Things are back to busy again. We have 12 guys meeting with me again. One whole cell block decided to have me come speak with them. It has been a while since that has happened. It made me remember back to the days of Bardell and the influence he quietly had on everyone around him when he was here a few years ago.
Danny is back from federal up north and is already busy sharing his faith and encouraging his cellmates. He's back for some "retrial" stuff that we need to pray for God's direction in, but also pray for the guys that he's staying with and having such an influence on. I recieved a wonderful gift from his parents. With the $50.00 I was able to buy 4 NIV study bibles for the guys and hope to put the rest towards making it to Galesburg for another visit. Tammy and I had just finished purchasing two cases of bibles (free on the inside, and regular NIV) If anyone feels led to help, we would still love to have a case of recovery bibles. Their focus on recovery from addictions fits a lot of the guys.
Please focus some prayers on our direction in the jail ministry. I seem to be feeling led to a lot of things at church and know that I'm on the edge of getting stretched too thin. I wish I knew the "trick" to knowing God's will and direction in my life. I have been amazed at the growth of my family the past couple years at the Crossing. While verifying God's will and direction to become members of the Crossing was very difficult, the rewards have been undeniable. Josh has been consistent in his involvement with the teen group and helping out with the kid's programs for BOTH services EVERY Sunday. He also lists Andy (Youth Pastor at the Crossing) as one of his best friends. Jake and Jacelyn get upset of they don't get to go to church on Wednesday OR Thursday evenings. Tammy is very involved in multiple women's studies and is connecting during worship like never before. As for me, well, I guess I am still just catching my breath after making the "decision" to become members of the crossing and leave our other church family. What a difficult time for us all, but what a fruitful time now to have such a wonderful church family that is so bold in their readiness to seek God's will and direction in everything. My family and I are truly blessed .

In Him,
Brian