Starting at the Prison

Last week was GO time at the Newton Prison.  After basking in the glow of ordination for one full day, I was ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work.  So Tuesday morning, I drove from Pella to the south side of Newton.  After checking through security, I went with the prison chaplain to the prison chapel.  For over two hours, I met with the men during open chapel hours.  


I found out about the wonderful greeting card ministry and got to know some of the guys.  I also extended numerous invitations to attend Bible study and prayer group.


On Tuesday afternoon, the first volunteers arrived for New Life of Prayer group.  My wife Rose was one of four volunteers to join me. Pastor Art, Ken, and Steve were there too.  At first, there were only a few men in attendance but by the end of the group meeting there were nine men joining us in prayer.  We studied the gospel of Luke, discussed our prayer life, prayed, and sang a few songs.  Fellowship was a big part of that first meeting.  God gave us a good start.


Thursday morning I was back at the prison talking with the chaplain, the chaplain's assistant, and many of the incarcerated men.  There were multiple opportunities to pray and talk about God's Word.


Thursday evening was the time for New Life in the Word at the Newton Prison.  Once again, Rose was in attendance with these volunteers: Pastor Sheldon, Dwight, Glenda, Marv, and Fran.  Great group of volunteers to get us started.  They were good listeners - prayerful people of God.  We began with the end, talking about how Christ makes all things NEW (Revelation 21).  It was incredible!  Sixteen men signed the attendance sheet.  But it was much more than numbers.  We were impacting individuals in the name of Jesus Christ.  The men were truly glad that we were there and cared about them.  They displayed a deep thirst for the Word and made numerous life applications.  Overall, the initial impact was great.  Credit the Spirit of God for that.