West Side

Morning, Feb. 23, 2019

   Hi, folks! Despite the snowfall from the night before, I was able to make it out to the Sterling Correctional Facility for the reunion. In fact, only three of us made it out for the morning and afternoon reunions.

   On the West Side, we had 18 inmates attend the reunion. Because there were only three of us, we separated into three groups of six inmates per group.

   Two questions were discussed: 1) How do we keep our minds on God? 2) What struggles do we have? It was the general feeling that, if you aren’t able to get into God’s word before you step out of your pod, the day seems to go the wrong way. By getting into God’s word, they are able to get through the day knowing that God is with them at all times.

   There was a lot to be said about being able to then take God’s word out to the yard and share it with others and even with some of the none believers, as well.

As in Gal. 5:22, “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” (You can take this on into verses 23-25.)

  The one thing that all three groups came up with is that you need to SURRENDER TO GOD.

 

East Side

Afternoon, Feb. 23, 2019

   The same three of us attended the afternoon reunion, this time with 30 inmates. We broke into three groups to discuss the topic “Where Is Your Heart?” In my group, we talked about what condition our heart was in before we came to Christ.    

   Again, the main thing was having to first get up in the morning and get into the word of God. That would help them face the day that was before them.

   One inmate that I found to have an interesting story talked about where he was before, compared to where he is now. Before he was locked up, he used to be a Jehovah Witness. Even though they believe in Christ, the steps you had to take that involved restrictions bothered him. For example, he wanted to grow a beard and long hair to donate to cancer victims, but that was forbidden. He even checked out witchcraft, but found that wasn’t for him.

   He eventually started discussions with fellow Christian brothers in the prison, and found that to believe in Christ, there are no restrictions involved, other than putting your heart in the right place. OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

   So the statement was asked, “ASK GOD WHERE IS MY HEART?”

Thank you for reading my updates and please keep these men in your prayers.

~Bernie DeVault

Related scripture: Matt. 6:19-23; Rom. 8:5-11; Col. 3:1-4