ࡱ > @ bjbjFF , , e 1 V V V V D <# $ 7 ~ $ p 0% : j% j% j% ) ) ) $ R ` ܐ 8 {( ) 8 8 ܐ V V j% j% N N N 8 V < j% j% N 8 N N b| | j% $ \ hJ } , J l 0 7 ~ g (L ~ g X R 4 r V V V V g ) - 8 N 0 c3 ) ) ) ܐ ܐ M v Letter From M.O.M. The Monthly newsletter of Moving On Ministry HYPERLINK "http://WWW.MovingOnMinistry.COM" WWW.MovingOnMinistry.COM HYPERLINK "http://PrisonMinistry.net/MovingOn" http://PrisonMinistry.net/MovingOn Volume 27 Aug. 2007 I Can Only Imagine It is hard to imagine that this ministry has been developing for over four years. New facilities have opened up to us, as well as getting correspondence from many states and foreign countries. Watch our websites HYPERLINK "http://www.MovingOnMinistry.com" www.MovingOnMinistry.com HYPERLINK "http://PrisonMinistry.net/MovingOn" http://PrisonMinistry.net/MovingOn Addresses to contact our Ministry Volunteers Intentions & Wishes The intentions of this newsletter are to allow an understanding of jail & prison ministries. It is our intentions to get input from those incarcerated as well as those free to visit. Life experiences of the faith and fellowship from those locked up in the facilities are always desired to let others know of the value of visitation. I am certain that each of us have many stories of the miracles God has done in our lives. Our wishes are that we would have a list of supportive churches that individuals might look forward to attending once released. A list of services, such as housing, employment, and counseling services, as well as some individuals available for friendly fellowship are also much needed items. Gods Word says if a man stumbles, how can he continue lest there be another to help him up. Ecc. 4:10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him [that is] alone when he falleth; for [he hath] not another to help him up. Proverbs 24:17 Rejoice not when thy enemy falleth, and let not thy heart be glad when he stumbleth: John 11:10 But if a man walketh in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him. Please help us with input for this newsletter as we strive to serve God. We appreciate any articles or input. ------------------------------------------------ I want to extend special thanks to the following; My Mom (Jeanne) - Property My Mom (Jeanne) monthly support My Aunt Pat monthly support Uncle Alex Prayer chains Bryon Financial support / Bibles Inmates donations of stamps Inmates - with Poetry Inmates with artwork Inmates with testimonies Inmates with letters written MOST of All to God for carrying me as far as he has done so far. When people complement me, we actually see only Gods footprints in the sand, for all good comes from God. Fellowship We would enjoy doing profiles on churches that have Jail and Prison Ministries. If you attend or know of a church that we can publish an article on their involvement in Gods work, please have them contact us. ------------------------------------------------- Jail and Prison Ministry What is it; Why do it? When I do church presentations for Jail and Prison Ministry, many individuals have the set emotion I could never do that. I ask individuals if they ever thought of doing ministry to inmates. Their immediate response is I could never go into a prison environment and preach to inmates. So, is preaching in a prison environment the definition of prison ministry? With this article, I am hopefully going to broaden the thinking of individuals of what jail and prison ministry is. I will hopefully show that it is larger and more diverse than we normally think of it. First of all, there is the question of why? Perhaps the why can be summarized in Matthew 25:35-46 Matthew 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Matthew 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Matthew 25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed [thee]? or thirsty, and gave [thee] drink? Matthew 25:38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took [thee] in? or naked, and clothed [thee]? Matthew 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? Matthew 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me. Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: Matthew 25:42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: Matthew 25:43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Matthew 25:44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Matthew 25:45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did [it] not to one of the least of these, ye did [it] not to me. Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Also noted in the why of the ministry, are shown some of the what. Christ mentioned of feeding, giving a cold drink, clothing, taking in, and visiting. I also want to express the miracles that are seen by just taking the time to send a card of postcard to one of these individuals to let them know they are not forgotten. How about keeping their concerns in prayer? How about just holding their hand during times of loss? I even have one inmate that is 19 years of age and cannot read or write English or Spanish. Can you realize the joy of someone reading his mail to him or just spending 20 minutes to read a Bible story to him? Ever thought about the environment these individuals will be released to? How about writing to inmates relatives to clean up the environment where the inmate will be released to? Also, look at the talents of these individuals that are displayed in the poems, art, and writings in this newsletter. How about a nice note of encouragement to let them know they do have the potential. POTENTIAL Potential is a word not used enough. I often ask individuals of when did the small redwood tree seed get the potential to grow into a 200 tree? The answer is that it ALWAYS had it. And then I ask, What made the seed germinate and start to grow? The answer is a forest fire went through and cleared the vegetation. Many times the inmate is going through that same intense fire the seed went through and is now ready to germinate and fulfill the full potential that God put in from the beginning. With the story of Philip and the Eunuch, Philip asked if the Eunuch understood what he read? Acts 8:30 And Philip ran thither to [him], and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? The eunuch answered Acts 8:31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.Letters that Express it All These are actual letters from some of the different incarcerated individuals. The names have been removed. Our first newsletter went out October 2003. We receive many of these letters each week. *********************************************************** Faith Greetings to each individual who is reading this. Here is a clear blessing from the Lord. Pastor Bob, A.K.A. Angel Bob has continued to write me and just his letters are so much encouragement. Im hoping to pass this on. Angel Bob, thank you for all you do! Thank you also for this M.O.M. newsletter where brothers & sisters can enjoy each others company, no matter if these prison walls separate us. May the Lord continue to bless each of you daily. Ive titled this piece Faith because of its importance. I dont know how many people know this, but this is what it says in the Bible. Without faith it is impossible to please Him . . . (Heb. 11:6). Jesus loves you! We must have faith in his Word that all the things He tells us will come. Faith, what is it? Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb. 11:1). Now I dont know about you, but if I couldnt see something, I guess you can say, I did not believe in it. Growing up, I heard about the Boogie Man. He was all that. One sorry dude that was around every corner. Me, I had to go peek around all those corners to see this dude. Santa, yeah, I must of hit his bad list, and yes, I even heard about Jesus. And yes I can say that He was just like the others. I couldnt see Him, so He was fake to me. Im gonna tell you something that may be shocking I see Jesus every day! Jesus is nothing like the Boogie Man, other than, yes, Jesus is around every corner. (I made a mistake in writing this when I wrote I see Jesus every day. I shouldve put in the Bible scripture that is about us being made in His image). As for Jesus around every corner, see Prov. 15:3 for the best understanding. Everyday we must lean on faith, grab hold of it. Eph. 6:16 tells us that The shield of faith . . . shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Im a prisoner here in Corcoran State Prison S.H.U. The fiery darts come to me in many ways, so I know for those that read this on the other side of these walls, they come even more. We must always carry our shield of faith everywhere. I must close with one more ok, well two actually. In the Bible is says in Eph. 2:8-9 that For grace are ye saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. Nothing can save us but faith. How important is that? And Ill close with James 2:17 Even so, faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. We must use our faith in everything. Constantly talk to our Lord. Ask Him what part does He play in whatever it is youre doing. Ive come to know that Jesus Christ is everywhere and in everything and in everyone. If you are lacking in faith, lets fix that. Romans 10:17 tells us So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Hearing the preaching and teaching of Gods Word. Reading the Bible yourself will stir faith in your heart. Today is the day of salvation, tomorrow may never come. Please read Luke 11:9 and Mark 11:22. JMC *********************************************************** MOVING ON MINISTRY June 23, 2007 La mentiras del diablo Cuando de primero que empeze a leer La Biblia Cambia Mi Corazon era una de mis favoritas canciones. Lo mas que cantaba, lo mas que sentia que si era verdad que Dios me amaba y que nomas tenia que estar lista y obediente a EL. Dios me perdono mis pecados y me rescato del infierno que me esperaba si seguia en el mismo paso donde andaba. Me perdono completamente y si lo se que cuando cayo una gota de sangre de Cristo Jesus que lo hizo por mi y por ti. Algo costo, verdad? Dios nos ama con fervor, somos hijos de El Rey de los reyes y no hay mejor Maestro para nosotros. No Lo Hay come dice la cancion, Hay poder, poder, sin igual poder en Jesus quien murio.. Cuando EL estaba en la cruz el penso de ti y de mi. Paso mucho y tan doloroso lo que le hizieron pero siempre dijo Perdonalos porque ellos no saben lo que hacen. Eso es un amor incondicional algo que nos hace falta a nosotros que somos pobre excusa de humanos que queremos seguir mal pasos. Somos como titeres, que nos hace bailar el diablo. NO MAS!!! Somos Cristianos, Somos Soldados De Dios. Peliamos una guerra que nomas nosotros que leemos La Verdad De La Palabra De Dios podemos ver. Porque yo creo que si en realidad podemos mirar alrededor de nosotros lo que hay en este mundo espiritual a la major nos vamos a morir de susto. Efesios 6:1-14 Tenemos que estar listos para seguir en el camino que Dios tiene preparado para cada persona. Cada dia es como una gema, brillante y maravillosa y ahora este dia tenemos que pidirle al Senor que nos guia cada paso. Siempre hay mucho, mucho mas para servir a Dios. Hay una escritura en Job 38 que hizo abrir los ojos de esta mujer con el Corazon quebrado. You pensaba que sabia todo. Por anos y anos yo tenia tanto coraje en mi Corazon, y la furia me estaba matando cada dia. Mi mente nomas par pensar de la venganza de la violacion cuando estaba joven y ademas era una persona que le tenia confianza. El odio me controlaba. El diablo y sus diablillos nunca duermen. Nomas andan en todo lugar esperando cuando una persona caye en una simple trampa. Ni sabemos que estamos en un trampa, porque puede ser que tenemos dinero, y que no los hace falta de cosas, tenemos buen trabajo, casa, y con eso no pensamos en Dios. Pensamos que ya tenemos todo y no necesitamos nada. Pobre gente, verdad? Bien facile creemos las mentiras del diablo, nos caimos en un hoyo oscuro, hondo y despues andamos llorando Dios, ayudame! Dios nos hoye, nos ayuda, y ya nos olvidamos de EL! Es por so que ahora reclamo la Victoria en Cristo Jesus porque en El tenemos esperanza, gozo y salvacion eterna. Juan 3:16 Porque tanto amo Dios al mundo, que mando a su Hijo * unigenito, para que todo el que cree en el no se pierda, sino que tenga vida eternal. Tambien lee Salmos 18 y Salmos 118 Que Dios lo bendiga en su camino diario. En Cristo Jesus Linda Preguntas? Yo no soy escolar pero si trato de obtener repuestas con el mapa que tenemos: LA BIBLIA. :>) Dios te ama 100% *********************************************************** MOVING ON MINISTRY June 23, 2007 The Lies of the devil When I first started to read the Bible one of my favorite songs was Change My Heart. The more I sang, the more I knew that it was true that God loved me and all I had to do was to be ready and obedient to Him. God forgave me and rescued me from the fiery hell that was waiting for me if I kept on the destructive path I was on. He forgave me completely and I know that when the drop of blood fell from Jesus Christ that He did it for me and for you. It cost something, right? God loves us with a passion. We are sons and daughters of the King of kings and we have no better Master for us. There Is Power like the song goes wonder working power in the blood of the Lamb. There is power, power wonder working power in the precious blood of the Lamb.. When He was on that cross He thought of you and me. He endured so much pain and torture yet He said, Forgive them for they know not what they do. That is unconditional love. Something that we lack so much of being a poor excuse of a human that we still want to keep going back on the wrong road. We are like puppets and the devil makes us dance. NO MORE!!! We are Christians, we are soldiers of God. We fight a battle that only those who read the Word can identify where the enemy is attacking, who the enemy is and how he uses any means possible to destroy us. I believe that if we could see the spiritual darkness that surrounds us daily we would probably die of fright. Ephesians 6:1-14 We have to be ready to walk the path that God has prepared for each one of us. Everyday is like a gem/diamond shining in magnificence of His Light and today is the day that we need to ask Him to guide our every step. There is much to do to serve our Lord. There is a scripture in Job 38 that opened the eyes and heart of this broken woman. Here all along I knew what to do. Yeah right! Read it and see for yourself. For years and years I held on to a growing anger in my heart and the fury was killing me daily, slowly but surely. My mind was controlled by the thought of a plan of vengeance due to a rape at a young age and by someone whom I trusted because it was a relative. The hate controlled my being. The devil and his little demons never sleep. They go back and forth throughout the earth looking for weak people who fall in their simple traps. Why we dont even know that we are even trapped because we might have fancy cars, houses, no need of stuff so we dont think about God. We believe we have everything we need. Poor people, huh? We believe the lies of satan and we fall in a dark and very deep hole and then when we finally realize it we cry out Help me God! God hears us, He helps us then we forget about Him again. That is the reason why I proclaim the Victory in Jesus Christ because in Him we have hope, joy and eternal salvation. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life Read Psalms 18 and Psalms 118 May God Bless you in your walk with Him daily. In Christ Jesus Linda ( Volume 15 has my testimony if you have not read it yet. You may request it, This way you will understand more of where I am coming from. Bobs testimony is Volume 14 also) (also if you have extra copies or are finished with your reading, please share with others and you will see the blessings of His unconditional Love, 100%.) Read your map of Life.The Bible NOTES and COMMENTS When Satan reminds you of your past, remind him of his future. God accepts you where you are, but loves you too much to leave you there. Need for Change . . . Keep doing what you have been doing, and you will keep getting what you have been getting. Thoughts You are not what you think you are; But what you think, . . . you are. Replenishing Gods Word promises to restore the years of the locust, or more simply the years previously lost. Joel 2:25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. Salvation It is a point followed by a process. Talk to God about the lost, Before talking to the lost about God Repentance Can be defined as; Stop, Turn around, and follow. God, be Lord of what is left of my life Recommended Reading For the new Christian, or the individual desiring to know God, we would like to recommend the following reading: The Gospel of John This is a great introduction of Christs walk on Earth. The Book of Romans This gives an introduction of many of the Bible stories shared and helps build familiarity of Christs plan for our lives. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren 40 chapters will change your life in 40 days Book of Proverbs Read one chapter a day with the chapter read being the day of the month. This will allow the book to be read almost 12 times thru the year. Ephesians 4 6 This gives the pattern for life that we should live. All 7 Ss are displayed in these 3 chapters. We are given the purpose of the gifts, changing our character, husband/wife/family relationships, and the type of life we are to live and display. Mens Relational Toolbox Another fine work by Gary Smalley with both of his sons adding to this book. This book avoids male bashing but rather teaches men to use and modify the inner tools they have to improve their relationships. Prayer of Jabez A truly fine first book from Bruce Wilkerson. This short book will change your mind about being disobedient to God by not taking care of people in need Needs after Release Individuals being released from incarceration have the same common needs of all individuals. There is a need of self-respect and self esteem. Many have a need of housing. Most are coming back looking for employment. Some are facing classes for AA, NA, or Domestic Violence. Some need to enroll in educational or vocational programs. Most would appreciate someone to just talk to or have a mentor. Fellowship with the right people is ALWAYS needed. For many these are totally new expectations and experiences. One inmate expressed wonderfully the problem of being released. He stated that everything is slow to happen while incarcerated. It seems like an eternity as you wait for your next transfer or assignment. You feel like you are running at 5 miles per hour. Then, when released to the world, you are put into an environment that is running at 200 miles per hour. This drastic change of environments tends to overcome individuals and they have a hard time adapting. We hear of transitions from one area to another in each of our lives. Someone to just talk with about the feelings and changes the individuals are going thru is a great healer. The Bible says that each of us should be a brother to help the other one up when he falls. Other scripture talks about sticking closer than a brother we can often help with sharing life experiences or just listening to someone in need. We dont always have to solve the problems, but many times need to just lend an ear so that someone might share their needs or hurts with us. Many men have heard from their wives I dont want you to fix it, just listen. We need to just listen. Sharing Your Testimony There are 4 parts to an individuals testimony; What my life was like before I met Jesus How I realized I needed Jesus How I committed my life to Jesus The difference Jesus has made in my life. But in reality, those who believe in Jesus have the testimony of God in them; Each of us needs to periodically share our testimony with others. The importance is not what you have done, but what God is doing. Your testimony; Your life lessons Your godly passions the Good News God will make all things new What are some things I should finish once I start? "For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ." Hebrews 3:14 New life in Christ. We must maintain the confident faith we had when we first believed. Scripture is from the New Living Translation (Tyndale House Publishers, 1996). Our testimony is to give hope to others; our fruit is to give proof to God. Repentance means you change your mind so deeply that it changes you. Its not just that I changed how I thoughtI am now changed. Testimonies Seek and Ye Shall Find God bless you and your families. First I want to say thank you for the inspiring booklet. I love to read peoples testimonies and how much God has had a positive part in their life. The following is a piece of my life. You see, I was separated from my 4 dear children in 1980. The state had a part in it because I used heroin for 13 years and chose the street life. Well, that came with jails, prostitution, robberies, etc. I didnt have contact with my children all those many years, little alone had God in my life. Well to jump in to life today update. I knew where my children were from SSW in Stockton, California address. So, I wrote there one day in 2001. I prayed for a response, day after day. I asked God what kind of mom would just walk out of her childrens life? You know I put them there instead of having them live the horrible street life. That is what I tried saying to God is I tried giving them a better life. Well, today I have writing privileges with all 4 of my children. My oldest has a baby, my first grandson. 2 of my girls live in Stockton California, and my middle one lives in Las Vegas. My dearest son is 14 and lives in Apple Valley, California, in a boys home, and he and I write the most. Chaplain Bob, I since have been trying to find my soul and religion, faith process. So I have been going to Catholic Catechism class on Tuesday nights. I need to hold on to God, cuz He God has helped me find my children after all these years, and given me the hope to hold on. Well sorry to have bored you sir. Its just when I read your powerful words, and awesome testimonies, I feel the urge to talk about how God has touched my life and childrens lives as well. MH NOTE From Bob: I think we all agree that God loves the family and wants to strengthen the family. This lady has stated how much she loves her children, but realized she had to let go of the children to keep them from a life in the streets. The feeling she has is a small amount of the feeling God the Father must have had as he let go of His son Jesus to show his love for us. When she mentions about loving to read the powerful words and testimonies and then says sorry to have bored you, I think we all can agree, that these words are also powerful, and hopefully will reach someone, to help them going thru the same street learning. Testimonies Whatever God Teaches through Pain, is Gain We are on tight house and so all our programming is shut down right now. The TC has become sick and has been engaging in negative behaviors not conducive to the principles and values of TC. The participation and attitudes of the participants here has become more of a compliance to receive an out date, than endorsement in the TC values and principles for the sake of change and recovery. So, weve been stripped of everything for the past 2 weeks. Weve been on non-verbal and havent been able to talk or anything. We sit on our beds all day long, staring at our roommates. Weve been doing a few of their processes like taking accountability of everything weve done to contribute to this, and confronting others. Its been the hardest thing Ive ever had to do in life. But through this experience, I can honestly say Ive been humbled/ Not only has this brought me back to the level where I needed to be because I got too big for my britches, but its strengthened my faith and given me more one on one time to spend with God and pray and read His Word and really do some soul searching and internalizing. The past month or two Id become very comfortable here just trying to fly under the radar, so my time goes easy. Id started falling back to old sneaky behaviors and didnt even realize it. I thought that I was doing so good and that I had all I needed from this place. But in all actuality I didnt. I stopped going to church. I stopped praying. I stopped reading the Word and when I noticed that, is when I shut the door on the Lord and looked the other way. Things started looking negative and ugly to me and I wasnt grateful for nothing. I was stuck in me, me, me and only what would benefit me. Well, I have to say that I am so grateful and blessed that this happened now. I realize now that this was Satan working in my life and I was sucked into his game. I read this thing in a magazine that said; Satan has a powerful tool to use against good people, it is distraction. .He would have good people fill their life with good things. so there is no room for the essential things. Have you unconsciously been caught in that trap? That is so true. Thats what happened to me. I got distracted. I dont know if you Eddie B. is but hes here tonight out back, but we are not allowed to go to it cuz of this tight house. Last Sunday was my birthday and I went to church, and of course the topic was just what I needed to hear about making right choices. It seemed like it was directed right to me. Yeah, I didnt get presents or talk to anyone or do anything but to go to church. Honestly, that was the best B-day present I could have asked for. Ive been reading the Purpose Driven Life book and its really gotten me thinking about how Im living my life and what I could do to strengthen my relationship with him. I only have 3 months left here and I know it will be here before I know it. To tell you the truth, Im kind of scared to get out. The last time I was out, I was barely 18 and was using. Im 20 now and never lived a sober life. Ive never been out and had to be a grown up and I dont know really what it is like to be an adult. I dont want to fail when I get out. I dont want to relapse, and I definitely dont want to fall back into old behaviors and be in active addiction. Luckily my mom said I could move home, and be with her and family. My parents divorced when I was 12 years old and at that point I decided to move to Texas to be with my mom. Well a few years passed, I went back and forth, and then I ended up moving to Boise with my mom for a job she had gotten up here, and Ive been here ever since. So, up here is no good for me. Yes, I have a few sober friends in recovery here, but not enough for me to stay and risk it, you know. I I want to go back down to Utah, and be with family. My mom moved back down to Utah almost 2 years ago. All thats here is old using buddies and old playgrounds. I want a fresh start. Ive prayed and prayed about this and I truly believe Im doing the right thing by staying in TC the full 9 months and then going to Utah because I did want to stay here for a while and go to the Chrysalis House with Nannette, but I dont think I can honestly stay strong and make it up here. Im really excited too, because I received my GED last December at the prison and so when I get out, Ill be going to cosmetology school down there. My sisters mother-in-law owns a school and just sent me a letter of acceptance. Im really hoping they have Celebrate Recovery program down there. I want to find a good church once I get there. Ive been reading one Proverbs a day like you suggested. I also read one Psalms a day and then I skip around a lot. Last night, me and my roommates read James. I love going back and reading stuff Ive highlighted in my Bible, because everytime I get something new from it. Either that or it takes me back. SB Lighter But Serious Side NOAH IN THE 21ST CENTURYAnd we thought we had problems! If Noah had lived in the United States in the last ten years, the story may have gone something like this: And the Lord spoke to Noah and said, "In one year, I am going to make it rain and cover the whole earth with water until all flesh is destroyed. But I want you to save the righteous people and two of every kind of living thing on earth. Therefore, I am commanding you to build an Ark." In fear and trembling, Noah took the plans and agreed to build the ark. "Remember," said the Lord, "you must complete the Ark and bring everything aboard in one year." Exactly one year later, fierce storm clouds covered the earth and all the seas of the earth went into a tumult. The Lord saw that Noah was sitting in his front yard weeping. "Noah!" He shouted. "Where is the Ark?" "Lord, please forgive me," cried Noah. "I did my best, but there were big problems." "First, I had to get a permit for construction, and your plans did not meet the building codes. I had to hire an engineering firm and redraw the plans. Then I got into a fight with OSHA over whether or not the Ark needed a sprinkler system and approved floatation devices. Then, my neighbor objected, claiming I was violating zoning ordinances by building the Ark in my front yard, so I had to get a variance from the city planning commission." "Then, I had problems getting enough wood for the Ark because there was a ban on cutting trees to protect the Spotted Owl. I finally convinced the U.S. Forest Service that I really needed the wood to save the owls. However, the Fish and Wildlife Service won't let me take the 2 owls. The carpenters formed a union and went on strike. I had to negotiate a settlement with the National Labor Relations Board before anyone would pick up a saw or hammer. Now, I have 16 carpenters on the Ark, but still no owls." "When I started rounding up the other animals, an animal rights group sued me. They objected to me taking only two of each kind aboard. This suit is pending. Meanwhile, the EPA notified me that I could not complete the Ark without filing an environmental impact statement on your proposed flood. They didn't take very kindly to the idea that they had no jurisdiction over the conduct of the Creator of the Universe. Then, the Army Corps of Engineers demanded a map of the proposed flood plain. I sent them a globe." "Right now, I am trying to resolve a complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that I am practicing discrimination by not taking atheists aboard. The IRS has seized my assets, claiming that I'm building the Ark in preparation to flee the country to avoid paying taxes. I just got a notice from the state that I owe them some kind of user tax and failed to register the Ark as a 'recreational water craft.' And finally, the ACLU got the courts to issue an injunction against further construction of the Ark, saying that since God is flooding the earth, it's a religious event and therefore unconstitutional. I really don't think I can finish the Ark for another five or six years." Noah waited. The sky began to clear, the sun began to shine, and the seas began to calm. A rainbow arched across the sky. Noah looked up hopefully, "You mean you're not going to destroy the earth, Lord?" "No," He said sadly. "I don't have to. The government already has." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A SHORT QUIZThe following short quiz consists of 4 questions and tells whether you are qualified to be a "professional." According to Andersen Consulting Worldwide, around 90% of the professionals they tested got all questions wrong. But many preschoolers got several correct answers! 1. How do you put a giraffe into a refrigerator? Correct Answer: Open the refrigerator, put in the giraffe and close the door. This question tests whether you tend to do simple things in an overly complicated way. 2. How do you put an elephant into a refrigerator? Wrong Answer: Open the refrigerator, put in the elephant and close the door. Correct Answer: Open the refrigerator, take out the giraffe, put in the elephant and close the door. This tests your ability to think through the repercussions of your actions. 3. The Lion King is hosting an animal conference. All the animals attend except one. Which animal does not attend? Correct Answer: The elephant. The elephant is in the refrigerator. This tests your memory. OK, even if you didn't answer the first three questions correctly, you still have one more chance to show your abilities. 4. There is a river you must cross. But it is inhabited by crocodiles. How do you manage it? Correct Answer: You swim across. All the crocodiles are attending the Animal Conference. This tests whether you learn quickly from your mistakes. Poetry Section Love Stronger Than Death Solomon 8:6 I can no longer hide, that dark part of me has died, Pruned by the vine dresser, Theres no thorn in my side; The love stronger than death is undenied; Tried by my maker, And cast into the fiery furnace; The lord is my God. I should long ago sworn this; Deliverance comes as through the mire you crawl, Sing to me Lord, Your gentle sweet song; As I stare through the curtain, What seems so real Its only reflection in the mirror The love stronger than death is perfect, And casts out all tears; Just as its true You must rise after you fall, You brought me to my knees And beaconed my call; Nothing seems to matter At all in this life, Except you by my side, So Ill spread my wings, And soar into flight, There is so much to live for, So much treasure to find. Now I can see, Where once I was blind; And when sin comes back To rear its ugly head, The love stronger than death Is alive The old me is dead. INM Look At Me I Cor. 13:12 Look at me, through a mirror, Yet not so dimly, look at me, Left behind the walls To die without dignity, Look at me, a living testimony. Look at me, so carelessly, but not for long lest you think irrationally. Look at me, and see a reflection of misdirected brutality; look at me and know the nameless face of reality; look at me, and you will see what you want to see; heres my dream to receive Gods reward hold out your hand, and catch the rain drops from the storm; with all of these words of expression here is my confession . . . of brokenness restored, embracing the love of Jesus my lord INM State of Awareness I will ascend these encompassing circumstances. And be as tactful as is possible or conceivable, regardless of, and enlightened by the particular situation, this time of my life, that I have brought myself into. With full and utmost responsibility for my actions, I will work in the present, to prepare a path for the future, thus shifting the past into correction. I will grow and endure from this discipline and alignment, which at this time of my life, I undoubtedly need, and am grateful for. I have a responsibility to this terraqueous orb I call home. With Gods guidance, I will succeed. JR Inmate Art sent by Unknown This was one of the first drawings I ever received. It was from an inmate at BWDF unit 31 or 32, that drew this as a thank you gift for having a Bible given to him. Send us your drawings to be displayed to the world and to remind those on the outside the talent that lies behind the walls. Back To My Dream Seeker INCLUDEPICTURE "http://www.invitationinabottle.com/images/DC_MainPic.jpg" \* MERGEFORMATINET The following article is another of Message in a Bottle in tribute to NW, known to us as the Mermaid. Those of you that have followed her articles on My Dream Seeker, (starting with volume 17, July/Aug. 2006) know of the love and expression displayed by the writer, and felt by the reader of the article. This month, we are honoring the mermail, along with The Fisherman.that is so proud of this lady. Now we honor the graduation of The Mermaid. This fine young lady has completed her GED program while in prison in Idaho. We are very proud of her Cap and Gown Picture To complete the GED program is to be honored, but to complete the program in the prison environment, where the study environment is usually missing, really deserves praise. SHAPE \* MERGEFORMAT Diploma Love, to the Mermaid For a Job Well Done PAGE PAGE 1 Letter From M.O.M. Volume 27 August 2007 PAGE PAGE Church Behind the Wall Visalia First Assembly 3737 S. Akers Visalia CA. 93291 Moving On Ministry Chaplain Bob P.O. Box 6667 Visalia, CA. 93290 Jesus Prayer Ministry Sis Denise P.O. Box 7925 Chula Vista, CA 91912 Moving On Ministry Spanish Volunteer Linda P.O. Box 6667 Visalia CA. 93290 ! 0 B D E r s t ŭ蠘~qdWQKQ hT CJ h\- CJ hzY 5B*CJ \ph hh 5B*CJ \ph h\- 5B*CJ \ph h_T: h_T: 0J 5j h_T: h_T: 5U h_T: h_T: 5j h_T: h_T: 5U h