I went to the Christmas on the inside program last night at the Ellsworth Correctional Facility. You would not believe the level of talent and professionalism that goes into these programs. The Praise & Worship band is top notch, and the drama team does an excellent job on their skits. Hats off to Chaplains Bailey & Vallier for putting on such a great program. I try to go every year, and almost didnt go this year because my companys Christmas party was last night also. I went because one of the inmates that I have been working with and have grown to know for over 5 years now was giving his testimony in the program. When people ask me why I do volunteer work at the prisons it is because of this. When I first met this gentleman over 5 years ago he wouldnt hardly say a word, very guarded, and not trusting at all. Now he is on stage, opening up and being honest about his past and what has led to his change. He has been faithfully attending one call-out I do for over 5 years and has led the group for several years now. He has also been a member of another call-out I do since we started it a year and a half ago. He is one of the ushers for Sunday morning services and does plays inside. What Im getting at is that I have had the privilege of watching the transformation the Lord has made in this man due to the renewing of his mind through Jesus Christ! It doesnt get any better than that! That is why I do what I do, I get to watch God work miracles in the hearts of men! Most people think that these men should be forgotten and that they are incapable of changing. You couldnt be more wrong! Sure, there is a majority that will not change ( just like a lot of people we know ), but even if just one does, its worth it in Gods eyes! I myself am an example of Gods grace and transforming power! ( Thank You Lord!) What saddens me though is the low turn out of guests at the program. Most of the people there either worked, volunteered, or had kin in the program. I saw flyers up all over town advertising this FREE program, yet no one shows up. I think most people in this community would just as soon deny the existence of the prison here, and all of the men locked up in it. God did not place this facility here just for the economic growth of this community! He allowed it to be built here in the hopes that the people of this community would reach out to these men and minister to them. But sadly, just the opposite happens. The Ellsworth Correctional Facility is a model facility for the spiritual rehabilitation of inmates and this community should be proud of what is being done here!
Posted on: Sun, 07 Dec 2014 13:46:15 +0000
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