Winter Update

Waiting On His Timing

I don’t know many people that like to wait.

The first day of this year, January 1st, 2025, happened to be a Wednesday. Wednesday is the day I teach a chapel at Chester County Prison. I was particularly excited to start off the new year encouraging the men that chose to attend chapel that morning. What I was not prepared for was that the prison would be short staffed with no one running the main door and office area. The officer at the gate told me to wait and he would call someone to come up for the check in process. So I waited…and waited…and waited. 

The first day of the year was not a particularly warm day in Pennsylvania, and after 40 minutes of waiting I was extremely frustrated and cold. I thought more than a few times about just going home. However, something told me to wait just a little longer and I did. Finally someone did come to let me inside. He asked me how long I was waiting and I told him…"You don’t want to know!” But I thawed out, made my way to the chapel and prepared to see the men. More men than usual attended service that day and it led to great connections with those who were soon to be released and seeking something different for their lives. 

Proverbs 14:29 tells us that “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick tempered displays folly.” 

It is often hard to wait for things we want, things we need, and things we are hoping or expecting from God. The Lord is rarely ever on our timetable, but His timetable is perfect. On January 1st I learned to wait just a little bit longer and it was worth it. Hopefully you are encouraged regarding something that you have been waiting for and if need be…wait just a little longer. 

Ministry Partnerships

City Gate Mission

City Gate is a mission and shelter that serves the city of Coatesville and has a strong connection with Chester County Prison. The ministry provides practical assistance (bed, meals & training) and spiritual teachings from the Bible to men in need each day. During January and February I was able to preach weekly at City Gate. City Gate is operated by Christians and is important to our ministry. Many men that are seen for 1 on 1 meetings will initially get placed at City Gate until they are back in a stable place. It is personally moving for me to minister there and share the gospel at a place located only a few blocks from my childhood home. 

Helpful Organizations

Furthering the gospel sometimes happens through ways you don’t anticipate. Organizations that can provide support with ministry events or re-entry are very important to the process. 

Touchstone

Newly released inmates rarely have viable employment options. Many times, employers will not hire them because they see it as risky. However, Touchstone actually seeks to help men in these exact situations by giving them a chance with employment and training. It may not always be the right fit, but they have helped many by offering a chance to work. 

We are grateful for their steps of faith in this vital area of re-entry.

STBI

Organizing and planning for community events can be overwhelming. When it is time to provide hundreds of cases of water, snacks, and other goodies for our ministry events, STBI has been a faithful partner willing to give generously. Their crews always have a cheerful spirit and are seemingly ready to help at a moment's notice.

You will never hear the owners of these companies discuss what they give or seek attention, but we are very thankful God has allowed them to partner with us.

Central Manor Church 

In January, I had the privilege of being the speaker for the winter retreat with Central Manor Church at Camp Hebron. Central Manor has a great youth staff and supports CCGM in many ways including sending their students to help with overnight camps in June at Old Mill. The winter weekend with the students was crazy, fun, entertaining and challenging. It was a pleasure watching the students realize what it meant to own their faith and build a life with Christ as the foundation.

 Re-entry and Pointman Leadership

Jack Crans has been working to connect the various stakeholders when it comes to re-entry in Chester County for the purpose of lasting change. Since an initial meeting a few months ago collaboration has increased with other ministries, prison counselors and the Chester County re-entry coordinator. 

The simple connections with those who oversee parole officers or help place inmates in re-entry facilities is a critical piece to success. Partnership is the key because many times we “lose” inmates in the shuffle once released and it takes great effort to track them down. Recently, I had the chance to visit men who came to Christ while in Chester County Prison. The men voluntarily entered Blueprints for Addiction Recovery located in Mount Joy, PA. Because of the CCP re-entry coordinator I have been able to stay in touch, visit them, and encourage them in the faith. Pray that we all continue to learn to ‘Work His Net’ as Jack often remarks.

In February, the Pointman Leadership Institute held another training for officers and first responders at the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus. Bobby Phillips and Del Walinga have been training leaders all around the world for many years and it was wonderful to get a first-hand glimpse of the impactful teaching. Seeing correctional officers from Chester County being challenged with important character values and the issue of integrity in leadership is inspirational. Many of the employees at Chester County prison have undergone the training and there are more who desire to participate next time. Pray that God continues to open doors for Jack and others as they share the gospel with the staff. 

The Camp at Old Mill 

In February, the West Fallowfield Christian School 8th grade class held a local mission trip to Coatesville. The students served meals to the homeless at City Gate, helped at the Bridge Academy, and completed work projects at the camp. WFCS students have had their mission trip in Coatesville the last few years and they always assist with vigor and joy. Additionally, Calvary Chapel Philly, Redemption City Church and Calvary Chapel “The Rock” from Kensington also brought students to Old Mill for weekend retreats the past few weeks. 

Pray for the next few months as we move into spring and summer. There will be hundreds of students on the campground and the desire is that they ultimately receive Christ. This effort takes many plans and many hands to pull off, but the most important part is prayer that God would carry out His will.

A Word to our Supporters

We thank you for praying and giving. 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. 

We recently had the opportunity to pass along personal cards and notes to all those who serve in the treatment department of Chester County Prison. At the end of the written encouragement we added Galatians 6:9.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Grace and Peace