From Mike:
So as always when you go into prison you find you are at the disposition of so many others. When we arrived there was a guard in the parking lot. He appeared to be looking for something. But as we went in, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. The guard at the desk took our IDs and then called and told us we could go into the Gibbs unit. When we entered, we started walking down the hall, and then all of a sudden the same guard who had let us in about 2 minutes earlier came back and said, "We have an emergency and you will have to come back to the lobby." I wondered right away if we would even get in since it was already after 7pm. We watched as a fire truck, ambulance and paramedic drove up. The guard told us someone had a reaction to some type of food or medicine or something.
Finally about 7:30 we got to enter. Some of the young guys were waiting for us, glad to see us. They filed in a few at a time. We finally ended up with about 15 or so. We had a few minutes for greeting. We asked how they were doing. I think we all had a sense that this might be the last time we would visit Norwalk, to see our friends that God has blessed us with. We knew we didn't have long so Susie turned to me and asked me to speak. I didn't really have a lot prepared, but a couple of them asked for me to "bring them the word of God." So I asked them this, "Why do we come to see you?" It was a question I asked them the first time we ever came in to talk to them. A question I had reminded them about frequently when we first started going in. One of the young men said, "Because you care for us." That is it, that simple, we go in because we care for them and God cares for them even more.
God says in Hebrews 13:3- Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. Think about them as if we are in prison with them? We are for just a few minutes each month. We feel the disconnect from the world they feel, the power that those watching over them have and the lack of freedom they face every day. I reminded them of God - how he can provide freedom no matter what they face. Of how he cared so much for them that he sent his Son to die for their sins, for our sins, for my sins. How I deserved to die and be separated from God, but through his grace I was joined with Him. We shared some emotions regarding how much we cared for them. We prayed together and as always listened as they prayed for each other, for us, for their families who struggle outside of the walls of the prison.
What a blessing to be able to love these young men. To know that we have let our little lights shine for just a few minutes into the lives of these young men. Your prayers, your gifts of Bibles, your gifts of socks and treats and your letters make such a difference to each of these young men. They need to know that someone cares about them. That someone knows their pain and sorrows with them. God bless you for everything you have done for them. What a great God we serve.
From Susie:
We have made our last trip into the youth prison. And as sad as I am, I am anxiously awaiting the day when God will open a new door for us to walk through to serve Him. I never would have thought we would be loving people in prison, so who knows where we will go next! Send us, Lord!!
We had limited time last Thursday night because of the delays when we entered, but we still had a good time. There were extra hugs and I think Ivan asked me at least five times, "Are you really going to come see us up north?" I kept answering yes, but he just couldn't believe it. Please be praying that we will be able to see them in Stockton - as a group - as we always have.
- Ivan is quite an artist and gave Renee a drawing he had made for her with Robbie's name on it. Renee was so touched by Ivan's gift and I know she'll treasure it forever.
- Kyle is still seeing the doctors and they still don't know exactly what's going on with his health and his "bumps". Please continue to pray for him.
- Louie only has to finish 2 more credit to graduate high school. Pray that he will remain diligent after the move to Stockton and complete high school.
- Stephen has been moved to the adult penitentiary, we will continue writing to him there.
- Lamour was released as his case is being appealed. Praise God, who sets the prisoners free!!!
- Eugene told Mike that he had watched the Lecrae video that we took last time repeatedly. Pray that Eugene will seek God when he is released, instead of violating again and again as he has in the past.
- Tyquin is very close to earning his "A Level" - please pray that he will stay on track and be able to share his news with us in writing from Stockton.
- Manuel shared a lot of his story with me Thursday night - his offenses and that his sentence is "juvenile life". He will be incarcerated until he's 25. He has started the tattoo removal process and has a sincere desire to separate himself from his old gang lifestyle. Manuel needs so much prayer and support. If you are interested in writing to him in Stockton, please let me know. ANY encouragement will help him.
- Juan has also been moved to the adult penitentiary. Please pray for strength and access to other believers.
Thank you again and again for all of the support you have provided through prayers, letters and gifts for the boys. Please pray for Mike and I as we listen for God's leading to another way that we can serve Him.
Learning to love like Jesus,
Mike and Susie
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