Jail Ministry Report January 26, 2010


I publish this weekly. We hope you find it interesting, and that it inspires you to pray for the ministry. Let us know if you want added to the e-mail distribution list.


WORSHIP SERVICE

Chaplains Serving: Lee Hockaday, Kirk Nicholson, Thor & Trish Carden

Men Attending: 5 men in the first service, 3 men in the second service, 8 total

Time & Logistics: The first service we did not get any men until ten minutes late and then there were only 5. Apparently they computer system is still messed up and the list of people who can come wasn't available. The second service we went up to the 5th floor but they were having a shakedown and we could have no service. The guard on the 3rd floor had told us we were welcome to have a second service down there, so we went back down and took him up on it. Only 3 guys wanted to come out of the pod.

Worship in Testimony: Kirk led testimony time in both services. There were several good testimonies. One mad talked about witnessing to a Muslim in jail two years ago. He ran into him again in the system and he is no longer a Muslim, but rather an on fire Christian. Another man in his comments included this quote, "Nobody is in jail here for singing too loud in church."

Worship in Music: Lee led the singing in bother services. We sang I Need Thee Every Hour and What a Friend We Have in Jesus. Trish played He Looked Beyond My Fault and Saw My Need on the bowed psaltery. In the second service a man with the nickname Lyrick sang a beautiful song he had written while using the pulpit as a drum. It was very good.

Sermon: Title: The Good Shepherd based on John 10:1-15. Spiritually we are lost sheep unless the Good Shepherd finds us and saves us. He laid down His life for us.

Invitation: We sang Amazing Grace. 4 answered invitation

BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSES --
Course Work Last Week --
     Bibles Shipped     2
     Certificates Sent     0
     Christian Books Shipped     2
     Lessons Mailed     94
207 Lessons in Process: Waiting to be scanned, waiting in the queue for a teacher, being answered by a teacher, responded to by the teacher but waiting to be mailed.

170 of these are waiting in the queue for a teacher to work on them.
The English lesson waiting the longest is postmarked 12/30/2009
The Spanish lesson waiting the longest is postmarked 1/7/2010

If you are one of our volunteer teachers, thank you very much for your help. Anyone who has access to the Internet can help. You do not have to be in Nashville. You can be anywhere in the world. If you know someone who has been a Christian for a substantial time, who might be willing to help, please refer them to http://www.biblestudybymail.com . It will give them an idea of what is involved. If you believe the Lord is leading you to help us, please let me know. Please continue to pray for our Bible Correspondence Courses.

STUDENT'S QUOTES: These are recent quotes from our students.

*** Answers to the question, "Was this lesson helpful to you? Why or why not?" ***

Yes it was because I got to try to explain what verses mean to me.

Yes, because I was thinking that my own doubt might mean I had an evil core, but now I know it's just my sinful nature trying to trick me.

It re-confirmed my knowledge of the importance of prayer and the saying, "Be careful what you ask for."

Great Lesson! I learned that as believers we have the fullness of the Holy Spirit as we are continually filled. The Holy Spirit then controls our minds and hearts as we walk, talk and act according with God's desires for the believers example to others.

*** Answers to the first quiz item in the third lesson, "Please share a story about how God has answered a prayer of yours." ***

I have had so many. Probably the best example would be my trial. I faced the death penalty and truly wanted to die for my crimes. I was so confused as to what had happened I just gave myself to God and let Him sort it out. I figured I didn't want my life anymore. He could have it. He answered. He delivered me from myself and certain death. He is currently showing me how to live. He has given me confidence and surety as to what and who I am in Christ.

I prayed to the Lord to NOT give me life in prison and my prayer was answered! I thank our Lord for answering my prayer. I made a promise to the Lord: I will be faithful to Jesus and witness to other inmates that our Lord is real and He answered that prayer. AMEN Rom 8:28

I asked God to please help restore the relationship I had with my daughter; to please go into her heart and that she would want to know me someday. She wants to know me! Also I prayed that He would heal my grandma and she is doing better. I asked Him to please let me see parole and I have. God always comes through and has my back even when I don't have my own.

If you missed any of these in the past you can review some of them at: http://www.biblestudybymail.com/news.htm

Please pray for our services next Tuesday, for all the people taking our Bible Correspondence courses, and for everyone working in this ministry.


God bless you,
Thor

Pastor Thor Carden
Love Bible Study
PO Box 299
Madison, TN 37116
http://www.PrisonMinistry.net/lbs
http://www.biblestudybymail.com
615 594 2269