One Year Later...

God sent us in to Gibbs unit, at SYCRCC in Norwalk,  for the first time on June 24th, 2010 - one year ago today.  It is glorious to look back and think about that first visit when we met eleven of the boys.  A year later, we have thirty friends on Gibbs who now have study Bibles, penpals and who know that many people are praying for them.  God has now sent us into another unit - Futch  - has added two of our friends (Tom and Renee) and has even granted us the ability to visit individual boys on Saturdays when we can.   God has taught Mike and I so much through this ministry, through the boys and through your encouragement and support.

On the way to the prison last night, Mike and I talked about how we wanted to ask those who haven't yet surrendered their lives to Christ, if they wanted to do so.  It was a lively conversation and we arrived with much anticipation.

When we checked in, we were told that they were locked down and we couldn't enter.  We decided to sit and wait.  After about 20 minutes, Mike headed out to get the car.  Within seconds, the guard said, "Hey, you guys can enter if you want." God opened the doors... I was able to get Mike's attention and call him back.  This is the same guard that usually does whatever he can to prevent us from entering or taking things in with us. He was actually helpful last night!!  We thanked God for His provision... in we went...

When we got to the unit, there was nobody there.  Then we heard the guards yelling down the hallway, "Mike and Susie are here!" several times.  Since we were late, many of them had gone ahead into the showers.  It was H O T on the unit last night.  The boys entered a couple here, a couple more, another one, a few more.  By the end of the night, we had 23 present. We have two new boys - Tyquin and Mark. 

• Henry is still there.  Instead of being released, he is now on his way to the penitentiary.  So often, the boys don't seem to have a very clear understanding of what is happening to them.  This was quite an example of that.  Henry's 18th birthday was yesterday, so he could be moved any day now. 
• Scott can be pretty disruptive while we're there, and I had sent him a note several weeks ago and asked him if he would step into the role of a leader, and set an example for the group while we're there - by being respectful and orderly.  I have been impressed by how he has responded, and enjoyed sharing that with him last night.  I thanked him and told him what a difference I've seen during our last few visits.  He lit up as I complimented him and told him how proud I am of him.  Scott let us know that he will be having surgery on the 29th for two cysts near his tailbone. 
• Kyle still has not seen the doctor again.  I spoke with his social worker two weeks ago and he expected to write some letters and meet with Kyle last week, but hasn't been there yet.  I will be calling him again today.  Kyle stated that the "bump" in his groin continues to grow.  I am very frustrated that he is not getting prompt and effective care and treatment. 
• Anthony asked when we're coming for a Saturday visit again.  We plan to go tomorrow and spend time with Anthony, Sterling, Kyle, Louis and Kemone.

Four more boys have submitted the paperwork for "A" level.  It's amazing how much they have responded to our tracking and attention to these achievements.  We are very proud of them when achieve "A" level, which is 90 days with no violations or violence.  God has spoken so clearly to Mike and I about how we should connect with the boys,

Because the group was so big last night, it took a long time to do our "check in" with everyone.  When we were finished, I shared with the boys about the word "significant".  I talked to them about my desire to feel significant in other people's lives, but that only God can satisfy that need.  When I was finished, I asked Mike to share his message and he let me know that we were out of time and needed to join hands for prayer.   I had hogged up what little time we had!!

We joined hands for prayer.  More and more the boys are putting arms around each other's shoulders during prayer.  Remember in the beginning when we couldn't even get them to hold hands without protest? I can still hear them saying, "Can't we just fist bump??"  What a beautiful change!!  The circle was big and the prayers abundant.  They continue to pray for each other, for us and even for the facility and staff.  My, what a change we have seen in these boys in the last year.  Praise God!! 

Thank you again and again for your prayers, encouragement and support. 

Learning to love like Jesus,

Mike and Susie

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Prayer Requests

• Kyle - that God's will be done!  That he will get in to the doctor, get a firm diagnosis and treatment plan and that treatment will stay on a consistent and effective course. 
• Scott - who is having surgery on June 29th.
• Henry - who will be moving to the penitentiary soon.
• Kemone - who will be moving to the penitentiary soon.
• Wahye - who will go before the board on July 1 and hopes to get a 6 month time cut.
• Facility Guards and Staff - scheduled closing of the facility on 12/31 could mean loss of jobs and security; this has to be a very difficult time for them.

Kyle and Susie

Mother's Day Event (05/2011)