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Spring, 2005
Shalom!!!
I just returned from another time of ministry at the women’s prison
in Muncy, Pennsylvania and it was an amazing morning!! It’s hard to
believe a voice can sing at 8am on a Sunday morning, but I find that
there is such anticipation as I enter through the prison gates…of
what God will again accomplish as I step out in faith, of what I
will glean from my time with these women, and of the sheer
excitement from doing what I was created to do…that the supernatural
energy of the Lord takes over!!! (Thank God for that!!!)
Hundreds File In
Hundreds of women filed into the chapel at 8am, ushered
in by the vibrant voices of the prison choir! Pure gospel at it’s
best! How can I follow this???
It’s my second time at Muncy, so there are familiar faces and I
receive many warm hellos from the women who attended last time! When
I was there in March, only women from minimum security attended.
This time, they also allowed the women from maximum security to
attend the service, heavily guarded…but there nonetheless!!! These
are the women convicted of the most serious crimes.
A Big Surprise
Before I was introduced, there was to be a special song from the
choir. It took a few seconds for me to realize they were singing one
of my songs!!! They had learned it after I sang it there in March
and wanted to surprise me!!! They sure succeeded! I was surprised
and honored!!!
The Service
The rest of the morning was a blend of song, skit, stories, and
prayer…puppet, instruments, dancing and joy! There’s so much to fill
the time when I am there…I love variety and since I get bored easily
myself, I like to keep my program constantly changing!!! I find that
it keeps everyone alert and expectant, wondering what’s going to
come next!! And with me, I am realizing, one never really DOES know
what’s coming next! And I think that’s just the way the Lord created
my life to be…one big adventure. So why not take everyone else on
the ride with me??
We had a time of prayer in the middle of the service, and I was able
to lead a general prayer for salvation at the close of the service.
Time ran out, so I was not able to see if any accepted the Lord, but
I am sure some did. As the women filed out I was able to greet them
and say goodbye. Many expressed how grateful and touched they were,
especially the women from Maximum security, who rarely get the
privilege of attending a service of any kind.
What Difference Does it Make?
It’s encouraging to know that using what the Lord has given me is
making a difference in others who are in need. I have only touched
the tip of the iceberg…I know that these women have a long way to go
before they are healed, recovered, and stable. But if I can at least
bring them hope and a taste of the love God has for them, of the joy
they can have in Him…well, isn’t that where it all starts? We can
only love HIM because HE first loved US! Experiencing His love is
the first step for these women to be able to love Him, and love
themselves!
PLEASE CONSIDER…
Financially supporting the prison outreach so it may continue, and
grow. There are many expenses involved for each prison visit. The
prisons cannot give a love offering; so all support must come from
other sources such as concerts in congregations or from private
donations. Would you prayerfully consider making a donation so
that this ministry can continue? You can use the donate button below
for secure internet transaction via PayPal. You may also send a
check or money order to me at:
Faith Yesner
P.O. Box 867
Havertown, Pa 19083
Or donate online now with a credit card:
In Our Messiah,
Faith
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