Reflections From the Last Trip to Columbia - from, Diane

On this day we began the day at Bella Vista prison. We thought we would see a worship session but we got a wonderful surprise and were witnesses to 20 baptisms!  The process of admission to Bella Vista was not as strict as for Pedregal. There was one computer check point and one metal detector. One stamp and finger printing. And then they checked our shoes after the metal detector! And of course we were fingerprinted when we left too.

We were directed to the chapel when we got there where we were informed about the baptisms taking place today. We were very excited to be present for this wonderful time. 

We were also informed that Janean Brabon would be there too. It was a pleasure to see her again. She was a part of the first people to bring the Gospel into Bella Vista back in the days when they were killing each other and the guards were even afraid to enter. But due to a vision from the Lord, the Gospel was taken into the prison by a few brave missionaries, and the prison was changed from a place of darkness and violence to a place of the Light of the Gospel. Today there is a seminary there that produces pastors who serve both inside  and outside the prison. 

After the baptisms we got to shake everyone's hands and extend our blessings to them. We were so blessed to have been there to witness this wonderful event.

After the baptisms we were taken to another patio or cell block. Much smaller and less crowded than the previous one. They said the prisoners in this patio were all former police or guards or government officials and lawyers! It seems crazy but that is what we were told. We went into the room where they have Bible study. There was a guy sleeping there. They told us that this room also is used is as a safe place to sleep when inmates have no money to buy sleeping spots! That is the way it works there due to the severe overcrowding of the prisons in Columbia. Our guide from Prison Fellowship (who also spoke English, praise God!), told us that Prison Fellowship owns some space and they see that the men have adequate places to sleep if possible. We also found our our guide works for OMS! It truly is a small world.!!!  They asked me to say some words about how believing in the Lord Jesus changes your life. I gave a short testimony of what He has done for me with a salvation message. The Lord gave me the words, for sure. Gary shared about how we were called into prison ministry and they seemed moved by our stories. So grateful the Lord provided a translator. We are so grateful to be serving in the prisons of Latin America❤️

A God-Sized Vision for OMS

In June we were invited to be a part of the International Missions Conference and the Worldwide Coordinators Seminar that were held at Ohio Wesleyan University in Marion, IN.  Since not all of our time is spent in Latin America, I wanted to give you an overview of what we accomplish in these other activities, both as an organization and as individuals and share some of my experience {Gary}.

The Missions Conference was primarily focused on sharing the vision of Bob Fetherlin, President of One Mission Society.  Bob explained his desire since being named president to cast a vision for the next decade.  He said he kept coming up with goals, but kept feeling God saying “bigger!”  Bob spent long prayerful negotiation with God and came up with what he said was a GOD SIZED GOAL.

“One Billion – One Opportunity Vision”

“We’re asking God, by his power and grace and for his glory alone, to enable OMS and our partners to give one billion people the opportunity to hear, understand, and believe the Good News of Jesus Christ over the next 10 years.”       

    Robert Fetherlin – President One Mission Society

This first half of the conference was to share the vision and discuss how this God Sized Goal could reasonably be achieved.  Not by OMS or other organizations, but by God. After all - with God all things are possible. 

We heard outstanding speakers share how their placement in worldwide mission gave them a critical position to see that the people are primed for receiving the good news.  Attending the conference were prayer supporters, financial supporters, missionaries and ministry partners from approximately 60 countries where OMS has an ongoing ministry presence.  This first half was the inspirational part of the meeting and everyone got tremendously excited for the opportunities that God is opening for us and Christians around the world to spread the Gospel.

The second half dealt with the mechanics of the implementation of the vision - the “feet on the ground” aspect of what God was calling us to do.  This was attended by ministry leaders from all over the world:  Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, South and Central America, the Caribbean, and from North America as well.  Here each group and ministry provided a short update on their activities, successes, setbacks and their plans for the future.

   

There were seminars and workshops presented that discussed methods and practical steps to more effectively spread God’s word. They pressed us to be looking at the challenges and the creative methods each group had found to overcome and share those with others that may currently be encountering similar obstacles.  The first three days of this portion of the Symposium were packed with good practices that have worked in other areas and how to avoid pitfalls and errors and follow Biblical principles in the spread of the Gospel.  

On the last day, each national group met individually with others from their respective countries and together they worked to determine what portion of the One Billion – One Opportunity goal they could be responsible for.  During the final session, the results of the tally were presented to the assembly.  Now remember this is just what OMS ministries feel they can be reasonably held accountable,  ...….. The number came to approximately 400 million, forty percent of the stated goal, without allowance for the contributions that come from other agencies, organizations and evangelistic-missionary groups.  That is an impressive goal in and of itself, if combined with other partners are able to do, the One Billion – One Vision concept appears reachable. Indeed, with God, all things are possible. 

The Conference ended on a very positive note and we all headed home inspired, encouraged and challenged.  When we look at the big picture, we can all see that it has to begin with each and every one of us sharing our faith on a daily basis and letting the power of multiplication work to give the opportunity to billions to know Jesus.

Beautiful Story of Dunia - Women's Prison - Pedrigal

While on our last visit to Colombia, the day we went to visit the women's APAC ( reentry program) we were thinking that we had already seen the prison recently and it would be a regular visit. We had been there on the last trip to Colombia last fall for the Latin American Summit meeting. At that time we had no idea of the changes in store - specifically that we would shortly be assigned there as Church Multiplication Facilitators! The Lord was preparing us even then for this new responsibility. 

So after all of the three stages of security check points at the prison, we entered into the the facility to meet some of the women in the program. And we did. But there was also a bonus for us. We met a young woman named Dunia, age 26, who spoke English and was to be our translator. She was originally from Canada so she spoke perfect English. The women were meeting for their Bible study and Dunia was going to translate what was going on in class. During the down time before class started she told us her story, which was quite surprising. She had been selling drugs and other things and that is how she landed in prison. She was very well spoken in English and very pleasant to talk to. We took an instant liking to her. She also knew no Spanish at all when she arrived there. So she had to learn the hard way.

In our conversation, she shared with us that she was raised Muslim and that she felt that she was spiritual but had no faith in Jesus or what He had to offer her. She had also been told in no uncertain terms by the lady who was leading Bible study that she was going to hell if she did not believe! We tried to be compassionate and soften the words, but agreed with the leader. We said we would like to pray for her and she said that would be fine. She also began to share more about herself with us. She shared that one of the things that was holding her back from believing was that she is a lesbian. She felt condemnation and judgment from the Christians there. She also told us that she does not usually attend the Bible studies. She teaches English to many of the women so they know and like her. But that day because of our need for a translator she heard the salvation message again and many other things from God's Word. The Holy Spirit was speaking to,her through these things. As the leader closed in prayer, Dunia stopped translating and was visibly moved by this prayer. We don't know exactly what was said but she was moved. When we finished we told her we would pray for her and hoped to see her on our next visit.

When we returned to the Prison Fellowship office later that day we told one of the volunteers about our experience with Dunia. She said they have been praying for her and speaking with her for quite some time. She will be released soon but cannot leave Columbia for 5 years. Prison Fellowship is hoping to employ her in the office because she is educated. Then also she will have  exposure to the Gospel! The Lord is moving in her life and we are excited to see what He will do with this beautiful Muslim woman. Please pray for her heart to soften to the things of The Gospel.

- Blessings, Diane and Gary

Blowing Things up 48 years In

Hello all! This week I am guest posting with a story that is best told from the outside. It's Dena, Gary and Diane's oldest daughter and amateur blog coordinator.

Last week I headed for the airport to pick up my mom and dad from their flight. It is one of things I enjoy the most about watching their dog and car while they are gone - I get fresh off the plane stories of what joy they have experienced on their latest trip. So what usually happens is that they try and cram 7-10 days worth of miraculous works of God into a 45 minute drive and what actually happens is I get some story but mostly this grand sense of wonder from each of them. And this time I was not disappointed. What I didn't expect was this little nugget.

They were telling me about some of their trips into some of the more impoverished areas around Medellin that they hadn't seen in their previous visits. I'll let them tell the actual stories. But at one point, they were learning the hard facts about a woman's circumstance and my dad was explaining how difficult it was to hear. Then he got a choked up and said, "You should have just seen your mother." He was so full of pride he was almost bursting. "She told them that we were just going to pray right then." I've seen my mom do that. It's the mom in her. I know what he saw. He saw fierce love in my mom and it made him feel like the luckiest man. And I saw it in his eyes.

I have always known my dad loved my mom deeply. He's sentimental and sweet to her but they can bicker like no one I know - 'cept maybe me :) And they have their troubles communicating their best intentions and love to each other even though it is in there. I only say that because what I saw in that moment was my dad acknowledging that my mom is PIVOTAL to the ministry they are doing because of her deep compassion for people. And I know I saw his love grow with that exchange. I don't know if she knows or if she saw. But I am telling the world, God is growing my parents together in ways that I am certain blow them away. They are learning to love each other in serving Him in the places of risk and uncertainty that He is taking them. Serving is a blessing that we often rob ourselves of because of the discomfort. That is not the headline for Gary and Diane. The headline is 48 years of marriage and God is still helping them to learn to love each other better.

Don't be afraid to go where God leads. There is no greater place of joy or peace or wonder than stepping into the flood of grace. And if you are holding the hand of your oldest and dearest friend, confidante and lover, there is NOTHING He cannot accomplish in and through you.

Another entry from Diane's Travel Journal

Below is one of the journal entries Diane sent from their last trip to Honduras. It gives us another glimpse into their activities when they are out of the country. At this moment, you are probably aware that they are in Medellin, Colombia. Please be praying for vision and direction as they take on a new role for OMS in that country.

Thursday

A visit to El Progresso prison and then return to Tegucigalpa to pack for the trip home tomorrow.

First some observations about El Progresso the town. It is very poor. We saw some of the worst conditions of any town. Much poverty and very sad conditions.

Before the prison we went to Sister Lillian's house. We did not know why. Then it was explained to us that  they were presenting her with the equipment necessary to run the The Prisoners Journey, or TPJ program, in the prison. They provided her with a TV, a DVD player, and the necessary things to run the program. This was given to her at the house so the prisoners did not misunderstand that it was for them. It is for them, but it is on loan from Prison Fellowship to run TPJ. This will be exciting to hear how many become involved by it's use.   Sister Lillian's house, while nicer than many in the area, is in disrepair and there are only rafters for a ceiling. And yet she spends many, many hours working in the prison and for the prisoners of El Progresso. She has been very dedicated for many years and had a wonderful group of T&M disciples. Many of them plan to be baptized in the coming months. We look forward to sharing in that with them. if not in person then on Facebook.

I have said before that El Progresso is the worst prison for conditions of all the ones we have seen here. But I realized today as we drove back the road to get there, that as the community goes, so goes the prison in that community. That had not struck me before. There is construction going on both inside and out of the prison. And  that adds to the turmoil of the place. It may make it better inside in the future, but now it is just a mess. Very difficult to even walk to the room where they meet. The floor is torn up and there are holes and trenches everywhere. You really had to be careful not to fall! Also, we got our feet all muddy and then tracked it all over the car. [Anyone who knows Diane will know that this must have driven her nuts to get that dirty and track it everywhere!! :)]

 But as I have stated before about El Progresso, the Lord is doing a mighty work there! These men are very dedicated to the program and to the Lord. They thanked us for coming and many wanted to shake our hands. The head man then spoke a few words and then Herasmo gave a short message. Gary also spoke and told them how happy we are about how well the program is doing. He said we bring blessings from the United States and prayers. While we were shaking hands with them, one man came up to us and was telling me something about his wife. (That was all I could understand of it). Then when he knew I was not immediately understanding, he went to get a man who could speak English to translate. The man said that this inmate had a wife who was pregnant and needed a test. He was asking for money from us because he had none for her to get the test.  It was sad. I told him I would pray that the Lord would provide the money for her to have the test. I guess that is one reason they don't want us to take money in. There is always a story, some may be true and some may not, but we would certainly be tempted to give them what they asked for.

It is a very sad place to visit but the spirit of the Lord is there and they are rich in love for Him. They really have to believe that this world is not their home. 

Diane also adds:

As always when we visit the prison, we are blessed to be a small part of what the Lord is doing in the prisons of Honduras.

From the pages of Diane's travel journal.......

Sometime during their last trip to Honduras, Diane writes.....

Today we got up early and the four of us went to the National Prison of Tamara. We were meeting Pastor Miguel who came on his motor cycle and one other pastor there who facilitated our entering the prison. They said they might not let me in being the only woman, as Nora did not go because of her knee. There was  a lot of walking to get to the chapel. 

The weather was dry, pleasant and sunny  but a little cool first thing in the morning. But at the prison, unlike most times when we visit, there was a nice breeze and very pleasant. We were in an open air room surrounded by much activity. Lots of laundry being hung out, people wandering about, roosters crowing and other noises from other parts of the prison. But in spite of all of these distractions the 10 men who were the volunteers participating were  very attentive and participated very well. Herasmo did the first half of the lesson(24), while Miguel did the second half. The men did an excellent job of reading the scripture passages and most stood when they read, showing respect. There were others who stopped by or sat down  but did not stay and they did not receive booklets. But they may be interested enough to participate in the next session of T&M. The potential is great in this prisoners because of the high number of inmates 2,000-2,500. Divided into 4 or 5 sections, we were only seeing one section today. It was wonderful to be present in the early stages, so we can see the growth when we return next time. All of the volunteers came and shook our hands and hugged us. Saying blessings to us. And we in turn blessed them. 

One inmate who was not part of the volunteers to be trained came and spoke to us in English. He had a sad story. He lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota and married an American girl - he also had a daughter. Then something happened, he didn't tell us what, that they made home come back to Tegucigalpa to jail and he has been there ever since. It seems so sad. But we do not know the whole story.

We decided to give Pastor Miguel one of our Spanish Streams in the Desert books. Gary signed it and everything but we did not get to give it to him. We got there first, he was on his motorcycle and when he got there we had forgotten about the book. We had to leave before he did so we did not see him after at all.  Things get complicated sometimes.

After we left the prison, we went to a mall for lunch. We had Subway and they let Gary pay. With only a little grumbling. 

This is just a sample of one of our days when we are in country in Honduras. We love going and are blessed to be a part of this prison ministry. This was an account from our last trip in January of 2016.

Train & Multiply - Gary Tells Us How This is Just the Beginning

As I have explained to some of you, in addition to the work we are helping with in Latin American prisons, God has laid it on our hearts to take the same Train & Multiply material to the local prison in Leavittsburg, OH at Trumbull Correctional Institution.

I had explained last year that a class of 10-15 disciples were regularly meeting where they were provided instruction, materials and encouragement to go out in the prison compound among their fellow inmates and begin talking about Jesus and inviting them to begin participating in small Bible studies.

That Train & Multiply class finished up and we held a graduation ceremony in December of 2015.  These inmates had become brothers in Christ over the period of 4 months when we were studying together.  These gentlemen have been meeting together now for about eight months and asked to keep the group together discussing Biblical issues, life problems and how to walk a Godly life in the prison. 

We recently started another class.  This time around, the members of that first class are teaching the material to a second generation of “church planters” for the prison.  Eleven men are now being taught the same principles by the men they responded to when asked if they would like to learn about Jesus. 

Each graduate was asked to submit 1-2 names of individuals that they thought were good candidates for the leadership training and those gentlemen were issued invitations.  Thirty one men were invited and at the first meeting 15 responded.  The attendance has leveled off at 12-13 and the enthusiasm and interest of these men is even greater than that of the first class.  I believe they are responding so positively because they are being  taught by a fellow inmate - someone who has walked in their shoes and has the same life experience as they have.

It is a slow start, but we were talking on Tuesday evening about saturation ministry  - where you contact every single person and offer them the opportunity to come to know Jesus Christ.  With a population in that facility of approximately 1500 inmates, one of them quickly calculated that between the present class and those from the previous class that if each one talked to one new person every day and they talked to a new person every day and so on, they wouldn’t have anyone new or unreached to talk to by the second week.  He has grasped the concept of multiplication and how that is the only way to reach the world for Jesus Christ.

It makes me ask, what if each of us did that ev

ery day, what would the world look like.