| Sue’s
Journal for Virginia
Below is a testimony from the Virginia Field Director of Prison
Fellowship.
Greetings,
Before I write about Saturday morning I want to take a minute
to let each of you know that you are being used in a mighty
way in the lives of the women at Unit 13. They are so grateful
for your faithfulness as you come week after week. Several
of the ladies shared that seeing the volunteers on the outside
of the prison last week trying to get inside really encouraged
them – even if you were turned away. They have a sense
that we are all for them – praying for them and desiring
to be with them to teach and encourage them. They are very
appreciative!
Saturday was an amazing morning at Unit 13. Even knowing that
the morning was being covered in prayer I went to Unit 13
with a lot of fear that we would encounter more challenges
and obstacles. In 1 Thessalonians Paul writes to the young
church after only being with them for a few short weeks. He
sends Timothy to encourage them in their faith as they faced
trials. Paul wrote “For this reason, when I could stand
it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid
that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our
efforts might have been useless.” I was afraid the ladies
would be discouraged and quit the program and that our efforts
would have been useless.
Sue Johnson, who flew to VA from Boston, led a wonderful prayer
seminar. We met in CD basement in the DCE classroom. Sue began
the morning with a teaching on “Understanding Spiritual
Authority” using the verses in 1 Tim 2:1-3 “Therefore,
I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all
who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet peaceable life
in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable
in the sight of God our Savoir.” This laid the foundation
for some wonderfully teaching and encouragement on prayer.
The session ended with many of the women “standing in
the gap” for each other and praying for each other.
The room was filled with tears, prayer, praise, compassion,
thanksgiving and words of encouragement for one another. The
Lord redeemed the many challenges we have faced and used the
attacks of the enemy to bring strength and unity. The presence
of the Lord filled the room. The Lord gave us the perfect
gift at the perfect time!
A volunteer who attended captured the morning beautifully
as she wrote a report for the prayer team…
“The prophet Isaiah says in 61:3, “and provide
for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown
of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of
mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They shall be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of
the Lord for the display of his splendor.”
I watched such transformation occur at Unit 13’s reentry
prayer seminar this morning. As I wrote to you yesterday so
many roadblocks and difficulties seemed to obstruct the unity
and purpose of this Christ centered ministry. Today however
God moved to show us He is sovereign and nothing can separate
us from His love and His will. The seminar leader powerfully
gave understanding to praying with Spiritual authority the
call to be a plowshare turning hard soil, the reliance on
Christ for intercession and giving thanks with praise to our
Lord. God renewed both faith and focus as we turned to God
to empower both them and the ministry to lead women in living
for and being a light in Christ. It was one of those times
that you relish in that you know the Lord is present.
Multiple women openly shared their heart of thanksgiving for
this program and not giving up when it almost appeared inevitable.
Prison Fellowship did not give up rather keep coming back
and seeking God directions; this is the testimony of the ladies
and the witness of perseverance has brought about a work of
God’s spirit. So today I write asking you to give thanks
and praise to our Lord. What seemed like defeat was really
His victory. How grateful they are for all who minister to
them and the knowledge of your prayers. Your heart may be
like mine when you meet them, so full it flows out of your
eyes.
One of the principals taught today was from Ezekiel 22:29-30.”
The people of land have used oppression, and exercised robbery,
and have used the poor and the needy; yea they have oppressed
the stranger wrongfully. And I sought for a man among them
that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap for me
for the land, that I should not destroy it: but found none.”
God has found you faithful to stand in the gap for Him in
intercession for these ladies. Your prayers are making a difference
now and for eternity. Psalm 18:2 says, The LORD is my rock
and fortress and my deliverer; my strength in whom I will
trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation my stronghold.”
Let us not be discouraged rather awed by the power of the
presence of the Lord who has come to set the captives free.
Thanks to each of you and with uplifted hands thank you Jesus.”
My heart overflows with joy…
Blessings,
Joyce Minor
Field Director, Prison Fellowship
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