6 month update Aug 2011 to Feb 2012

Dixon Correctional Center

Larry has been coordinating the Sunday morning services at Dixon Correctional Center since Chaplain Larry Jones retired at the end of July 2011.  Each Sunday we have had volunteer speakers such as: Kyle and Carolyn Aurand, Ron West, Mike Juenger, Pastor Lucio Esquivel, Rod Williams, Chaplain Jay LeRette, Chuck Ridulph, Pastor Steve Booth, Dr. James Horvath, Pat Vandenburg, Wally Miller, Pastor Eric Kersten, and last Sunday the sermon was presented by Larry Davis and myself.  Every Sunday there are approximately 320 in attendance.  The choir and band is made up of inmates. However recently the administration put restrictions on the instruments and we now only have a choir.  They do a tremendous job. As of this date a Chaplain has not been hired and Larry will continue to coordinate the services.  We feel very blessed to be privileged to participate in the morning services.  We are continuing with our Sunday afternoon Bible Literacy Class and Thursday morning Financial and Mens fraternity class.  Please continue to keep the prison ministry in prayer.

True Financial Freedom

On December 13 we  completed a 13 week class on Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University in the Dixon CC.   We started out with 17 in the class and 15 graduated.  On graduation day Pastor Eric Kersten(pictured with Larry Davis )  from Calvary Lighthouse church in Rochelle visited the class and gave a few words of encouragment to the men graduating.  Eric said he really enjoyed being there, and the men all seemed to enjoy getting to know Eric.   It was so good to see all the men graduate with a positive attitude from this class, and we will miss each and every one of them.  They will be released soon.   Keep them in prayer!

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.