You Never Know When You Answer the Phone

Just when the frustrations of the ministry and the hardheartedness of the latest group of inmates threatens to overwhelm us,  the phone rings.

"Hi Larry.  It's Tim...remember me from a few years ago?  Well, I'm getting baptized at my church on Sunday night and I'd really like it if you could be there."

"Hi Susan.  Guess who?  .... You can't guess?   Ha, ha, ha!  It's me -- Annie!  I called cuz I was just thinking about you and I wanted you to know that I am still clean and sober....yup, I'm going to church too...........I love you."

"Hi Larry and Susan.  I'm standing here at the federal prison camp with....well, you'll never guess who is here beside me...it's Jason.  We found Jason and now we are discipling him in the Lord so you can rest easy about him!"

"Hey Sue...I'm waitressing at a really fancy restaurant and I thought you and Larry could come and visit me -- like a date, you know.....My mom and dad got saved.  My dad's cancer shrunk and so he's going to make it and we all go to church together every Sunday."

"Can I speak to Pastor Larry?  ....Hello Larry?  Well, I'm out and ready to take you and Sue to Outback for that steak dinner........the wife and I might be getting back together so she will be coming too....."

"Hey Mom,  it's me Adam.....yeah, I know you would be worrying about me if I didn't call so here I am.   I'm reading my Bible everyday.  Tell Larry I'm OK.  Tell him to come visit me as soon as he can."

"Hi Jarvises...I thought I'd come over to Daniel's church tonight.  Can you get there too?  You can...great!  I can't wait to see you!"

"Hi Mom,  it's me Julio....I just thought I would check in.  I'm getting an early release from the Federal Camp here in Alabama, taking classes in diesel mechanics, and studying The Word....the family is doing good....I'm sharing Christ with the other guys....luv ya"

"Is Larry there?   ......... Hi Larry.  Man, I've missed you.   Can we get together and talk?"

Well, with phone calls like that.....who needs Christmas presents?   We've got the joy of sharing Jesus and the honor of  hearing from our dear "kids" as they grow in the Lord.    We have a wonderful jail administration who lets us try new ideas to reach the men and women.  We have faithful supporters and even surprise donors who make living and ministering in Medina County possible.  Yes, we are truly blessed in what the Lord has called us to do.  He is so good to us!