New Life's Brothers-in-Blue team: Phil Goodyk, Pastor Rick, Marv Goodyk

Recently we completed our first Brothers-in-Blue weekend.  In a word it was Awesome!  In another word it was Incredible!  What a great weekend we had in early May (May 9-12).  21 volunteers and 46 inmates celebrated the depths of God's grace.  God blessed the weekend and now we're experiencing an incredible overflow of abundance: as many as a dozen guys may be baptized at the June 20th worship service.  Can you believe it!!??

This four day spiritual retreat is called Brothers-in-Blue because Iowa's inmates wear navy blue shirts and blue jeans.  It was a great way for imprisoned men to change their lives and also draw closer to God.  The Chaplain of Linn County Jail, Bob Smythe did a great job leading the weekend.  Pastor Rick was Bob's right hand man, helping to iron out important details.  

New Life volunteers Marv and Phil Goodyk were a part of it too.  Here are a few of Marv's reflections: "You could sense an excitement in the room from the guys.  You couldn't help but get caught up in the excitement with them.  I certainly appreciated the emphasis on prayer.  It was indeed a great experience." Here are some of Phil's thoughts on the weekend: "I enjoyed the camaraderie of the team.  We were One."  Candidate Juan agreed: "The unity was awesome."  Jordan really liked the atmosphere: "You could feel the Holy Spirit in there."  Many great things happened during Brothers-in-Blue.  God saved Kenton during the weekend. Here are some words from Kenton:  "I feel in my heart that I've been saved by grace.  Now I spend all my free time in prayer."  

Here are some more quotes from men who went on the Brothers-in-Blue retreat.  James: "I could go on and on about Brothers-in-Blue.  It was the BEST THING that happened for me in a long time!"  Joshua: "Brothers-in-Blue was an AMAZING EXPERIENCE.  It gave me so much hope.  The love shared by the leaders and speakers was tremendous."  Zyriah: "Brothers-in-Blue was a great experience.  There was a strong sense of FELLOWSHIP."  Robert talked about his table leaders (volunteers Larry & Sheryl Hanthorn): "They made me feel special!"

Each man completing the weekend received a handsome silver cross necklace.  But the weekend was so much more than just jewelry.  Philip finally came to the point where he was able to forgive himself.  Joshua experienced God's love.  Overall it was an amazing experience.  Lord willing, we hope to host our second Brothers-in-Blue early in 2014.  To God be the glory!