Greetings Everyone!
The following dedicated volunteers were present: Francis W., Cheryl W.,(Our music Masters--singing and playing Worship Songs), Brad R., Craig S., Jim B. and Paul P.
67 smiling faces came down for Worship tonight....Correction--65 smiling faces, ready to praise Jesus, and 2 "frowner's" came with them. When I told the 2 that they would be in the presence of the King of Kings tonight, they "lit-up" and smiled brightly...!!
Of the 67 present, 12 men were down to the service for the very 1st time on a Monday-night. The message given tonight (which we call "The Word"), was on the Anti-Abortion Psalm. (My-o-my, is that going to bring up some raised eyebrows!!!) Psalm 139 states that ..."For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful....When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body...." (Ps.139:13-16a).
I don't see anything in Scripture about some questions that are often asked, ie., "What about Rape or Incest?" I only see that Our Holy God loves us (all) so much that HE personally watched (or watches) our development in the miracle of birth. Enough said.....
12 inmates in the 1st timers group--only 2 professed to be Christians. After the Gospel Message was given, ALL professed to now be a follower of Jesus Christ by saying the Salvation Prayer....Praise God!! Some admitted that they had been saved at a very early age (7-9 yrs.old), but that they had "back-slidden" so much that they thought they were now not worthy to be called a Christian. I then explained that what they really had done tonight was to re-dedicate" their lives' to the King !!! I explained that "once-saved--always saved"; you cannot lose your Salvation, but you can re-dedicate yourself.
The following are Prayer Requests for the Volunteers:
Brad R.-for Daughter
Jim B.-for Unity of our Team of Volunteers & his new job offer--direction from God.
Cheryl W.-Health
Francis W.-Order in his life.
Craig S.-Patiences/ pray for a co-worker who has recently been diagnosed w/cancer. (Note:I personally appreciate Craigs' heart for praying for his neighbors and co-workers !)
Ed B.-Wife, Patricia, for her up-coming surgery.
Gaius C.-take time for rest and relaxation; spending quality time with wife and kids.
Paul P.-new business; needs direction and more customers.
Paul B.-organizing schedule(s) for school.
New Volunteers-learning the Gospel Message and how to deliver it.
In Christ, Brother Paul
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
SERVING THE LORD
I've been involved in the Prison Pen Pal Program since 2005. In that time I've written and received countless letters. There are lows and there are highs, but I keep writing because I know it's my calling from God.
February 2009, I receive a letter in the mailroom from Odi, not addressed to anyone in particular, but from a prison. Being the Adult Prison Pen Pal Coordinator, I handle those incoming letters. Many of them are requesting Bibles, Bible studies, or to be added to the pen pal list. This particular letter, as others have, tugged at my heart in a way I had to respond with more them just the general information.
One letter led to another, and without the man asking for me to be his pen pal, nor I saying I would be, we’ve continued to write. Each letter is filled with opportunities to mentor, praise, uplift, and give hope and love.
This mans heart was heavy with unforgiveness. I just happened to have not one, but two books I’d purchase sometime ago about forgiveness. I sent both, and he received much from reading them, and even went on to share them with others.
I can’t tell you how many times God has placed me in a Sunday service that’s helped me to speak much needed words to my pen pals. How many times a book crosses my path that later cries out to be sent to someone specifically I write to. Even in reading my daily devotional, I often run across one that fits the struggle one of my pen pals had just written me about.
This is what Odi recently wrote me:
“Thank you for blessing me with your friendship, your inspiration, and your mentorship. Because of people like you, it’s not hard to see just how good God is”.
Now that’s what serving the Lord is all about. Odie’s words spoke right to my heart, for its words like that, that reaffirms God’s hand in all of this. What a blessing it is to bless others.
This is just one of the reasons I share the love of Christ. I want everyone to feel the love one receives when serving the Lord. Instead of a vicious circle of serving oneself, it's an amazing circle of love and hope.
May all you who serve be blessed as you have blessed.
February 2009, I receive a letter in the mailroom from Odi, not addressed to anyone in particular, but from a prison. Being the Adult Prison Pen Pal Coordinator, I handle those incoming letters. Many of them are requesting Bibles, Bible studies, or to be added to the pen pal list. This particular letter, as others have, tugged at my heart in a way I had to respond with more them just the general information.
One letter led to another, and without the man asking for me to be his pen pal, nor I saying I would be, we’ve continued to write. Each letter is filled with opportunities to mentor, praise, uplift, and give hope and love.
This mans heart was heavy with unforgiveness. I just happened to have not one, but two books I’d purchase sometime ago about forgiveness. I sent both, and he received much from reading them, and even went on to share them with others.
I can’t tell you how many times God has placed me in a Sunday service that’s helped me to speak much needed words to my pen pals. How many times a book crosses my path that later cries out to be sent to someone specifically I write to. Even in reading my daily devotional, I often run across one that fits the struggle one of my pen pals had just written me about.
This is what Odi recently wrote me:
“Thank you for blessing me with your friendship, your inspiration, and your mentorship. Because of people like you, it’s not hard to see just how good God is”.
Now that’s what serving the Lord is all about. Odie’s words spoke right to my heart, for its words like that, that reaffirms God’s hand in all of this. What a blessing it is to bless others.
This is just one of the reasons I share the love of Christ. I want everyone to feel the love one receives when serving the Lord. Instead of a vicious circle of serving oneself, it's an amazing circle of love and hope.
May all you who serve be blessed as you have blessed.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
How to Clear Your Illinois Criminal Record
Click on the title to go to the How to Clear Your Illinois Criminal Record web site.
Or copy and past - http://www.state.il.us/defender/expforms/07instguide.pdf
What the law does:
The law, called the Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5 et seq.), allows qualifying arrests, supervisions and convictions to be either expunged or sealed. Many people who have never been convicted can qualify to have their arrest record either expunged or sealed. Many misdemeanor, non-violent convictions can eventually be sealed. Two types of Class 4 felony convictions—possession of a controlled substance and prostitution—can be sealed 4 years after the sentence is completed. Only criminal records prosecuted and maintained by the State of Illinois are affected. Federal and out-of-state convictions do not fall under the new law.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
FROM THE COOK COUNTY JAIL TEAM
Hey Everyone!
Volunteers Present: Paul P., Bob V., Craig S., Craig D., Adam S.
With the absence of our current Music Men, Paul P. brought in his "boom-box" and provided a CD of the Cathedrals. Such songs as: Sinner Saved by Grace, Something About that Nome(Jesus) and Suppertime. It was interesting for the inmates, since none of them ever heard any of these songs!
65 men attended the services tonight, of which 11 were first timers. Of the 11, 9 were not sure as to whether they were Christians or not. One young man said that he thought he was a Christian, but declared that he was Catholic and that he wasn't about to change his religion. I then explained the difference between religion and being a Christian. I explained that religion was an organization and that Christianity was being a true follower of Jesus Christ. That the two can go hand-in-hand. He then said that since he was Catholic and he was a good person, God had to let him into heaven.
Since our time was running out, I tried, very quickly, to explain the difference between organized religion and being a follower of Christ. I told him that Catholics can be Christians if they have a personal relationship with Jesus (in their hearts'). He still didn't understand and thought that I was trying to change his religion. I told him to talk to other Christians on his floor and to please come back next week. After the evening was over, I went over to him to give him a hug, but he was NOT very huggable....Please pray that he will understand.
Of the 11--8 gave their lives' to Christ and 2 were already saved, but made a new commitment to Jesus. Praise God.!!!
In 3 of the small groups, run by Adam, Bob and Craig D....something interesting happened....without these 3 volunteers talking to each other, all three groups talked about PRAYER and how to pray....Quite interesting.
Volunteer Prayer Requests:
Ed B.--wife illness and up-coming brain surgery.
Ramiro M.--for his son and his family, (son very ill and still in the hospital).
Gaius--refreshing time spent with son Jesse at Church Camp for several days.
Paul P.--need more business in his new job as a Handyman.
Craig S.--Patience
Adam S.--needs a job....needs a job....needs a job....and NOW.
Bob V.--That his business will get a boost in this economy and get moving.
Craig D.--to learn how to give the Gospel Message in a clear and understandable way.
Paul
Volunteers Present: Paul P., Bob V., Craig S., Craig D., Adam S.
With the absence of our current Music Men, Paul P. brought in his "boom-box" and provided a CD of the Cathedrals. Such songs as: Sinner Saved by Grace, Something About that Nome(Jesus) and Suppertime. It was interesting for the inmates, since none of them ever heard any of these songs!
65 men attended the services tonight, of which 11 were first timers. Of the 11, 9 were not sure as to whether they were Christians or not. One young man said that he thought he was a Christian, but declared that he was Catholic and that he wasn't about to change his religion. I then explained the difference between religion and being a Christian. I explained that religion was an organization and that Christianity was being a true follower of Jesus Christ. That the two can go hand-in-hand. He then said that since he was Catholic and he was a good person, God had to let him into heaven.
Since our time was running out, I tried, very quickly, to explain the difference between organized religion and being a follower of Christ. I told him that Catholics can be Christians if they have a personal relationship with Jesus (in their hearts'). He still didn't understand and thought that I was trying to change his religion. I told him to talk to other Christians on his floor and to please come back next week. After the evening was over, I went over to him to give him a hug, but he was NOT very huggable....Please pray that he will understand.
Of the 11--8 gave their lives' to Christ and 2 were already saved, but made a new commitment to Jesus. Praise God.!!!
In 3 of the small groups, run by Adam, Bob and Craig D....something interesting happened....without these 3 volunteers talking to each other, all three groups talked about PRAYER and how to pray....Quite interesting.
Volunteer Prayer Requests:
Ed B.--wife illness and up-coming brain surgery.
Ramiro M.--for his son and his family, (son very ill and still in the hospital).
Gaius--refreshing time spent with son Jesse at Church Camp for several days.
Paul P.--need more business in his new job as a Handyman.
Craig S.--Patience
Adam S.--needs a job....needs a job....needs a job....and NOW.
Bob V.--That his business will get a boost in this economy and get moving.
Craig D.--to learn how to give the Gospel Message in a clear and understandable way.
Paul
Thursday, July 23, 2009
THE PEN PAL MINISTRY
What are your spiritual gifts?
Encouragement?
Mentoring?
A love to share God’s word, and what he’s done in your life?
Do you love to write? Have you thought about serving but haven’t yet found where God could use your gifts he’s blessed you with?
After reading, The Purpose Drive Life, by Rick Warren, then watching the movie, The Passion of the Christ, my heart was screaming to find my purpose in life. I knew without a doubt that purpose would be to serve God…but where?
A mother of four, and not a whole lot of money, and a husband with a fireman’s schedule, I searched for a place to serve the Lord. To save you the long version, God lead me to the Prison Pen Pal Ministry.
Write letters to those incarcerated from my home, on my own time…now that I could do! Serving through letters allows me to work around my husband’s schedule, and taking care of the kids, and my home.
Through getting involved with serving, I’ve also had the privilege of going to Louisiana (Angola) State Penitentiary in, Angola Louisiana. There I stayed for eight days, and when I left the prison gates, my heart was heavy. I had met so many great men of God, there and didn’t want to leave. The Lord is doing some amazing things in Angola.
I’ve also been blessed to go into Cook Count Jail, a couple of times. The men that are serving there on the jail team are joyfully doing the work of God. You can’t go there without being moved by Gods’ love.
The serving didn’t stop there. I’ve also been blessed to go into Warrenville, on more then one occasion. God just keeps tugging at my heart. The volunteers that are serving there are so giving. I have no doubt that he Lord is smiling down on them.
Whether you are currently serving or not, if you feel a call to serve our wonderful Lord through the Prison Pen Pal Ministry, you can sign up through the Willow Creek Community Church website, or directly through, Christian Pen Pals. You can find both links on this website.
Who knows what incredible journey God will take you on? If there was only one thing I was allowed to say about the prison and jail ministry, it would be that I have truly been blessed by those I’ve been allowed to serve, and those I’ve serve with, more then I could ever have dreamed possible.
The Lord is amazing!
Encouragement?
Mentoring?
A love to share God’s word, and what he’s done in your life?
Do you love to write? Have you thought about serving but haven’t yet found where God could use your gifts he’s blessed you with?
After reading, The Purpose Drive Life, by Rick Warren, then watching the movie, The Passion of the Christ, my heart was screaming to find my purpose in life. I knew without a doubt that purpose would be to serve God…but where?
A mother of four, and not a whole lot of money, and a husband with a fireman’s schedule, I searched for a place to serve the Lord. To save you the long version, God lead me to the Prison Pen Pal Ministry.
Write letters to those incarcerated from my home, on my own time…now that I could do! Serving through letters allows me to work around my husband’s schedule, and taking care of the kids, and my home.
Through getting involved with serving, I’ve also had the privilege of going to Louisiana (Angola) State Penitentiary in, Angola Louisiana. There I stayed for eight days, and when I left the prison gates, my heart was heavy. I had met so many great men of God, there and didn’t want to leave. The Lord is doing some amazing things in Angola.
I’ve also been blessed to go into Cook Count Jail, a couple of times. The men that are serving there on the jail team are joyfully doing the work of God. You can’t go there without being moved by Gods’ love.
The serving didn’t stop there. I’ve also been blessed to go into Warrenville, on more then one occasion. God just keeps tugging at my heart. The volunteers that are serving there are so giving. I have no doubt that he Lord is smiling down on them.
Whether you are currently serving or not, if you feel a call to serve our wonderful Lord through the Prison Pen Pal Ministry, you can sign up through the Willow Creek Community Church website, or directly through, Christian Pen Pals. You can find both links on this website.
Who knows what incredible journey God will take you on? If there was only one thing I was allowed to say about the prison and jail ministry, it would be that I have truly been blessed by those I’ve been allowed to serve, and those I’ve serve with, more then I could ever have dreamed possible.
The Lord is amazing!
Invite to 8/1/09 Jail Prison Ministry meeting
Hello to all our pen pal volunteers
In recent months the leaders of the prison and jail teams through Willow Creek Community Church have been gathering the first Saturday of the month for a meeting. It’s a time for those of us in the ministry to get to know one another, see what other prison and jail ministries are doing, to discuss what’s been going on in our ministry, and what we’d like to see for the future.
Maybe you’d like to hear what others are doing in the prison and jail ministries through Willow? Maybe you’ve felt a nudge from God to get more involved? Or maybe you’d just like to meet others serving in the same ministry as God has blessed you to serve in? Whatever your reason, we’d love to have you join us and see where God may lead you in the amazing ministry.
Out next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, August 1st, 10AM until 12PM. We’ll be meeting in room 206, Barrington campus (unless a room change is made, which will be posted on the monitor as you enter building C, or located in other places around Willow.) If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. If you think you’ll be able to attend, please let me know so we can have an accurate count to accommodate everyone.
God bless, and I hope to see you there.
Kim
Coordinator for the Adult Prison Pen Pal Ministry through Willow CCC
Kim Morris
847.516.2476
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Soldiers of Christ Prison Ministries
What a great Vision & Mission http://socpm.org/ http://socpm.org/socp_smryi.htm
Vision Statement - To transform the incarcerated from lost sheep, to fully armored, God glorifying Soldiers of Christ so they can live the purposeful life God created them for.
Mission Statement – To unite Christ based ministries who can provide the resources to accomplish the vision statement of Soldiers of Christ Prison Ministries
And such a wonderful call to network:
To believe that one ministry can do all this on one person’s vision is impractical. It will require the networking of many ministries. Some ministries will share commonalities in their visions and mission statements. While others will contrast greatly in their visions and mission statements, with one exception, they all are to glorify God. It is networking the unity of common vision statement and uncommon vision statements, common mission statements and uncommon mission statements together, for the glory of God that details Soldiers of Christ Prison Ministries mission statement.
Thank you for building such a firm and Biblically solid ministry;
Please visit the sites above or you can get there by clicking on the Title of this entry or the Link off to the side.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Companions Journeying Together, Inc.
Click on title to see this site.
A friend of mine, who was in DOC sent this to me. I thought some might be interested.
I added it to the Links as well.
Companions Journeying Together, Inc., provides a forum to personally impact the emotional, spiritual, and social lives of the incarcerated and their families. Our vision is for a society that lives by the principles of restorative justice.
Felony Franks (felon run hot dog restaurant)
Just stumbled upon this, might be of value for recently released prisoners.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Cook County - Miracles of Grace
Click title to see the video series for Miracles of Grace - a Cook County Ministry
From the streets of Los Angeles, a former gang member was transformed by a miracle of Gods grace. In hopes to reach out to the same kind of lost and hurting men he began the American Baptist Cook County Jail Ministry. Andy Gonzalez started a powerful ministry that inspired the lives of thousands including inmates, officers, and volunteers.
Even after Andys death in 1996, these miracles still continue through the Cook County Jail Ministry. Today, nearly 50 volunteers minister to jail inmates in 7 of 11 divisions at Chicagos Cook County Jail.
Even after Andys death in 1996, these miracles still continue through the Cook County Jail Ministry. Today, nearly 50 volunteers minister to jail inmates in 7 of 11 divisions at Chicagos Cook County Jail.
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