Dave and Laura Shuping lead the East Coast efforts of the Navigators' First-Responder Ministry

The Navigators is a worldwide group of people desiring to live as disciples of Jesus Christ and to help others do the same. We are committed to learning scripture and living out the will of God in our lives. The Navigator's first-responder ministry focuses on police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and their families. We serve those who protect our communities and our lives.

After Americans witnessed the personal sacrifice and service of first-responders during the 9/11 tragedy, police officers and firefighters were heroes in the eyes of most Americans. More recently, law enforcement officers have become targets for ridicule, abuse and even ambush, and we have developed a feeling of entitlement toward fire and rescue personnel. While we minimize their service, cops and firefighters continue to serve us faithfully, facing personal risk and trauma each day, and sacrificing their lives for our sake. Navigators ministries believes Jesus came so that everyone who believes in Him "may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). We want first-responders to have an abundant life in Jesus Christ. We want them to know they are loved and appreciated, and we want to help first-responders share the love of Christ with their coworkers and the communities they serve.

If you are interested in coming alongside first-responders and helping them know Christ, please contact Dave at david.shuping@navigators.org to discuss how you can use your God-given gifts to help others. "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." 1 Peter 4:10