TRU Family Service #2

December 5, 2003

 

Attending:

Cascade: Pastor John Burkholder and 11 volunteers.

His Harmony: Rich Fricks and three ladies.

Guest Volunteers: Bob Jordan (group sponsor), Wendy (TRU Programs), Darin Goff (MCC Program Leader), Willie Williams (Christ Church - observing for starting a service at MSU).

Officers: Three

Inmates: 31 (20 last month)

Inmate Adult Guests: 45

Inmate Children Guests: 6 (from three families)

Inmates On the List: 51 (29 last month)

Inmate Guests On the List: 133 (79 last month)

 

Note: It was very stormy this evening, with some volunteers and most certainly some would-be guests thus not being able to attend. Power was out and trees were down throughout the region.

 

All volunteers were in the Visiting Room  by 5:30pm. Most guests arrived by the time the service began (6:30pm), though again some came afterward (all in by 7pm).

 

The service began at 6:35. John opened with prayer. His Harmony ministered by singing Christmas songs. No skits this time. Again their ministry was well-received by the attendees. They sang all the way up to 7pm. All good things usually come to an end, and so it is with HH. They will not be at the January service; Cascade will be responsible for the entire service beginning in 2004.

 

John began ministering at 7pm sharp. The message was entitled "The Unselfish Christian." John kept everyone's attention with his clear speaking, orderly progression, and strong teaching.  He asked of everyone present, "What does God want?" and weaving in his personal testimony he stressed that "serving God is the key to your joy and successfully serving God as a Christian."

 

Three persons from Cascade shared testimonies:

 

These testimonies went very well. Very powerful!

 

7:30-7:37 John wrapped up the service. Spoke of the "law of love."

 

7:37-7:43 Torry of Cascade played on keyboard and sang "Silent Night." He will be the main person responsible for worship in 2004.

 

7:43-7:46 John closed in prayer.

 

7:46-8:30 Visitation.

 

Tonight five persons from Cascade had direct ministry roles, John, Torry, Adrian, Jeremy, Michael. The balance of the team prepared and served refreshments, sat with inmates with no guests, greeted the visitors. A good session of team ministry. The team is very excited. The officers reported that this night went better than last month (and last month went very well too!).

 

The ministry went fast. Though there were lots of scriptures it was not overwhelming and a very solid message went out. The model of short segments; a short service; guest from the entire inmate visiting list and inmate participation whether or not any of their guests come is working well.