And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
Acts 6:7
From Mike:
Wow - what a joy it is to watch God at work.
Last night Tom, Renee and I were able to get into Norwalk once again. We were asked at the entrance why Tom was going to Gibbs, and we told them the story of how he went to another unit but was unable to do that without someone else so he would be going with us. Renee was not even questioned regarding her entrance this time. God opened the doors very wide.
After we got to the unit it was so good to see many of them. They came up and gave us handshakes and hugs. It was very warm and uncomfortable. A lot of them asked about Susie and I said she was at home resting her feet and many of them said to tell her hi and they said they would pray for her. I told them after we settled in a bit that we needed to go around the room and they could introduce themselves to Tom and Renee. Most of them had seen Tom and Rene previously at events or when Renee had shared her testimony with them but it is a good way to let them kind of get a little more focus.
I gave a Bible to Tyquin who had wanted one previously but we ran out. It was great because the Bible was actually signed by Renee and she got to share a moment with him and he could thank her face to face. I honestly had not looked at who had signed the Bible before handing it to him. Our God does have a sense of humor about things like that as well as great timing.
Tom began his story, and there were 22 guys in the room. It is difficult to give your testimony any time but these young men really struggle with focus. Tom did a good job of asking for quiet when needed and talked about how he came to know Jesus. He talked about saying the sinners prayer. I heard one of the young men say to another one, "What is the sinners prayer?" I stopped Tom and asked him to explain the sinner's prayer. Tom did a GREAT job of explaining how we all fall short of the glory of God and how Jesus came to give us eternal life. How God sees us through Jesus and how we can agree with God that we sin and fall short. He continued with his story for the next 20 minutes or so and I think they settled in and really listened for most of it.
After Tom finished I was talking to them about praying a bit, and holding each other up. God once again surprised me as Manuel quietly asked me for a Bible. Manuel has been with our group for quite a while, and is a big guy with lots of tattoos running down both arms. He has always been willing to sit and listen but not engaged too much. A couple visits ago Manuel had shared some very touching moments with Susie actually crying on her shoulder about how hard it is and how he was having problems with his girlfriend. Susie prayed over him that night. Last time we were in Manuel had been in a better place, a little more comfortable. So when he asked about a Bible I handed the last one I had with me to him. He said the following, "Juan is helping me find a better way." Juan is a young man who we gave a Bible to a few months ago. Juan accepted the Lord since arriving at the Norwalk prison (while speaking with Jordan and Ivan). He has in fact given a Bible to a friend of his on another unit. He has received a English/Spanish Bible from the Spanish ministry at Bethany. He is now evangelizing to others.....How great is our God indeed. I talked to Manuel briefly about reading his Bible every day. He said Juan would show him good things to read. Juan sat right beside him smiling, nodding his head. Tom heard the conversation and told Manuel he would talk to him next time he came in and ask him what he had been reading.
We had the prayer circle and many of the young men prayed for Rene and her family, for Susie, for Tom, for Kyle who still has not had his surgery(now next week). As we wrapped up many of the young men asked Tom to come back, to come to events, and the same with Renee. It was 8:15 and time for us to leave, and I was so taken by how God is just busily preparing His kingdom and we have a chance to see it happening.
Thanks to each person who prays for us. God is doing mighty things. Powerful things. He laughs at the plans men make to change things, to close doors, to stop Him. God is relentless.
Learning to love like Jesus,
Mike and Susie
From Renee:
It felt wonderful that I was able to FINALLY get in to see the boys on a Thursday, PRAISE GOD! When we arrived the boys started coming in and I was able to meet many of the new young men.
First, I found Kyle and asked how he was doing, I'm always concerned about his health. We talked about how frustrating it has been that he keeps preparing himself mentally for his medical procedure but the hospital keeps rescheduling. He is supposed to have his procedure next week. I pray the doctors will start treating the cancer before it gets out of hand.
I had great conversations with the boys, several of them were having a tough week. Christopher shared that his best friend was moved to another facility and he was now alone. We were able to talk about the situation one-on-one for a while.
Some of the boys were having trouble keeping quiet while Tom spoke but I think those who needed to hear him did. God can be heard is any situation.
One boy, Anthony, who doesn't get visitors ask me to start visiting him on Saturdays. I told him I would, he gave me a visitors form to get approved. Over the months I have been encouraging him to make A Phase...now I will be able to meet with him and give him God's direction.
Kemone told me he has been in A Phase for one year and he was receiving a watch. I told him how proud I was that he has committed himself to being an outstanding young man. He leaves for the adult prison in a couple of weeks and I know this is stressful on him.
A couple of weeks ago I signed a Bible and it just happened that I was able to meet the boy that received it. He thanked me and I told him I was glad he received it. I'm going to try to talk to him one-on-one next Bible study.
Many asked if I was coming back, I told them I am my planning on attending with Susie and Mike on Thursdays.
I shared with the boys about my brother, John, who just got out of jail (again). I told them he read Purpose Driven Life and has committed to serving God. They prayed for John during prayer circle.
Prayer circle started out a little noisy but by the end they all seemed to settle down and pray. One young man started to pray but he then stopped and said I don't know what to say. So the next young man continued. Next Thursday I'm going to find him and talk to him about prayer.
Blessings,
Renee
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