INSIDE INFORMATION
A quarterly newsletter on behalf of our incarcerated bretheren.
July - September, 2008
Who's Hard of Hearing? . . .
A man suspected that his wife was losing her hearing. To confirm his suspicions, he performed a simple test one evening as she was facing the sink preparing supper. He walked up behind her and stopped some six feet away and asked her what she was making for dinner. No answer… He stepped up to about four feet away from her and repeated the question. Still no reply. Then he stepped still closer so that he was only two feet behind her and he asked her yet again. Turning to face him and looking very annoyed she replied, “For the third time, we’re having chicken”! It’s unfortunate that I can relate to this on a couple different levels. As I get older, I’m finding that my hearing isn’t what it used to be. That’s a part of life, I guess. But what’s more perplexing is that I find it all too easy to assume that someone else has a problem when, in fact, the fault lies with me. It points to a flaw in my character in the way I perceive other people when I look at them through my plank-infested eyes. This may also be a part of human life, but it has no place in our Christian walk. Why is it so easy to see faults in others that we are blind to in ourselves? Jesus admonishes us to “first remove the plank from your own eye” before pointing out the spec in our brother’s eye. Paul reinforces this in Romans 12:2 when he instructs us to not be conformed to the world’s way of doing things. Rather, he urges us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind”. That renewal process calls for us to see through the loving eyes of Christ. 1 Peter 4:8 reminds us that the more love we have, the fewer flaws we are likely to notice; “because love covers a multitude of sins”. As battle-weary believers committed to waging a war against the flesh, we know that this renewal process is lengthy. We must not allow ourselves to be seduced by the world’s distorted view. We require strength beyond what we possess. We need to stay focused on Jesus. God isn’t calling us to be critical of one another. He’s calling us to love and support each other. Can we hear Him? Are we listening?
Discipleship . . .
Pastor Ted White has just concluded his series on Evangelism and Discipleship. This course was designed to help inmates learn to witness to the unsaved prison population. But while this program may provide the brethren with the tools they need, the emphasis is on the Holy Spirit, who provides us with the motivation to tell people what the Lord has done in our lives. I once heard that a person must fully comprehend the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice before he/she can have that burning desire to share their own story with another. When we consider what a wondrous love it was that compelled Jesus to die in our place, it becomes unthinkable to “hide our light under a basket”. Christ’s response to the love of the Father was to lay down His own life for each of us. What, then, should our response be to Christ’s love? Why not tell someone all about it?
Do You Have a Gift? . . .
Would you like to share it? We are always looking for people who would like to share their Christian testimony or music ministry with the brethren behind the walls. If God has laid a burden on your heart to share your gift in this way, please contact Mike Pelletier.
International Prison Ministry . . .
The goods collected are finally assembled and ready for shipment to Africa. We are waiting for the intended recipients to file receive their duty-exemption certificate before the goods can ship. Thank you to all who made this church-planting mission possible.
Two Special Notes of Thanks . . .
First, someone was kind enough to leave an entire box of beautiful Study Bibles in the office for us. Thank you so much. Your kindness made a wonderful impression on several new Christians at the prison. Second, the Newberry County Memorial Foundation has blessed us with a large box containing a beautiful assortment of high-quality greeting cards. What a thoughtful and generous gift from caring people in South Carolina. We extend our sincere gratitude to all our friends. Your gifts to the less fortunate are very much appreciated.
How Can a Christian Sing the Blues? . . .
We recently had an opportunity to attend a concert by “Mighty Sam McClain” in Londonderry NH. What an excellent performance!! Sam’s message of love and faith was a blessing to all who were in attendance. We’re hoping to get Sam and his band into the prison to share his story and gift with the guys there. His newest album, “Too Much Jesus, Not Enough Whiskey” is named that after the reason some of his “friends” gave when they stopped hanging out with him. Future venues may include the Capitol Center and the local opera houses.
Opportunities to Participate . . .
There are always inmates looking for Christian pen pals. One letter per month goes a long way to encouraging someone behind bars. You may be their only contact with the Christian Church outside. NH State Prison regulations prohibit visitation volunteers from corresponding with inmates and we must depend on you to supply that additional word of encouragement. Among the ways for interested parties to participate are:
1. Personal visitations (security clearance and orientation required. This includes state prisons and/or county jails.) Note: Visitation volunteers cannot participate in 3, 4, 5 or 6.
2. Study Bible donations (primarily KJV, NASB & NIV, but we’ll take anything!)
3. Escort Assistance for certain parolees going to church.
4. Mentoring Programs (through Prison Fellowship)
5. Transition help for soon to be released inmates (to find job, housing, church family)
6. Pen Pals (as previously mentioned)
7. Prayer Warrior – Signing up is easy and God’s always happy to hear from us!
8. Greeting Cards – Donate new greeting cards for the inmates to use.
Anyone interested should speak with Mike Pelletier (603) 494-1127.
As always, please remember that your faithful prayer support is always needed and greatly appreciated.