In September of 1983 Reverend Paul Northcut, and his family, moved to Russellville Arkansas to become the pastor of a local Church. God blessed his ministry. Under his leadership the church grew in numbers and spirit. Things were going well with the church. But Rev. Northcut felt that he needed to reach outside the walls of the church to touch his world with the grace and love of Jesus Christ. The question was, what special ministry did God have for Pastor Northcut?

In 1987 Pastor Paul began serving as a volunteer, part-time Chaplain with the Russellville Police Department. This opened many doors of ministry that would never have opened otherwise. The officers, some a little sceptical at first, soon learned to trust and confide in the Chaplain. They had confidence in his judgment and respected his convictions. It was during this time that the Chaplain went through the necessary training to become a certified law enforcement officer.

The Police Chaplain was called out to every kind of crisis and emergency imaginable, and some you could not imagine. People who would never darken the doors of a church found comfort and counsel during their worst nightmares from the Chaplain. At a time when they felt overwhelmed, their lives changed by God's love shown through this man. The outreach grew to include not only the city police but every Emergency Service agency for miles around. Before long Police, Fire, EMS, and Emergency Room personnel from all over this area knew the Chaplain and called on him on a regular basis for themselves, their families and the people they dealt with. 1n 1993 Rev. Northcut was appointed to serve as Chaplain with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

This ministry expanded until the Pastor/Chaplain had to make one of the most difficult decisions in his life. After a lot of prayer, and knowing that the Lord was leading in this direction, Cross & Shield Ministries, Inc. was founded in November 1996. About a month later Chaplain Northcut resigned his church and, stepping out on faith, became a full-time volunteer Chaplain - now serving more than fifty agencies without any salary from these departments for his ministry as their Chaplain.

All Chaplaincy programs are provided without cost or obligation to anyone in need. Everyday scores of people see the love of God demonstrated in a very tangible way through the Chaplain. Cross & Shield is a nonprofit, faith ministry. You may want to help. The prayers, and tax deductible gifts, of God's people are what keeps this ministry going. Thank you, and may God always bless and use you for His glory.

If you have questions about your spiritual life and don't have a pastor you feel comfortable talking with you may write to Chaplain Paul Northcut at, P O Box 3256, Rsvl AR 72811 or call him at home, 479- 967-6327 or in an emergency, use his pager 479-964-0748.