Newsletter
July 2007
Dear Friend,
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Col 1.13-14
Free Indeed...
Roger is a short man like me, with curly hair and wire rim glasses. He's in his late forties and until two months ago had probably never been closer to the jail than Route 3. Last week he came forward after Bible study. "Can I ask a question?" he said. "I was just wondering…I mean, what I want to know, is… is it too late to change, you know, change my life?" A sob burst from his throat. "Roger," I replied,"it's never too late. God loves you and he's waiting." Instantaneously, his tears stopped. A smile stretched across his lips. As Roger headed back to his cell, his step was lighter, and his head higher. Jesus saves, indeed.
Proclaiming the year of the Lord's favor...
Real change begins inside the walls where the Gospel seed is planted, and the new disciple is nourished. God is blessing our work there. June was a month of firsts. The Chaplains at the Massachusetts Treatment Center in Bridgewater and at Gardiner MCI were kind enough to invite me to minister to their congregations. There were also opportunities to renew relationships at Shirley and Norfolk MCI. I continue to visit Concord "Farm" every Monday night to stand in the gap until a new Chaplain comes on board.
Welcoming the stranger home...
Our aftercare ministry is growing as well. Last week, almost half my time was spent helping newly released prisoners and their families get settled. The high point of my month had to be the smile on a little girl's face as she showed me the new clothes her mother was choosing for her from the voucher we helped obtain at the Salvation Army. The Life Boat mentors met last Monday evening to develop a concept and plan for a drop-in center in Lowell.
Ask the Lord of the Harvest, therefore to send out workers...
The need for the Gospel, for housing, for jobs, for direction and simple friendship among prisoners and former prisoners is overwhelming. We need volunteers, but not everyone is called or able to do direct ministry. There are many other ways to help. Consider becoming a member of the Board of Directors for NEPM. Be a shepherd of lost sheep. If you're interested let me know.
Look what the Lord has done...
We thank God for his provision and pray for His direction and his blessing. The harvest is ready and we continue to move forward one day at a time, one need at a time, and one life at a time. There are many disappointments, but they are washed away in the smiles, and hope that shine in the lives of those we serve. Thanks for your generous support, your prayers and your encouragement. We see the fruit every day. You come too.
Much grace and many blessings,
