Monday, November 4, 2013

Give Thanks

It's November.  The leaves are falling and it's a great time to think of the 1,001 things that we can be thankful for.  God has blessed us and the New Life Prison Community.  I want to thank Him for everything under the sun.  Of course it would take years to list everything but I'll take a few moments to write a few things down.

I'm thankful for:

  • God's Word
  • His Spirit 
  • Enthusiastic Volunteers
  • The cooperation of prison officials
  • Regular attenders at Bible studies and prayer groups
  • New guys who show up on a regular basis
  • Baptism class
  • A third baptism worship service in 2013 (scheduled for Nov. 21)
  • The first Brothers-in-Blue at Newton in years.
  • A brand new mentoring program
  • Greeting card ministry 
  • Bibles to give away to new arrivals at the prison
  • A Vibrant music ministry
  • Bands like Piercing the Darkness and Now Serving 7 who share their musical talent in the prison gym.
  • Inspirational speakers like Joe Brummel, Mike Sereg and Jim Dreyer
  • The power of prayer
  • Answered prayers
  • A dedicated prayer team that remembers members of New Life weekly in prayer.
  • Our families
  • Fall bike rides
  • The beauty of wildlife along the bike trail - deer, turkey, eagles, pelican, etc.
  • The fall colors
  • The opportunity to visit supporting churches
  • The annual harvest of corn and beans in the state of Iowa
  • The drive from Pella to Newton and back
  • Christian music in a variety of styles
  • Conversations with men at the prison about life, faith, and families.
  • The sacrament of the Lord's Supper inside and outside of prison walls
  • New believers
  • Christians growing in their walk through discipleship training
  • New Life Board members
  • New Life supporters
  • Inmates who provide special music, give their testimony or read a poem during worship services.
  • Materials for Bible study like "Not a Fan" and the "Peacemaking Church."
  • The joy of visiting the Lord Jesus in prison (Matthew 25:40)
  • The mission of proclaiming the Good News to the nations (Matthew 28:18-20)
  • The love of our Lord God.
  • The grace and peace of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.

New Life - new video

New Life - Fall 2013 from Rick Admiraal on Vimeo.