FROM MIKE:
We arrived at Kemone's about 12:30 PM yesterday. As usual, warm greetings among all including his two roommates Oscar and Darryl. They all shook hands, Kemone gave us both big hugs. We brought in a few boxes of food and things that people had donated. We talked to them about how their week had gone. Oscar is probably the quietest of the three. He seems a little slow to speak and react. But he was glad to see us and said his week was ok. Darryl said his was good, he is working some at KFC but not getting as many hours as he would like. Kemone said he had applied at a few places but was waiting on responses.
Oscar and Darryl went back to their rooms and Kemone was talking about a few other things. We asked if he wanted to go to lunch and he was happy with that idea. We went to a local IHOP. We were blessed there by Kemone telling us about talking with his older brother. Kemone struggled to put his feelings into words and it obviously was a highly emotional conversation the two young men had shared. Kemone said softly with a big smile that it was a call he had been thinking and dreaming about for years. Kemone's brother is 21 and Kemone had not spoken to him for over 4 years. He said his brother was very emotional also. He said his Parole Officer had said it was ok to talk on the phone but Kemone had not yet even discussed meeting him face to face. It truly was a mix of feelings to see Kemone struggle to explain what his emotions were. He just was so thrilled, and yet so sad that it had been so long and they have so much to catch up on and discuss. Kemone told Susie that she had made his brother cry when she talked to him on the phone a couple of weeks ago. Susie is still not sure what was said that touched Kemone's brother. I think it was just a blessed conversation. Kemone said his brother didn't go into details but said it several times. After that we headed back to Kemone's house.
We had decided to have communion, so Kemone put the elements on the table. The roommates were invited and joyfully joined us. Darryl said he hadn't taken communion for years. We talked about John 13. We discussed John saying that " Jesus loved them to the end". How even though He knew He was headed to the cross He still put forth this powerful display of love for them in that He washed their feet. We talked about how Jesus and Peter, as usual, had to have a conversation around why this had to be done. At first Peter said no, then when Jesus explained, Peter wanted not only his feet washed but everything. Jesus once again explained why only the feet needed to be washed.
We then read the passage in 1st Corinthians regarding communion. The part where Paul said to examine yourself, then eat. I told them that we all fall short, everyone at the table. But we all can commit to God and eat of this and share in this important practice. I explained to them how Jesus desired to do this with them.
We all prayed around the table after we had taken the bread and the cup. Prayers for jobs, for increased hours, for health, for families, for getting off parole. Oscar prayed for better health, he said he feels like he has a bunch of bugs. He is feeling better, but not well yet.
It was truly a blessing and honor talking to them about Jesus. About telling them that Jesus loved them enough to go to the cross for them.
After that we just sat and talked about things, about how good Lettie, their house manager is. How they all feel blessed because if a parolee doesn't find housing the place they usually end up is a river bed below a bridge. In other words homeless. It is hard to believe in our society our response to felons on parole is to turn them loose on the streets. But God's justice is not man's justice. God is good and has provided a safe place for these three. We told them people are praying for them all over the world - specifically mentioning our friends in Germany. They all that was the greatest thing they ever heard that people are praying for them globally.
We are so grateful for your prayers and your love and support. God is doing good things in these men's lives. We are so blessed to be a part of it.
FROM SUSIE:
I love Mike's description of our day yesterday. Kemone told us several times how much he loves us. He said thank you over and over again for loving and supporting him. He is such a joy to spend time with. We have been so blessed by this friendship.
Kemone's roommates are 53 and 34. They are kind to him and are not controlling or aggressive. This is yet another answered prayer. I enjoyed sharing Jesus with Darryl yesterday - talking about the command to love one another, no matter what.
Thank you for your prayers!!!
Learning to love like Jesus,
Mike and Susie
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PRAYER REQUESTS:
• Pray for all of their family members. All three of them are concerned for their families.
• Praise God for Lettie - the house manager. She does so much for all of them.
• Pray for good health.
• Pray for a job for Kemone.
• Pray for more hours for Darryl.
• Pray for God to keep putting believers in Kemone's path each day.
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND: On Saturday, May 26, we will be going up to Kemone's house in Victorville for a little celebration. If you are interested in joining us, please send us an email and we will forward more details soon. Kemone would love to meet you and thank you in person for your prayers, donations and support. He would be so blessed by your presence!!
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