On December 16, 2016, Philadelphia police officers and chaplains gathered at American Bible Society’s headquarters for the launch of “Strength for the Street,” a new Scripture engagement resource that equips law enforcement officers with the power of God’s Word.

“These Scripture resources feature real stories from Philadelphia police officers and police chaplains,” explains American Bible Society’s Philadelphia Mobilizer Malcolm Byrd. “They provide encouraging Scripture passages and devotional content to meet the spiritual needs of our brave police officers.”

At the launch event, American Bible Society President & CEO Roy Peterson formally presented Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross Jr. with a “Strength for the Street” Bible and offered words of encouragement to the Philadelphia police force.

“Even the strong need strength, and we want to encourage the strong officers of our city to…turn to his Word,” Peterson said. “We are grateful for what you do and the way you serve.”

American Bible Society also honored the 18 police officers and chaplains who shared personal testimonies for the “Strength for the Street” resource.

“We thank God for this new partnership through our Philadelphia police chaplains,” Byrd says.

Commissioner Ross says he’s thankful to American Bible Society and its financial partners for supporting police officers in this way.

“Thank you for this endeavor,” he says. “It means the world to all of us. Thank you so, so much.”