Dennis ministered on yards 1 and 2 at Avenal State Prison today. Seven inmates received Christ. Dennis and Sharon were in Sacramento this past week. Together, with Pastor Ed, they represented the ministry during "Missions Week" at Faith Baptist Tabernacle in North Highlands, a suburb of Sacramento. Pastor Ed gave a brief version of his testimony and a ministry update.

   Solano State Prison is on an extended lock down due to an attempted escape in their level three side. Presently Pastor Ed is leading a team going into Solano going through Prison Fellowships "Going For The Gold" program. This lock down has delayed program. There were several security issues that gave the administration concern, so the entire institution was put on lock down until security polices and procedures are re-evaluated. Pray that these issues are resolved quickly so we can continue our program at Solano.

(Supplication) Automotive issues for Prison Team Travels
Due to rising fuel costs, there is concern that the Prison Team may need to cut back on their schedule to Avenal; these concerns come at a time when we not only do not want to cut back on the schedule, but are making plans to increase activity on the schedule there. We know the Lord will provide and we will remain in prayer on this topic till we see the fruition of His blessing. Also, it appears that the transmission is going out on the Fogle's Dodge Durango which is their sole source of transportation to and from the prisons.

(Supplication) Wisdom for Michael Carrington
Michael Carrington is the Under Secretary to Gov. Schwarzenegger on CDCR Policy. Faith Based reform is now the focus of Mr. Carrington's office and he has the arduous task of developing and implementing a system that works. Keep him in prayer as he seeks the Lord's leading, guidance and direction and pray for the large amount of volunteers that will be needed. 

Bill of the Week-AB 2943-Banning Spanking
 
California families won a victory this week with the defeat of AB 2943 (Lieber). This intrusive legislation would have banned parents from lovingly disciplining their children using a wooden spoon other instrument. The bill failed to pass the Assembly Appropriations Committee by the Constitutional deadline and is therefore dead for this session. However, citizens should be aware that this type of attack on parental rights will probably come back next year. The author of AB 2943, Assemblywoman Sally Lieber, publicly acknowledged that the tactic of reintroducing unpopular legislation every year until passes has been quite successful for liberals in the legislature. In the meantime, parents can celebrate this victory for parental rights.
Dear Friends,
This is good news. Thank you for your diligence, and let us thank God for His mercy. "Be not weary..."
--
Steve Labins
Executive Director, Golden State Association of Christian Schools
Southwest Regional Legislative Director, American Association of Christian Schools
949.760.2625

With temperatures over 100 degrees this past Sunday, Dennis and Sharon entered Avenal State Prison and made their way to the prison yards to minister to spiritually starved inmates. Eight men received Christ and over 40 men, who received Christ earlier in the month, were obedient to the Word and followed in believers baptism.

   If you wonder if old fashioned Bible preaching still works, several correctional officers (including high ranking CO's) told our ministry team this weekend what an impact they have seen the preaching make upon the lives of the men at Avenal State Prison. They stated that they have never seen a ministry like this. When all we are doing is preaching the Word, being Christian examples and caring for the hearts and souls of the inmates, it makes you wonder...sometimes do we overcomplicate the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Maybe...just maybe we simply need to return to the "foolishness of preaching." (1Cor.1:21)

CALIFORNIA INMATE DIES IN MISSISSIPPI
By Andy Furillo - afurillo@sacbee.com

California's prison medical care receiver is investigating the death of an inmate who was being housed in Mississippi.

"I'm told it was an asthma-related death," said receiver's spokesman Rich Kirkland.

Corrections officials identified the inmate as Robert Washington, 41, of San Joaquin County. Washington was serving seven years for vehicle theft.

Autopsy results on Washington's April 23 death are still pending, corrections spokesman Oscar Hidalgo said Monday.

Washington died at the Tallahatchie County Correctional Facility in Tutwiler, Miss. The prison is owned and operated by the Corrections Corporation of America.

Washington is the second inmate moved under California's out-of-state transfer plan to have died in custody since the program began two years ago.

Anthony Kelly, 48, serving eight years on a drug case, died last May from an apparent heart attack while watching a fight involving other inmates.

There are now 3,765 California inmates serving time out of state, Hidalgo said.

State officials embarked on the transfer plan to help relieve pressure in the state's overcrowded prisons. Two public employee unions filed suit to block the transfers. The unions prevailed in Sacramento Superior Court, but the cases are pending on appeal.

12:42 PM GMT  |  Read comments(0)