The Bible is My Shield...

Hello!

Sometimes it is hard for me to find the words to describe our visits to the youth prison. Last night is one of those times...

It is such a blessing to go into a prison with Melanie. Working with the youth is her purpose, it is her passion, it is her mission from and with God. The boys are captivated by her, inspired by her, God reaches through her and touches each of them when she spends time with them. They were thrilled to see her. Mike and I sat back and watched...

Our time opened with a prayer circle and Melanie always requires that you stand next to someone who DOESN'T look like you... the boys were happy to point out that there were too many white folks in a row. That made me chuckle... they prayed beautifully, as they always do. Melanie prayed over Steven, who turns 18 on Sunday and will go to the penitentiary soon. She called on God's angels to protect him and talked to him about proclaiming the name of Jesus inside that prison. Her instructions to him were firm and loving; he listened intently.

She encouraged them to share their talents and we were blessed by Marquis and Steven doing some rap for us. I was moved to tears. Their words were straight from their hearts, and I wish I'd had a video camera or tape recorder to capture the intensity. Marquis talked about the "Bible is my shield" and "when it rains it pours"... Steven spoke often about his mother, it was clear he adores her. I asked both of them if they would write down their words and send them to me as I'd like to re-read them often. Their words were like windows straight into their lives and their hearts... powerful experience.

Melanie encouraged the boys to give us parent contact information - and many of them did. We can reach out to their parents now also...

Their prayer requests are below... we will return to the prison next Thursday, 11/11.

In Jesus,

Susie and Mike (and Melanie too!)


Prayer Requests...

My twin baby boys who will be born in March
My girl Andrea Ramos
My sister who's locked up
And me when I get out 12/27/2010
Carlos

Pray for my mother 2 know that I will be all right when I head 2 prison.
Steven

Pray for my Grandma Anita who's sick (foster grandparent in prison)
Michael

Pray for my family's financial problems
Kemone

Pray for me to get better and pray for my family.
Chris

Pray for my Uncle Scott who is in a 3 year coma.
Pray for my father because he's fighting his 3rd strike.
And to also pray for my friend because she's 17 and she's dating a 35 year old guy cause she's got nowhere to go.
Scott