God is on the move in the garden and greenhouse, where Adults in Custody (AICs) learn valuable trades and cultivate their food.
Pastor Clifford and I have been leading a study called Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby in our “Leadership Lab.” We typically have 13-15 students weekly for a two-hour discipleship intensive. The goal is to transform head knowledge into heart-driven action, developing and nurturing mature believers.
Blackaby’s study emphasizes, “Understanding what God is about to do where you are is far more important than telling God what you want to do for Him.”
Several students have boldly embraced the vision and mission—becoming catalysts for transformation by allowing God to work through “simple acts of obedience.”
Many students have shown remarkable commitment by taking on a 21-day prayer challenge. No matter where they are, even in the confines of the prison, they pause at a specific time each day to pray, seeking the heart of God.
Others who work in the greenhouse have initiated a powerful practice, referred to as “God in the Garden.” This growing group of men is working through the Experiencing God study together. Their journey is a testament to the transformative power of this study. Recently, a Corrections Officer (CO) was so moved by their intentionality that he later shared the experience with his “outside” small group. Now, that group is praying for the students as well.
It’s like the 1969 song by Kurt Kaiser, “It Only Takes a Spark”:
“It only takes a spark to get a fire going (going)
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing (glowing)
That’s how it is with God’s love (A-hh!) Once you’ve experienced it
You spread His love to everyone; You want to pass it on (pass it on, pass it on)”
Your gifts ignite the spark; thank you, friends!
Jerel Skeith
Executive Director
503.689.2200