Pontiac visit for May

   Stan and Sharon were the only two from this area that were able to attend the monthly cell-by-cell visits.  There were 10 additional volunteers from other areas.  It was a great day, the weather was beautiful, the officers were pleasant and helpful, and the residents were very receptive to the Word of God —  all went very well.  We were on the East Gallery by 9:45 am. After lunch we all went to West Gallery and were able to stay until 2:30.  There was at least 1 decision for Christ, and many other seeds planted.  It is always difficult to leave the gallery when we know there is such a need and desire for discipling.  However, Phil, and others from various areas go on different dates to do rounds, so the Word reaches them throughout the month.

Dixon CC Re-entry Summit

Larry Davis and Dan were asked to take part in the  Dixon CC Re-entry Summit on Thursday May 9. Larry presented Crown Financial Ministry, summarizing how to handling money God’s way and Dan spoke on savings and investment.   This was a 2 day summit and there were several vendors that spoke, giving them the opportunity to investigate various programs and encouraging the residents to participate in these opportunities prior to and upon release.  Tables were set up after the Summit and Larry, Sharon and Dan handed out Money Maps to each person stoppping by the table.  We also had a great lunch – taco salad – prepared by the culinary class

Dixon Bible Study Themes for 2008

Our list of themes for the Dixon Bible study is below.  Remember that these are not just topics to handle loosely, but real issues that affect those who are incarcerated.  We want to be careful to apply these issues to their life, stating the problems and discussing solutions in their lives.   March and April went well with the topics for those months and the men responded to the work of the Holy Spirit during these studies.

March:       Sacrifice   (completed)

April:         Forgiveness (seeking reconciliation) (Completed)

May            Parenting/Father’s role                                            September:  Temptation/bondage

June:          Anger/resentment                                                   October:       Fear/Anxiety

July:           Authority issues/humility                                       November:   Thanksgiving/Praise/Worship

August:      Sexual Purity                                                          December:    Oppression/Depression

Some suggested material to support the issues of concern covered in the Bible studies are as follows:

Victory over Darkness; Bondage Breaker;  Steps to Freedom in Christ; Winning Spiritual Warfare; Overcoming Depression:   By Neil T. Anderson

Dad’s Everything Book for Sons: Practical Idea for a Quality Relationship; The blessing:  Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love; Eight Steps to Intimacy:    By John Trent

Experiencing the Father’s Embrace; Spiritual Slavery to Spiritual Sonship:   By Jack Frost

The Purity Principle  by Randy Alcorn

Everyman’s Battle:  Winning the War on Sexual Purity  by Steven Arterburn

www.desiregod.org   Articles, books, CDs by John Piper on sexual purity, etc.

Authority & Sumission by Watchman Nee

Liberated through Submission:  God’s Design for Freedom in all Relationships by P.B. Wilson

True Freedom:  What Christian Submission & Authority Look Like   by Steven Fry