As I’m sitting here in the bus typing, we’re parked only yards away from a tall fence topped with mile upon mile of sharp razor-wire. Driving a steady path around the complex is a security vehicle and nearby a tower surveys the area from all sides. From the outside it seems a colorless, depressing place. But once again this week we’ve seen how the radical, powerful, tender love of Christ can transform even the gloomiest of circumstances.
This week we’ve shared in 5 different prisons in Alabama as part of the We Care Prison Crusade. Unfortunately, I don’t have pictures to share, due to prison regulations. But perhaps I can describe a few of our choicest moments from this week so you can catch a glimpse of God’s work behind bars.
I never want to forget...
...fighting back tears as a beautiful inmate performed sign language for Ray Boltzs’ song, “Thank You” for our family. Her graceful interpretation of the song was breathtaking. But only half as priceless as the tears in her eyes, knowing she meant every word in the song.
...sitting in the bus, praying for Dad, Matthias, and Stephen as they had the rare privilege of spending an hour with several inmates on death row.
...arriving at a Maximum security prison, where only those ages 18+ could enter. Then realizing that Ruth was probably too sick to join us for the service, leaving only Elizabeth, Matthias, Dad, Mom, and I. Also discovering that the evangelist for the evening had to cancel due to not having his ID. With so many changed plans, we were felling terribly inadequate. But then we saw the Lord’s mighty hand. Ruth was well enough to join us for our hour of singing after all. And God gave Dad a special measure of grace to preach the gospel. In spite of our weaknesses, many men responded to the gospel.
...watching ladies literal sob as we shared Daddy’s Song together. Wiping tears as Dad stopped to spend some time praying for their children.
...the joy and smiles on the inmates’ faces as we sang hymns together. Their enthusiastic clapping and cheers.
...playing for our final service and watching 12 men come forward to make first time salvation commitments. Rejoicing in the power of repentance and God’s grace.
But most of all I hope I never forget the matchless, relentless, tender, life-changing, light-giving POWER of the LOVE of God I experienced this week!
Am I living in the light of His love?! "...that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;
that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
may be able to comprehend with all the saints
what is the width and length and depth and height—
to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge;
that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Eph. 3:17-19
Family-football quarterback in training!
So much energy
Nothin' like getting fresh air and exercise
Catch!?
Parking lot -- volleyball
Susanna -- one of our star players
And one of our not-so-star players...
Set!
So if you ever pass a parking lot and notice a ball sailing through the air...yep,...it might possibly be us!
Its been a cozy, sweet couple weeks at home.
But now 'tis the time to do some bulk shopping
And start to pack and restock our bus kitchen.
Load up the instruments and once again head out on the road.
Tonight we arrived in Tennessee and were delighted to discover temps in the 40s -- treat we haven't experienced in weeks!
Time to set up the sound equipment.
And prepare for the evening ahead.
But whether home or on the road, the goal is the same: to let everything I do bring glory to the Lord. It may be small, unseen acts of kindness or tedious daily tasks, or it may be standing on stage proclaiming the matchless love of my Jesus. Wherever I find myself, let my heart earnestly say:
If your home is anything like ours, you'll know that creative indoor activities are coming at a premium for little children these days. And our Mom has a wealth of activities and ideas when it comes to keeping little hands and minds fruitfully employed. Take for instance one of her recent ventures -- Scripture art
The completed mural. Aren't they cute!?
And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.
Huge grins. Pink cheeks and noses. Snow angels and forts. Giggles and flying snowballs. Is winter ever more delightful than when the children bundle up to play?!
Since we pack up to head for Alabama next week, the younger ones couldn't contain their excitement while enjoying one good, deep snow before heading south!
Have you been enjoying winter this week?!
Trying to design the bodice pleats
And it always helps to be able to actually fit it to the person!
Cutting out the pieces
More bodice fittings with sample fabric
And Charissa is keeping us company with her own little sewing projects!
We've recently had requests for more 'home-life' posts. Now that we're actually in Nebraska for a few weeks, we're able to document some of our home activities. And yesterday we had a unique one! Dad has been preparing to sell his shop property -- which has been a mechanic/paint/storage area for years and years. Thus, it required declaring an official "Clean Up" day with all hands on deck! The weather was great, conversation lively, and we were amazed with how much was accomplished with several hours of intense teamwork!
Sweeping
Nathanael spent the entire afternoon carrying loads to the dumpster.
Organizing piles of paint and oil.
Ummm...yeah, I helped, too. *smile*
Teamwork fun!
Carry...sort...dump...sweep
The official 'dumpster team'
Smiles as we realized the end was in sight!
Daddy and his helpers
Ummm....yeah, maybe the grimy work was starting to affect us!
