ASSOCIATE Magazine FBINAA Q2-2026

Kevin Jensen A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAPLAIN

In Fellowship,

G reetings, FBINAA Family. I write this quarter’s message in mid-March having just returned from a visit to the FBI facili ties at Quantico to attend the annual FBINAA Chapter Leadership Summit (CLS) and the FBINAA National Board meeting. I’m not sure how long it has been for many of you since the NA or since being able to return to the site of our NA experience lived out in our various sessions, but for me (NA Session 222 in 2005) each time brings back treasured memories of not just the place, but the people. Each year, leaders from our state and international chapters gather together for training, to discuss and address governance, emerging issues and best practices with FBINAA staff and Nation al Board — and to collaborate with the FBI and other partners and stakeholders in order to best serve our members and all who benefit from the work of our association. In this short three- day setting, friendships and acquain tances are made and renewed while the work of creating, shar ing and planning for excellence in all we do occurs. While others continue to report on the strategies and hard work accomplished and begun, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on one of the most precious aspects of our unique worldwide organiza tion — the relationships and benefits of gathering together. As some of you already know, in addition to the excellent training and speakers, our annual individual chapter, national and international training conferences provide great opportuni ties to gather with kindred public safety NA graduates from all over the world. These gatherings, like our most recent Chapter Leadership Summit, may in reality be more than just another trip though; they may actually be more of a necessity; one that many of us come to realize less frequently due to our work ethic and busy schedules. During this year‘s March CLS, Session 297 was completing week nine, a few days from graduation. Chapter leaders usually invite the students from their respective areas out for dinner and conversation. As past president of the California Chapter I was invited by our California Board representatives to dine with our 16 California Chapter attendees. While enjoying the evening and meal, Placer County Lieutenant Steve Smith, discovered that I was the association Chaplain, and he invited me to the last meeting before graduation of the Session 297 Bible Study, the following evening in one of the FBI classrooms at the National Academy. Though the annual section dinners and a sponsor reception created conflicts, I received approval from the Board President Bill Carbone to be excused from those events to be able to participate in the Bible study. And I am so grateful that I was able to attend. I discovered that before the session began, a student, Jason Ward, who initiated a weight lifting group via the Discord plat form now used by the NA and its attendees, felt inspired to also inquire if any of the male attendees would like to be included in a men’s Bible study.

Three days after their arrival, 15 to 20 men gathered in the FBI National Academy Chapel. Recognizing that they were already outgrowing the Chapel, FBINA Session 297 counselor Matt Hiemstra arranged permission for the group to meet in the public communications classroom. When I attended their last meeting in week nine, the group was about 50 members strong and included two FBI Agent students and Matt from the FBI, the Session 297 counselor, as well as approximately 40 other men. I had been told that the group had wrapped up their study of Ephesians during week eight, but they continued with the format of hearing two volunteer testimonies from attendees, prayer requests, and an opportunity for people to share about their experience and how they would endeavor to continue their faithful walk upon returning home. I was introduced and I shared a small portion of my testimony, which I will save for another ar ticle, however, I was deeply moved by the vulnerability of those who spoke openly of their past challenges, failures, beliefs and faith encounters as a source of evidence for those still searching, and a source of encouragement for all who heard their words. The evening concluded with a large prayer session with everyone joined hand in hand in which individuals offered prayers for those returning home to stay strong for their families, agencies, and the public they serve, for a continuation of gather ing together with those who would help them continue a faithful walk, and for protection for families and public safety individuals far and wide. After the meeting, Jason took it upon himself to present a special brick with a cross decal he had created for all attend ees who desired one. I was offered one, and I now keep it as a reminder of a very special night that was the culmination, for others, of nine weeks in which a group of people felt it important to take time to gather together, and encourage one another in their faith journey while attending what I believe may be the most valuable law-enforcement training experience in the world. Proverbs 27:17 NIV speaks to these kinds of personal interactions when it says: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” There is tremendous and precious power in the wisdom and experience of one given the opportunity and

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50 FBINAA.ORG | Q2 2026