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Prayer For Prisoners International - May 2007
Over the last two weeks, we traveled over 4,500 miles and held eleven prison services. The blessings were bountiful and we believe God will bring an abundant eternal harvest from this trip. You were there as we felt your prayers lifting and encouraging us. As we traveled, doors opened in hearts of waitresses, service station attendants and others encountered along the way. Prayers were said for MANY. Once we come to know Jesus and experience freedom in Him, all of life is a mission trip. We MUST pass it on to others when He gives opportunity. At the end of our last weekend in Florida we rushed from Bonifay to Milton and stopped for a quick lunch between services. Our plans were to eat with a friend who had previously been incarcerated in Colorado. He is doing wonderful with a great job and is very involved in church. He helps care for his elderly grandmother. His story and many others like his are so encouraging. These stories spur me on. Sometimes weariness tries to settle in but the love of Christ compels me. It is only by His grace, as I rest in Him, am I able to carry on. Isn’t that what He wants of us all? Just to rest in Him? He is an awesome wonderful God! Prisoners at every facility completed prayer forms and Rick is processing them now. We returned with over 500 and nearly that many were waiting for us. You will probably be receiving them soon. Most will be mailed with this newsletter. Please don’t feel overwhelmed. Simply pray as the Spirit leads. It may be only once. God has already heard the prayer. The prisoners wrote some praise reports on the back of their forms and some are included. For those of you new to PWFP or if you are a bit weary, Bill wrote: “If you’re a church member just getting involved with ministering to prisoners, I encourage you to continue. Do not be swayed when you hear media accounts of x-prisoners re-arrested for some crime, violent or other. You will NOT hear in the news of those who go on to serve the Lord and be an asset to their community. That’s not sensational news in the media’s eyes. However, God says it is sensational and to be applauded. It is by His grace and power. May the Lord bless you as you continue to minister to the “Least of These.” The following poem by Michael was in the Spring Freedom Walk. Following the poem is a response from another prisoner. Only God knows how many this little newsletter ministers to. Thank you, Lee and Pete Mowers for your graphic talents and time to put it together. You are SO appreciated. A MOTHERS’ HEALING To this, Don wrote: "It took me a while before I could pick up my pen and not cry after reading the poem, A Mother’s Healing by Michael. We are in similar circumstances. My mom has been diagnosed terminal because of two bad valves in her heart that are inoperable. Please pray for my mom’s healing to the Him through whom all things are possible.” Alan wrote his entire prayer request, address, etc. on paper instead of the form provided on a FW page. Then he added: “I wrote this request on regular paper because I do not want to lose one word of your inspirational newsletter. Thank you.” Then there are the praise reports: “After being diagnosed with liver cancer and Hep. C. and enduring cancer treatment, I was given one year to live. I lost 90 lbs which left me at 90 lbs. I was very sick. Many were praying for me. I prayed almost constantly for a year since I was on my knees at the toilet most of the time. I prayed a lot and Jesus came to me and told me I was going to be alright. That was 10 years ago. Now, I’ve had blood tests and they told me there’s nothing wrong with my liver and I don’t have Hep.C. Praise GOD! Glory to my Lord and Savior.” Ronald, Bristol, FL Pray for my brother in Christ, Jose, who is a big part and FAN of PWFP. This ministry inspired him so much, he became an intercessor. HE was just transferred to Wakulla CI. He would have loved to meet the FAMOUS PRAYER WARRIORS!” (To this, I had to smile. Jose knows the “famous ONE” his Lord who intercedes for him every moment). “I praise God for the renewing of my mind in areas that seemed impossible to reach. I am so grateful He brought me to this physical prison so I can break free from the inside out. I give Him all the glory. God is preparing a place for me in the Potters’ House where He is always making beautiful creations out of broken, lost souls just like I used to be.” Tiffany “I praise God for allowing me to come to prison so I could get clean and sober and have a closer walk with the Lord than I’ve ever had. So when I get out, I can be the mother and daughter God wants me to be and so I can help others.” Robin Hundreds of praise reports and testimonies confirm God’s favor on PWFP. As we continue working together, more and more will be touched for Christ. Through your prayers, mountains are moved, hearts are opened and lives changed. Thank you and God bless you richly,
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Thank you for your financial and prayer support to make this mission trip to Florida possible. As I review the past two weeks I am at a loss for words. The Spirit truly went before us. Before leaving Colorado, we were hammered by the enemy in every way imaginable. Nevertheless, we pressed on, knowing God had great things planned or the enemy would leave us alone. We were deeply saddened, however, by the sudden loss of Paul Danley’s father. Our sympathy goes out to Paul and his family. Paul leads the High Atmosphere Blue Grass Band which went with us for the first six facility services, beginning with Lowell women’s at Ocala. What a joy to serve with men of God like the High Atmosphere Blue Grass Band. They did an outstanding job with the message in music, humor and the joy on their faces. The band is an asset as many prisoners will not attend chapel but come to hear the music and receive the bonus message of the Gospel and freedom through Jesus Christ. For many, this is a sweet, blessed surprise. We prayed for nearly half of the men and women at most services. Several received Jesus as Savior. Many recommitted their lives to Him. Some sent messages of gratitude to volunteers who pray for them. Thank you, guys! The Lord used you mightily and you blessed all of us. Leo and Mary Ellen Neal retired from DOC chaplaincy just in time to join us on this mission. Leo gave a message at each prison. Every service was unique but in all, lives were touched for eternity. Our deep gratitude goes to Black Forest Chapel and Gooseberry Patch Restaurant in Penrose for hosting fund raising events for this trip. We are grateful to everyone who participated in any way. Because you gave and prayed, you also were a part of everything the Lord did on this mission and your reward is written in heaven. Marsha did a super job managing everything in our absence and God gave us wonderful times with friends and family along the way.