Around 10:30 last night, our home phone rang. I didn’t answer it, because when it’s the home phone ringing, it’s almost always for Gladys. A minute or so later, Gladys opened the door to my office and told me the person on the phone wanted to speak to chaplain Gregory. At that news, my heart started to beat a little quicker. When someone calls at night wanting chaplain Gregory, it is never good news and it often means that I’ll soon be leaving.
I answered the phone and the lady on the other end said, “Chaplain Gregory, I’m from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. Are you familiar with the Battle of the Badges?” When I explained I was somewhat familiar with it, she continued. “There has been an accident. The sheriff from Lake County has been killed. His wife is being taken home at this time, and is unaware of his condition. We would like you to go to his home and notify his wife.” I immediately began to dress.
Although they called again before I could leave and told me that a Lake County chaplain would be making the trip, my mind continued to race. I began to wonder if he was a Christian or not.” He was here one minute, racing other sheriffs in school buses, at the New Smyrna Speedway, and the next minute he was gone. One minute he was laughing and having fun, and the next minute he was gone. I don’t know the man, so I still wonder. Was he a Christian?
From Gene Gregory’s Sermon: A Reality Check