Growing up, I experienced prayer before every meal, family Bible study, and bedtime with everyone taking part, including the children. After supper and the dishes were done, our family devotions included reading a chapter a day of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. We went around the table with each of us reading a verse at a time to teach us the lessons of the Word. In the process, we also learned how to read and how to pronounce all those Old Testament names.

When we look back over 20 years of this prison ministry, let us not look back and risk resting on our laurels; let us make the key note of the celebration being, “Christ in us, the hope of glory.” (Eph.1:18)

We humans too easily fall into looking back and saying look at the good job we have done. Instead, let us follow the example of Paul pressing toward the goal: thanking him for what he has done so far and seeking Him for what lies ahead. Phil. 3:12-16 “Not that I have already ‘attained’, or am already ‘perfected’; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.”

We have no hope of glorifying God in any other way except Christ within us doing the work, our obedience to what He brings to us to do with Him. If we want to glorify Him, then that is Christ in us, that is our only hope of glorifying God.

Everyone who reads the Bible often seeks greater understanding. One idea for Bible study suggested to prisoners by our founder was this: select a book of the Bible you have not read before or read recently. Read through the book once. As your read, keep in mind the following questions and choose a verse to answer them, when possible.

1. Who wrote the book? Was it written as a letter, prophecy, etc.?

2. Why was the book written? What did the writer want to accomplish?

3. Which verse(s) speak directly to you and how you live?

4. Who is the most outstanding person in the book?

5. Pick a verse or section most descriptive of the book.

6. Share this experience with someone.
This would be a great goal for all.

At Third Street, we want to acknowledge Keith, our longest resident who works two jobs, is diligent about his commitment to the Lord, and who welcomes and helps each new resident at Third begin their adjustment to society by being a Christian brother. Thank you Keith, you are learning to overcome those spiritual battles with God’s grace. Trevor has finally received all of the documentation (birth certificate, school records, Social Security card) he needs to acquire his State of MI identification card. This will assist him in finding employment and furthering his contribution back to society. Alex is our newest resident. He is currently looking for employment and both he and Trevor help with the yard work. Alex will be planting tomato plants and peppers in the back yard.

At Franklin Street the house is full. Praise God. Bryan (miswrote Steve last month, please forgive), works at Wendy’s and has a garden that he diligently works on in his free time. Ron has a job doing restaurant maintenance and cleaning. John is currently keeping himself busy painting the porch when he is not looking for employment.

Soon and very soon we are going to see the King, but not anytime that we will ever know. I think the important thing is that we keep giving of ourselves, that we keep building relationships, and that we keep listening and doing what God is telling us to do. Big or small, silly or quick, long and drawn out, or something as simple as picking up a stick like the cross, we must let our light shine so others can see because when that day comes, I want my Father in Heaven to be proud of me. Hopefully, you will feel the same.

Remember God Loves You And So Do I.

James Rummelt Jr. aka Rocky

Editor’s note: Rocky usually takes two weeks in the summer to work with troubled youth at a dirt bike camp. Please keep those campers in prayer so that if they do not have a personal relationship with Christ, they will form a lasting one as a result of their camp experience.

I pray everyone had a blessed Memorial Weekend. Memorial Day is a time to reflect and give thanks for those who have gone before us; those who have sacrificed life and limb for the freedoms we enjoy today. Because they sacrificed, we live in a nation that experiences freedoms greater than any other nation on earth. I also find myself reflecting on Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who went before, and sacrificed for all; the young and old, sick and healthy, the weak and strong, rich and poor, the humble and proud, beggar and thief, the prisoner and freeman, You and Me. He died for us all, not just a nation, but the world as a whole. John 3:16; For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

In honor of our 20th anniversary, would you consider a gift of $20, $200, $2000, or $20,000? Please use the remittance envelope, or the web site (click here), to make a contribution. Please let us know if you would like to receive the newsletter via email (subscribe here) or be dropped from the mailing list; otherwise, we will continue as is. We appreciate your prayers for this ministry and for the men we serve through Christ Jesus.