You may recall us sharing with you about a prison ministry that a few GO! staffers are getting involved with. We asked for donations of Bibles (and we've been receiving them!) Here's a few words from Katelyn on what happened during their first visit:
"We went to Tennessee’s Prison for Women. Josh and Whitney got to meet Aunt Helen and Uncle Harold, who are affectionately called Momma and Poppa Cox to the prisoners. We spent a good while talking before we went in. I’m not exactly sure what to say I expected. Whatever it was, today blew it out of the water. The women were loving, friendly, and huggable. They talked to us, hugged us, and welcomed us warmly. Josh lead the singing while a man named Thomas Snow did the sermon. The sermon was on Ezekiel 37. He described how even when we have “dry bones,” the Lord still has a plan for us. Even when things look hopeless, our hope is in the Lord. We worshiped with them there and an annex across the street.
I learned something from those women. Firstly I learned that stereotypes can and should be left at the door that God opens. Those women were kind, generous, and loving souls who wanted to be there to praise their God. The second thing I learned was in watching. They praise with no restrictions and without holding back. No one fell asleep and no one was distracted. Those women were there because they had a need to be in their souls. How often we take for granted the ability to worship. This weekend definitely tops my favorite weekends since coming to Freed. There are plans in the works to make this a periodical trip, that would branch out farther. God gave me an open door, and with some incredible friends, we’ve been running through open passageways. God has planted ideas in our heads and our hearts and is now making those ideas possible. Thank you warmly to all of you who prayed for us and gave us encouragement. However, it definitely does not stop here. We’re trying to collect Bibles to donate to the prisons, as well as finding people willing to volunteer. If you want to know more or get involved, please send a message our way!
God does wonderful things."
To read more from Katelyn check out her blog: here.