Newsletter
June 2009
Dear Friend,
“Rescue the perishing, care for the dying, Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.” Fanny J. Crosby
“I just finished a 5 year sentence in the Virgin Islands.” It didn’t seem possible. Robert is only 19. He was a newcomer to the Bible Study, so the inmates and I offered our sympathy and continued. In jail, no one ever asks and few talk about what brought them there.
“I killed my brother when I was 14, that’s why I went to prison……..” Even the hardest man at the table was silent. He continued. “Is there any hope for me? I mean God doesn’t forgive murder does he?”
I looked at my watch- five minutes left to explain the Gospel and rescue this young man- then I looked into 19 year old eyes. “God will forgive you.” I said. “We’re all sinners. Jesus died on the cross so that our sins could be forgiven. All you have to do is ask.” The other men at the table jumped into the conversation and before we knew it, Robert was safe on shore again. As we prayed the sinner’s prayer, I saw new life in his eyes. Robert was smiling as he left the room. The power of the Gospel is awesome.
People are perishing all around us. It took great courage for Robert to speak up, but he did, because I was there and your support made that possible. Thank you for being part of the Life Boat Team. Life Boat Team work together. No one goes out alone.The Lord continues to bless this ministry and we give thanks. I wish there were space in this letter to share all the stories of God’s grace we encounter each week. The Life Boat Program is 3 years old and we are seeing the fruits of our work in changed lives. Mike came to church last Sunday with his family. He’s been out for two years now and is doing well. There are many others and God is glorified in the lives being changed.
Thank you. With your help we were able to buy 6 cases of Bibles- enough to keep us going for a couple of months. They are already in the basement. Every Bible is a life saved. Please consider giving for Bibles on a regular basis
Thanks for your gifts and your prayers.
Much grace and many blessings,
Mark
P.S. Want to have a more direct role in ministry, but don’t have the time? Join our prayer support team. Every other week, I email a list of prayer requests from the inmates. Prayer works, I see it in the faces and the testimony of those we are praying for.