Veteran Ambassadors for Christ

Veteran Ambassadors for Christ Veteran Ambassadors for Christ is a Faith-Based Christ-Centered Ministry Nonprofit Organization. According to the U.S. Founder Biography:

Tracy A.

Veteran Ambassadors for Christ is a Faith-Based Nonprofit Ministry dedicated to serving Veterans and First Responders with the primary objective of providing Christ-Centered support through Biblical Counseling helping them grow in their Mental, Emotional, Physical, and Spiritual well-being. We are committed to guiding individuals by building a strong, personal relationship with Jesus Christ throug

h Counseling, Fellowship, and Prayer. We will work closely with justice-involved Veterans participating in a Veteran Treatment Court (VTC) program. Our vision is to see transformed lives and restored purpose as Veterans and First Responders experience the love of Christ and become equipped to live with hope, dignity, and meaning. Our service area includes Calhoun, Clay, and Talladega Counties in Alabama. Biblical Counseling is the personal discipleship ministry of God’s people to others under the oversight of the local church. It relies on the authority and sufficiency of Scripture, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This form of counseling seeks to realign disordered desires, thoughts, behaviors, and affections with God’s design, restoring individuals to right fellowship with Him and with others. Through speaking the truth in love, Biblical Counseling comforts those who are suffering and calls individuals to repentance, encouraging spiritual maturity as they abide in Jesus Christ. The Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) program is designed to divert eligible Veterans from the traditional criminal justice system and equip them with the tools needed to lead productive, law-abiding lives. Participants are required to attend regular court appearances, actively engage in individualized treatment plans, and take part in required community-based programs. VTCs function as hybrid drug and mental health courts—often referred to as Accountability Courts—serving Veterans who struggle with substance abuse, mental health challenges, or other related conditions. Research shows that these courts improve public safety, reduce recidivism, and are more cost-effective than traditional criminal justice processes. Many Veterans face ongoing challenges after returning from service, including post-traumatic stress and other mental health conditions. Substance abuse may also develop or worsen as a result of their experiences. Department of Justice, approximately 10 percent of adults arrested have served in the Military. Participation in a VTC program is voluntary. Veterans who choose to enroll are evaluated by mental health professionals, and individualized treatment plans are developed. Upon successful completion of the program, charges may be dismissed. VTC programs also provide critical support through judicial encouragement, access to resources, and connections to services such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Service Organizations, and Volunteer Veteran Mentors. Stephens, founder of Veteran Ambassadors for Christ, served in the U.S. Air Force from 1982 to 1988. He later worked as a civilian Police Officer and Basic EMT from 1989 to 1995. In 2016, he became a Veteran Advocate, and in 2019 began serving as a Volunteer Veteran Mentor with the Calhoun County Veterans Treatment Court in Anniston, Alabama. In 2025, he was certified as a Lay Biblical Counselor through the Biblical Counseling Center. Tracy accepted Jesus Christ in 1972, but experienced significant personal hardship between 1976 and 1978, including the loss of both grandfathers, his parents’ divorce, and difficult family transitions. These events, along with later experiences in Military and Law Enforcement service, contributed to years of personal struggle with trauma. In 2023, after more than 40 years away, Tracy returned to regular Church attendance—at the very Church where he was first saved. Since then, he describes a profound transformation, having exchanged “chaos” and “confusion” for “peace” and “calmness.”

06/04/2026

In May 2026, Pell City Police Department officially launched its Chaplain Program, an initiative designed to provide vital faith-based support to both officers and the community.

The program, led by Chief Justin Cooper and the PCPD Community Policing Division, marks the return of a service that has been absent for several years.

“Our department is fortunate to have strong leadership, but some situations we face, both internally and within our community, benefit greatly from partnerships with our city’s faith-based leaders,” Chief Cooper said.

The primary goal of the program is to offer emotional and spiritual support to law enforcement personnel. Chaplains will also assist with sensitive responsibilities such as delivering death notifications and responding to traumatic incidents. These roles are now formally incorporated into the department’s chaplain program policy.

Philip Brewer, who has previously worked with the department through various programs, stepped into a key role in helping shape and define the chaplain initiative

The effort was launched by Community Police Officers Autumn Conaway and Pat Tunnell, who reached out to Andy Lambert, pastor of Coosa Valley Church of God and head of the Pell City Ministerial Association. Lambert noted that he had long advocated for establishing such a program.

Following that outreach, he and three other local ministers quickly committed to participating. The initial group of PCPD chaplains includes:

- Andy Lambert (Coosa Valley Church of God)
- Philip Brewer (Faith Community Fellowship)
- Ira Harris (First Baptist South)
- Scottie Pinson (Eden Westside Baptist)

Each chaplain will complete an extensive accredited training program covering conflict resolution, crisis intervention, collaboration, and an understanding of police culture.

06/04/2026

Do you truly want to change? This blog explores three biblical questions that reveal whether someone is truly ready to fight life-dominating sin and pursue lasting change by God’s grace.
https://ow.ly/chOw50Z5gXN

Deception from Behind the PulpitThroughout Scripture, God repeatedly warns His people about false teachers and spiritual...
06/04/2026

Deception from Behind the Pulpit

Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly warns His people about false teachers and spiritual deception. While many believers expect danger to come from outside the church, some of the strongest warnings in the Bible concern deception that arises from within. One of the greatest tragedies in the Christian faith is when those entrusted to preach God's Word use the pulpit to promote error, manipulate people, or advance personal agendas rather than proclaim the truth of Christ.

Jesus Himself warned, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves" (Matthew 7:15). These individuals often appear sincere, knowledgeable, and spiritually mature. They may possess charisma, influence, and the ability to attract large crowds. Yet appearances can be deceiving. A person can stand behind a pulpit, carry a Bible, and speak religious language while leading people away from God's truth.

Deception from behind the pulpit can take many forms. Some teachers distort Scripture to accommodate popular culture. Others preach a message focused entirely on personal prosperity, self-improvement, or political ideology while neglecting repentance, holiness, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some leaders use fear, guilt, or spiritual intimidation to control their congregations. Others conceal sin, protect abusers, or place loyalty to an institution above obedience to God.

The Apostle Paul warned that a time would come when people would "not endure sound doctrine" but would seek teachers who tell them what they want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3). This warning applies not only to those who preach but also to those who listen. False teaching thrives when people desire comfort more than truth. A message that never challenges sin, never calls for repentance, and never points people to Christ's sacrifice may be appealing, but it is not the full counsel of God.

The danger of pulpit deception is especially serious because it affects souls. Congregations often trust their pastors and spiritual leaders. When that trust is abused, people can be led into confusion, spiritual bo***ge, or even unbelief. Some become disillusioned with Christianity altogether after witnessing hypocrisy, corruption, or manipulation within the church.

Yet Scripture does not leave believers defenseless. God calls His people to test every teaching against His Word. The believers in Berea were commended because they examined the Scriptures daily to determine whether what they were being taught was true (Acts 17:11). Christians should never surrender their responsibility to study God's Word for themselves. Every sermon, teaching, and prophecy should be measured against Scripture.

Faithful pastors and teachers remain a tremendous blessing to the church. God has called many to serve with integrity, humility, and genuine love for His people. The existence of false teachers does not diminish the value of faithful shepherds. Instead, it highlights the importance of discernment.

In an age of celebrity preachers, social media ministries, and countless online voices claiming spiritual authority, believers must be vigilant. The question should never be whether a message is popular, entertaining, or emotionally moving. The question is whether it is true. God's Word remains the ultimate standard by which every preacher, teacher, and ministry must be judged.

The church's hope is not found in any human leader but in Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. Human leaders may fail, but Christ never does. When believers remain anchored in Scripture and focused on Him, they are far less likely to be deceived by those who misuse the sacred trust of the pulpit.

06/04/2026

Talking about PTSD sends a message that it’s not shameful, and opens the door for others to understand and provide support.

You can help by sharing information and resources with the message: PTSD treatment works.

Explore 30 ways you can help raise awareness for PTSD:https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/awareness/docs/VA-NCPTSD-30-Ways-To-Promote-PTSD-Awareness-Handout-v07-508.pdf

In an earlier post, “God-Given Talents,” I mentioned Mary Magdalene and the spiritual gift of helps. She beautifully exe...
06/04/2026

In an earlier post, “God-Given Talents,” I mentioned Mary Magdalene and the spiritual gift of helps. She beautifully exemplifies this gift through her quiet yet steadfast service to Jesus’ ministry. After experiencing profound healing, her response was not merely one of gratitude expressed in words, but of devoted action. She willingly gave her time, energy, and personal resources to support Jesus and His disciples as they traveled and ministered.

Her faithfulness became even more evident during Jesus’ final hours. While many withdrew in fear and uncertainty, Mary remained near. She stood at the crucifixion, witnessed His death, and lovingly cared for His body afterward. Her unwavering loyalty and courage reveal a servant’s heart that sought neither recognition nor reward.

Then, in one of history’s most significant moments, Mary’s faithful service was honored in a remarkable way. She became the first witness to the risen Christ and was entrusted with proclaiming the Good News of His resurrection. Through her example, we see how humble service can become a powerful instrument in God’s plan, transforming acts of help into a lasting testimony of faith and spiritual leadership.

One of the most powerful ways to share what God has done in our lives is through our personal testimony. A testimony is difficult to dispute because it is the story of our own experience with God's grace, mercy, and transforming power. By sharing our testimony, we encourage others, strengthen their faith, and publicly give God the glory for the work He has done in our lives.

Below is an imagined testimony of Mary.

"The Testimony of Mary Magdalene, a follower of Jesus Christ"

My name is Mary Magdalene, and my life was forever changed when I met Jesus Christ.

Before I knew Him, I lived in darkness and bo***ge. My soul was troubled, and I carried burdens that I could not escape on my own. Many knew me only by my struggles, but Jesus saw beyond my pain. He saw a woman in need of mercy, healing, and redemption.

When Jesus came into my life, everything changed. He cast out the evil spirits that had tormented me and restored what had been broken within me. For the first time, I experienced true peace. The chains that had held me captive were gone, and I knew that God had visited His people through this remarkable man.

Out of gratitude and love, I chose to follow Him. I traveled with Jesus and His disciples, supporting His ministry and witnessing His compassion toward the sick, the poor, the outcast, and the sinner. Everywhere He went, lives were transformed. He spoke with authority, yet His heart was full of mercy. He taught us about the Kingdom of God and showed us what it means to love God and love others.

When many turned away from Him, I remained. I stood near the cross on the terrible day of His crucifixion. I watched as the One who had given me life and hope suffered and died. My heart was shattered. It seemed as though darkness had won.

After His death, I went to His tomb early in the morning, carrying grief and sorrow. When I arrived, I found the stone rolled away. Confused and distressed, I wept outside the tomb. Then I heard a voice speak my name: “Mary.”

In that moment, I recognized Him.

Jesus was alive.

The crucified Savior had risen from the dead just as He promised. The despair that filled my heart was replaced with overwhelming joy. I became one of the first witnesses of His resurrection and was sent to tell the disciples the glorious news: “I have seen the Lord!”

My testimony is not about who I was before Christ, but about what Christ did for me. He took a life marked by suffering and transformed it through His grace. He delivered me, forgave me, loved me, and gave me a purpose. I witnessed His death, His burial, and His resurrection, and I know that He is the Son of God and the Savior of the world.

Because He lives, there is hope for every person who comes to Him in faith. The same Lord who called my name still calls people today, inviting them to receive His forgiveness, His peace, and His eternal life.

I am Mary Magdalene, and this is my testimony: I have seen the Lord.In an earlier post, “God-Given Talents,” I mentioned Mary Magdalene and the spiritual gift of helps. She beautifully exemplifies this gift through her quiet yet steadfast service to Jesus’ ministry. After experiencing profound healing, her response was not merely one of gratitude expressed in words, but of devoted action. She willingly gave her time, energy, and personal resources to support Jesus and His disciples as they traveled and ministered.

Her faithfulness became even more evident during Jesus’ final hours. While many withdrew in fear and uncertainty, Mary remained near. She stood at the crucifixion, witnessed His death, and lovingly cared for His body afterward. Her unwavering loyalty and courage reveal a servant’s heart that sought neither recognition nor reward.

Then, in one of history’s most significant moments, Mary’s faithful service was honored in a remarkable way. She became the first witness to the risen Christ and was entrusted with proclaiming the Good News of His resurrection. Through her example, we see how humble service can become a powerful instrument in God’s plan, transforming acts of help into a lasting testimony of faith and spiritual leadership.

One of the most powerful ways to share what God has done in our lives is through our personal testimony. A testimony is difficult to dispute because it is the story of our own experience with God's grace, mercy, and transforming power. By sharing our testimony, we encourage others, strengthen their faith, and publicly give God the glory for the work He has done in our lives.

Below is an imagined testimony of Mary.

"The Testimony of Mary Magdalene, a follower of Jesus Christ"

My name is Mary Magdalene, and my life was forever changed when I met Jesus Christ.

Before I knew Him, I lived in darkness and bo***ge. My soul was troubled, and I carried burdens that I could not escape on my own. Many knew me only by my struggles, but Jesus saw beyond my pain. He saw a woman in need of mercy, healing, and redemption.

When Jesus came into my life, everything changed. He cast out the evil spirits that had tormented me and restored what had been broken within me. For the first time, I experienced true peace. The chains that had held me captive were gone, and I knew that God had visited His people through this remarkable man.

Out of gratitude and love, I chose to follow Him. I traveled with Jesus and His disciples, supporting His ministry and witnessing His compassion toward the sick, the poor, the outcast, and the sinner. Everywhere He went, lives were transformed. He spoke with authority, yet His heart was full of mercy. He taught us about the Kingdom of God and showed us what it means to love God and love others.

When many turned away from Him, I remained. I stood near the cross on the terrible day of His crucifixion. I watched as the One who had given me life and hope suffered and died. My heart was shattered. It seemed as though darkness had won.

After His death, I went to His tomb early in the morning, carrying grief and sorrow. When I arrived, I found the stone rolled away. Confused and distressed, I wept outside the tomb. Then I heard a voice speak my name: “Mary.”

In that moment, I recognized Him.

Jesus was alive.

The crucified Savior had risen from the dead just as He promised. The despair that filled my heart was replaced with overwhelming joy. I became one of the first witnesses of His resurrection and was sent to tell the disciples the glorious news: “I have seen the Lord!”

My testimony is not about who I was before Christ, but about what Christ did for me. He took a life marked by suffering and transformed it through His grace. He delivered me, forgave me, loved me, and gave me a purpose. I witnessed His death, His burial, and His resurrection, and I know that He is the Son of God and the Savior of the world.

Because He lives, there is hope for every person who comes to Him in faith. The same Lord who called my name still calls people today, inviting them to receive His forgiveness, His peace, and His eternal life.

I am Mary Magdalene, and this is my testimony: I have seen the Lord.

On this , June 4, 2026, I’m grateful for so many blessings, each made possible by a Powerful, yet Merciful, Compassiona...
06/04/2026

On this , June 4, 2026, I’m grateful for so many blessings, each made possible by a Powerful, yet Merciful, Compassionate, and Loving God.

The Bible and Human StrugglesThe Bible is much more than a collection of religious teachings. It is also a record of rea...
06/03/2026

The Bible and Human Struggles

The Bible is much more than a collection of religious teachings. It is also a record of real people who faced physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual struggles. Through their experiences, Scripture demonstrates that human suffering is not new and that God provides guidance, strength, and hope for those who face life's difficulties.

Many biblical figures experienced physical hardships. Job endured painful illness, Timothy struggled with recurring health problems, and many people sought healing from Jesus during His earthly ministry. These accounts show that physical suffering is a part of the human experience, but they also reveal God's compassion and care for those who are hurting.

The Bible also contains examples of mental and emotional struggles. Elijah became so discouraged after his confrontation with the prophets of Baal that he wanted to die. David frequently expressed fear, anxiety, grief, and loneliness in the Psalms. Jeremiah was known as the "weeping prophet" because of his deep sorrow over the condition of his people. Rather than hiding these emotions, Scripture records them honestly and teaches believers to bring their concerns before God through prayer, worship, and trust.

Spiritual struggles are also common throughout the Bible. Peter wrestled with fear and denied Jesus, Thomas struggled with doubt, and the Apostle Paul described his own battle against sin. Yet each of these individuals found restoration through God's grace. Their stories remind us that spiritual growth often comes through repentance, faith, and dependence upon God rather than through human strength alone.

The Bible does not ignore human problems; it addresses them directly. Through its stories, teachings, and promises, it provides practical wisdom for facing physical suffering, emotional pain, mental distress, and spiritual challenges. Most importantly, it points people to God as the ultimate source of healing, comfort, forgiveness, and hope.

06/02/2026

9 Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. 10 For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? -- Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 (CSB)

06/02/2026

He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. - Psalms 101:7 (KJV)

06/02/2026

A Christian and “Aiding and Abetting” Sin

Back when I was a Police Officer, I had to become familiar with parts of the Code of Alabama—especially Title 32 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic) and Title 13A (Criminal Code). One principle that stood out was the concept of aiding and abetting.

Under Alabama law, a person can be held just as guilty as the one who commits the crime if they assist, encourage, or fail to prevent it when they have a duty to do so. In other words, you don’t have to commit the act yourself to share in the guilt—you only have to help make it happen.

That principle raises a serious question:

Can a Christian be guilty of the same thing—spiritually speaking?

Scripture gives a clear and sobering answer: yes.

The Bible teaches that sin is not just about what we personally do, but also about what we support, encourage, or enable in others. Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2), leads to death (James 1:15), and carries eternal consequences (Romans 6:23). That alone should make us careful—but the Bible goes further.

It shows that we can become participants in sin without committing the act ourselves.

One way this happens is by supporting what is false or evil. In 2 John 10–11, believers are warned not to receive or endorse false teachers. Why? Because doing so makes them “partakers of their evil deeds.” Something that might otherwise be harmless—like showing hospitality—becomes sinful when it is used to promote error.

Another way is through approval of sin. In 1 Corinthians 5, the church in Corinth was not rebuked for committing immorality themselves, but for tolerating and even taking pride in it. Paul makes it clear: their approval was itself sinful. Romans 1:32 reinforces this—those who approve of wrongdoing share in its guilt.

A third way is by providing the means or opportunity for sin. Scripture teaches that love does not cause others to stumble (1 John 2:10). If we truly love our neighbor, we won’t help enable behavior that separates them from God. Supplying the means for sin—whatever form that takes—is not neutral; it is participation.

This is where the parallel to aiding and abetting becomes unmistakable.

Just as the law holds someone accountable for helping a crime occur, God holds us accountable when we use our influence, actions, or silence to help sin continue. The example of Balaam in Revelation 2:14 makes this especially clear—he was condemned not for committing the acts himself, but for leading others into them.

The implication is direct and unavoidable:

We are not innocent simply because we didn’t “do it.”

If we encourage it, approve it, support it, or enable it—we share in it.

So the question for every Christian is not just, “Am I avoiding sin?”
But also, “Am I, in any way, helping it?”

If we truly “abhor what is evil” and “cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9), then we must reject not only sin itself, but any role in promoting it.

Because in God’s eyes, being an accessory is not a lesser issue.

It is participation.

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