God's love is genuine...

Hello!

It's interesting how the structure of our visits has changed.  It used to be that there would be  a group of 15-20 youth in the room when we arrived, and as the evening progressed, we would lose a few one here and there.  Last night when we arrived, there were 5 boys in the room and by the time we left we had spent time with 15 of them.

We always ask each individual how they are doing and what's been happening.  We are starting to track who has achieved "A" status and want them to know that we expect them to work towards that goal.  A status is a period of time without any incidents of any kind.  Some of them don't care about that because nobody else does.  It's interesting how their perspective changes when they realize that someone else is paying attention and wants updates.  Pray for us that we will keep our records straight and accurately stay in communication with them about this, as it seems to be a strong connection point.

We received a letter from Anthony last week. Anthony has been moved to the institution in Stockton several weeks ago.  In Anthony's letter he thanked us for "genuinely" caring about him.  Not only was I completely blessed by receiving this letter from a young man who had looked me in the eye and said, "I will never write back to you, you can stop sending me cards," but the Lord used his comments to remind me that God's love is powerfully different and pure.  And these boys are seeing and feeling God's love and God's presence when we are in the prison, just like Mike and I do.  I was able to write back to Anthony and share with him that Mike and I are just normal people, but it's God who is reaching through us and touching him... and I shared that same message with the boys last night.  Absolutely silent while we talked about God's love.  Powerful to stand before those boys and praise God for giving His Spirit to them so that they are ABLE to feel His presence, and feel the difference of His love.  I was blessed beyond compare with this conversation.  They feel GOD's presence.  Thank you, Father, for allowing Mike and I to watch you work in these boy's hearts!!! 

Mike talked to them about the celebration of Jesus birth this month.  Again, there was silence.  Mike explained that Jesus provided reconciliation to God.  Mike shared some of our family Christmas traditions, and talked about what a difficult time of year this is for many people.  Many of the boys nodded or commented in agreement. 

We took printed schedules for reading the Bible chronologically last night for those who wanted them.  We took six copies, and all six disappeared.  We need to take more next time. 

Their prayers during the closing prayer circle always touch us deeply.  Sometimes as we're forming the prayer circle, boys who weren't with us come to join us.  They continue to pray for each other, which is such growth.  They always pray for strength.  I have to admit that I often open my eyes and look at each boy as they pray as it touches me so deeply to see them in communication with God. 

Thank you so much for the prayers that you are saying for the boys, for the staff and for Mike and I.  We share with the boys that you are praying for them and they are always grateful. and we can feel your prayerful support each time we go. 

We love you,

Mike and Susie

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Prayer Requests

I want Mike and Susie to pray for me ask God to guide me keep me out of trouble and safe as well as motivated and I hopefully parole on December 16, 2010 and hopefully God will give me a chance to show the community that I am a changed young man.  This is what I want you to pray for me and I also pray for my dad that I may work to fix my relationship with the help of God and my effort as well as my father put his effort this will work but it will take time.  Thank you!
~ Osvaldo

I like for Mike and Susie to pray for my Grandma and my girlfriend and sister.
~ Louis

My friend Nate is 15 and just got a 15 year sentence and I'm scared for him.
~ Devon

Can you please pray for me to get healthyer, also to pray for my family especially my cousin who just got married.
~Christopher

• Please pray for Kemone.  He didn't join the group discussion last night but came out to speak with us afterwards and talked about being stressed.
• Please pray for Osvaldo as he prepares to go before the parole board on December 16.  He talked about it, he wrote a prayer request about it, and he shouted to us after we'd walked out the door reminding us to pray for him.  We return the evening of December 16, so we'll be able to get a status from him right away.
• Please pray for Anthony.  He had an injury to his eye and had been "jumped" by another one of the youth.  Anthony is very alone, never has any visitors other than his M2 mentor, and doesn't seem connected to any of the youth or staff.  His mother is in Texas.