October 9, 2010 – Michael – Tennessee Colony, TX

Wheels off! A phrase often used to describe something or someone out of control. Of all the phrases that could be used to describe anything that might be related to prison or prison ministry, I believe that phrase fits well. You have to be somewhat out of control to be put into prison and you have to release control to answer the calling for prison ministry. The phrase can have broad and differing applications dependent on the situation.

Well, I must tell you that the phrase exactly describes our latest adventure. However, our experience was in a literal sense. Sound Guru Extraordinaire and Equipment Supervisor, John, had his wheels off moment occur at the Michael Unit while in full volunteer mode. It seems John, in an effort to go out with a bang, hit a large cement snag while maneuvering the Sound Board case around the back side of the prison. John found himself in this situation because the case was too big to fit through one of the prison doorways at the unit. In order to get the case to the concert area he had to take a different route. While pushing the cart down the side walk, the cement dropped off (as sidewalks do) and due to John’s high rate of speed and over-zealous volunteer efforts, he hit the cement snag going approximately 100.375 miles per hour.  As the wheel, its support base, and a large portion of the case bottom proceeded to remove and eject itself from the case, John found himself in full clinch mode struggling to keep balance of a case with three wheels. This was only the beginning of John’s wheels off experience.

As he continued on the crooked and uneven path, he found himself on an aberrant path seeking help to abate his growing frustration and fatigue. In the hour that followed, he found himself locked out and overloaded on three wheels. Others helped him and tried unsuccessfully to mitigate the plethora of onerous challenges that continued to pervade his journey. Eventually, John reached his destination with the help of some friends equipped with the right tools. And, happy to say, a kind carpenter repaired the case, restored the ability to go on, and made sure that in the future all door ways are maneuverable.

How many times in life do we feel out of control without hope? We do everything we can to keep it rolling in the right direction but the wheels still fall off. In most cases it’s all a question of control, as in letting go and not trying to be in control, in all aspects of our lives. This experience draws a direct parallel to our journey through life when the wheels fall off, we struggle to keep our balance, we grow frustrated, tired, alone, overloaded, and on a path that leads to destruction. So what do you do? Reach out to the ultimate carpenter to fix your case, and lean on those with the right tools who have had their own “wheels off” experiences.

Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

After all that, John’s perseverance helped us make it through 2 services resulting in 10 decisions with eternal significance. When we are attacked we can always count on others to pull us through. We are going to miss you John!

From The Dust is VERY grateful to the group of guys and Chaplain Lowery for their outstanding support in helping out during the difficulty with the sound board case, the door lock issues etc. etc. God is Good!!!

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