What is one of the greatest problems for those behind bars, today? Fear!!
Yes, those men and women behind bars face fear in so many forms while behind bars. Fear of what will be the out-come of their case, fear of other prisoners that may abuse them, fear of the unknown, of prison (if they have never been there or have and had the often bad experience while there), and lastly, fear of their families staying together and making ends meet while they are in jail/prison.
Yes, life for a prisoner is full of fear and one of the greatest, I've not even shared, is fear of Eternity that so many, really all of us, will face someday! With these questions in mind I recently did a study from God's Word on Fear!
I shared that we don't get fear from God but instead there is no fear in God. After sharing several passages on God's view of fear, I came to the main passage the Lord gave me.
"There is no fear in Love; but perfect love casts out fear..." The Greek word used here for Love is Agape. This word is most offended used to describe God's perfect unconditional Love.
I was blessed to have several new men in both these studies and the Lord held their attention on my every word. As I looked at their eyes, I could see so many of these men truly searching for the answer that only the Lord can provide. This happened in both the big PODs I held studies on that day. The result was truly a movement of God with the first POD having 10 men give their lives to the Lord and in the 2nd POD we witnessed 7 more make the same decision. Late that afternoon I went to another smaller jail to share with a group of men the same study, with 4 more coming to Christ. Praise God as 21 men gave their lives to Christ in one day! Give God the Glory with me!
As we believe God together the Lord is drawing men and women to Himself! Thank you for your kind gifts and important prayers that the Lord uses to keep me going and reaping these wonderful blessings. I'm totally humbled and amazed to watch the Lord work and turn hearts to Himself. You share in each victory for Eternity!
In His greatlove for us and the Prisoner,
Dr. C. Steve Bradshaw, P.D. President
P.S. We are moving to a new phase of ministry, Ivy Kirk has moved on to another focus in her life, now Project HUB will be developed directly through Prison Discipleship. Pray as we work to grow this important part of our ministry. Please, pray for Ivy.