August 11, 2009
WORSHIP SERVICE
Chaplains Serving: Tom Hockaday, Thor & Trish Carden
Men Attending: 10 on 3rd Floor and 11 on 5th Floor, 21 Total
Logistics: The jail administration lost the records on who is allowed to
come to worship. That means everyone on the 2nd floor has to sign up
again through their case worker to be allowed to come to worship service
again. That is why we only had 4 last week, and so few tonight. Also we
had more than the usual number of Hispanic men and no interpreter.
Worship in Testimony: Tom led testimony time. On the 3rd Floor one of the
inmates sang "Oh, Do Lord" One of the cell blocks was open bunch of men
lined up outside in the hall to hear him sing. They started asking for
Bibles and the guards gave me permission to go out in the hall and sign
them up for our Bible courses. 4 men signed up. One of the men on the
5th floor testified that going to jail was the best thing that every
happened to him because there is where he finally learned what real
Christianity is about. It is about Jesus Christ, not us.
Worship in Music: Tom led singing on both floors, doing an very good job. We sang two songs on each floor. Trisha played "Thank You Lord" and "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee."
Sermon: Jonah – the most successful Old Testament prophet. He preached
for one day and millions of people repented in sackcloth and ashes. Even
so he was rebellious and contrary. If God can use him, He can use me or
you.
Invitation: We sang Amazing Grace. One answered invitation
BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSES --
Course Work Last Week --
Bibles Shipped 31
Certificates Sent 7
Christian Books Shipped 1
Lessons Mailed 178 (biggest week to date)
170 Lessons in Process: Waiting to be scanned, waiting in the queue for a
teacher, being answered by a teacher, responded to by the teacher but
waiting to be mailed.
113 of these are waiting in the queue for a teacher to work on them, 45
for over a week.
We have sent lessons to inmates in 114 jails or prisons in 27 states.
If you are one of our volunteer teachers, thank you very much for your
help. Anyone who has access to the Internet can help. You do not have to
be in Nashville. You can be anywhere in the world. If you know someone
who has been a Christian for a substantial time, who might be willing to
help, please refer them to http://www.biblestudybymail.com . It will give
them an idea of what is involved. If you believe the Lord is leading you
to help us, please let me know. Please continue to pray for our Bible
Correspondence Courses.