Thank You!

The numbers are staggering. In August of 2008, it was reported by the State of Texas that 156,126 individuals were incarcerated with another 539,483 under “community supervision” or parole in the state. Texas consistently ranks either first or second among all states for the number of people incarcerated. Our mission field is right here at home.

Many of us are touched or directly affected by crime and its consequences. Whether it is an acquaintance, friend, family member, or co-worker, most of us know or know of someone that is dealing with crime and its consequences in some form or fashion. The financial, physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual impact of crime on family, relationships, and society is devastating. What we do to deal with the devastation has eternal consequences. What are YOU doing?

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. Isaiah 61:1.

Prison life rarely changes a prisoner for the better. It takes a renewing of the spirit from the inside that authenticates to Christ and transforms the way a person thinks, acts and relates to others.  It is our desire to use our gifts and talents to be Jesus to a few and to share the transforming grace and truth that is free to all. Once you’ve been rescued, you’ll want to rescue others. We have been rescued and do what we do to try to make a difference. Even if it is just one…I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:7

The last ten years have been extraordinary: the smiles, tears, sweat, pain and the joy of watching hearts change. We’ve watched God work through inmates, their families, Correctional Officers, Chaplains, their wives and other volunteers. We’ve been embraced, rejected, laughed at, cut-short, replaced, miss-informed, brushed off, and turned away. We’ve been applauded, danced for, sung for, praised, and invited back. We know what it means to be afraid, to start over, to be weary, and to be frustrated in His name. We now know what a “spiritual bed-wetter” is, how to shoot a potato gun, how important and personal a good a pillow can be, and what heat stroke feels like. We know what it’s like to have a trailer, musical equipment, and a favorite Bible stolen from right under our nose and then witness the work of God through hundreds of supporters (YOU!) in replacing everything on our “God-Sized” list. We’ve experienced the awesome and unexplainable power of the Holy Spirit as it chisels and breaks free hardened hearts. Just find one of us later this evening and we would be happy to explain these experiences.

This journey has changed us for the better. Nothing can replace the memories, the friendships, and the joy of serving together. Our accomplishments as a ministry are made possible through answered prayer and the labors of many. We continue to experience the richest reward of the Christian life, the unstinting and unselfish support of other believers. It is with the deepest gratitude that we say to you… THANKS!!!

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