Cookies and clay...

I am the same as you in God’s sight; I too am a piece of clay.
~ Job 33:6

Hello!

Mike and I were greeted last night by an unfamiliar face - a young man we hadn't met before.  He approached Mike directly and asked, "Are you Mike?"  "Yep."  "Can I join your group?"  "Yep."  That was a great way to start the evening.

We learned that Kyle #1 has been moved to Chino for processing into the men's prison there.  This made my heart very, very heavy.  Please pray for him. 

We had 19 with us last night.  The question was, "Who is your favorite person and why?"  Many mentioned Mom, several mentioned Dad/Pops. Anthony #1 said he doesn't have a favorite person.  There is much darkness in this young man.  He is always present to participate with us, but doesn't communicate.  He will turn 18 in August. 

There was a new boy tonight.  He and I made eye contact from the get-go and he moved to stand next to me when we prayed.  When he prayed, he said, "Father, forgive us all for our sins."  The Holy Spirit moved...  After prayer, he came over to me and said, "I wanted to tell you that I'm a Muslim."  "That's ok, I still care about you."  The conversation was fascinating from that point on. 

Sterling was standing on my left when we prayed and he squeezed my hand so tight that my fingers cramped up!  Mike and I talked on the way home about how distracted the boys are when we start to pray.  By the time 4 or 5 of them have prayed, the Spirit is present and the room gets very quiet.  The prayers become more intense.

We had birthday cake last night - yes I gave them sugar again!  Our request to show the movie, "The Blind Side" was denied, so we did birthday cake for one of the boys.  We held off on the cake until the very end.

Mike and I both received hugs from several when we said good-byes.  That was a first.  The relationships are growing, and connections are strengthening.  We told them again last night that every person in that room is the same - a sinner and in need of God.  One of the boys gently accused me of favoritism - and it gave me another opportunity to talk about us all being the same.  They all need attention so badly and it's fragile to not give one more attention than another.

We have completed the first 3 foundational visits and are ready to move into a more direct and purposeful gospel message with each visit.

We will return August 5.

Blessings,

Susie


Prayer Requests:

• Anthony #1 - He participates but does not communicate.  I see darkness in him, like none of the others.
• Anthony #2 - Is very controlling of the other youth and can be disruptive at times.  We need to establish loving authority with him.
• Kyle #1 - has already been moved to Chino for processing into the men's prison. 
• All of the young men - that they will meet Jesus!
• Facility staff - that they see and hear the Lord in our visits also.

Praises:

• Kyle #2 - his foot is healed and he is no longer using a wheelchair.
• Lazaro - is doing well at MATFA's Cherry House.  Has been spending a lot of time with his Dad.