2013 in Review

It's that time of year once again.  The sun is setting on 2013 and it's time for me to review the year as I look back nostalgically into the rear view mirror.  What big things happened each month at New Life Prison Community?  I'll do my best in summing up the year and you make sure to let me know what you think...

• January - On the first Wednesday of the month (January 2) we gave away greeting cards in the prison chapel.  Each inmate receives 2 free greeting cards.  This month they're beginning to stock up on Valentine's Day cards.
• February - Groundhog Day (February 2) was huge for New Life prison community.  We welcomed Christian Rock band Piercing the Darkness.  Over 160 guys packed the prison gym to hear outstanding music with a Message.  The Message - The Good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!  Later that same month (February 10) we hosted an open house celebrating two years of ministry.  It was a great excuse to eat cake!  Many guests enjoyed the food & fellowship, including Cliff & Amy who drove all the way from Burlington, Iowa.
• March - Easter came early this year.  So we celebrated Easter on Maundy Thursday.  One man was baptized and 3 others professed their faith in Jesus Christ.
• April - On April 10 I visited an inmate on his deathbed.  I made a special trip to Iowa City to visit Larry in hospice.  Larry used to sing guitar solos at our worship services.  He sang songs like "Mary did you know" and "I can only Imagine."  Personally I can only imagine what Larry is experiencing right now - his faith has become sight!
• May - The four day Brothers-in-Blue was the highlight of this month for sure.  Over 40 inmates and over 20 volunteers experienced this four day spiritual retreat.  Unexpectedly one of the inmates lost his mother in a tragic car accident during the weekend.  But he kept attending and felt the consolation & prayers of fellow brothers in the Lord.
• June - I rode the Rockies with 5 friends from Central Iowa.  This 500 mile bike ride was an item to check off my bucket list.  It was fun to ride bicycle across Colorado but we also raised funds for New Life prison community.  Good stuff!  Soon after I got back from the Rocky Mountain adventure we hosted a Thursday night baptism service.  At this service we reaped the fruit of May's Brothers-in-Blue weekend.  10 men were baptized and 1 man professed his faith at this worship service in the prison gym.
• July - On July 11 we hosted Mary Mortenson, director of Prison Congregations of America.  She and her husband Jack came all the way from South Dakota to lead a writer's workshop for the Lenten Devotional Booklet.  This year's theme is "Blessed are You."  The men at the prison loved it!
• August - At the August worship service we were blessed by having Vital Men's Ministry lead our worship.  Mike Sereg gave an inspirational message to the men behind prison fences.  Christian rock band "Now Serving 7" brought inspirational music that was a huge blessing.  Also in August - Miles came from the Quad Cities to take a weekend visit to Pella.  He spoke & sang at the Lake Red Rock outdoor worship.  Miles also spoke & performed a solo at Calvary Christian Reformed Church.  Little did we know that this visit would lead to even greater things.  In the fall, Miles would move to Pella and gain employment at Vermeer Corp.  God is good.
• September - This month marked the return of Piercing the Darkness.  This popular Christian band raised the roof of the prison gym.  This time the show was even bigger.  Piercing the Darkness invited Pastor Rick's friend - Jim Dreyer - to give an inspirational speech during the concert intermission.  Jim traveled from Michigan to Iowa in order to inspire the men to never give up in overcoming obstacles in their lives.  Jim knows a thing or two about challenges.  He is a marathon swimmer who swims great lakes.  His latest challenge was swimming across Lake St. Clair while towing a ton of bricks.  He proved it could be done while raising crucial funding for Habitat for Humanity.
• October - This was a month for catching your breath after a big September.  It was also a month for Pastor Rick to chase his son all over the place with club soccer and college visits.  Still Pastor Rick carved out the time to make two Sunday visits to two supporting churches: Sully CRC and Leighton CRC.  We thank God for all of our supporting congregations!
• November - After a four session class, four men were ready to become baptized.  At the Thanksgiving service, baptism was a big part of the worship service.  Angels in Heaven were rejoicing over lost sheep coming into the fold - and we were also saturated with JOY!  Another highlight was having Pastor Rick's son drum for the praise team - his first opportunity after recently turning 18.
• December - During Christmas break, Pastor Rick and his family went to Michigan.  While in Michigan they visited 3rd CRC, Pastor Rick's sending church and one of New Life's supporting churches.  Great visit!  When Pastor Rick and Rose returned to the office, they found numerous letters & gifts in response to the end-of-the-year fund drive.  The overflow of generosity was overwhelming.  Thank you!  We thank God for your prayers and financial support.  New Life Prison Community looks to be in great shape for 2014!  Can't wait for the New Year!

- submitted by Pastor Rick Admiraal on December 31, 2013.