August 19, 2011 – Recap

Supporters and Friends of From the Dust: Thanks so much for the continued support of our ministry. As we catch our breath, cool off, and replenish our spirits and minds for the second half of our schedule for 2011, we hope that all is well with you and your families. We apologize for falling behind on our diaries during these busy times. Our communication approach has changed a bit. As…

March 19-20, 2011 – Hamilton – Bryan, TX

There are times when church “happens.” Worship is anointed and corporately the body unites and participates with a humble spirit. The result is encouragement, strengthening of relationships, accountability, call to action and increased faithfulness. The gathering and participation together in worship keeps us plugged in to His family and protects our personal fellowship with God. Our time together with the church that meets at the Hamilton Unit was anointed, uplifting,…

February 12, 2011 – Michael – Tennessee Colony, TX

We had the pleasure of conducting two services at the Michael Unit this weekend. Weather was great. Turnout was good. Witnessed 10 responses to the message. We would like to thank the correctional staff and volunteer chaplain for help with the transition in and out of the unit. Our lesson focuses on the story of Naaman from 2 Kings chapter 5. Here we find a man of position, popularity and…

January 29, 2011 – Coffield – Tennessee Colony, TX

The 2011 tour is off and running! I thought it might be fun to name this tour (we’ve never actually done this before) like the major touring artists do when they tour. A few names come to mind…”The Reason We Breathe Tour” or “Without Walls Tour” or “Salvation is Calling Tour” or “Presenting the Martindale’s Tour”…this is an inside joke!!! Anyway, if you are reading this and you have suggestions,…

November 6, 2010 – Halbert – Burnet, TX

Posted 06 Nov 2010 in News

The weather was great today in Burnett Texas. Another beautiful sunset and great time of worship outside in God’s amphitheater.  As usual, the ladies were open to the message. We had 270 in attendance and over 100 decisions. Thanks to all who attended and for such a warm welcome. Our prayers are with Chaplain Tomlinson as he serves in this unit with these wonderful ladies.

As I looked out into the eyes of the inmates tonight, I couldn’t help but think about how we all have ambitions, wishes, and dreams. We all wish that they would come true on our terms and our timing. You would think in a place like prison, there would be nothing but shattered dreams, failed attempts to “clean up”, bitterness, resentment, and setback after setback. While this is true in many cases, the dream experience is no different than our own in the “free” world. Our setbacks and shattered dreams can wear us out and cause bitterness toward God, our families, and those in authority over us. When we are in the midst of these broken dreams, we often forget that when God removes something from our lives, it’s not because He’s trying to take away something good. It’s because He’s trying to make room for something better! It is not a trade-off but a trade-up. These setbacks strengthen our faith. For us to draw closer to Christ, it may cost you something. To get to the good stuff, God may need to cut away a lot of other junk. In the end God always gives back so much more than He takes away. His word sums it up for all of us regardless of or situation in life.

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.  Hebrews 12:11

What is the cost for following Christ? Shattered dreams, broken relationships, isolation, loneliness, betrayal, wrongful imprisonment…the bible is full of those (Joseph, Paul and many others) who struggled with these things and through faith knew God was using every setback to trade-up to great spiritual significance. If you are experiencing a cutting away at an area of your life right now whether a dream, relationship etc. view it as a sign that something better is to come.

Romans 8:18 “Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us”.

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