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.