The Purpose Driven Life

On December 28 we started the study – The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.  We will be listening to the 20 minute DVD and going through a workbook at that time, with discussion time afterwards.  God laid this study on Larry’s heart  and provided the finances to purchase the books and DVD to share this with the men at Dixon.  Praise God!!  It’s a great group.  We have about 15 men signed up for this now.  I just got word that Dixon was on lock-down, so we are not sure if we will be able to go in tomorrow (Sun Jan 11).  I am not sure why it is on lockdown – hopefully it is just because of the weather and will be open again by tomorrow.   Keep us in prayer as we go through this book.  Please keep all the men at Dixon CC in prayer – especially the Christians on the inside who daily witness to their fellow inmates!

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.

Prayer Request

Phil will be doing rounds at Pontiac Saturday April 12.  Remember to pray for him and for those he contacts while he ministers cell-by-cell.

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!

February Prayer Requests

Sunday afternoon Bible Study in Dixon Correctional Center – Larry and Sharon

Pontiac cell-by-cell visits sponsored by Prison Fellowship Ministry Saturday  February 23

Alan’s appeal before the Illinois Supreme Court

Don – being released shortly.