Copyright © 1999-2008 Emergency Ministries. All Rights Reserved.
Emergency Ministries is an IRS 501.c.3 organization
PO Box 9121*Spring, TX*77387
Your Feedback to Chaplain Skip
A while back, I was sitting here wondering if it was really worth all the time it takes to write and maintain a website. Well, I got my answer in the form of an email...somebody said "thank you."
I came to the sudden
realization that God has used me and this website to actually touch people's lives.
AWESOME! So, I thought I would share some of this positive feedback with everyone...
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DEAR SKIP,
JUST THOUGHT I'D WRITE YOU A LITTLE NOTE TO TELL YOU HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE FOR ME. YOU HAVE TRULY CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER. BECAUSE OF YOUR GUIDANCE AND INSPIRING WORDS I NOW KNOW THAT I AM HERE TO SERVE MY REAL CHIEF. I AM ALSO TRULY BLESSED TO HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED TO YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH SKIP, AND GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
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Skip,
I laughed when I read the first few lines. We had a "BIG" house fire this past week. I was the pump operator and we had some problems.....I HAD SOME PROBLEMS with keeping water. Our house has a quint that only carries 400 gallons of water, and we were first in. So I had about 3 minutes worth of water. 3 minutes to set up and get water from the porta tank the tanker had set up for me. But as much as I tried I could not get my pump to prime when I was drafting, and my tank level was getting really LOW. Finally someone else pointed out that I had a drain open that was sucking air and not allowing me to get prime. Once that was closed it worked out fine. There were allot of other little "snags" that night as well though. Including a ceiling coming in on two of our guys. There were both checked out at the ER and released. I had a little visit from my B.C. today though about the pump problems. Needless to say I was a little frustrated..at myself, not at my B.C. or my Lt.
It just always seems like whatever I'm dealing with, come Sunday night your "Stress Relief" does just that. Tonight it was a "God Thing!" I just started laughing out loud when I read that "out of water". Thanks for allowing me to "prime my pump" from your words.
God Bless Brother!
Keith Owsley,MS,LAT,EMT-P
Perfect Fitness Consultants/SE Wisc. Fellowship Christian Firefighters
Racine, WI
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Dear Chaplain Skip and family:
Merry Christmas! May God bless you and your family during the coming year.
Thank you for all the work you do for all of us. Please thank your family
for supporting you in what you do. Your "Stress Relief" has kept my faith
strong during the past year. Thank you for leading us.
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Hi Skip,
You are so very right about your last email. Thank
You so very much for helping US ALL this past year. You have made it possable for me to
help others, not just as a FIRE CHIEF ,but as a person to sit down with others and talk
things out because of Sept. 11th. I can't THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR ALL YOU DO FOR US! MY
PRAYER FOR YOU IS, THAT OUR REAL CHIEF WATCHES OVER YOU EACH AND EVERY DAY AS YOU HELP US
MAKE IT THROUGH ANOTHER YEAR! You just dont know how much you really help us through the
days, weeks and months for what we do to try our best to SAVE LIVES and try to comfort
those who need it.
Thank Skip! Hope you and yours have a HAPPY NEW YEAR and a SAFE ONE all through the year.
Stay SAFE and GOD BLESS YOU !
Ed Davis - Chief 18
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This year is one which none of us will ever forget. I want to say how privileged I am to know you and to have served with many of you this year and in past years, through some tough times. I know that our nation is a better place because of your dedication and service. May you have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Richard Sale
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Thanks Skip, I really appreciate your articles, and the fact they come on Sunday. I look forward to coming home from church, eating lunch, and by the time I log on your latest e-mail is here. Thanks again.
Jeff
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Dear Chaplain Skip,
I just want to let you know how much you lift us (Chiefs,Firefighters etc.) up with your
emails. It means so MUCH to me after a bad week. You know what we all go through and by
you takeing the time to do this well, you just dont know how much it HELPS out. GOD
BLESS YOU and all you do SKIP!
YOUR FRIEND ALWAYS AND YOUR BROTHER IN THE LORD,
Ed Davis - Chief18
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Dear Chaplain Skip,
What a beautiful way of putting CPR in real action with more enthusiasm than I ever imagined. I never thought of CPR in this way before, but it makes more sense than anything I can imagine. I have been a place to where I have put patients and their families on my prayer list, and gone back to check on them at a later date, but never thought of it as CPR in the terms as you have brought to mind in today's message. Thank you for all you do to help us as firefighters, ems, and police personnel, to do our jobs day to day without becoming burned out on the wrong stress of the job. Often times I feel that the light at the end of the tunnel is so far away, and then I remember all the footprints around me and realize that I and my company are not in the situation alone. God is with us all the time.
- Carolyn
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Skip, thanks for the words about the
accident that
changed lives forever. This past Friday night my dept. was dispatched to a
"garbage" call. You know the kind... "odor of smoke in the area. Unknown
origin." It had been raining hard for several hours and there were pools of water on
the roadways. It turned out to be nothing, BUT, about 2 minutes after our dispatch, the
next dept. over from ours was dispatched for a rescue, car smoking after an accident. I
didn't even pay it any mind, it didn't sound serious, you know. We were returning from our
call... shortly after the other department called on location. Our Chief gets a radio call
to call communications right away. He got off the phone, grabbed the Ass't Chief and
left. The other dept. responded to a rescue... of one of our members. He's OK. He
was "out" for several minutes and had facial lacerations and a bruised
chest. I love this kid. He's a "good one". (I love most of our guys... you
know how it goes). This kid was one of our first "jr" members and graduated to
Sr. statuslast year on his 18th birthday. He was "one of my kids". (I was a Lt.
and I served as his training officer). My son who is now 17 joined the dept. a year
ago and Ryan said to me, "Mike, I'll take Ed under MY wings, you know, show him the
ropes and keep him out of trouble". He's done that that and more. Skip, life IS
fleeting. My son Ed said that if Ryan hadn't made it, he would have quit the dept., he
couldn't have come down to the hose house without thinking of him. My son Ed, and I
are both believers. We've both witnessed to Ryan, but he hasn't done anything... YET!
Please keep US in YOUR prayers as to how the holy spirit will lead. God isn't done with
Ryan, or ANY of us. My prayers continue to go with you as you do God's work in your neck
of the woods.
-Mike Katz
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Dear Chaplain Skip,
I just want you to know that I thank GOD for The CHRISTIAN man you are. I know you are
just doing what GOD wants you (us) to do, but you just don't know how much YOU HELP us
firefighter's, officer's, & chief's to make it through the day's, week's & month's
doing what we do.
THANKS Skip for your LOVE and CARING for ALL of US who NEED it. You are in my PRAYER'S every night.
Buy the way my back is getting better. Thanks for your prayer's for me also. Take care and GOD BLESS.
On HIS Shift -
Ed Davis - Chief 18
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Chaplain Skip,
I sure appreciated your stress relief today...I really like getting it direct...If you are going to keep it up...sign me up...your the only "chaplain" I have at work. I work for an rural ambulance and am a volunteer firefighter in New Brunswick, Canada. I also work as a volunteer youth pastor. I used to be in reverse roles...paid pastor/volunteer ambulance...but things got tight at the church and an opening came up to go full time with our ambulance...God has called me into a neat life but it can be stressful! Please...could you talk about how to be a Christian in EMS at work...how to deal with difficult people(including bosses)...how to be one of the gang without caving on my moral beliefs. I want to do the right thing but sometimes it's hard to be different than everybody at work. Thanks for all you do! I really appreciate your ministry to me!
Scott Hoyt, EMT-1, Vol.FF-2
New Brunswick, Canada
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Skip,
I have never understood how the world
can face each day and all the "stresses" without our Lord. So many
brothers and sisters in Christ have terrific needs and by our uniting in prayer our savior
meets those needs. Often those needs are met before we ask..because we are His
children.
crash
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Hi Skip,
I read you E-mail about all the tragic things that happened around you in the past days.
Please be shure - and please tell Cindy, that our thoughts and prayers are around you.
Hanjo v.Wietersheim (Firechaplain in Bavaria)
and Ingrid
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Sir:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me and all of the others. At the First Baptist
Church of Duxbury (Massachusetts) the church's Sextant/Custodian gave his testimony
yesterday morning. He had a heart attack two weeks ago on Sunday morning, just before the
church service began. He told of how he "thought to call 911"; how one of the
FF/EMTs that responded was a past member of the FBCD; how he had actually died and
was given 3 defib shocks to bring him back; and how much he loved his Savior. It was a
moving testimony.
I pray that your family members will recover and that they ALL will know
Him. God bless!
Robert Winston
District Fire Chief
Boston FD
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Everyone deserves to hear an encouraging word once
and a while. Thanks.
Gerald Pears
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Just read your note and wanted to let you know that
I am standing in the gap with you for your family. We pray that God will continue to
strengthen you during this time and give you the wisdom and knowlege you need to fight
this battle so that you will give a victorious report of this battle as you to continue
send out God's messages even during these trying times. We appreciate receiving your
encouraging messages to all firefighters and really enjoy your website. GOD IS MORE
THAN ABLE.
Firefighter in Christ, Bob
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Dear fellow Brother in Christ Our Lord, Greetings!
I was really sorry to hear about your relatives, and the anguished anxiety you and your
wife must be
experiencing. My prayers are with you, (as they always are). I tremble to think about
where we would be without the 'Real Chief' in our lives!?
Letting you know that all of us here at St. Greg's
are praying for you and your family! I took the liberty of sending the prayer needs to our
prayer line!
Most sincerely in Our Lord Jesus Christ,
Chaplain Paul II (Stoms) "Chappie"
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My Dear Brother and follow worker in Christ,
Chaplain Skip,
Thank you for how the spirit has moved you and compelled you to reach out and share Gods
word when it comes to wrking with non believers. May God bless you and keep you in
his care and protection always. God bless you brother.
A servant of the Lord and minister to the lost
Reverend Verne Daskoski
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Chaplain Skip,
I want to begin by telling you how much I appreciate your webpage, your emails, and all of
your stories. I have used many of them in my sermons and in my every day walk with
Jesus. I am writing to you today to ask for your prayers for me and to remind
eveyone how important it is to praise God, not just once in a while, but every day.
On Saturday, July 15th, the City of North Tonawanda received about 3" of rain in
about 20 minutes. Flooding insued and my Fire Company was called out. In North
Tonawanda, we do not have Fire Police. All of the volunteers usually jump in and
help out the Police when needed. I was assigned to the corner of River (and it was a
river) Road and Goundry Streets, shutting off and redirecting traffic. After about
an hour, things were going pretty good. Suddenly, a pickup truck came around the corner
from Goundry Street and headed straight for me. I knew in my heart that I was about
to be run over. Suddenly, I jumped to the side. The left fender struck my left
leg and threw me in the air to the ground. My right arm and my head (with helmet on)
struck the ground first. I hobbled up to find the driver yelling at his two boys in
the front seat. They had been arguing and their father was distracted and not paying
attention. "I didn't even see you. See what happens when you kids are
acting up", he said. As I came to my feet I felt a terrible pain in my left
leg. I knew something was wrong. I hobbled to my pickup truck where another
volunteer called for help. Moments later, I now was the victim instead of the
volunteer. Help arrived immediately. I was taken to the hospital where I was
met by several members of my company who heard the call. X-rays determined
miraculously that there were no broken bones. I stopped and prayed and thanked God
that he had pulled me away from that oncoming vehicle. He spared me from what could
have been a tragedy. I am awaiting the word from an orthopedic surgeon as to the
extent of my injuries. I know I have torn cartilidge and other damage. It may
require surgery. Time will tell.
I am not writing this to call attention to my own injury. I am writing this as
reminder for all of us. You never know when you may become the victim. Praise
God every chance you get. Lead others to him while you have the chance and give
those guys in your own company a hug and tell them thanks. You never know when you
might need them yourself.
I thank you for your words, thoughts and prayers during this time of recovery. May
God continue to Bless each of you in you own Ministries.
Forever in His Service,
Bill Miles
Chaplain, Sweeney Hose Company #7, NTVFD
Board Member, NYS Association of Fire Chaplains
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As you know, it can be very interesting
working in e.m.s. We see and do more in a day than most do all year long,and it can
and does take a toll on your mind.I have been in several situations which I have
thrown up my hands and said: HELP ME LORD!! I just wanted to say thank you for opening a
world up to some whom do not know the blessings that a personal relationship with him can
and does bring. I always keep in my heart Hebrews 11. If you just have faith,all will be
answered. I do pray that the skill and knowledge our lord and savior has given to each and
everyone of us,never faulters.And with a little help we all receive a transfer to his
station.
Yours in his name,
Wayne Edgin NREMT/P
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Skip,
Thanks for the inspiration on getting together for the right purpose. Here in the northeast, we are trying to form a local chapter of Fellowship of Christian Firefighters. As you can imagine, the fields here are very stoney, but if we are faithful, He will bring forth the fruit. This week's devotional is an encouragement to continue seeking God's will in starting a local chapter so that we can have a way of getting together on a regular basis.
Thanks again and God bless you and your ministry.
In Christ,
Lee Callahan
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UPON HEARING THE NEWS ABOUT THE CHANGES IN THE WEBSITE'S URL(s)....
Dear Chaplain Skip,
May the Blessings of Our Lord and Risen Savior be upon you and your lovely wife!
As I write this message, Father Peter is relaying it ( the new URL) to our website!
All of the chaplain's under my authority agree on one thing: "At a time of crisis, turn to Our Lord, and to Chaplain Skip's website!"
Our prayers are with you always,
Archbishop Paul II Stoms, DD, DTh, PsyD, OSG
(General Paul "Chappie" Stoms, C-in-C , United Chaplain's Service)
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PTL that everything worked out with
your website.
- Fr.Louis
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hey skip..just goes to show..that in the human form we are all subject to faltering now and then..(re: the faith or lack of)...that's great news...!!!!! suggestion...I think you might look into having all 3 registered..but like you said ..link all to one site..I think trying to maintain 3 sites will be more than anyone can handle...just a thought..I think the one central site is a better idea...keep up the great work ..till we speak again..God bless and keep the faith..!!!! Mac..
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Hi, Chaplain Skip,
Isn't our Chief great!!!! He is truly awesome in His provision
for us and all of His creation!!!! It is a popular belief in our modern society that He
does not act on behalf of His people anymore. Those who believe this would tell you that
what has happened is all just an incredible coincidence or "good luck". Well,
all of us who labor for the Real Chief know better. I once heard it said that coincidence
is when the Chief wants to remain anonymous. I couldn't agree more!!!! Anyway, Praise Him
and keep up the good work. You have been a blessing to more people than you know!
In His peace,
Karl
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Amen, Brother Skip!!!! He knows who has faith in him. Keep up
the outstanding work in the name of OUR Holy Father!!!!!!!
God Bless,
Chaplain Steve Keller
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Hey God's Love for those who serve him
is the greatest love of all. I prayed for this and I know you did to. The power of prayer
is truly the most. Good Luck Chaplain Skip, Barbara and I will be praying for you and
yours and the new sight. If we can help you in any way let us know.
Captain
Craig Lambert
Harmony Consolidated Volunteer Fire Department
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Chaplain Skip,
In our weakness HE is strong!!
Bravo!! Keep up your great ministry and great work. The more sites, the better
-- more exposure!
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Skip,
Personally, I think you may be best off to use two sites to point to the third. This
would eliminate the possibility of inconsistencies. On the other hand it may be
desirable to have more than one site so you can focus each site on a more specific part of
the ministry. I look forward to seeing what you choose to do (with the Lord's
guidance, of course.) God Bless even more than He already has.
Brent Hunt
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A walk with God is a never-ending lesson in faith. Let go and let God.
YEARS have proven to me that the worst of situations is just a way for God to get you
where He wants you -- on your knees. I'm praising God today for your and Cindy's
faith -- keep up the good work.
I love you,
Sherri
(to my sister... I love you, too!)
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EXCERPTS FROM YOUR EMAIL
(from when my site was down for 3 1/2 longgggg days)
Dear Chaplain Skip,
My dear, email-challenged friend! Just wanted you to know it was nice of you to keep us updated on where you are and I wanted you to know - until you are up and running again... we won't forget you :) "HE promised to never leave us nor forsake us"
___________________________
Chaplain Skip,
You must still be having server problems with your website, because I have
been unable to access it recently. Is there any chance of solving these problems in
the near future? I really would like to read some of the "back issues" of Stress
Relief, particularly the most recent ones which I have missed!
___________________________________
Sure missed you Chaplain Skip! God Bless
______________________________
I very much missed not being able to get into your website. You do a great work for many of us. We know you are out there with or without the website. That was enough for me. I figured out early on that it was server problems and not yours.
Hang in and hang on! Have a great and Godly week, my friend!
_______________________________
Good afternoon, Reverend,
I am disappointed in seeing that your site is out of commission for awhile. I hope it gets back on line ASAP. Please keep me on you mailing list. I enjoy your words of wisdom and find the entire site refreshing. Take care and God bless.
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AND... From the Survey Form...
As a "rookie" I find your webpage very comforting. I'm not sure how to deal with many situations that come up in our job. I have found that when I am struggling with something (feelings, fear, and inexperience)I can just come here and find an easier way to deal with things. I have come to accept that God is always right, because he is a sovereign God. Even when I don't agree w/the outcome (I pray to save ones life and God sees fit to take them home). This may sound strange but sometimes I think it is more important to save ones soul than their life. I thank God that he has put you into our (my wife, son, and I) lives. even though its through the PC. You touch many lives. Thank You! God just turned me to a scripture I had jotted down months ago. Mat 13:31-33. When you give your all, your little is alot. God bless.
_________________________________
I really like this website. Nice to find other believers working in the industry. I left being a medic years ago to better serve my family but still serve through one of my companies that provides rx/med supplies to depts. thanks for your work
________________________________
I am truly moved by what I saw on this page. This truly lifted my day at work! I will tell more Christians about this. Please keep up the great work.
___________________________________
As a girlfriend, sister and daughter
of fireman this site is wonderful!
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YOUR RESPONSES TO THIS WEBSITE'S BIRTHDAY ANNOUNCEMENT
Thank you, Brother Skip, for giving
us a little bit of heaven here on earth!!!
Please keep up the outstanding work for the Lord - He will repay you 10 fold!!!
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Good Job Skip.Keep up the GOOD WORK.
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Dear Chaplain Skip,
I had no idea your site was so young. It is so enjoyable and professional.
Happy Birthday! Best Wishes!
It is one of the sites I enjoy the most when I check my e-mail. God Bless
and Keep up The Good Work.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU (I mean to your site Chaplain
Skip). Keep up the great job you do for ALL of us firefighters & officers. We
keep you in all our prayers, Skip.
God Bless you and your great work.
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Congratulations and God bless.
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Chaplain Skip,
Congratulations on your first anniversary! It is my prayer that your site
will be around to celebrate many more anniversaries!
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May your one year anniversary turn into 100 years of service. Thanks for caring enough to be on-line for the rest of us!
God bless.
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You have provided a wonderful way for the Fire Service Chaplains to stay in touch with
each other and to learn from each other. I commend you and praise God for how He has
lead you to this ministry and development.
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Congratulations! I continually look forward to your interesting articles and news.
After the week you had last week, I am glad that God has given you the strength to
pull through it all to be so upbeat about your page. Again, my Congratulations!
I continually pray for you and other Chaplains and the Lord's work that we provide
to our Departments.
God Bless
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EXCERPTS FROM THE FEEDBACK FORM
I enjoyed reading all of the information, and I also thought that the links were super. Keep up the good work, and God Bless you in this ministry. I serve as a full time Pastor at a local church, and volunteer as Chaplain
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I am not sure if I filled this one out before...my close friend...who is the NYC FDNY/EMS lt..put me on to your site..I love it..I visit about once a week....I cant say any one page impacted me more than another..I have visited every page on your site...but I must say that Aaron's corner and the stress relief are visited quite frequently....I guess they would be the ones that impacted me most..I would like to see some more EMS related stuff though...as far as I know there is nobody else doing this kind of site..YOU are it...for HIM...and us....!!!keep up the good work....love the site Skip...speak To you soon...and yes...you have inspired me to start making some much needed changes in my spiritual life...I was once very close to God ..then fell away..badly...I am now working on getting back...speak to you soon ...God bless..
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I really like this website. Thanks for all the work that you put into it. I'm MOST impressed with your use of this website as a witnessing tool. I wish you GODSPEED.
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