The Lord continues to move behind the bars of our prisons and jails. It is a blessing to receive so many divine appointments as the Lord moves on the hearts of those that ended themselves, feeling helpless.
As I gather the men in the 4 PODs I work on a weekly basis, in the Tulsa County Jail, I look into the eyes of those that enter the meeting room looking full of worry, care, and hopelessness. But as I started to share the Love of our Lord Jesus and turn their hearts to Him, I saw a great transformation with the Holy Spirit working to lift their spirits and generate real hope and a clear direction for each of them. Yes, I have seen that the only real habilitation comes through Regeneration. A born-again experience through our Lord Jesus Christ by the work of His Holy Spirit.
On that Friday, a couple of weeks ago, I saw the Lord move in just that way. In the first POD I held my study with my regular inmates. Following them came several men they had recruited, all abuzz with anticipation. My heart leaped in my chest as I began to speak about new life in Christ. With their hope for real life found in the Lord, alone. I went on to tell them they could come to Christ right there at that moment making an eternal change! After I explained the Sinner's Prayer, I asked, "Does that prayer express your heart's desire, right now?" Men looked me in the eye and shook their heads "yes" while others voiced it, with a resounding "yes"! The Lord made it truly clear He was in control having brought hearts broken and ready to respond. The result, seven men gave their lives to the Lord to be born again.
God had miraculous taken the circumstances of a County ji to bring these men to an end of their selves to find real life in Christ.
It did not stop there. As I entered the next two PODs, men responded, also with two coming to Christ in the next and one in ethe last POD, I covered consecutively. Together we are seeing God honor His word and bless us as we go. You are there, and without the Lord and your willingness to follow His direction, all of this could not happen. Yes, that Friday morning, ten men found eternal life in the hopelessness of a county jail. This is why we go, to bring people to Christ and to life as only our Lord Jesus Christ can give it. Thank you for your prayers and investments that make the real difference in lives filled with hopelessness.
In His Love for Our Prisoners,
Chaplain Steve Bradshaw
Greetings, everyone. I hope you are all feeling as blessed as I feel. It is fantastic. For several months now, I have been wanting to get back to some tales and truths I started and then was interrupted by holidays and life. I hope you will enjoy reading them as much as I love retelling them. Sit back and use your imagination. If this were you, what would you learn?
MCRAVEN'S Lesson Number 2: If you want to change the world, find someone to help you paddle.
A synchronized boat working together can manage the surf, including the tall swells off the coast of California during training. Like having a cohesive crew paddling, having investors in your "boat" who share your vision and goals matters. It is important to find investors who are a good match for your mission, meaning they understand your goals, and have the risk profile, they share your long-term interests. With the right team supporting our "vision," including us as your advocate, we can paddle through the inevitable difficult waters together.
McRaven taught this lesson to his Navy Seals. His objective was to teach everyone nvolved to work together for the success of everyone. Why shouldn't we see the pportunity to further our endeavors to collaborate with all people incarcerated in e jails and prisons of Oklahoma?
With love and best wishes,
Ivy S. Kirk