Inside Mesa

With media headlines seemingly on crime even more so lately, one way to be proactive in helping ourselves - is to be prepared. Mesa PD helps toward that effort.The Mesa Police Department offers crime prevention events throughout the year. The last event until fall this year will help prevent auto-theft through free VIN etching - bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.In addition, if you sign up for the "Watch your Car" program - you will receive a free steering wheel lock while supplies last - provided free by the Mesa PD Crime Prevention and Auto-Theft Units.Scheduled: Thursday, April 26, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Walmart Store, 1305 W. Main St - southwest corner - Alma School and Main Street in Mesa. Crime Prevention can be reached at 480-644-2300 option 5, or through their website.Interested in a free self defense class? A Mesa Police officer is scheduled Monday, April 30, 7:00 PM, at the Word of Grace Activity Center, 655 E. University Dr., Mesa. The event was scheduled by First Call Singles at Word of Grace - anyone Jr High age and older is welcome to attend. Mesa PD Crime Prevention also notified Mesa citizens of the warning issued April 19, from Attorney General Terry Goddard: A Social Security scam targeting Arizona consumers. Scam artists call and ask the consumer to confirm the first 3 numbers of your SS# - then guessing at the next numbers attempting to coax consumers to reveal their number. Social Security Administration does not call to confirm SS#’s . Call the Attorney General’s Office if you think you’ve been a victim of fraud - 602-542-5763.In my view, I think it important to make an intentional effort toward preparing and educating ourselves on safety.

Dr. Andrew Jackson and Pastor Zekai Tanyar spoke in Mesa this weekend about their friends related to The East Valley Tribune’s story, April 22, 2007, "12 to be charged in Turkey Bible murders". Suspects were jailed in Turkey linked with killing three Christians - one German and two Turks who had converted to Christianity - tied up, throats slit - at a Christian publishing house in Malayta, Turkey. Another tragic story this week; these three had friends in Mesa. A friend and colleague, Dr. Andrew Jackson, Associate Minister, Word of Grace, Mesa - knew these three men personally. He and his wife also had our planned special speaker staying at their home this past week - Pastor Zekai Tanyar happened to be from that very region in Turkey for our weekend services and focus - he too knew all three men, killed for distributing Bibles. He told us about their families, their hopes and dreams, the pastor for one of the men - and we learned about their culture. It was a time for us to remember those who are living without the many freedoms we have; a time to look at and ask what one might do to help support justice, security issues, safety, diversity, meeting the needs of those less fortunate - remembering those around us in our own community. Europe noted concern regarding Turkey’s bid for European Union Membership; do they have the ability to protect religious minorities? With Christianity at 1% of Turkey’s 71 million population - a critical point to ensure!