I don't watch the news.  We don't watch TV at all in our house (I don't even know if we'd get reception if we tried).  I listen to the radio about 10 minutes a month.  I don't visit news websites online, except maybe the local newspaper to find out about a local event.  I figured someone will let me know if the president is shot or we're invaded by aliens.  So, I'm a little late with this and it's nearly outdated now, in the news world, but....  If you'd been watching the news or listening on the radio a couple weeks ago, the news of Police Officer Joshua Mikatarian's death on July 13, 2008 would not have escaped your notice.  He was shot four times in the head during a routine traffic stop.  I'm told it made national coverage and the local (Akron, OH area) press covered little else for over a week.  I'm also told it was a hot topic on the Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh shows, for whatever that's worth. 

This all came to my attention because Officer Mikatarian was the good, life-long friend of a brother in our fellowship, my neighbor Jason Robinson.  Jason was invited to speak at the funeral (I believe he and his family are still in OH).  The funeral was apparently quite the to-do and drew thousands of people.  It was aired on four local TV stations and one national station.  Jason was blessed to be a tool in the hand of God to deliver a powerful, undiluted gospel message at his friend's funeral (citing "it's what Josh would have wanted me to share"), to a viewing/listening populace of who-knows how many, maybe over a million.

You can view Jason's 20 min. sermon here:
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=d93b7ee11e68ac9a1c4b

I got to see it for the first time last night at our church meeting.  Strange seeing my friend and brother up there in all the pomp and splendor... in a suit...   I'm used to backyard guitar playing and singing.  =)  I was impressed at his ability to get up there in front of so many.  I shouldn't be...  I know the Lord gives strength where needed.  Anyway, you can join us in prayer that the seed planted will grow in many hearts...   And for comfort for Josh's wife (and 3mo old baby girl), family and friends.  While you're at it, Josh's murderer is facing the death sentence and could certainly use our prayers.

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Posted by bkearls

My heart goes out to his family. My husband is was a Sheriff deputy and is now at the IN State Police Academy to become a State Trooper. I am so despairing listening or watching everything that could happen to a policeman(or woman). My husband says that at least he has a gun to protect himself. Because unfortunately even people who work what most would think are "safe" jobs run the risk of being gunned down at work by a disgruntle employee. We live in uncertain times; however, it is good to know that no matter what happens in this world I will see my husband again in Heaven.
My family will be praying for this man's family and all the other people who put their life on the line so we will be protected. God Bless.

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