.jpg "Linda L. Ahrens, BA, MBA, BGEA photo")
Cook County Sheriff's Office Empower Founding Volunteer Chaplain for Staff
Cook County Sheriff's Office, Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
I grew up in the ‘50s, when kids walked to school and home for lunch, and businesses closed on Sundays. My parents sacrificed for violin, piano, art, dancing, singing, and typing lessons. I had friends yet felt discontented, so dabbled in various faiths, and “believed in God,” but didn’t attend church.
In 1972, I immigrated to Australia for 11 years where I did an MBA, was an editor at Reader’s Digest, and began a house renovation business. Despite doing everything the world calls “freedom,” and “success,” I continued unfulfilled, so in 1983, moved to Montana, where I split wood for my wood stove, raised chickens and began two businesses. One failed; the other I sold (a dating service), then moved to Chicago, began attending a church and learned that “believing in God” wasn’t enough (so does the Devil). I accepted Jesus’s sacrifice for my sins, assuring me of eternal life. After years of searching, I was finally content.
Now caring about others, I dove into Biblical studies, and church ministries let me help at-risk teens, and meet weekly for several years with jail detainees. One day, intimidated by a stern officer, I obeyed scripture to “not fear,” offered prayer, and the officer shared overwhelming life issues and a desire to understand God amid the pain. I realized officers might welcome spiritual support, so asked to meet with a handful. Yet, Administration had a better idea, and in 2018, I became roving, volunteer chaplain, solely to corrections staff – an amazing privilege to be around professionals who handle the most difficult of situations and shifts, and show them God's love. Since the first day, their acceptance has been a marvelous gift. This is the best time of my life -- for which I give God, and jail staff, grateful thanks.
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Tuesday, May 23, 2023
2:15 PM – 3:45 PM