Since moving to Davenport, IA, the Lord has given me amazing opportunities, through Project 10-19, to reach the law enforcement community with the gospel.
Project 10-19: Departments Visited
I came up with the idea for Project 10-19 in July of 2016. Simply put, Project 10-19 is my effort to reach the law enforcement community with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Every aspect of my ministry is governed by a three-fold philosophy of ministry: glorify the Lord Jesus Christ; edify the Body of Christ; evangelize the lost. Project 10-19 is no different.
Since arriving in Iowa, I have had opportunity to stand outside many law enforcement agencies. In doing so, I’ve distributed many gospel tracts to people on both sides of the badge, engaged people in conversation, and shown the “Law Enforcement Lives Matter” sign to thousands of motorists.
Here’s where I’ve been during my first five months in the Midwest:
Davenport Police Department (IA)
Bettendorf Police Department (IA)
Moline Police Department (IL)
East Moline Police Department (IL)
Rock Island Police Department (IL)
Silvis Police Department (IL)
Iowa City Police Department (IA)
Cedar Rapids Police Department (IA)
Linn County Sheriff’s Office (IA)
Dubuque Police Department (IA)
Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office (IA)
Janesville Police Department (WI)
Rock County Sheriff’s Office (WI)
Kirksville Police Department (MO)
Peoria Police Department (IL)
Peoria County Sheriff’s Office (IL)
Bartonville Police Department (IL)
Chicago Police Department–Headquarters (IL)
Chicago Police Department–District 1 (IL)
Galena Police Department (IL)*
20 police stations in the first five months.
What the Future Holds
The wonderful thing about living in the Midwest (one of too many to count) is that I can drive just a few hours in any direction and minister in such a vast array of locations–different communities, different types of people, different law enforcement agencies, different colleges and universities. And the list goes on!
While only the Lord knows what the future holds, and while life is a vapor, and while my best laid plans are only good if they are consistent with God’s will, the sky is the limit (so-to-speak) for Project 10-19. I would like to stand outside every Chicago Police Department station. More than that, I want to see the above list of law enforcement agencies grow from 20 to 200, and higher!
Praise the Lord for My Local Church!
Writing this ministry report affords me yet another opportunity to give praise to God for my local church.
The elders and family at Grace Fellowship Church not only support my evangelistic ministry, they participate in it. Additionally, I am in direct contact with my elders, sometimes multiple times a day. They know where I’m at. They know what I’m doing. They provide me with immediate feedback, encouragement, and counsel. God the Holy Spirit, during these first five months at Grace Fellowship Church, has exponentially matured both my faith and my ministry. I know He’s not done with me yet. There remains much work to do in this sinful man saved by grace. I have no doubt the personal and ministerial maturation is due, in large part, to the very real shepherding and oversight I now have in my life. (Someday soon I hope to write an article about this very important topic.)
As/if the Spirit of God brings it to mind, please pray for this important aspect of my ministry. Yes, every life matters. And that includes everyone attached to the law enforcement community.
Jen says
What a blessilng to get to witness your love of Christ and commitment to share the hope of Christ. So grateful to have the opportunity to learn from you as well.
Tony Miano says
Thanks, sis! 🙂
Brenda Bolkema says
Tony, I agree wholeheartedly with Jen!
I am so grateful to God for you and and thankful for your love of Jesus Christ and the lost! You have been an inspiration to me! I’m looking forward to continued ministry on the streets with you!
Tony Miano says
Thanks, sis. 🙂