Earlier this summer while speaking in Houston, TX I was able to connect with Hollywood actor and former “CHiPs” star, Erik Estrada. It is safe to say almost everyone loved “Ponch” back in the day. The girls wanted to date him and all the guys wanted to be like him!
Today, he still does some acting but he’s also a deputized law enforcement officer and helps protect students across America and around the globe from the dangers of online predators. Estrada stars in a new movie called “FINDING FAITH.” The film is a story of a teenage girl who was chatting online with a person she was led to believe was her age but when they met things went terribly wrong and the man TWICE her age abducted her. The movie was based off a true story and unfortunately most endings are not “happily ever after.” Too often, those whom are abducted are beaten, sold into sex trafficking or murdered.
The F.B.I. notes that “100% chance that your child, grand-kids, students or neighbors will be contacted at least once by an online predator in their teenage years.” This is a travesty and we can do better! My father, Frank Shelton, Sr. was a fourth generation Washington, D.C. police officer and retired as Deputy Chief of U.S. Capitol Police and my Uncle Charlie was LT in charge of entire K-9 program of the department. For two years, I was a recruit officer with the United States Capitol Police serving in Internal Affairs and Office of the Assistant Chief following my political career before stepping out “by faith” to speak and minister full-time. Since childhood, I’ve always desired to either enter “politics, preach or protect the President (police).” This outreach was a great chance to recognize some of our heroes whom wear the uniform and one doesn’t have to be behind a pulpit to actually have a ministry. The Bible notes: “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
Protecting our children is paramount and I had contacted Erik’s Foundation and invited him to my hometown. One of the greatest honors of my life is not only investing in individuals coast to coast but meeting so many new friends on the road. It has been said: “To whom much is given much is required” and its a pleasure to bring folks to share their wealth of wisdom to my hometown. Plus, you cannot go wrong when you promote others for a worthy cause.
While working four years for my Congressman as his Special Assistant, Constituent Liaison, driver, speechwriter and ocassional speaking surrogate one of the many things that I learned on his staff was how to plan an event. Regardless, if political or civic I love to not only speak but serve and set up but also allow others to SHINE. President Ronald Reagan had a sign on the Oval Office desk that read: “It is amazing what one can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.” It dawned on me that since Estrada plays a sheriff in the movie, it would be a great segway on the eve of anniversary of 9/11 to honor our local police and honor Sheriff Rex Coffey and his entire department both civilian and sworn for all they do on a daily basis to protect and serve. We often hear about the worst in society but these dedicated servants are of the very best.
On Tuesday, September 10, 2013 Erik and his entourage arrived in Charles County, Maryland to a packed crowd at Southern Maryland Christian Academy. With the help of the movie’s producer, Dean we showed his 1 hour and 40 minute movie and then Erik addressed the crowd and signed autographs and spent nearly two hours taking pics and conversing with everyone in attendance. I asked my dear friend, Matt Gaines – Director of SMCA to present the plaque on behalf of the school to Erik and it was my honor to award Sheriff Coffey.
Regardless, if public or private school it is imperative that we help safeguard our students and educate our parents to monitor more closely their loved ones online communications. Predators are already SPYING on them and its important that we WATCH OUT more closely. When we are asleep thugs are awake and they don’t desire to help but harm. The movie “Finding Faith” was not only about a girl named “Faith” but how all of us by grace can FIND FAITH in God. The movie is entertaining, educating but also evangelistic.
I’m convinced every parents and child needs to see this across America. A teacher contacted me about wanting to bring it to Oklahoma and a minister friend in Fort Myers, FL called and hopes to bring it to his church.
Erik was a super sport! He and his dedicated team are “all that and a bag of CHiPs!!”
Special thanks to FOX5 NEWS in DC for their awesome coverage of the event and airing 10PM News!
WATCH IT HERE
READ great coverage in MARYLAND INDEPENDENT. It made front page news on Fri, Sept 13, 2013.
CLICK HERE
Frank, thank you so much for bring Erik to SMCA and The Fellowship Church in MD last week. It was an awesome film and you are right – every church and person in America needs to see this film. God bless
Hi, I’m a 7th grader at MCA and u r such a great speaker and ur sermon was so moving and can’t wait to see what The Lord will bring through u these next two days. Following your message I wrote a paragraph for my Language Arts class. God bless!!
Thank you Frank for setting up the event with Erik. His picture was on my wall as a child and it was a dream come true to meet him in person at church. God bless you and I enjoy reading your posts. God is using you greatly
I still remember the dynamic preaching I heard from you a couple of years ago Frank Shelton in Dallas, TX for Lay Witnesses For Christ event. All who hear you preach is blessed. Praying for you in NC this week
Frank, it was a great event. Everyone totally enjoyed the evening with you and Eric Estrada!!! And your other special guest Sheriff Rex Coffey!!! What a night!!! You are the best!!!
It was great! So glad we were there!!!! Can’t wait till next year to see the new movie!
Watched every episode of CHiPS! Wish I could have been there. Sounds like a great time
Your son, Andrew in that video is so cute and I remember my brother and sister would go up and stand by my dad when he was in the pulpit preaching! I would be behind them trying to get them back to their seats!! You just have to love them even more and keep on going even in the presence of Erik Estrada & a Sheriff!!!!! Love you and I am praying for you and your family!!
THOSE WHO WEREN’T THERE SURE MISSED A BLESSING, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE YOUNG CHILDREN!!!!!!!!!!!
Frank let us know when your Missouri, We would love to see you again! It was great hearing you preach in Illinois and Missouri. We sure miss you all in MD. Mike and I pray for you often. Love to Ruth and kids
Thanks for sharing this Frank. We would love to bring Erik to South Carolina. This looks like a great event. I will call you later in week for more details. We have a 800 seat sanctuary and this would fit well in our community