Catch up time

Well it has been awhile since I’ve been in here, so I have to catch everone up on what has been going on.  

1.  First of all,  exciting news from Dixon:  In June Alan Beaman, a true born-again Christian, and great asset to our Bible class, was released.  He won his appeal for a new trial!   Then in November Roger Burns, was released on parole.   Roger also spent the last 20 years searving the Lord inside the prison.  We rejoice with both of them and we will keep them on  our prayer list.

2.  Then, in October, we had the opportunity to go into Stateville Correctional Center at the invitation of Prison Fellowship.   Larry conducted a True Financial Freedom study as a 1 day seminar.  We had 17 present and the participation by eah was great.  If we had any complaints – it was that the time went by too fast!  We are looking forward to more opportunities in the future to Stateville or other correctional centers.

3.  Also, in Dixon, every Thursday morning, we began a 14 week financial study using material from Dave Ramsey.  We feel that it is a great blessing and a privilege that we are able to do this study as well as our Sunday Bible study at Dixon.  This will end in the middle of December.   We were able to provide workbooks for 18 participants.  The study consists of an hour long  DVD by Dave Ramsey after which we have another hour of discussion with the group.   This has been well received and some have even asked us when we are giving the next class so they also can benefit from the study.   We offered to only those residents who are going to be going home in the next 6 to 12 months and our hope is that the Lord will provide so we can continue this study on an ongoing basis.  It is a life-skill that each resident will be able to utilize on the outside as they begin their new life.

4.  In our Bible Literacy Class on Sunday afternoons –  we are winding down on our 30 Principles of Christian Living series. We have been using a work book by Charles Stanley.  We are in our 28th week and will finish up this month – November.  

5.  Angel Tree is soon approaching and Calvary Lighthouse will again be participating.  This is a great outreach to children and families of those incarcerated in correctional centers all across the nation.  This is a program where church members can help incarcerated Moms and Dads reach out to their children and let them know they are loved.  Also it is a great way for the church to reach out to the whole family and show Christ’s love.

Great Training at Wheaton College!!!

Sharon Davis recently attended the Foundations of Correctional Ministries at the School for Correctional Ministries at Wheaton College.  There were approximately 27 people in the Foundations class and 9 in the Advanced class for a total attendance of 36 people from all over the United States and even one gentleman from India.  It was a great time of networking with other volunteers, Chaplains and prison ministry coordinators from around the country.  The intructors were excellent: Dr Tom Beckner, Dr. Karen Swanson, Dr. Wyatt Mullinax and Dr. Manuel Cordero.  Course subject matter included the History of Corrections, Introduction to the Justice System, Causes of Crime, Effective Witness in CM, Dysfunctional Thinking, Gateway to Thinking Errors, Inmate feelings/perspective, Dynamics of Incarceration, Engaging the Culture, and much more.   We also received instructions on teaching the Study “Free From The Inside” .  This Foundations course is, in my opinion, a “must do” for those involved in prison ministry.  There is so much information incorporated into it which I am still processing and plan to implement into the ministry!  For anyone interested in this class next year, please check out the Wheaton College website and check on the ACTS ministry training.

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

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!