Freedom and forgiveness...

PRAISE!!!   .... Wissam has been released.  He is back home with his family. 

Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.

~ Isaiah 65:24

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

~ Psalm 34:4

In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free.

~ Psalm 118:5

"Have faith in God," Jesus answered.

~ Mark 11:22

We last saw the boys in prison on 9/30.  Before we left we explained that we wouldn't be able to return until 10/28.  We told them we would miss them and I PROMISED them that I would write at least twice.  I did not.  Not even once.  I purchased beautiful postcards in Sonoma, while visiting Kristi.  They were addressed and stamped, but never sent.  It has chewed on my conscience for a month, but I still didn't get it done.

As I spent time with God before returning to the prison last night, I asked Him to forgive me for not fulfilling this promise to the boys.  I immediately heard and felt His forgiveness, but also heard Him encouraging me to ask the boys for their forgiveness.  He encouraged me to speak with Him outloud, during our prayer circle, about it.

I usually open up by sharing with the boys about how things have been going for us.  I told them I'd missed them, been praying for them and thinking about them and gave a quick rundown of why we hadn't been there for so long... then I reminded them of the promise I had made to them a month ago.  Kemone immediately responded and said, "I didn't even get one card!"  and I let him know that nobody else had either.  I apologized for not fulfilling my promise.  They forgave... I felt God teaching me much in that moment. 

Mike shared with them about our trip to Monterey - specifically about meeting people from Homeboy Industries.  Homeboy Industries is a ministry that helps gang members make new choices and separate from their gang affiliations.  They were very interested in what Mike had to say.  It led to rich conversation...

Kyle shared that his 14 year old sister, Samantha, tried to commit suicide this week.  He shared his concern for her.  He talked about her being overweight and being bullied.  He ached for her.  Kyle's twin brother, Louis, also shared about Samantha.  Kyle shared that he prayed to God as soon as he heard what had happened.

Another shared that Steve turns 18 next month and will be moved to the adult prison immediately thereafter.  Steve is very small in stature.  I cannot imagine him in a facility with grown men.  When I ask him how he's doing with that, he says he's fine... I wonder what he's really thinking.  Is he crying out to God?

We joined hands to close in prayer.  Sterling opened and prayed for Steve.  They prayed for our son, Tim.  THEY WERE PRAYING FOR EACH OTHER.  They prayed for Samantha.  Others also prayed about Steven.  They prayed for themselves.   They gave thanks.  Outloud, I asked His forgiveness for not fulfilling my promise.  This prayer time was precious and powerful, as it always is...

Mike and I sat with Sterling for a few minutes and listened to him share his concern for his mom.  Stephen then joined us for a few private moments to talk about becoming a father at 14.  He shared his desire to be there for his son when he gets out.  He was near tears a few times...

Just as we were wrapping up, the boys who had been at gym returned.  Most headed straight for the shower, but Michael noticed we were there and came over to speak with us.  Michael is the one who asked how he could be sure he's saved several weeks ago.  It was wonderful to see him, to hear about his ongoing visits with his "Grandma" volunteer.  Michael is doing well.

There is so much that occurs during those minutes we are there.  It is hard to process all of it - but it is not hard to see and know that God is weaving His power, mercy and might through every second.  Father, help me to see and know in this same way throughout all of my days...no matter where I am.

Please keep praying for the boys... they are precious indeed. 

Susie

Prayer Requests:

• Pray for Samantha as she recovers. 
• Pray for Sterling's mom as she's still trying to get her car fixed.
• Pray for Steve as he prepares to be moved to the penitentiary.
• Pray for Stephen and his son.
• Pray for Michael's "Grandma" and the work she does inside that prison.  I don't know who she is, but just love her for what she does!!