Facing the Giants!

On Saturday March 15, we were able to present the film “Facing the Giants” to the Prison Fellowship Ministry Bible class at Dixon Correctional Center.  There were 14 men present and all seemed to enjoy the film.  We also handed out a review page of the film so they could review the Biblical lesson that are dealt with within the movie.  We were so blessed to be able to share this movie with the men.

Dixon Sunday Bible Literacy Class

In the Bible Literacy Class at Dixon CC we just completed a series on the book of Daniel.  Now we are beginning a series on Life Principles using the workbook 30 Life Principles  by Charles F Stanley.  We like to present a variety of studies and different approaches  to Bible study to keep interest at a peak.  In the past we have used material that either Larry or Sharon have prepared on their own; a study written by Dr James Horvath from Calvary Lighthouse Church; Crown Financial Ministry workbooks, Kay Arthur studies which her organization graciously donated to us; a study donated by a member of the Arlington Evangelical Free Church written by their Pastor Colin S. Smith called  Unlocking the Bible Story.  There is a lot of material published that is so good to use inside the prison.  It is always good when we can get the written word in the form of a workbook to them, so they can refer back to the material later.

PRISON LIFE – NO LUXURY VACATION

  Most cells are approximately 7 x 9 feet for occupancy of 2 residents.  The cell is supplied with 2 cots, 2 storage boxes, 1 small desk and chair, and a stool and sink.  Any toiletries, personal supplies, small fan, headphones or TV must be purchased by the inmate. In most maximum security correctional centers the residents are allowed a 10 minute bath once (maybe twice) a week, and 1 hour yard time each day.  Let’s keep these men and women who are incarcerated in prayer – both those who need Jesus Christ and those who have met Him and are now serving Him on the inside!

PFM meeting February 29 2008

The Dixon MDT Meeting was held Friday evening February 29, 2008 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm.  There were 16 present.  Mary Johnson from PFM in chicago provided Chili and fish chowder.  Mary gave a short devotional on the importance of a wilderness experience and how God uses that to help us know who we are.   Mary gave a presentation on TDR -Transformational Discipleship and Reconcilliation and we discussed the possibility of taking “Going for the Gold”  seminar into Dixon prison.  She also showed how she is collecting various resources and what their function is in regards to aftercare reentry. 

We discussed the need to recruit more volunteers and also the need for those interested to take the VIP training.  We will be setting up a time in the next couple of months for such a training in this area.

We will be starting a new series of study inside the Dixon Correctional Center on Saturdays.  Many thought it would be good to make a list of twelve subjects that are issues the residents may deal with regularly.  Some suggestions were: anger, purity, fear, fathering, pride versus humilty, resentment, authority issues, boundaries.   Also the possibility of using Armstrong’s works:  Victory over the Darkness, Bondage Breaker or Victorious Christian Living was suggested.   Everyone is to send a list to Sharon regarding subjects they feel pertinent for study and we will make up a 12 month schedule.

We had a couple of special guests present, one gentleman who is now involved in prison ministry in his church who  had been in Dixon CC  some years ago-  Bruce - and his wife (who brought along some fantastic chocolate chunk cookies!)  , and another gentleman, Tom who was previously in prison and now has a prison ministry out of Aurora.

It was a great meeting and a great time of fellowship in the Lord.