The ministry at the County jail is going absolutely incredible! I know I always say that but it is so true! I know with all my heart that God has given us that live in this area a tremendous opportunity to minister the Gospel here at the County Jail in Elkhart, Indiana. The door is open in an unprecedented way to minister to drug dealers, thief’s, gang banggers, drunks, prostitutes, etc., etc,. – These were the type of people Jesus went to when He walked the earth. Sad to say, most give up these types of folk.The reason I say "the door is open in an unprecedented way" is because we are allowed to go literally right into their living quarters, right into their cells. You see, most jails have services or meetings in a classroom, and that’s great but most don’t attend these meetings for various meetings. But we have been given the OK to go directly to the cells to talk to "ALL" the inmates. God's desire is for "ALL" to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9) – So I’m thrilled to be going into the jail, I know God has opened a tremendous door to evangelize. Brad Rodgers, Captain of The County Jail, made a powerful statement in the last orientation, He said, "Many people go over sea’s to do missionary work and that is great. But we have an incredible mission field right here in the County Jail and it’s right in our own backyard." – Some true words.
Here’s a cool praise report, I’m always praying for God to raise laborers to step into the harvest field. Well recently God hooked me up with a brother who just got out jail. His name is Justin and this brother is "on-fire" for Jesus. He’s a young guy who’s filled with the compassion of the Lord and tons of zeal for Jesus! Of course, we hooked up almost immediately and now Justin is approved and is actually going into the Jail ministering to those of whom he once was. –Awesome!! Please pray for Justin as he is believing God to help him with getting his drivers license, he needs a job big-time! and a place of his own or with another solid Christian brother. Thanks.MINISTRY IN THE JAIL 3/17:
Justin and I had a great time ministering in the County Jail. This was Justin’s first time coming in to minister and He absolutely loved it! And he did a great job ministering to the guys. You see, just 6 months ago Justin was on the other side of the bars as he was incarcerated. But God has totally changed his life. When he got out of jail he came to my Church where we met and we’ve been friends ever since. Justin has an awesome heart and a passionate desire to be used by God to spread the Gospel. God with his awesome favor has allowed Justin to go into this jail while still on parole which is unheard of, but with God all things are possible! .Amen!
We were able to talk to several of the inmates tonight. 2 young men who I have been praying for and ministering to in the past, tonight they surrendered their lives to the Lord!! PRAISE GOD!.. Roman and Spencer are their names. Please keep these guys in your prayers. We will continue to meet with them on Monday nights until they get out, hopefully real soon, and we’ve made plans to hook up with them when get out We talked to several other men as we each had a table full of guys talking and praying with them. We prayed for God to heal and many asked for prayer to be delivered of depression. We know that with God all things are possible!... Thanks again everyone for your prayers, I know God was really touching lives tonight!
MINISTRY IN THE JAIL 3/24:
Donavan, Rich, Debbie, Candy and I all went into the jail last night. Debbie and Candy went to the female wards and we guys went to our usual two cell blocks. It went great! I know I say this a lot but many of these guys are really maturing in the things of God and it is exciting!
Rich met with a few of the regulars who are hungry for God; he had a Bible study with a table full of guys.
Donavan went cell to cell talking to guys, sharing the Gospel and praying for them.
God led a Lutheran guy to me. This guy’s named was Jim, he was really struggling. We talked about a lot of things mostly his need for God in his life. He seemed to be resisting somewhat. I ask you to continue to pray for him, I was able to pray with him and I could see God was dealing with him. Please keep him in your prayers.
In the next cell block Rich and I ministered to group of guys for an hour. The Lord is growing them up and great to see these guys hungry for the Word of God. Jason E, Jason B and Mario were the three guys I was ministering to. Please keep them in prayer. We also handed out several Bibles and many tracts. Praise God the Word is going forth!!
Things Coming Up:
- With the Warmer weather moving in we will be back out in the parks and street witnessing on Friday nights. Anyone local who would like to come out with us give me a call.
- I’m planning a 5 day New York City Street mission trip at the end of May. This will be my second time ministering on the streets in New York as I went in 06’. I’ll be teaming up with RAVEN Ministries for this awesome evangelistic outreach. We’ll be witnessing Jesus at Times Square, The Statue Of Liberty, Empire State building and other spots in the big apple. – It’s going to be awesome!
Thanks for all your prayers! God Bless!
-Steve
