COUNTY JAIL UPDATE

We had another awesome County Jail service last night!

One of things I am really noticing about these guys who come to the meting is they are really hungry for the things of God. They are so eager to hear and receive the Word. Praise God!

We are really are building some great relationships here at the Jail. This was our fifth meeting and every guy who attended last night has been at previous meetings. I did ask, as I noticed a few guys were missing, one of the brothers said that a few of the guys have moved on to State Prison facilities. So we all prayed and lifted up these guys up who are serving their time at State facilities- trusting God to continue to do his work in their lives.

At last nights meeting there we two of us, myself and Mike Martin, Mike is a brother who has such a passion to serve and minister to the hurting. It was awesome having him with me. Mike spoke on the “Good Samaritan” sharing with the guys the importance of reaching out with mercy and being aware of the hurting right before our eyes. It was a good word and the dialog was great.

I followed up Mike’s message with a message to the guys asking and answering the question, “What is a Disciple of Christ?” I shared from the Word six areas to which we need to examine ourselves and ask ourselves if we really are a disciple of Jesus.

1. Faith in Jesus

2. Continuing in His Word

3. Love One Another

4. Bearing Christian Fruit

5. Denying Ourselves

6. Having an Obedient Heart.

It was good- the guys seemed to really take it to heart. After the meeting we had a great time of prayer and fellowship.

God is definitely doing something in the Elkhart County Jail. Thanks so much for the prayers.

Next Jail meeting is February 9^th.

Thanks for reading and praying! God bless!

~Igy

TEEN CHALLENGE - A GOD CONNECTION

I recently found out that my city, Elkhart, is now privileged and blessed to have a Teen Challenge operating and ministering here locally. Praise God!

Teen Challenge is a 12 -15 month Christian rehabilitation program for men who are 18 years and older. They deal with life controlling problems-drugs and alcohol are the most predominate issues. What I totally love about TC, founded by David Wilkerson, is that Jesus and knowing Him is the key to the program, which will bring a total life transformation! The program has incredible success rate.

It’s awesome they are here in Elkhart. This is kind of funny as they been here for over a year…lol.. But, I just found out and immediately starting praying for them and was inquiring of the Lord about networking with them.

Well, within a week, as myself and a couple brother were leaving the Elkhart County Jail I crossed paths with a couple young ministers who were also leaving the Jail as they had just finished their meeting.

As we introduced ourselves I was floored when the brother, Mark Howell, introduced himself as on staff at the Elkhart Teen Challenge. We embraced and greeted each other. Mark told me how he was praying for people to connect with in regards to evangelism. So we are both excited to see what the Lord has in store.

Yesterday, I was able to visit the Teen Challenge building and meet the Director, Andy Collins, who is an awesome young man- who is devoted to Jesus and is a man on-fire for God with a passion to see people’s lives changed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Please keep Teen Challenge in your prayers. Hopefully we will be seeing more of each other..Amen!

“I need to change, I can’t do it on my own.”

Quick update on the Juvenile Ministry.

This last Friday my Dad and I went to the South Bend Juvenile Correctional Facility to minister to young men who are locked up.

The way it works at the facility is that the “Lifeline meeting” is announced and those desiring to attend are brought to us in a class room that the facility allows us to use.

The number of guys who come to the lifeline meeting vary. During the time we minister there are several “free-time” things that are going on for the guys to be doing: open gym, TV, lift weights, play cards, etc. We have had as many as twenty come to the meeting.

This particular night we had just two young men come to the meeting, but it was an awesome time of ministry. Sometimes with smaller groups the time can be more intimate and personal, which is what was the case here tonight.

One of the young men, named Jose’, was a believer and he was encouraging the other young man, Sidney. Both guys have a few months of the program to go through. My Dad asked Sidney why he came to the meeting. He looked at both of us and plainly said “I need to change, I can’t do it on my own.”

Wow. So true is that. Well, we spent the majority of the time sharing with Sidney that only true lasting change can come through Jesus. We shared why Jesus came, to save his people from their sins.

We were able to lead Sidney to the Lord. It was a glorious thing. Please keep him in your prayers. I’ll be heading back in there next Tuesday…God is good!

Elkhart Jail Ministry this Thursday..please pray...thanks Saints!

God bless!...thanks for reading.

Steve