Monday, March 29, 2010
SJS YDC and Western Youth Inst.
| Kevin's testimony touches the lives of the volunteers as well as the inmates: Over the past few weeks I've been dealing with some personal issues that many people find hard to believe and others feel like some of their questions have been answered! At present, I am being tested for ADD. I've been called lazy, forgetful, uncaring, rude, "are you stupid?" and my favorite... "what's wrong with you?". I'm still waiting on my test results, so there is no diagnosis yet. The doctor says it may be stress or even a combination of things. All I know is that whatever it is, it's got my attention. (No pun intended!) After miserably failing my first test I was devastated. Let's just leave it at, it was a very bad day. As I was finishing up my paperwork that night at work I was doing two math problems in my head at the same time. (I've always been good with numbers and in the advanced math classes.) This only made me mad because I couldn't see how I could be so smart in one area and struggle so badly with simple tasks! I know I'm not stupid! Then God spoke. (Insert dramatic pause here.) He reminded me of the young men I work with every week in the prison system and how many of them have been labeled with ADD or something worse and how they must feel the same way I do about it. He then reminded me about the adoption process I am going through with the NC foster child program and how almost every child I look at has an alphabet soup of letters after their name of all the disorders and issues they face. God showed me that I can relate to these kids on a different level than most people because I've been there and I know what it is like. A lot like Jesus when he became one of us! What a difference it makes when we know someone understands us because they have been there, too! This is what I have been sharing lately with the guys at Western Youth and Stonewall Jackson and the response has been humbling. When I looked out across the faces and saw the relief and the healing touch of God as I shared my weaknesses I saw even clearer how God turns our weaknesses into an opportunity to display His strength! Does this mean I'm handicapped because I have issues? No, it simply means that I'm human. I've also discovered that whatever this thing is that I have, it has given me the ability to do things most others cannot! I can read scriptures out loud and prepare examples in my head or evaluate where I should be going next without missing a word! I can even look at a page full of numbers and know what they mean almost instantly. Funny how that works out for me, I own my on business and I preach! So, I don't look at whatever I have as a handicap, but an opportunity and in some ways a gift. Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." NIV |
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Samarkand Manor YDC
From Colleen:
We had a small group (only 4) minister at Samarkand on Sunday, but it was an opportunity for more intimate discussion and teaching with the students there. Chrystal and Eric were both able to share a bit (both talked about the lasting change brought by Jesus...not planned ahead of time, I love that!) Thanks Holy Ghost! Denea also ministered and played her always requested "Change Me" song...there was definitely a theme.
One young man brought out pictures he had drawn of Jesus on the cross and a warrior angel. What an awesome gift God has given him...we are praying that it will continue to be used for God's glory!
Because we only have 1 hour and 15 minutes with each group, one on one time is usually limited. However, we had almost 30 minutes to talk with the girls in the second service; time that is so valuable to really understand the girls and show them how valuable they are. We talked about goals (finishing school, moving on to college, resisting temptation, etc.) and prayed for them to be complete in the lives Jesus has purchased for them with his precious blood. We know the words we speak can encourage them to seek God, and the Word is God. We are always praying that these teens will have a true encounter with the One who doesn't just speak life but GIVES life.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and support!
We had a small group (only 4) minister at Samarkand on Sunday, but it was an opportunity for more intimate discussion and teaching with the students there. Chrystal and Eric were both able to share a bit (both talked about the lasting change brought by Jesus...not planned ahead of time, I love that!) Thanks Holy Ghost! Denea also ministered and played her always requested "Change Me" song...there was definitely a theme.
One young man brought out pictures he had drawn of Jesus on the cross and a warrior angel. What an awesome gift God has given him...we are praying that it will continue to be used for God's glory!
Because we only have 1 hour and 15 minutes with each group, one on one time is usually limited. However, we had almost 30 minutes to talk with the girls in the second service; time that is so valuable to really understand the girls and show them how valuable they are. We talked about goals (finishing school, moving on to college, resisting temptation, etc.) and prayed for them to be complete in the lives Jesus has purchased for them with his precious blood. We know the words we speak can encourage them to seek God, and the Word is God. We are always praying that these teens will have a true encounter with the One who doesn't just speak life but GIVES life.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and support!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Lincoln Correctional Center
From Jim:
Tonight we went to Lincoln CC with Abundant Joy Ministries (headed up by Perry Shaw) and had a great time.
Don opened the service with encouragement and prayer.
Jeff and Crystal led us in Worship while Perry encouraged the men to enter into real worship and not just lip service.
Lori gave the men a word of encouragement along with some of her testimony.
Martha sang a couple of songs which brought those who were there to become excited as she usually does.
I spoke for a while on being hungry for God and being truly desperate for His presence and then Perry followed it up with a word about getting rid of the things that keep us from God's presence.
Perry gave the alter call and half of the inmates came forward for prayer and re dedication.
We are looking forward to going back and are praying for services to open up to The Father's Heart for our own service dates, please help us pray.
Tonight we went to Lincoln CC with Abundant Joy Ministries (headed up by Perry Shaw) and had a great time.
Don opened the service with encouragement and prayer.
Jeff and Crystal led us in Worship while Perry encouraged the men to enter into real worship and not just lip service.
Lori gave the men a word of encouragement along with some of her testimony.
Martha sang a couple of songs which brought those who were there to become excited as she usually does.
I spoke for a while on being hungry for God and being truly desperate for His presence and then Perry followed it up with a word about getting rid of the things that keep us from God's presence.
Perry gave the alter call and half of the inmates came forward for prayer and re dedication.
We are looking forward to going back and are praying for services to open up to The Father's Heart for our own service dates, please help us pray.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Stonewall Jackson YDC
Kevin reports:
Last Sunday me and Don went to Stonewall Jackson and ministered to the guys there. I shared about how I recently had a revelation on taking responsibility for how I allow people to make their problems my problems. We can't let people or situations be excuses for our failures or shortcomings. Don shared on what real freedom is. I think the guys got a lot out of it by the looks on their faces and their questions and comments. Don has such a gift to make difficult things easy to grasp!
Last Sunday me and Don went to Stonewall Jackson and ministered to the guys there. I shared about how I recently had a revelation on taking responsibility for how I allow people to make their problems my problems. We can't let people or situations be excuses for our failures or shortcomings. Don shared on what real freedom is. I think the guys got a lot out of it by the looks on their faces and their questions and comments. Don has such a gift to make difficult things easy to grasp!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Stonewall Jackson YDC
Coming soon to a Youth Detention Center near you:
We will be doing an all day event at Stonewall Jackson YDC in May, we will spend the day ministering one on one to the boys through several different programs, one will be feeding them hot dogs and hamburgers grilled out on site, we will also be bringing in motorcycles and classic cars for the boys to look over.
This gives us a chance to talk to them about other things to help get them off of the streets and out of the gangs, it also gives us a chance to introduce them to Jesus.
We will be playing games with them and then there will be music and someone who will bring them the word of God.
There are many, many opportunities to be a part of this outreach, you can come and help cook, you can bring a car or motorcycle, you can come and witness, or even play games with them.
The date is (now confirmed) May 22, 2010 and will start around 10:00 am and will end up between 3:00 and 4:00 pm.
Come and be a part of this great outreach to these young men, call us at the office to let us know if you want to volunteer!
704-786-4511 or email at prisonpreacher@tfhpm.org
We will be doing an all day event at Stonewall Jackson YDC in May, we will spend the day ministering one on one to the boys through several different programs, one will be feeding them hot dogs and hamburgers grilled out on site, we will also be bringing in motorcycles and classic cars for the boys to look over.
This gives us a chance to talk to them about other things to help get them off of the streets and out of the gangs, it also gives us a chance to introduce them to Jesus.
We will be playing games with them and then there will be music and someone who will bring them the word of God.
There are many, many opportunities to be a part of this outreach, you can come and help cook, you can bring a car or motorcycle, you can come and witness, or even play games with them.
The date is (now confirmed) May 22, 2010 and will start around 10:00 am and will end up between 3:00 and 4:00 pm.
Come and be a part of this great outreach to these young men, call us at the office to let us know if you want to volunteer!
704-786-4511 or email at prisonpreacher@tfhpm.org
Friday, March 12, 2010
Stonewall Jackson YDC
Kevin reports:
| Last night me and Don went to Stonewall Jackson and ministered to the young men there. I spoke about Jesus, the Word of Life. I was able to share part of my testimony and explained to them that signs and wonders and literally hearing God's voice do not automatically give us faith. It is the revelation knowledge that God really loves us that changes us and gives us a faith that cannot be moved! |
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Up coming ministries
From Jim:
Don't forget to be praying for the up coming ministries for next week, we will be ministering at:
Tamara, will be leading her team into Swannaoa Correctional Inst. for women on Sunday morning the 7th of March.
Don will be leading his team into Cabarrus Correctional Center for men on Monday the 8th with a team from Fort Mill, SC.
Kevin will be leading his team into Stonewall Jackson YDC for young men on Thursday the 11th.
David Frankenfield will be leading a team from The Lighthouse Church in Lewisville, NC into Cabarrus Correctional on Saturday evening the 13th.
And we will be starting all over again next week with Kevin going back into the Sunday service at Stonewall Jackson YDC for their monthly service to the young boys.
Please remember these services in prayer, not only for the teams but also the inmates, staff, and anyone else who will be involved as we go in to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who can not go into churches on the outside.
Don't forget to be praying for the up coming ministries for next week, we will be ministering at:
Tamara, will be leading her team into Swannaoa Correctional Inst. for women on Sunday morning the 7th of March.
Don will be leading his team into Cabarrus Correctional Center for men on Monday the 8th with a team from Fort Mill, SC.
Kevin will be leading his team into Stonewall Jackson YDC for young men on Thursday the 11th.
David Frankenfield will be leading a team from The Lighthouse Church in Lewisville, NC into Cabarrus Correctional on Saturday evening the 13th.
And we will be starting all over again next week with Kevin going back into the Sunday service at Stonewall Jackson YDC for their monthly service to the young boys.
Please remember these services in prayer, not only for the teams but also the inmates, staff, and anyone else who will be involved as we go in to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who can not go into churches on the outside.
Saturday morning the 6th of March
From Jim:
I just had a great meeting with a church in Charlotte, Perry Shaw invited me to come with him to the church where he attended for years after he gave his life to Christ.
We met for breakfast with the church men's group for their men's fellowship and meeting, it was an awesome time where I was able to meet many more men of like heart. After the prayer we shared a breakfast of muffins, home made biscuits and gravy, country ham and coffee. Doesn't this make you hungry?
Afterwards we met in a classroom where Perry and I were able to share about the ministry to prisons, we shared about the need for the inmates, the need for volunteers, and the need for a real commitment to not only prisons but to where ever God calls us and how important it is to get involved in the lives of those less fortunate than us.
After the meeting we were led out by song and a prayer from 2 gentleman from Africa, it was so awesome, it was such a blessing to be among these men of God and to meet some who want to become involved. We are looking forward to working with new volunteers from Trinity Fellowship Church in Charlotte ( http://www.trinityfellowshipchurch.com/page.php?pg=8 ), please pray for God's leading for these men of God.
I just had a great meeting with a church in Charlotte, Perry Shaw invited me to come with him to the church where he attended for years after he gave his life to Christ.
We met for breakfast with the church men's group for their men's fellowship and meeting, it was an awesome time where I was able to meet many more men of like heart. After the prayer we shared a breakfast of muffins, home made biscuits and gravy, country ham and coffee. Doesn't this make you hungry?
Afterwards we met in a classroom where Perry and I were able to share about the ministry to prisons, we shared about the need for the inmates, the need for volunteers, and the need for a real commitment to not only prisons but to where ever God calls us and how important it is to get involved in the lives of those less fortunate than us.
After the meeting we were led out by song and a prayer from 2 gentleman from Africa, it was so awesome, it was such a blessing to be among these men of God and to meet some who want to become involved. We are looking forward to working with new volunteers from Trinity Fellowship Church in Charlotte ( http://www.trinityfellowshipchurch.com/page.php?pg=8 ), please pray for God's leading for these men of God.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Western Youth Correctional Inst.
Jim reports:
I was privileged to go into Western Youth last night with Kevin as he led the team consisting of Don and Victoria, Scott, Kevin, Joy, and myself.
We had special guests from Living Faith Church in Spindale, NC with us for the chapel service.
Their choir ministered powerfully with several selections, this choir is all men who minister through the Yokefellow ministry who meet each Monday evening at Western Youth. They minister in small group settings similar to what Kevin leads at Stonewall Jackson YDC. Their choir was well received and was also able to sing with the prison choir in a couple of selections of their own.
Special guest Joe English (former drummer for Paul McCartney and his band WINGS) shared from Mathew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Joe gave testimony of having money, power, and all the things the world has to offer and of how it leaves you empty without Jesus. Joe spoke from personal knowledge of Jesus saving power in his own life and 26 young men gave their lives to Christ during the alter call.
Don and Scott went into the lock up on the 12th floor to minister to the boys and pray with them, both Don and Scott shared of how God had ministered salvation to every one who they talked to and prayed with. After leaving the 12th floor both Don and Scott went to the minimum custody prison next door and ministered to a group of young men there, where Scott reported seeing the power of God work through both of them as they ministered the Word of God.
This was a very different, but very good ministry for all who attended.
I was privileged to go into Western Youth last night with Kevin as he led the team consisting of Don and Victoria, Scott, Kevin, Joy, and myself.
We had special guests from Living Faith Church in Spindale, NC with us for the chapel service.
Their choir ministered powerfully with several selections, this choir is all men who minister through the Yokefellow ministry who meet each Monday evening at Western Youth. They minister in small group settings similar to what Kevin leads at Stonewall Jackson YDC. Their choir was well received and was also able to sing with the prison choir in a couple of selections of their own.
Special guest Joe English (former drummer for Paul McCartney and his band WINGS) shared from Mathew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Joe gave testimony of having money, power, and all the things the world has to offer and of how it leaves you empty without Jesus. Joe spoke from personal knowledge of Jesus saving power in his own life and 26 young men gave their lives to Christ during the alter call.
Don and Scott went into the lock up on the 12th floor to minister to the boys and pray with them, both Don and Scott shared of how God had ministered salvation to every one who they talked to and prayed with. After leaving the 12th floor both Don and Scott went to the minimum custody prison next door and ministered to a group of young men there, where Scott reported seeing the power of God work through both of them as they ministered the Word of God.
This was a very different, but very good ministry for all who attended.
Goodman Correctional Inst.
Jim reports:
Saturday evening Tamara led her team into the Goodman Correctional Inst. for women in Columbia, SC for our first service under The Father's Heart Ministries banner, several of us have been involved in services there in the past under another ministry's covering but this was the first one for us.
We started off with the chaplain opening the service and welcoming us, then their choir sang a selection for us.
Perry was our MC for the evening and after encouraging the women, Perry introduced me as the founder (actually it was the Holy Spirit), and director of the ministry. I shared some on who we are as a ministry and when we started, along with trying to encourage the women who were present.
Perry and Joy did a skit on "The Lords Prayer" that exposes religion and our lack of understanding of how important prayer really is and how we take prayer for granted.
Cheryl, gave testimony concerning where she came from and what led her to her former lifestyle, when she committed her life to Jesus, and where God has been taking her in her walk with Him. The women were able to truly identify with Cheryl's testimony as some of them have been where Cheryl had been before Jesus led her out of sin, into a life of victory.
Perry introduced Tamara and she ministered powerfully on the love that God has for us as His children. When Tamara gave the alter call the alter was full, Tamara, Joy, Lynette, and Cheryl ministered to each of the women who came up for prayer.
Chaplain Lewis then closed out the service after letting us know how much he enjoyed the service and welcoming us back for future services.
Saturday evening Tamara led her team into the Goodman Correctional Inst. for women in Columbia, SC for our first service under The Father's Heart Ministries banner, several of us have been involved in services there in the past under another ministry's covering but this was the first one for us.
We started off with the chaplain opening the service and welcoming us, then their choir sang a selection for us.
Perry was our MC for the evening and after encouraging the women, Perry introduced me as the founder (actually it was the Holy Spirit), and director of the ministry. I shared some on who we are as a ministry and when we started, along with trying to encourage the women who were present.
Perry and Joy did a skit on "The Lords Prayer" that exposes religion and our lack of understanding of how important prayer really is and how we take prayer for granted.
Cheryl, gave testimony concerning where she came from and what led her to her former lifestyle, when she committed her life to Jesus, and where God has been taking her in her walk with Him. The women were able to truly identify with Cheryl's testimony as some of them have been where Cheryl had been before Jesus led her out of sin, into a life of victory.
Perry introduced Tamara and she ministered powerfully on the love that God has for us as His children. When Tamara gave the alter call the alter was full, Tamara, Joy, Lynette, and Cheryl ministered to each of the women who came up for prayer.
Chaplain Lewis then closed out the service after letting us know how much he enjoyed the service and welcoming us back for future services.
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