On February 2, 2013 the band Piercing the Darkness will appear LIVE at the prison gym in Newton.  They're ready to give a Christian rock concert to inspire, encourage and provide hope for incarcerated men.  Here is one of their edgier tunes.  It sounds like it's based on this verse:  "But we have the mind of Christ."  (1st Corinth. 2:16)

Rough Places

On Sunday, I visited the Pella United Methodist Church.  I had the opportunity to make a powerpoint presentation about New Life Prison Community.  In addition, I invited the congregation to participate in the volunteer ministry or the prayer ministry.  Later in the service I listened to Pastor Jason's message based on Matthew 10:16 ~ Jesus said, "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.  Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves."  Pastor Jason emphasized that our lives are so safe but God sends us out into the danger to spread the Good News.  Here are some things I wrote down.... "We have to bring the message to places that are pretty rough."  Also - "We need to bring Jesus Christ into it."  It's a message of grace for the city.  Cities he mentioned were inner-city Detroit, post-Katrina New Orleans, the prison in Newton, and Pella.  All those places are hungry and thirsty for the message of grace.  Pastor Jason noted that the message we bring is "life-giving, full of love and grace."  Amen.

Newsboys! Our God is Alive!

October is Huge!

October is a huge month for New Life.  Let me take a few minutes to list off some of the events that will be happening at the prison.

1. On October 10, New Life will be starting Baptism & Profession of Faith Class.  For 4 Wednesday afternoons in the month of October we'll be working our way through Christianity 101.  We're laying the groundwork for a special Thanksgiving service on Thursday, November 15.  But I'm getting ahead of myself ... this blog entry is about October!

2. On October 18, New Life will have a worship service in the prison gym.  I'm excited about it because the Lynville Friends Church will be leading worship.  This nearby congregation was involved in the days of IFI and Prison Fellowship.  Now they're getting involved again.  Lord willing, their pastor (a former "resident" of Newton Prison) will preach to the men.

3. On October 21, New Life will lead a worship service at the Release Center.  Guitar music and a special guest speaker from Central College will highlight the day.  And don't forget the Lord's Supper to end the service at the Cross where we are forgiven.

4. On October 30, New Life will host an Evangelism Training Seminar at the prison chapel.  Leading this class will be Dr. Karen Swanson of the Institute of Prison Ministries and Wheaton College.  With Karen's expertise, we'll learn how to share our faith in a unique setting: prison!

As you can see, October will be HUGE!

Newsboys - Miracles!