Compassion, Caring and Sharing...

From Mike:

Last night was a night of compassion, caring and sharing at Norwalk.

We had 3 new boys, and we had about 18 or so boys altogether . We brought three Bibles, and the last time we were there, Susie had said to get them they had to write a couple things. One young man Lamour had written and had his paper with him. Christopher went ahead and wrote something up while we talked to them.

As usual, we started with an around the room sharing from them. They talked about things like the peace and unity event they had earlier in the day and that it seemed to be missing something this year and was a little bit boring. We heard that from several of them. Susie actually let the "regulars" tell the new guys why we come out there every other week and the results were very special, with them talking about God and how God gives us love for them. One of the young men even said he was thankful for his "mentors" Everyone told us how they were doing. One of our guys had a fight this week, but it was no "big deal" according to him. They always seem to want to characterize it as that.

Susie shared a little bit more about Bibles, about God's sovereignty, how some things we work to make happen, but other things God makes happen. We explained the whole Bible donations, and the Bible prayer partners who support this ministry without failing. We told them that Friday mornings if Susie doesn't get the update out early enough our prayer partners are asking what happened. We told them that people love to pray for them. Love to uphold them before the sovereign God. How God gives them so much compassion for them. I talked to them briefly about Jesus reading scripture. I read them Isaiah 61:1:

¹ The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
   because the LORD has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;

Then I told them- you all need to pay special attention to this and read the other half of the verse:

 he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
   and the opening of the prison to those who are bound

They were very silent during this reading. I explained to them that Jesus wasn't talking about actually opening the doors of the prison, but opening their hearts and giving them the freedom they can find in Jesus. But that is why we come, that is why God allows us to come in there every two weeks. To help them see Jesus and offer the freedom that only God can bring about.

Finally we went into a prayer circle, and beforehand Kyle was talking about how he had been to the hospital and they are still testing him for some painful "bumps" he is having and has had for about a month. Michael asked for prayer for his Grandfather who has throat cancer. During prayer almost everyone of them prayed for those two young men and their afflictions. One of our new guys didn't know what to do when it came to him. Susie told him to just say thanks to God. And that was what he did. Maybe his first prayer? What a glorious thing God lets us share.

I don't know what else to say. I am so touched by these young men and their openness to care about each other. So touched about their concerns for our well being, so touched by their true prayers of "God give me the strength to get through another day." What a wonderful God we have.

From Susie:

Please pray for Kyle as he faces a possible cancer diagnosis.  Kyle is one of the twins and has a three year old son.  He just turned 19 in December.

Devon did not join us again last night, but I did have the opportunity to ask him how he had enjoyed getting letters from our friends - he confirmed having received a lot of mail, but we were quickly interrupted and he disappeared.  Please continue to pray for Devon, God is surely working on his heart as he has never missed an evening with us until the last 2 visits.

Only one of the boys had written about his beliefs and why he wanted a new Bible - Lamour.  At first, I was a little disappointed, but I also understand that these boys have very little trust in others.  Did they believe we would bring a Bible in?  Did they feel it was worth it to write when there are so many of them and they thought there would be one Bible to give away?  Many had forgotten all about it... 

I shared with them the story of how God has now provided a Bible for each of them - and asked them to write before we come back.  But I also realize that some of these boys don't or can't write.  And I am ready to sit apart from the group during the next visit to listen to them tell me about what they believe and why they want the Bible. 

Christopher disappeared briefly and came back with a pad and pen and started writing while we were talking.  He and Lamour each received a Bible last night...their writings are below (I have also attached them so you can see the originals).

Mike shared a message about the God being unchanging and His word being reliable.  Again, it gets very quiet when Mike shares these messages - unlike the bantering that goes on while I'm checking in with them and finding out what's new. 

When we joined hands in the prayer circle, I mentioned again that if anyone did not know how to pray, that they could simply thank God for something or someone in their life.  Michael asked to open - and prayed for Kyle and for his grandfather who has recently been diagnosed with cancer.  Many of the boys prayed for Kyle.  There was a pause when we got to Wade and it took me a moment to realize that he's new, didn't know what to say or do and then Gilbert almost shouted out, "Don't ya know how to pray?"  With a smile, I just asked Wade if he wanted to thank God for anything or anyone - and he thanked God for letting him live through another day.  His first words to God?

Afterwards, some of them always linger and we have the chance to chat with them one on one.  Lamour did not move one inch from where he was sitting, but was tenderly browsing through his new Bible.  Mike and I both overheard him sharing the story of Jerich with Henry, one of the new boys.  He was excited as he spoke of trumpets and walls falling down.  It was glorious to watch this exchange happening while we were there...

Kyle's hug for me before we left lingered quite awhile.  I asked if he was afraid and he said yes.  Please remember to pray for him...

We look forward to taking more Bibles on the next visit.  

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From Christopher:

I believe god is the father of Jesus and sent his son to take our sins away and not to condem the world and help us to come to believe in Christ so we can have eternal life with him.  The reason why I want the bible is to read and understand the scripsers and to follow them through there journey.

From Lamour:

Why do I believe in God & what I want from him?  Well the reason I believe in my father is because me as an individual have experienced and been in predictoments that I was at the bottom and gave into negativitiy and he kept me up always there to guide me in a mindful way and he has not gave me any reason to not trust him and seek him in my lyfe. He has relieved me from anger, deaths, family conflicts and negitive influences. He knows I want to follow deep in my heart even tho I have had my share of trails and tribulations I keep confidence because he reminds me of how blessed I am and always has an ear to listen to me when I needs help. I believe we are blessed and I know it's through and from Him our father.

Why do I want to accept this bible? I want this Bible because I am strongly into my word and this will help me and permit me to comprehend and explore our history that have took place.  I will have to accept the bible so that I can come to conclusions about myself.  I believe this Bible will help me with inner meaningful steps.

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Prayer Requests:

Pray for my mom.

~ Lamour

Can you pray for me and my daughter and my family too - and that I get out 6-15-11.  (Henry has an adult conviction and hopes to be released before his 18th birthday which is 6/23 and asked for prayer aloud also.)

~ Henry

I would like for you to pray for my brother Kyle and to ask the Lord to take away the sickness and make him well and can you pray for my family and my girl.

~ Louis

My friend Kyle, my grandpa who haves throat cancer, where I'm gone live when I get out, my treatment, my sister, Mike and Susie

~ Michael

I would like for you to pray over the twins and there family and my family and a friend of mine William Halswroth and his family. For my staff and Renee and her family and the world and my fellow peers and just wellness in myself and just pray for my sickness and try to pray for yourself.  Thank you.

~ Kemone

I need extra prayer for Sister Gini's mother who has cancer.

~ Joshua

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Learning to love like Jesus,

Mike and Susie