But first let's take a few moments to reflect on the year that was:
January - Former New Life member Randy was baptized by Pastor Art at Calvary CRC in Pella.
February - New Life celebrated its first birthday. 8 men were baptized and 3 men professed their faith at the New Life worship service. A sweet keyboard was purchased for use in worship.
March - Rick & Rose attended Church Planter's "Boot Camp" in Grand Rapids, Michigan. New Life welcomed Dr. David Schuringa of Crossroads Bible Institute.
April - New Life celebrated Easter at the prison. Pastor Rick preaches about Jesus' 7 words from the Cross. Inmate-member Bill does a great job reading the Scripture.
May - Pastor Rick & Rose's son John was hospitalized. New Life welcomed the Gospel Singers Male Chorus to perform at a worship service.
June - New Life had its 2nd baptism service. 8 more men were baptized and 2 more men professed their faith. New Life dedicated a new communion table / baptistery.
July - Mary Mortenson, president of Prison Congregations of America, visits New Life with her husband. She treats the volunteers to ice cream after worship! At the end of July, Pastor Rick competes his 2nd ride across Iowa on his bike. Hundreds of supporters offer financial support in the 2nd Pedal for Prisoners!
August - Pastor Rick preaches every Sunday, visiting supporting church Trinity - St. Louis for the first time. The Admiraals also enjoy watching the Cardinals win their game against the Brewers.
September - Half a dozen new volunteers are trained by the Dept. of Corrections. Pastor Rick visits Denver to attend the annual Peacemakers Conference.
October - Karen Swanson leads an evangelism seminar at the prison.
November - At the Thanksgiving service, 4 more men were baptized. Many of them gave powerful testimonies of how God is changing them, forming a New Creation in Christ.
December - Pastor Rick attends his 2nd Brothers in Blue at Fort Dodge Prison. Lord willing, Brothers in Blue will come to Newton in 2013! The Christmas service was postponed due to severe weather. With a smaller group of volunteers, we moved Christmas service from Thursday to Friday, celebrated the birth of our Lord & Savior.
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