July 1, 2009
IN THIS MONTH'S NEWSLETTER
- Chaplaincy News
- A Volunteer's Point of View
- Mourning a Friend
- Seg Encounter
- Camp Opportunity
- In Closing
CHAPLAINCY NEWS When Doug was 'hired' as the Protestant Chaplain over Essex County, he was informed he would receive a $100/week stipend. Later, he was told the stipend would not begin until July. Now, his suspicions are confirmed, and he has learned he will not be paid by the County at all.
At first, this news was disappointing, but it didn't take long for us to be really thankful. Doesn't it make perfect sense for the chaplaincy to be tied into our missions support for NBF? The work in and outside has always gone hand-in-hand. We trust our NBF supporters will feel especially gratified that their gifts not only make the work of NBF possible, but will also provide for the Protestant Chaplain for all of Essex County. It's a two-for-one! ;) Thank you for keeping our monthly support needs in prayer.
A VOLUNTEER'S POINT OF VIEW Since we usually do all the talking, we thought you might like to hear from someone else for a change! Dan Boucher, one of the volunteers God has brought to serve at the Farm on Sunday nights, sent an email this past week testifying of last Sunday night's service.
"The Spirit of God was very active last night in the chapel. He (God) delivered a very full house when we were expecting a quiet night...Voices of praise were strong and genuine. Our God and Father and the Lord Jesus Christ were receiving the glory they are due and which the Spirit seeks to testify to through us."
Dan and his wife, Cathie, are faithful intercessors who began their involvement with NBF at our weekly prayer meetings. One thing led to another, and now Dan is an NBF Volunteer and Board Member! (Prison ministry seems to take most of us by surprise.) Thank you, Dan, for allowing us to share your heartfelt words. Please, remember to pray for all the prison and NBF volunteers.
MOURNING A FRIEND This past week our friend, Kitty Goldpaint, passed away. Kitty is with the Lord, so we rejoice in that victory. However, she will be very missed. Kitty was a long-time family friend with whom we have served and worshipped the Lord for years. She was a caring friend who took the time to listen and encourage. She had a way of making a person feel they mattered more than anything or anyone else in that moment. That's a rare gift, and she was a priceless gem. Please, remember her husband, Bob, and her children, Brad and Julie, in prayer this week.
SEG ENCOUNTER Seg. It's an abbreviation for segregation, and it's word that inspires fear in grown men. When a man is in the Seg Unit at Middleton, he knows he will be in a cell by himself for 23 hours a day. He will not be allowed to participate in any programs, including Chapel. He is not allowed personal contact with anyone. If a Chapel volunteer goes to visit a man, they must communicate through his door. Of course, there is reason a man ends up in the Seg. These are the most violent criminals in the prison.
This past week Doug was in Seg to visit with a couple of men, when another man began to call out to him. The man sounded desperate, and insistent, shouting through the door, so Doug went to him. By the time Doug got to his cell, the man was in tears, crying out: "I'm tired of living this way. I want change. I want God!" Right then and there, Doug shared the gospel with Dennis, and Dennis knew this was the truth. He knew Christ was the Answer! He didn't want to wait another minute to ask Jesus into his heart. Praying through the door, he gave his life to Jesus. Isn't that marvelous? God is moving in Seg, too! Please, pray for Dennis and the other men in Seg.
CAMP OPPORTUNITY Know a child who would be blessed by a Christian camp experience this summer? Please, tell them about Camp Clear. Camp Clear is located in South Carver, MA. It's a small, friendly camp that is irresistible! The Board and Director work hard to keep it affordable, but also offer one-week scholarships to any camper in need. We have supported the ministry of Camp Clear for years now, because we consider it a critical ministry in the Body of Christ and we completely agree with their philosophy of turning no child away. Reaching children with the gospel is one of the most vital works of the Body of Christ. Being personally acquainted with many of the staff, and long-time friends of the Director, we are happy to recommend Camp Clear. Please, keep Camp in prayer these next two months.
IN CLOSING Thank you for being a part of New Brothers Fellowship and the ECCF Chaplaincy! We appreciate the time you have given to reading this newsletter, and lifting these needs to the Lord in prayer. It is a privilege to serve God full-time ministry. We are grateful for the opportunity He has given us to know Him more, as we are called to trust Him more.
Many of you are facing very difficult times right now. Some are threatened from every side with health issues, financial needs, relationship struggles, unsaved loved one, and more. It can be so hard to face each day's trials, but be encouraged! Our loving, heavenly Father is never far from His children. God is faithful. It is impossible for Him to be anything but faithful, true, loving, and kind. So, we can confidently turn to Him and wait on Him. We know He is able, and we pray you find rest in Him today. May your faith be in Him alone, for He is worthy!
In Him alone,
Doug, Caroline, and Hannah
P.S. We always eager to lift your requests to the Lord in prayer.
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
