Newsletter
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Aug. 2010 Newsletter
Living Water Prison Ministry Network
Serving Prisoners and Returning Citizens
Feature Writer: Julie S. / Faithful Servant
What a journey God puts us on, a blessed journey. Living Water Prison Ministry Network has me on a journey of being very busy between keeping up the web site with Tim B.’s support and getting the ministry home on Third Street up and running for our returning citizens.
The web site has been under some construction due to updates and changes that have been made. Praise God the website has been working very well for those requesting applications and health forms for our ministry homes. We are working on getting email addresses for anyone who would prefer for receive this monthly newsletter in that form. Please go to website under “Contact Us” and leave your email address and I will make sure you receive it each month. If you have any suggestions for website improvement, please feel to provide feedback on this new venture for www.livingwaterpmn.org.
The Third Street home has been such a blessing to see how things grow through God’s hands; how everything comes together with volunteers arriving to drill holes for blinds and curtain rods, hanging pictures, etc. Seeing the final projects completed is a blessing. I cannot express my gratitude and appreciation for all the hard work and hours dedicated during the last two weeks. The home would not be completed without all the last minute support we have received. Blessings to all who have prayed us through this time.
Since my knee surgery, it has been very difficult, and at times impossible, to go up and down stairs without pain due to my computer being in the lower level. Therefore, I am looking for a laptop that could be donated to keep the web page updated and keep the services going for those who are returning to society and need application information as well as for those who are checking the site for other interests.
Thank you for your prayers and support on the path God has given.
Inside the Walls Serving Prisoners
As good as Jesus is to those of us who are free outside of the walls, He is even more concerned for those who are free in Christ behind the walls. We can never underestimate the power of God, “I have plans for you, and plans to have you prosper.” He is going to use each one of us for His perfect and pleasing purpose. We are currently waiting for the Chaplain at Brooks Correctional Facility in Muskegon to set the start date to begin Celebrate Recovery® Inside. Also, we are looking forward to beginning the same program at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility in Ionia.
Outside the Walls Mentoring Returning Citizens
Just as He provides for the birds of the trees and dresses the fields with the lilies, how much more does he care for us. In order to reach out, we must reach in, hold our hand open because as we freely received, we must freely give back.
For each man living in our ministry homes, we need a mentor for his spiritual needs and a mentor just to be a friend who will give sound Christian advice. Remember as Christ said, “What you have done to the least of these you have done to me.”
Ministry Homes for Christian Returning Citizens
Third Street: We are moving forward. Third Street has finally received an occupancy permit. Praise God! Many, many people including returning citizens, friends, and surrounding church members have come alongside Living Water Ministry Network to help get things ready. In August our first residents will be moving in. There have been so many last minute items needed (times 4 for each apartment) such as kitchen waste baskets (which are not cheap as we found out…about $10 each!), bed pillows, expandable shower curtain rods, new toilet seats, kitchen knobs for cupboards, sink stoppers, window treatments, and the list goes on. If some of you who are not regular contributors find it in your heart to send just $16-$24 (or, if the Holy Spirit moves you, a higher amount divisible by 4!), it would serve a definite need as we complete the finishing touches on this blessed home. We also need resources available to provide food, clothing, and transportation for the first month while the men are getting the necessary forms and documentation needed on the outside.
Franklin Street (the home we are managing): The owner of Franklin Home has generously offered to continue to forego the lease/mortgage payment until April 2011. Praise God! He likes how we are ministering to returning citizens as well as taking care of his house. He is interested in having the house occupied during the winter months. Keith, one of the men at Franklin, will be the first resident to move to Third Street in August. He has been waiting patiently to move in and we are excited to have our first resident. Another man’s application has been accepted and he is currently waiting for his parole officer to give approval to move into Franklin. Steve M. has found a permanent job as an electrical field service technician. He found the job through people in his church. He feels so grateful and so blessed.
Outreach Ministries
A church in Indiana has scheduled the “Prevention before Detention” program to be presented in August. The contact for this program was from Keryx. If you would like more information about this program visit: www.livingwaterpmn.org/rocky.
Executive Director’s Message – Jim Bright
As Pastor of Living Water Prison Ministry Network, it never ceases to amaze me how good God is, how he brings everything together for His will according to His people.
When things were in turmoil, He brought peace. When there was uncertainty, He brought clarity. When there was a need, He provided. If we are faithful, He is faithful to provide all that is needed. We can take great comfort in knowing that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the same today as He was yesterday. He is our foundation and if we look to Him for all we need, we will never be without.
