Fall Update

Gratefulness is a Choice

As our family enjoyed another Thanksgiving, we did what many families do during this season around their dining room table.  We all sat down, made a list, and discussed all of the things we were thankful for from the year. Sometimes this exercise can feel cliche or all too familiar, but the time it takes to sit down and list all the ways you are blessed is invaluable. There will always be heartaches, setbacks, and challenges, but the encouragement of I Thessalonians 5 reminds us of the wisdom of some age-old practices…

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

There is always a reason to be thankful, and the fall months provided many reasons to rejoice over what God is doing. 

“Let’s give it up for the band…”

One of the most fruitful and entertaining men’s chapel services at Chester County Prison in the last few years was the opportunity to host the outreach band from Gateway Church. The band, Exit Strategy (in no way did we try to spring anyone from the joint :), performed for multiple services, and the gospel was presented clearly. The men rarely receive the blessing of this type of music and most times it is just a solo guitar or acapella hymns. God was at work throughout the night because, from this one event, several men came forward and asked for counseling from our team. 

Discipleship and Re-Entry

The fall months always bring new opportunities for one-to-one discipleship. It is always a blessing to see how God uses the chapels and larger group meeting times to help connect us to new guys. In the past two months, eight new inmates have begun meeting weekly for one-to-one discipleship and spiritual encouragement! In addition to the other men who are already being discipled, our new additions make for a busy week, but we are happy to be occupied in this way and hope even more will come forward. 

There is another contingent of people we are helping with re-entry right in the City of Coatesville. These are guys we have met with in a one-to-one format at the prison, have been released, and are still seeking to be connected to our ministry. We meet them to study the Bible and help in any way we can with their felt needs. Re-entry is difficult and the tasks men need to accomplish upon being released seem insurmountable at times. Providence Church is the most critical piece for all the ministry that happens because it gives them a home church where they can grow and a sense of community. This is so important because in many cases family relationships have been strained or are non-existent. 

Please pray for these men. Some are young (as young as 18 years old) and some are older. Some men have support systems upon return but most do not. Many men also have a history of substance abuse to overcome family challenges. God is opening doors in regard to greater partnerships along the lines of re-entry, so pray for upcoming meetings with key county officials. 

Ministry Partnerships

Mission Conference at Impact Church

In October I was blessed to speak at Impact Church, located in Parkesburg PA, for their annual mission conference. There has been a great revitalization that has happened over the last few years at Impact with a wonderful group of believers. The pastor, Mike Bailey, has a heart for the community and a passion for seeing the lost come to Christ. The theme, “Let’s Go!”, was perfect as they encouraged the local and international missionaries they support. The whole weekend was a fun and interactive time and we were glad CCGM was one of the missional organizations represented. 

Calvary Christian Academy Philadelphia

It’s always a little nostalgic to see a bus pull into the Old Mill parking lot with the letters CCA on the side. It is a reminder of the many years spent with CCA in Ft. Lauderdale. Recently, Calvary Christian Academy Philadelphia brought a student leader group to serve at Old Mill. The students truly served during their work day. CCA Philly students served through landscaping, cleaning, painting, and much more! Groups like this are necessary because the Old Mill staff is small and could not equal in a month the amount of work 40 high school students can accomplish in a day. The winter and spring provide a full schedule of mission and ministry teams so we look forward to more opportunities.

West Chester University Cru

The last few months have provided the opportunity to partner with Cru at West Chester University. Whether it is speaking to groups, participating on a Q and A panel, or encouraging students at West Chester who are interns or counselors at Old Mill during the summer months, it is a joy to see God moving on a secular campus. West Chester’s Cru has a very strong presence and seeing young people (some of whom serve in our ministry) on fire for the Lord is always good for the soul. 

A Word to Our Supporters

We will start with two words…THANK YOU! Prayer is necessary to accomplish any work God sets before you. Giving is an act of worship. We are grateful for those who have prayed for our family and the work being done here. We are thankful and continue to be in awe of the people God brings alongside us to help with financial support. There is really no way to measure your contribution while here on earth, but God is faithful in using all things for His kingdom. 

The updates would go on forever if we shared everything that is happening, but below are two special stories that happened recently that touched our hearts…

-A gentleman who asked not to be named is making great strides through being connected with our ministry. Although he has committed to turning his life around, he has endured much hardship and loss along the way. Since being released God has made a way for him to get a job and provide for himself and his family. Last week he began leading Bible studies during lunchtime at his new job! His remarks are as follows…

“I’m writing my first message from Acts 9 on the convicting power of God. If God changed Saul’s life and used it to save others he can use me.”

Praise God!!

- Cory had been in Chester County Prison for almost a year. His charges were many and he entered the prison system for the first time in his life as a very young man under 21. Cory began coming to the weekly chapels and truly began a relationship with the Lord. I had the opportunity to meet with him for 9 months before it was time for him to be released. His parents suffer from substance abuse and have no relationship with him so he had to enter a shelter upon release. With no real idea of what he would do, Cory prayed often that God would provide a job for him. God has been using many Christian business owners in our community who have stepped up to assist with helping newly released men. One owner in particular has a real heart for the guys coming out of Chester County. In ONE WEEK, Cory was released from prison, secured a job at a local factory, and found himself in church on Sunday night for our service at Providence! He is now a regular attendee and is growing in the Lord! All the stories don’t have this ending, and Cory has a long way to go, but God IS working in the hearts of the lost and redeeming them one soul at a time. 

Ephesians 2:4-5 says, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”

Grace and Peace