged by the trials of the day; but let me remember that you turn all things around and will use them for my good.  Oh Lord I do this work out of deep love for You and for my fellow man.  In your mercy remember the families whom we serve by the vocation to which you have called us, in this particular duty and in each one we perform. 

+++ Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.  Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever.  Amen. 

+++ The Apostle's Creed: I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.  And in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate; Was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.  I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Christian church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting.  Amen.

+ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, Amen.

Rev. Dean Kavouras, Chaplain
FBI Cleveland Division and
Cleveland Safety Forces
Cleveland, Ohio
chap7953@multiverse.com 

Field Report 10/11/01, New York City

Dear Friends,

Since I've probably driven you to sensory overload with my previous reports  I'll try to keep this one short.  It's now 6:10 p.m. on Thursday the 11th.  My partner and I finished our shift at about 6:00 a.m. this morning and  tried to get back to Manhattan before rush hour.  We had another good night,  he caring for bodies and minds, I for souls.

The highlight of the night was, once again, opening the 5:30 a.m. roll call for the NYPD.  The Word of God was read and preached to approximately 80  personnel, giving them strength for their work and the dignity it deserves -  for their profession is created and blessed by God, according to St. Paul in  Romans 13.  I read Psalm 91 to them and prayed the prayer on the sheet,  which you all received with yesterday's field report.  My partner, agent  Jerry Richards, who sits in the back of the tent while I do this, took note of the reactions of the officers both days we did this.  He reports that all  was well received, all came across loud and clear.  Though he isn't out  working the landfill, besides his "employee assistance" duties, he is  actively involved in the investigation of this crime.  So he too needs this  mighty Word of God to uphold and defend him, a word which he receives most  gladly.

In a spirit of unity with our flock, Jerry and I donned space suits last  night and spent two hours raking with the troops.  The drill is this: to  bring the truckloads of debris from the WTC to this landfill on Staten  Island.  It's then sifted through giant construction sifters (probably used  normally for road demolition, to separate dirt from chunks of asphalt etc.)  with ¼ inch mesh.  The dirt is checked, the remains (human or otherwise) are  then examined, and the ones deemed useful are logged.  (All human remains  are reverently handled and taken to the morgue on Manhattan.)  However the  larger debris - very large pieces of the towers, parts of the planes etc. -  are then picked up by front end loaders and spread over large areas and  systematically raked through by agents of the FBI, Secret Service, NYPD and  others.  The goal is to recover human remains, the "black (orange) boxes"  (correction from last night: there are only *two* per jet, for a *total* of  four) and anything else of evidentiary value which will better help piece  together more details of the story.

I found a soup spoon and butter knife (both bent) and what appeared to be a  Chinese or Japanese coin.  Of less value I found pieces of carpet, a table  cloth (perhaps from the restaurant), clothing (most likely from one of the  many stores in the building) and much violently twisted and broken metal,  concrete, compressors, pipes, I-beams and who knows what else.

If you've ever doubted how transitory human life is and how passing its  accomplishments, you would only need to come to Staten Island for few  minutes.  But to properly understand this whole event of 9/11 and put it  into its most proper, and comforting perspective you would need to read,  mark, learn and inwardly digest Psalm 90.  (This by the way is the Psalm on  which Isaac Watts based his immortal hymn: Our God Our Help In Ages Past -  TLH 123)

Without apology it tells us that: God turns men (and our accomplishments)  back to dust; that He sweeps men away in the sleep of death; that we are  consumed by His anger; that He sets our iniquities and secret sins before  His face; that all of our days are nothing but trouble and sorrow; and that  we should learn to number our days - that we may apply our hearts unto  wisdom.

But then this same majestic Psalm, in its latter verses, preaches the Gospel  of Jesus Christ by means of a prayer.  A prayer answered 1300 years after  Moses first uttered it from the depths of his mortal grief.  Answered by the  sacrificial death and victorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ very  early Easter morning - that great act of salvation which freely gives  resurrection hope and resurrection power to all who put their trust in Him;  and roundly trumps death and the devil.

It's a prayer He answered for you in baptism, and will always answer for you  even now!  It goes like this (Ps. 90:13) "Relent, Oh LORD!  How long will it  be?  Have compassion on your servants.  Satisfy us in the morning (Easter  morning) with your unfailing love (Calvary), that we may sing for joy and be  glad all the days of our lives.  Make us glad for as many days as you have  afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble.  May your deeds  (deeds of salvation accomplished for us on the cross) be shown to your  servants, your splendor to their children.  May the favor of the Lord our  God rest upon us (and it does); establish the work of our hands for us -  yes, establish the work of our hands."

In one final story I'll tell you about a man whom for anonymity's sake we'll  call Tom Pierce.  While walking through the landfill, greeting the officers  and bringing them God's peace in Christ, I noticed one particular young  officer, in his 30's, more or less wandering about his given area.  He had  his rake lying horizontally over both shoulders with his arms hooked over  it.  We talked for a while in that hallowed place and he told me of his  little daughter and his upcoming days off.  As I was saying my farewells I  offered him one of the already-mentioned prayer sheets.  He asked me to  unzip his space suit (it's actually called Tyvek) and put it into his coat  pocket.  He then said, "Chaplain I'd like to show you something."  He took  off his safety helmet and pulled out a laminated photo from above the  webbing.  It was of two boys, perhaps seven years old, sitting at a kitchen  table with their seven year old smiles.  He said "that picture is my friend Tommy Pierce and me, Chaplain, he's in here somewhere and I want to bring him out."

And so in closing we can pray the words of Psalm 90:17 for this officer and  for all of my Law Enforcement flock, and for their chaplain: May the favor  of Christ our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us -  yes, establish the work of our hands."

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  (Phil. 4:13)

Rev. Dean Kavouras, Chaplain
FBI Cleveland Division and
Cleveland Safety Forces
Cleveland, Ohio
chap7953@multiverse.com

Field Report 10/12/01, New York City

Dear Friends,

It's now 10:00 a.m. on Friday the 12th and I need to get some sleep, but I think this might be my only chance today to report last night's activities. My niece Kate Kavouras is an Americorps volunteer and is here in NYC.  We had a quick breakfast and she's doing well.  What an experience for a 20 year old.

This evening I'll be having dinner with my partner at his home, which is somewhere in New Jersey, only about 40 minutes from Manhattan.  From there we'll go to Staten Island for yet one more tour of duty.

I will most likely be spending Saturday night and Sunday morning in Greenwich, CT at the home of Pastor and Mrs. Jimmy Coffey who have been so very helpful to me since my arrival.  I will preach at Pastor Coffey's church and there enjoy some much-needed fellowship of the Word and the Sacrament.  Sunday night we report back to work at the landfill.  That's the plans so far.  But remember the words of James (4:13ff) "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.'  Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.  Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.' "

About 2:30 this morning, things went from zero to sixty in an instant.  I was making my rounds, walking the grounds, talking to people.  Sometimes just a friend chatting, sometimes answering their questions and concerns, always leaving them with God's blessings in Christ and a piece of good literature for later; always the Christian pastor.  I had made my way to the far end of the site and was walking back, hoping to get about 2 to 3 hours sleep in my car, when an officer on a golf car sped up behind me calling, "Chaplain, Chaplain, hurry get in, we need you."  He reported at first that body parts and the badge of a police officer had been found.  But as so often happens in emergency services, the early reports are not accurate. The badge only was found, but what a big find it was, justifying the grueling labors of love, extraordinarily performed, by these ministers of God's justice.

It seems that an eagle-eyed detective, standing on an observation platform, noticed a police officer's badge quickly pass on the conveyor belt.  The following words are a near quote (indicated by single quotation marks) from the official NYPD incident report: 'The shield fell into a large pile of previously sifted debris.  The sifter and conveyor belt were immediately shut down.  All the assigned officers assembled at the front of the belt, at the debris pile and began an exhaustive search.  A secondary search was made using hands, rakes and shovels in a relentless effort to retrieve the lost shield. After several unsuccessful attempts approximately 7 to 10 yards of rubble, consisting of dirt, metal, and rocks were gathered into a front end loader and placed back into the sifter . . . The undersigned was present during the recovery operation for the shield.  The members that participated in this effort were extraordinary.  Approximately 7 - 10 yards of heavy debris was sifted through by hand two times for about 90 minutes. All members were in place and the shield was recovered.  The perseverance and extreme physical measures to locate the shield paid off.  Each member assigned is commended for their work and should be recommended for the appropriate department recognition.'

The badge was that of a New York, New Jersey Port Authority police officer. All work stopped.  This was a sad and sacred and joyful moment for the crew in that they had helped bring back whatever remains they could for the fallen officer's family.  I'd like to encourage you not to use the "c" word here - "closure".  This will not close.  Not now.  Not ever.  The officer's loved ones will, by God's grace, adjust.  But I have walked portions (only portions) of that tortuous road to "adjustment" with the widows of police officers, and others who've lost dear ones in death.  Let's not talk about "closure".  Let's talk rather, about God's promise to St. Paul, and to you as well which says: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." And may St. Paul's response be yours as well: "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest upon me."

At that moment, these bone-weary public servants wanted only one thing, for their chaplain to come and pray.  They were not interested in flowery orations about the rocks and the trees, but in strong medicine to stop the bleeding of their souls.  And from the all-powerful, all-sufficient, life-giving, soul-restoring Word of God, such was given.

About 100 people working in that general area of the landfill, reverently gathered. I read to them from Psalm 23 and from 1Thessalonians 4:13ff. where St. Paul writes these words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit: "Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who have fallen asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.  We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring, with Jesus, those who have fallen asleep in him."

Based on these words I explained to them that it was good to grieve, but to do so as people who have hope, even here, even now.  Because according to this Word of God, all who believe that Jesus died, and that He rose victoriously from the dead for the sins of the world - that those people don 't die, but only sleep.  That they close their eyes here, but open them up in heaven - where there are no more tears, no more sorrow and no more death. (Revelation 21:4).

I invited each of them to renew their faith in this promise and in the One who gives it, both now and always.

Though I did not know this officer's faith, I made the assumption that he was baptized (a safe one in this heavily Roman Catholic area) and was thereby connected to the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (Romans 6:3ff).  Further, I cannot imagine a scenario where any person who has ever heard the Christian message or named the name of Christ, would not call on Him to save, in circumstances such as these.  And He will always answer that prayer in the affirmative, for He is the very "Yes" of God.  In Him all God' s many promises find their "Yes."

We closed with a committal of his body to the ground, followed by an extemporaneous prayer, the Lord's Prayer and the apostolic benediction.

All attending were grateful, and then returned to work.

Such is war.

The NYPD captain in charge included these words as point 4 of the official report: "Upon learning the details surrounding the found shield, all members involved in the recovery detail assembled together for a brief prayer service lead(sic) by Reverend Dean Kavouras, FBI chaplain."

And now you know, the rest of the story.

While its not normal pastoral practice of have burial services for people when we are unsure of their faith, the service was conducted (as much as possible, given no prior notice) in such a way and with such a stress that it was done for the living, and not for the dead.  In it I preached the Law and the Gospel to the people present, urging them to put their trust in Christ, the solid Rock.

Thank you all for your excellent comments of appreciation, your prayers and good thoughts.  I receive them each day via my wife.  Thank you for the financial assistance to make my presence here possible.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  (Phil. 4:13)

Rev. Dean Kavouras, Chaplain
FBI Cleveland Division and
Cleveland Safety Forces
Cleveland, Ohio
chap7953@multiverse.com 

Field Report 10/15/01, New York City

Dear Friends,

Our last shift is now over, partner Jerry Richards and I said our good byes, and for my part, I have been highly honored to work with him.  Together we made a great team and accomplished much for the mental and spiritual well-being of the people who so tirelessly serve us all.

We both entertained hopes of working together again, but we also dread that prospect, because chaplains and Employee Assistance Units are never called out unless the worst has happened.

We are 911 for the FBI.

Our last night could not have gone better.  We had some goals in mind and accomplished them all.  The first was to get to know the forensic anthropologists, photographers and dentists a little better, because we were curious about their work.  They are the ones who identify human remains (HR) at crime scenes and other disasters in which human life is unrecognizable due to the extremity of the circumstances.

Truly, our life is "a vapor" (James 4:8).

We introduced ourselves to these folks and in short order they asked us into their trailer for refreshments.  Reading between the lines, I perceived that this was more than a simple invitation.  This particular team had logged approximately 1000 fragments of HR.  A daunting task under any circumstances, but one made worse by the nature and number of the deaths, and by the desolate location of the work.  Jerry and I visited with this group, and conversed with them about their work and their families.  They were most pleased to have our company.  As we prepared to take our leave, I inquired whether they would like to hear some comforting words from the Scriptures and to have a prayer for their well-being and success.  All seemed quite amenable to this, so I read to them from the 23rd Psalm (which has been getting a lot of use lately) and prayed a prayer focusing on Joseph of Arimathea.  As he recovered the body of our Lord from the cross, these people were following in a holy train by their special work.  In the prayer I reminded them that Jesus had met with death in order to pay the penalty for the sins of all people; and that He was raised from the dead as the first of many - He being the first, we being the many to follow.  The team was grateful for this special blessing.

This done, we took our leave and moved to our second objective, to work with the crews again.  Jerry raked in the fields and I spent time at one of the giant sifters, examining all that came by on the four foot wide conveyor belt.  There are ten people stationed per sifter, five on each side, carefully probing all that passes.  In about one hour I watched an estimated ten to twenty tons of debris -- which was once the World Trade Center -- move by.  In no particular order of importance I observed large pieces of metal twisted and torn in every way as if it were paper, rock, cement, papers, mud, a disposable diaper which had been worn, a man's shoe showing wear on the heel, a bone with strands of tissue at one end (which I immediately plucked from the belt; and was later informed by the anthropologist that it was a collar bone), a skirt, pipes, fire hose, fire alarms, fluorescent lighting fixtures, pieces of carpet, computer boards and much, much more. The personnel were happy, and I hope encouraged, to see God's presence among them in the person of a Christian pastor.

I mentioned in a previous report, that one of the evidence response teams (ERT) had spoken to my partner about a particularly ghastly incident in which they had been involved some time ago.  I was able to speak to one of the members of that ERT and I plainly asked him about it, telling him that Jerry had mentioned it to me.  He was willing to talk about it and I was able to listen, and to offer him some good literature.  I pray that the Word will take root in him for the healing of his wounds.

God's Word is well able to do this because it gives us the eternal perspective of things, the one far larger than any problem this world can concoct.  Luther catches this spirit in his hymn "A Mighty Fortress" when he writes: and take they our life; goods, fame, child and wife; let these all be gone, they yet have nothing won; the Kingdom ours remaineth!  Or as St. Paul writes in Romans 8:18 "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."

There were other contacts as well, sometimes just a handshake, a warm greeting or word of blessing, which in this hell hole became important gestures of God's love and blessing to these beloved men and women.

The "ministry of presence" as it is called, is important.  It is not the be-all and end-all of a chaplain's work, as most of cowering Christianity supposes.  But it can be potent if the Word of God dominates, and is plainly offered to one and all.

Our final NYPD roll call prayer focused this group too, on Joseph the Arimathean.  I spoke of the death and resurrection of Christ for the sins of the world, and the heaven it promises us all.  I told them that I had been honored to serve with them and that there were no better hands on the planet, to carry out this sacred task than theirs.  We closed with a portion of the committal service from the Agenda  "earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust" in honor of the dead, we prayed the Lord's Prayer and I gave the Apostolic benediction.  This done, we concluded our service to these good people.

Last evening before going to the dump I took one more brief tour of "ground zero".  It's still smoldering and words cannot do it justice.  I briefly spoke to some of the firemen working there, gave them encouragement and assurances from God's Word and left literature with them for their later perusal.

I'm now hoping for a few hours sleep and to take my leave, loving this city much more today than ten days ago.  Then I was unimpressed by it, now I'm sorry to leave.

As previously promised I will give you at least one more summary report and attempt to publicly thank all who made this work possible.  Thank you one and all.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  (Phil. 4:13) 

Rev. Dean Kavouras, Chaplain
FBI Cleveland Division
Cleveland Safety Forces

Field Report – Final, 10/20/01

Dear Friends,

The peace of God, the peace which passes all understanding, may that peace keep your hearts and minds safe, in Christ Jesus our Lord.  While there are other antidotes for the disquiet of the day, each is illusive, short-lived and not very potent; but the peace which our Lord earned on the cross, peace between man and God, that will never let you down - not in life and not in death.

Though this will be the final field report from my duties in NYC, you can anticipate more from time to time, as my ministry continues to Cleveland's fire and police divisions and to our local FBI personnel - this is after all my primary flock.  This is a very tense time for them all, especially with the added burden of following up on anthrax calls.

A brief word on that subject.  According to sober sources your chance of coming into contact with anthrax at this time is only one in two million. So calm down, turn off television's terrorists of talk (these enemies within), and live your life to the full extent of the blessings which God affords you each day.  When He does call you home, as you close your eyes on earth you will open them in heaven - and those you love, upheld by God's grace each day, will one day follow.  For it is appointed unto a man once to die (Heb. 9:27); and God who has called you is faithful (1 Cor. 1:9).  There will be a reunion at that time, the grandest ever, when once again we meet face to face with all the dear people who have been separated from us by death.  There we will greet departed loved ones with tears of joy, unending embraces and the solemn promise "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee". There we will re-connect with spouses and children; brothers and sisters, parents and grand-parents; friends and neighbors who have been united to Christ by faith.

Regarding NYC I ask that you remember to regularly pray for those involved in the recovery work, which will take many months.  Also those doing the investigations, which will take many years.  These are most effectively prayed for whenever we pray the Lord's Prayer, for under the petition of "daily bread" we ask God to give us all that we need to support this body and life, which includes good and effective government.  Likewise in the petition "deliver us from evil" we ask our Heavenly Father to guard us from all forms of evil, including war, terrorism, anthrax and the like.  Check out your catechisms on this point, and for more true inspiration on the subject see the Large Catechism - you'll be astounded at how contemporary this 500 year old statement of faith is.  Further when we confess the first article of the Creed, we are saying that we believe that God does in fact answer these prayers.  My friends, there is no more potent weapon against the present troubles.  In Joshua 1:9 the Lord says to His people "Be strong and courageous, do not be discouraged, do not be terrified! for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go"  Besides a great comfort, this is an occasion to pray, to confess our faith and to believe in the One who is able to do more than we can ask or even think.

While on the subject of prayer, we should also remember the pastors and chaplains who live in NY, for while I have the luxury of coming home, they don't.  Perhaps some of you pastors out there might want to contact the brethren in NY and spend some time there, encouraging them, visiting with them and working with them.

Also regarding NYC, I am attempting to send other good pastors there, especially to Staten Island, because nearly all chaplain efforts are being directed to the WTC site and to the morgue.  I have a plan in progress and have spoken to some of our pastors who are also police chaplains, but it will take some money, so if you are able to help, please do.  Additionally there's a good chance I will return one or more times, for the pastoral need is great and the resources small.

Though this is not the purpose of my field reports to you, I am hoping that through these reports some person whom God has richly blessed will see fit to sponsor this work as my full time ministry.  May God preserve us, but this is not over!  Never before in the history of this country have our safety forces needed such pastoral care and direction as now; and what can give that like God's word?

Firemen have always been American heroes, but never before did we appreciate them as we do now.  Before 9/11, policemen were seen as a necessary evil by many, but now they are our best friend.  One of my FBI agents told me yesterday that before 9/11, people in general were very reluctant to talk with federal agents about anything.  Now, he tells me, people invite him in, give information, and coffee and cookies besides.  We will depend on these ministers of God's justice more than ever before, so let's give them our best.

As for myself, I am slowly recovering from this very draining experience. They say you can't catch up on sleep, but I seem to be doing just that. While in NY I got an average of 4 hours a day, for the last four nights I've been getting about twelve.  I'm just starting to feel rejuvenated today. Last evening my wife and I went to a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) which is a very helpful tool of psychology.  It's for people who've encountered situations which are beyond their normal coping mechanisms. This was beneficial.  Actually we could use a CISD for the whole country since we've all been through a critical incident.  Yet there's nothing as salutary as the Divine Services of God's house each Sunday morning.  There by means of the reverent music, the great hymns, liturgical formulations, creeds, assigned readings from God's Word, Christ centered preaching, prayers and the Sacraments; there I say, the Balm of Gilead is richly imparted to our hearts and minds.  If your church offers these you've got enough, more than enough.  If they don't either get your congregation back on track, or find a church which gives what is truest and best.

But this need not be limited to Sundays.  Perhaps this would be a good time to establish the practice of evening or morning prayer at your church on weekdays.  Now might be a good time to make use of your hymnal at home for family hymn singing; for gathering church friends together at home for singing of hymns and reading of psalms and for inviting your friends to church where they will hear the Words of eternal life.  There's much that can be done.

Finally, thanking people by name is a risky business lest anyone be forgotten, but please bear with me as I try.  First is FGF Gregory Hoshek who first got me involved in safety forces chaplain work with the Cleveland Fire Division; Cleveland Fire Chief Kevin Gerrity for his encouragement; Ptlm Tom Suva, Ptlm Jim Simone and Lieutenant John Bocchicchio of the Cleveland Police Division for their assistance in logistics and their encouragement; SA Rob Daniels of the FBI who is in charge of the Bureaus's chaplain program, for inviting me to participate in both the Somerset crash site and in NYC; Pastor Dan Hahn of Johnstown, PA who assisted me in Somerset; Pastor Jimmy Coffey of Greenwich CT, who assisted me in NYC; SA Steve Spruill, SA Tim Fox-Moles and SA John Will for their assistance in Somerset; SA Jerry Richards for being a great partner! in Staten Island; FBI chaplain Richard Turner (LCMS) who preceded me at Staten Island and gave me valuable advice; the following police officers of NYPD: P.O. Kate McCauley, P.O. Danny Malo, Captain Ron Facciponti, Lieutenant Bruce Vovino and Det. Dominic Longo.  Also on the home front I thank Rev. Jay Lemanski and Rev. Tim Landskroener for their theological advice and assistance.  Again I thank Christ Lutheran Church and my partner Rev. Lloyd Gross, for making allowing me to do this work.  Finally my family who was willing to let me leave during a time of great national crisis, especially my wife, Barb, for being the faithful assistant, helpmeet and conduit in getting information to all of you.  I thank each of you for reading, for praying, for your emails of encouragement and support and for your financial assistance.  If all goes well we should have a modest web site in the next couple of weeks which will include these field reports and some pictures.  Thank you again.

I have done all things through Christ who strengthens me.  (Phil. 4:13)

Rev. Dean Kavouras, Chaplain FBI Cleveland Division
Cleveland Safety Forces

Safety Forces Chaplain Service, Inc.
c/o Rev. Dean Kavouras
5948 W. 24th St.
Cleveland OH  44134