TIPS: IS GOD CALLING YOU TO PRISON MINISTRY?

PRAYER... ARE YOU LISTENING TO GOD? 

Is God calling you to Prison Ministry? Prison ministry is not a place of "that's good enough" warm bodies, but "hand-picked servants."

Often times God calls us to prison ministry years before it actually happens. I remember God calling me to preaching years before my training and first opportunity. Sometimes I think (I know in my case) he calls us and matures our character during the years of waiting... he puts us in places of training for future ministries. Don't waste a moment in serving where you are at - it is building upon your character for greater kingdom impact.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you. John 15:16



Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7

TIPS: ARE YOU GIVING THESE INMATES YOUR VERY BEST?

SEND IN YOUR VERY BEST! 
Prison ministry is not a place to practice but to sharpen your people and your message.

Incarcerated men and women are hungry for God. Maybe for the first time they are sober, alert and ready for the Good News of Jesus Christ. I've seen firsthand, inmates frustrated and never return to a church service because they cannot relate to or understand the speaker.

I was in a prison where the speaker didn't know a common childhood Bible story. She had a heavy accent and was very difficult to understand. If the teacher has substantially less Bible knowledge than the inmates, THIS IS NOT the place for him or her.

On the other extreme, I have heard speakers talk way over the inmate's heads. Using theological terms without explanation - terms such as "propitiation, sanctification, justification" - these are important terms if we explain them. We only have a short amount of time to concentrate our words to make an impact in their lives.  If you don't use these terms everyday, ask yourself if it is necessary? Then I'd advise you thoroughly explain it as you teach. Keep the message simple, easy to understand, with scripture broken down and explained.

TIPS: ARE YOU THE RIGHT LEADER FOR PRISON MINISTRY?

AS A LEADER - IT IS ALL ABOUT GOD AND NOT ABOUT YOU. 

This thought is against the grain of society isn't it? Don't assume prison ministry is for you. Remember, God has a plan for your life. It saddens me to see individuals and teams lose focus because of pride. Who are they serving? Themselves or Jesus Christ? They cannot figure out why their teams are falling apart, disintegrating before their eyes and losing impact for God's Kingdom. Turn around, is anyone following you?

I have seen prison team members bring suggestions that fall on the deaf ears of arrogant prison ministry leaders. Team members become frustrated and feel useless and unwanted if they have suggestions that are not considered. At times God prompts improvements or excellence through the team. We are the body of Christ. Are you the leader who prefers the "same ol' same ol" method of doing things that you've always done? Is it easier? Is it less work? My friends, be in prayer for how God is molding your ministry. Remember, we are to shepherd, lead and encourage team members as well as the inmates.

A true leader surrenders to God in on-going prayer. Listens for feedback (it is your friend) and trusts the Holy Spirit's leading to do what is right for the prison ministry. 

Leaders of excellence are open to God massaging the ministry into HIS vision and then they act on it. Prison ministry needs a leader who is a visionary. The team should be built on a grand vision to accomplish God's goals. If the leader is a task oriented leader, more interested in the details, then he or she should remain on the team but trust God to pull forth the visionary for the broad large spectrum picture. A visionary leader is always looking for new horizons on God's vision. Then builds the team with task oriented people to go forth to do what needs to be done to accomplish this vision. 

Be patient, it may not happen all at once. But God will build according to His purposes. Pray, trust and obey.

Too often misguided leaders and team members are all too consumed with whose names appear on the ministry title? I want to lead something? I want to teach!  I want to be in charge! Some want to be up front and center, yet their spiritual gifting is really behind the scenes helping one-on-one. God has a special purpose for each of our lives... are you sure it is prison ministry?

This is God's ministry. Some of the best leaders are humble, servant leaders. Pride comes before the fall, so we each better look honestly at ourselves before God humbles us himself.

First pride, then the crash - the bigger the ego, the harder the fall!   Proverbs 16:17-18 (Message)

Pray for God to bring the right leaders and team members to come into your prison ministry. If you pray for this, trust me, God will provide.

TIPS: YOUR GOSPEL MESSAGE-Hell's Best Kept Secret?

KEEP IT SIMPLE, BOLD AND FULL OF LOVE! 

I will never forget what the director of a large USA Christian rehabilitation center for addictions said to me. He was introducing himself to me for the first time and he viewed me as this petite, little blonde woman. "Shug, I cannot emphasize enough, we need to speak directly and boldly to our clients. We have little time to reach them - the more direct the better." I had to chuckle to myself, because little did he know that is exactly how God has wired me.

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.  Ephesians 6:19 

I have "method" for sharing the Gospel message that I have given many times in many different countries. It is not mine, I have borrowed it from a wonderful evangelism source. It is called "Hell's Best Kept Secret?" by Way of the Master founder Ray Comfort. www.wayofthemaster.com  Feel free to Google it and study it. They have video to watch, audio to listen to and a pdf file of the words they use. It also is available in a variety of languages. It is a simple and easy way to share the Gospel... the same way Jesus did it in the Bible.

I have used this simple method, mixed with my own message from far away places such as Italy - Israel - Africa and the USA. It works! Feel free to combine this simple method of evangelism with your own stories and illustrations. If you are speaking to someone for the first time one-on-one on the street. this method works. If you are in prison in front of thousands of people, this method works. In prisons, I like to role-play and bring inmates up so we can all get involved. I cannot emphasize enough, to laugh and have fun with sharing the Gospel. Chuld be contagious and full of joy. Laughter is rare to find in prisons. Christianity should be contagious and full of joy. 

Double check with the local prison pastor or director that this method of evangelism has not been used in your area. You can always use the main thought and mix it in with your own custom message like I do.  Most of all, keep it fun, simple and full of God's truth for all to understand.


You may have only one chance to reach someone for Christ. Be prepared and ready to share the Gospel in a fun and engaging way.

I would now like to address some forms of preaching that I have seen that go over most people's heads. To be in prison preaching is not our chance to show how much theology we know. Instead, be like Jesus Christ, who kept it simple, using common everyday illustrations and full of love. 

Ask yourself: "If this one inmate, only came once to listen to the Gospel message, would this one theological term help transform their life?" I believe in preaching the whole truth of God's Word - but in simple easy to understand everyday terms. Simply said... the simpler the better.

I once saw a Bible teacher in a USA prison get up into one of the inmates faces for talking and begin yelling at her.  Did we forget that there are gangs with dignity to be kept amongst the inmates? Is that what Jesus would do? Whoa... I can tell you as a woman, do not ever talk down to or embarrass us...  Have you ever heard of the phrase "Speak to the hand!"... done.

Remember, God deserves our best. Jesus calls us to love each other. Here is a quote that we all should live by: "LET'S GET THE LOVE THING RIGHT." We don't want the inmates to stumble over us on their way to Jesus. I urge you to only be full of God's truth and full of His love.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God; and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7

God calls us to love one another. If we are putting God first in our lives, loving others will naturally pour out of us through His Spirit.

When I came to you... my message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with demonstration of the spirit's power. 1 Corinthians 2:1, 4

TIPS: HOW NOT TO JUDGE CRIMINALS WHO HAVE ALREADY BEEN JUDGED?

HOW NOT TO JUDGE CRIMINALS WHO HAVE ALREADY BEEN JUDGED?

"Let's talk God!" Before my first trip into prison, God and I had to have a serious conversation. Some of these inmates have committed acts I couldn't even imagine.

"God, you have called me to this ministry. Please give me your heart and enable me to see them the way you do. Show me how to love these individuals unconditionally. I cannot do it alone without your help."

I have interviewed hundreds of inmates in various correctional facilities. I asked them what they need to see, hear and experience at a prison church service in order for the majority of the prison to want to attend?  One of the top requests was:  "To send in people who do not judge them or talk down to them."

One inmate's perspective: 
"I feel like I have a sign on my forehead with big letters that says CONVICT". "Even church people make me feel unwanted." "One preacher used to talk down to us and get up in our face, telling us to shut up."

Heart attitude test question:
If Jesus were standing in front of you, how would you treat Him? Are you treating these people the same way? What is your real heart attitude before you attend and when you leave? We should be treating them the same way we would treat our Lord, with our very best!

The following are a few suggestions that have been helpful for our teams before entering prison

1. To refrain from judgmental thoughts and actions you must be bathed in prayer.
2. Confess your own sins privately to God. Your sins are not worse nor no better than their own. A sin is a sin in God's eyes. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
3. Ask for forgiveness for your own sins, thoughts and past judgements.
4. Ask for help and power from the Holy Spirit, not to judge but love all who enter. (This is impossible in our own power.
5. Love them unconditionally with God's love.
6. Allow them to feel special. Greet them individually, thanking them for attending.
7. Smile and look at them in the eye. (It might be the only one they receive all day.)
8. Have some fun and laugh together.
9. When speaking one on one with them, listen to them intently like they are the only one in the room.
10. Be prepared! - God wants to "love 'em up" - through you!

Prisoner's sins are no worse than ours...  just illegal. We all need God's love and forgiveness.

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-2


Christ calls us to love one another unconditionally... Nothing more, nothing less.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.   John 13:34-35

CALLING ALL! - A CHANCE TO USE YOUR VOICE TO HELP OTHER INMATES!

SPEAK UP for those who cannot be heard. I need your past experience to help others in prison. 

Calling ALL! Here is a chance to use your voice to help those who are without one. If you have been jailed or imprisoned, or you have a friend or family member who has been, I need your feedback. Where do you feel there is a GAP in our society and prison system, when it comes to helping freed ex-offenders walk out the door? How can we assist in helping everyone have a successful future? Please be specific, honest and open. Below is a description of the burden God has put on my heart to create a global non-profit that speaks to your concerns. It doesn't matter if it is Africa or America, the cry of the inmates are the same.

I have walked in prison ministry with inmates and ex-cons in the USA for a decade and now in Africa for the past three. I have gotten feedback from police inspectors, chiefs of villages, Bishops, pastors and church leaders. Unfortunately, some watch the freed ex-cons with a suspecting eye expecting them to fail. Many inmates do ok when first released but return to crime because of the judging and rejection. There is a huge GAP that is causing inmates to fail upon being released. There is isolation and judgment that is causing individuals to reoffending or worse - commit suicide after release.  

WHO is waiting for them to help them get back on their feet. Where are the believers of Christ? Where are the churches in all this rehabilitation? Who is waiting for them at the door when they get out? The Bible tells us DO NOT FORGET THE PRISONERS. God has put a burden on my heart to start a non-profit organization to bring awareness to this gap around the globe. This ministry will help bring

prisoners and mentors of excellence together. 

• Basic Needs: This organization will first meet their basic needs. It will include raising funds to bring needed supplies such as soap, toilet paper, shoes and Bibles into the poverty stricken prisons. 

• Power-filled Lives: I have witnessed the Almighty power of God move through the prisons. We next need to be sharing the Gospel in a simple, truthful, exciting way in order to bring Spiritual healing and life-changing POWER into their lives. 
• Expand Awareness: I'd like to bring local area pastors into the prisons themselves to see firsthand the power of God inside of prison. For Bishops, Pastors and church leaders to see their faces and shake hands with the inmates. To care for, and interact with the prisoners. To dispel their fears and see the incarcerated are no different than you or me. GOD LOVES THEM JUST THE WAY THEY ARE!
• In-Prison Leaders Training: I'd like to create and promote an in-prison leaders training and on-going Bible study for those that are incarcerated for life. So they can be there 24/7 for all who need them. Those in-prison leaders can reach deep with God's love into the darkest corners of the prison itself.
• Letter Writing Ministry: A Letters of Encouragement division to train those outside who want to help inmates inside. This is done through letter writing and scripture responses to the inmate's prayer requests. 
• Re-Entry Training: To partner in a re-entry program that provides much needed mentoring/friendship of inmates for their last few months and after incarceration. 
• Mentoring: Last but not least - inmates around the world are crying out for a non-judgmental friend to walk alongside them to help them get back on their feet and feel welcomed back into society after doing their time. 

NETWORKING WEBSITE: Why reinvent the wheel? Networking is essential! I want to assemble a world-wide web-site that all people who are serving in prison ministry can tap into for ministry support. There will be ideas from other parts of the world and links to prison organizations with contact information that may be close to them. A networking website for all to contribute their successes, failures and much needed support. What works and what doesn't?

I had a chance on my last day to meet with a few leaders in Nairobi that I had met before this trip. One was following my limited blog for training and is doing a powerful women's prison ministry, the other is working with juveniles and their families in prison ministry. They both felt they are on their own, desperate for any training and ministry ideas in Africa. In the USA we are blessed in abundance. Let's pass it on!

Please put your thinking caps on… I could also use your name ideas for this non-profit. Something edgy, yet something that crosses cultural boundaries. (For example: Rock'n The Rebels doesn't work because Rock'n isn't understood in Africa.) Let's throw a few names on the wall and see what sticks. 

What speaks to you? 

"Now is your chance to make a difference in the lives of those without a voice."

Lets allow God to mold and create this ministry together… Time is short, let's not waste it.

Shug

A FREIGHT TRAIN COMES THROUGH THE PRISON!

In our last prison visit, we had the Holy Spirit literally come through the prison like a FREIGHT TRAIN. This is what supernaturally happened…

I was preaching on "God Speaks" at the end of the book of Job. We were about 1/4 way into the message and I was summarizing the earlier chapters of Job. (For the new people in attendance.) I talked about how Job suffered and was stricken with boils… we aren't told in the Bible what skin disease Job had. It was painful and he would scrap them with broken pottery. He could have had Aids, Psoriasis, maybe Leprosy? Leprosy… I have seen leprosy. I shared in detail how I prayed for a leper during my last trip to Africa. (See picture below.) 

"The leper first came through the marketplace begging for money. People pushed him out of the way like an old dog. I couldn't help it, I was drawn to him like a magnate. I had an overwhelming love for him. None of the locals would interpret for him. Determined, I went to him and asked how I could pray for him, acting out my words with my hands. He proceeded to show me his club hands, deformed feet, and oozing skin. He could hardly stand and walked bent over with a cane. His face looked young but his crippled body looked centuries old."

"I didn't know if or when the leper would be healed, but what I did know is that if it was part of God's will, it would happen! I prayed loudly for him so that the rest of those gathering in the marketplace could hear that healing happens in the power of the name of Jesus Christ. After the prayer, the crowd was multiplying quickly and we were hustled out of the marketplace by our interpreter. I departed not knowing if the man was healed by God or not?"

The next day, one of our teams came back excited from conducting open-air preaching. "Shug, Shug!" "You'll never believe who came to our event? The leper you prayed for in the marketplace! He came forward and received Jesus as his Lord and Savior!"

The inmates listening started to applaud… I then boldly exclaimed; "Jesus Christ wants to heal each of us Spiritually. Like the seven lepers in the Bible, they believed first and then walked in obedience and became physically healed!"

THAT'S WHEN THE FREIGHT TRAIN CAME THROUGH THE PRISON! The Holy Spirit plowed through the auditorium with such force, that I felt I had to hold on to the chair to keep from being bowled over. Many inmates stood up spontaneously and began shouting and praising God. Others, had eyes wide open amazed at what they were seeing. Prisoners lifting their hands up and standing - receiving Jesus as their Lord… because of the POWERFUL presence of the Holy Spirit Himself in the room. Many of us were literally shaking and weak in the knees from what we had witnessed. We were on Holy ground!

Of course, because of this event, Satan was aroused. You could feel the darkness of the enemy lurking around causing minor disruptions during the following second service. Yet, God prevailed! The team estimated around 120 women in all stood up and received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. (Is it coincidence? That is the same number that gathered together at Pentecost in the book of Acts 1:15.)

The entire team was in AWE of the power of our Almighty God. WOW! What's next Lord? 

PLEASE PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!

1. We are beginning our next service with time set-aside for the inmates (and team) to share what they experienced. Please pray that the women and our team will glorify Jesus Christ by sharing what they had witnessed and felt that day.
2. Pray that the testimony of others and the blood of the Lamb will bring unbelievers to repentance and surrender to Christ.
3. The Holy Spirit will continue to "steam" through the prison and create Spiritual Healing for all!
4. Protection for myself and our team and our families from the enemy. 
5. After testimonies, we will close with our final chapter of Job. Please pray the women will walk in obedience and be doubly blessed like Job.

One team member and myself thought the best analogy was that the Holy Spirit came through like a FREIGHT TRAIN. It didn't feel like a gentle breeze, it didn't feel like a flowing river, it felt like a physical full steam freight train charging through the prison. Wow!

"It just doesn't get any better than this!"

All For His Glory!

Shug

PRISON WAR CRY: CLAIM BACK WHAT IS YOURS!

ARMOR-UP PRAYER WARRIOR!

My knuckles are white from clinching, when I think about the holy War Cry I am going to preach on in prison this weekend. 

"WAR CRY - CLAIM BACK WHAT IS YOURS!"

"RAK CHAZAK!" This has been the mighty war cry of all generations of the Hebrew nation. A cry that ignited all people to go into battle.

(This message was inspired by Eric Ludy, Ancient War cry.)

"Rak Chazak = In Hebrew this is the rock like "OOMPH" of the spiritually zealous heart."

• The game face of a mighty warrior
• Tenacity of the soul
• The gritting of the teeth of the spirit inspired warrior
• and bearing those teeth to the enemy
• Possessing a resolute and growling resolve for the GLORY OF GOD!
• A tensing of all soldiers muscles...

"RAK CHAZAK! Where is our war cry?"

"We don't even know we are living in hostile territory. This isn't a time of peace, that is yet to come."

These inmates are now in for a spiritual battle. Why?

1. After receiving Christ as their Savior
2. Being publicly baptized
3. They need to be trained up in Spiritual Warfare 

(I recently used a similar message last Sunday evening at MN Adult and Teen Challenge Family Ministry Event.- God's Spirit was overwhelming as He moved through and convicted over 300 souls!)

"WILL YOU JOIN ME ON THE FRONT LINES OF THIS BATTLE?"

• Please pray that the inmates will armor up and realize this battle is not against their families, courts, police or drugs. That they stop being the victim, and get some "Spiritual Street Smarts" ...This battle is spiritual against the principalities and powers of Satan.
• Pray Satan will be bound from using them like puppets. 
• Pray they will realize Christ's Spirit in them is far greater than he who is in the world.
• Pray they will put on their armory of heaven. (Ephesians 6 - Armor)
• Pray they will memorize verses and use them as weapons against Satan.
• Pray in turn, they will pray in the spirit  - for guidance, victory and discernment.
• Pray they will put legs to their faith and live victoriously AS REDEEMED PEOPLE IN CHRIST!
• Pray IN CHRIST they will... CLAIM BACK THEIR LIFE, CLAIM BACK THEIR PURPOSE, CLAIM BACK THEIR FAMILIES!

"We are in a position here, to see souls set free!" Imagine what will happen, if Christians take up their battle cry once again to get Rak Chazak!" 

I personally need your prayers of protection for the spiritual warfare that can rage against my marriage, children, ministry, finances and health. Because Satan is going down!

WHERE IS YOUR WAR CRY? "RAK CHAZAK!"

Serving Shoulder to Shoulder with you.
Shug

IT WAS THE "SUPERBOWL" OF PRISON BAPTISMS!

I stand in awe of the power of Jesus Christ. There is indeed a revival going on in prison. All baptisms should have this type of celebration.

IT WAS LIKE THE SUPERBOWL. There was clapping and shouting, what a celebration!

I am reminded of Malachi 3 where the floodgates were opened and the blessings from heaven overflowed. The prison gym was transformed, there were flickering plastic candles, drying mats that lined the area and fresh flower pots that surrounded the large baptismal tub. We placed the chairs in a U-shape around the tub for all to witness.

Wow, every prayer lifted was answered. We held two back-to-back services and baptized "full immersion" 70 inmates. Because of prayer and persistence, this was the FIRST EVER immersion baptism in this prison. The Prison Chaplain was extremely happy how the team organized it and brought it all together. God worked it seamlessly. It was absolutely beautiful...

One Prison Team member who held the I.D. badges for the inmates while they were being baptized, describes her experience. 

"As I was holding their badge I would look at their prison photo and see either an angry, sad, or scared face. I was in awe as I watched the baptism experience change the reality of their faces. When they were immersed for the baptism it like a silvery liquid flowing over their faces and they rose up now beautiful, happy and so different from their prison badges."

Amazing! As I helped each woman in the tub, there was a mix of emotions. Some were nervous, some scared, others crying. I gently whispered... 

"Enjoy the moment, Jesus has been waiting for you." 

You could see the Holy Spirit just drape them at that moment in peace. When they professed their faith in Jesus Christ, the crowd went NUTS with cheering and applause for each woman. At the conclusion of their baptism, you could see the relief on their faces when I reminded them; 

"Your old life is gone, buried in baptism. You are washed and resurrected a NEW WOMAN in Christ. Now GO, and live a life victorious in Christ." 

All 200 witnesses throughout both services were cheering, clapping, celebrating and shouting "Hallelujah!" at each woman's baptism.

I wish you could have seen it! You could feel Christ's love resonate throughout the prison. 

At the conclusion of both services, I offered an opportunity for the witnesses to receive Christ through a prayer of salvation. We again had a front row seat to watch many more inmates cross over from death to life. Several inmates came up to me afterwards asking; 

"Shug, when is the next baptism, I want to be baptized in Christ!" 

It just doesn't get any better than this!

Lord, I am available anytime, anywhere in the world to help prepare hearts and do this again!

Shug

PRISON "FULL IMMERSION" BAPTISM

Dear Friend,

Have you felt the excitement that has been building in prison? We have held a two-part series that went into detail regarding baptism and sharing your testimony. We have 70 courageous, power filled women who will be "taking the plunge" and be baptized on Saturday January 25th from 6:40-8:40 p.m. Only God could create such a hunger for restoration.

I wish you could have witnessed it in prison last time... 

After the message, 70 hands raised high wanting to be baptized. Then those women met one-on-one with a team member spread throughout the gym. Each person guided by questions from the team member, fully understanding and confessing their belief in Christ. (The Westwood team interviewed each women wanting to be baptized to be sure they understood the meaning of baptism and that they had received Jesus as their Savior.) In the background, the worship team played beautifully as the remaining women worshipped.

I would confidently say, thanks to your prayers, God is creating a REVIVAL in Shakopee Prison. "Hallelujah!"

We now need you more than ever to intercede on our behalf, for our families, for the baptism celebration and for the women.

Please pray in "PRAISE" ahead of time for all that God has done and will do.

1. Thank you Lord we get to conduct a FULL IMMERSION baptism using Westwood's portable tub. 
2. Thank you Lord for a smoothly run evening, set-up, tear-down and a God orchestrated baptism celebration. That it will indeed be a celebration! (Pray the t
   ub doesn't have any issues and we have enough time for all 70 to be baptized at both services.)
3. We praise you for your Holy Spirit's presence to be felt by each person in attendance.
4. Lord, please hand invite each person - that those unsaved will come to witness the POWER of baptism and be saved themselves.
5. Pray against the enemy, that he will be unable to use any warfare against our families, ourselves, nor our entire prison team (including you) and any of the baptized women. 
6. Favor from the prison staff with no disruptions.
7. PRAY GOD'S NAME WILL BE GLORIFIED IN THIS SERVICE AND THROUGHOUT THE PRISON!

Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you have granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given Him. John 17:1-2 

I am in awe of our heavenly father. Let's pray boldly and in praise ahead-of-time!

It just doesn't get any better than this!

Shug

Prison Baptism: "HEY, WHAT'S STOPPING YOU?"

"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." Mark 16:16

Our team is preparing by putting on our armor for the mighty battle that is lying ahead. The inmates have asked that we conduct a baptism in prison. (This is not as easy as one may think.) We have prison rules, regulations, policies, permission and health requirements to work around. Our church has their own procedures that we must follow as well. When it is all done and said, God continues to reign and we are now off and running with a three part series on Baptism.

Tomorrow night - Baptisms Purpose: "Hey, What's Stopping You?"

January 11th - Baptism Preparation: "Embracing and Sharing Your Messy Story!"

January 25th - (Actual Testimonies and Baptism) Baptism's Power: 

"Now's Your Chance For A Power-filled, Victorious Life!"

We need an army of prayer intercessors to help. Are you willing? The following are the ongoing requests for the Series:

• I urge you to pray for the entire ministry team's protection from Satan's attacks during and after the service.
• Please petition to the Lord that the unsaved, hurting and demon-possessed inmates will come to all three services and be saved.
• May the Holy Spirit convict those called, stir hearts towards repentance and receive Christ as Lord - Yahoo!
• That many will share their testimony and be baptized at the final service. 
• Pray this Baptism will be joyous celebration for our Lord and Savior.
• Pray that a revival for Christ would move through the prison like a great tsunami. 

I look forward to hearing how the Lord spoke to you through prayer. 

Hey, by the way, have you been baptized yet?  And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name. Acts 22:16  

Serving shoulder to shoulder with you!

Shug 

"WHAT DO I DO WHILE I WAIT IN PRISON?"

Waiting is rough! All of us have something we are waiting for whether in prison or not.

Waiting for lawyers, court decisions, boot camp acceptance, waiting to get released... waiting for answers to your prayers?

Time seems to drag on when you are waiting... "How do I wait on the Lord and what do I do while I am waiting?" This question has been brought up many times, no matter where you are in the world.




God gives us direction on waiting...

"What NOT to do while you are waiting?"

"Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." 

2nd Corinthians 4:16

"What DOES waiting ACHIEVE?"

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 

2nd Corinthians 4:17

Not a moment of suffering is wasted. God knows your pain and your suffering. He knows your heart and when you get weary. He knew you before you were even born, he knows your name and that you are waiting.

Will you rise - up and grab ahold of the promise that awaits you?

Your troubles will never seem momentary or light, we weren't promised an easy life as a Christian, but God did promise he will comfort, guide, empower and love us in the middle of our troubles. For our lives are a short mist or vapor compared to the future eternal hope that awaits you when you put your faith in Jesus Christ!

"What DO I DO while I am waiting?"

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but that is unseen is eternal." 

2nd Corinthians 4:18

Be VICTORIOUS:

1. Refuse to get discouraged. Are you frustrated? Don't lose heart, remind yourself that you are created perfectly and with great purpose for God. Get back on track and...
2. Grasp the purpose waiting achieves. How can this situation be used to glorify God? Use this opportunity to glorify Christ in you. The world will give you trouble, but you are resurrected and made new in Christ. So...
3. Fix your eyes on Jesus. What do you focus on in the middle of your struggle? Ask yourself; "How Big is my problem? How Big is my God?" My God is so big and so strong and so mighty, there is nothing my God cannot do!

Waiting upon the Lord is an action... rise-up and use this time to get busy for God!

ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD!

POWERFUL! We will never know Shine In The World International Ministries (S.W.I.M.) full impact in the district of Musanze, Rwanda until we see Christ face to face. We shared the truth of the Gospel with 78,000 people. Thousands raised their hands and received salvation through Jesus Christ.

I will never forget the people, the inmates faces and the children. (See Kinderroot Ministries) www.kinderroots.org

To share the Gospel from one end of the earth to the other and see God transform hearts is amazing. Anywhere in the world, it doesn't matter who you are, what language you speak, or where you live...

 there is power in the name of Jesus! 

Many children have parents that were part of the Genocide. We could learn from this little child's surrender to Christ in prayer.

ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, in any language, there is power in the name of Jesus!

This cute Musanze orphan is waiting for you to adopt her. Anywhere in the world, do you know someone who has room in their heart for her?

PROSTITUTES, WITCHES, ADDICTS, ADULTERERS and PRISONERS... ALL Loved By Jesus in Musanze, Rwanda!

As requested by the Rwandan Government, we traveled north near the Congo to Rubavu to share "Hell's Best Kept Secret." Hundred's rejoiced as they were saved by the truth of the Gospel.

At each prison, we are meeting the inmate's physical needs along with their spiritual needs. The Government asks that we bring supplies along when we share the Gospel. Our supporters generously gave needed essentials for the inmates of the prisons. (Food, soap, shoes, clothes, toilet paper and Bibles.) The Director of the Musanze Prison graciously receiving our supplies.

I HAVE SEEN SOME OF THE MOST NOTORIOUS PRISON'S IN AFRICA,

but, I will never forget the Musanze District and Rubavu Prison's in Rwanda.

On this trip, I watched the Gospel of Jesus melt the hearts of men, women and children, young and old.

God would answer our prayers as we specifically prayed for the 

Prostitutes, Witches, Addicts, Adulterers and Prisoners.

There is POWER in the name of "JESUS!"

An unbelievable story of the dark underworld.

On my third visit that week to the same prison, I wondered who God would hand-pick to join His Kingdom today?  I shared the truth of the Gospel and gave them an opportunity for the invitation. I rejoiced again as I witnessed 180 new inmates raise their hands high for Christ. I then began to share a few "Now What?" steps for them to follow.

This is where the unusual happened...  

I felt the Spirit urge me to stop and ask: "Is there someone here who missed their chance to say "YES" to Jesus and would like to repent and receive Him now?" I looked around... no hands up in the air.. Mmmm, I thought for sure I understood God's Spirit? Without response, I continued on with my final thoughts. When out of the corner of my eye, walked up two large men, they stood right in front of me and wanted to receive Christ. 

Each person has their own unique stories, I usually am not able to hear the stories of each one of the saved... but God knows. Today, I had the privilege to learn about these two men as they shared their stories. 

One man wanted to repent of his past sins and was desperate for Christ as His Savior. 

The second man had been battling with the witch-craft underworld. He had shared how he was successful in this dark world. He married a female spirit and he was now fearful as her spirit was coming to him in his sleep and trying kill him by strangulation. He thought his life was over and he feared to shut his eyes and sleep.

Now in prison, he walked up to our service out of curiosity. As he listened to the Gospel and love of Christ, 

the POWER of God's Gospel ripped open his hardened heart. 

When I obediently made the second call, it gave this man an opportunity to surrender his life over to Christ. He was desperately seeking forgiveness, ready to begin a new life! 

Suddenly, the inmate's were dancing and celebrating because of what they had witnessed God do all week.

"HALLELUJAH!"

Waiting to hear the Gospel in a remote village by the Congo.

Sharing the urgency of our need for a Savior, to the prostitutes, addicts, and adulterers in the villages around Rwanda. Notice the people on the outside rim, those were the one's that God was speaking to in a life-changing way!

 Watching souls cross over from death to life...

"It just doesn't get any better than this!"

God Is Going To "Rock the Rebels" in Musanze, Rwanda

JOIN ME as I answer God's call to preach the gospel and "rock the rebels" in PRISONS around the world... I'm now off to northern district of Musanze, Rwanda August 1-13th, 2013 with S.W.I.M. Ministries.

"Are you nervous?" This is the first question people ask me when they learn of my upcoming journey to the Rwandan prisons. I find myself pausing, trying to verbalize the best description of my feelings.

"I cannot wait to see what God is going to do on this trip!"

There is never a dull moment with God and I don't expect any less on this trip as well. I have a BIG God who deeply loves those on the fringe of society and wants them to be saved. "If you believe, you will be saved." 

Stay tuned... I will post as I gain Internet connections (which last time was only in airports and rare locations). In the meantime I could use your prayers...

PERSONALLY:

Freedom in the Holy Spirit that He will work powerfully through me as I prepare and speak.

1. For physical safety and spiritual safety for my family and team.
2. No one will get sick.
3. Safe non-eventful travel.

(Photo received from Internet)

Prison Ministry, Open Air Preaching and Church Sermons:

1. We may all be able to reach out to the dark corners of Rwanda to the lost, lonely and unsaved with the Gospel of Christ.
2. That Satan will be bound and held helpless from any disruption.
3. I will be delighted in every MOMENT of the trip.
4. I will see and love the people of Rwanda as Christ does.
5. I will preach the Gospel Truth BOLDLY!
6. That thousands of souls will be won for Christ and cross over from death to live. 

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.  Ephesians 6:9

"YOU GOTTA ADMIT, IT JUST DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!"

How I value your friendship, support and prayers.

Shug

"HELL'S BEST KEPT SECRET" Exposed In Nairobi, Kenya

Shug Bury with a small handful of men in the large Kimiti Maximum Security Prison. This was one of three prisons; Kamiti Men's Prison, Industrial Area Remand Prison, Lang'ata Women's Prison in which she was invited to preach. (This was the only area the team was able to take pictures.)

Exposing "Hell's Best Kept Secret" in the Kimiti Maximum Security Prison in Nairobi, Kenya.

These Kamiti prison brave young juveniles stood up for  Christ!

Way Of The Master www.wayofthemaster.com 

method not only works in the U.S.A.... 

not only works on the streets of Israel... 

but works powerfully in Nairobi, Kenya as well.

Nairobi Upper Hill High School students enjoying the questions Shug is asking their schoolmate.

Students from Upper Hill High School enjoyed the banter as I posed a few questions to a fellow classmate.

• Do you think you are a good person? 
• Do you believe in the ten commandments? 
• May I ask you three questions to see if you are a good person?

1. Have you ever lied before? (Liar)
2. Have you ever stolen anything before? (Thief)
3. Have you ever used the Lord's name in vain? By dragging your creator God's name through the mud? (Blasphemer)

• So by your own admission... you are a "lying, thieving, blasphemer, is that correct?" That is only three of the ten commandments!

• Would you be judged by God guilty or innocent of keeping the ten commandments?

• Would you be going to heaven or to hell?

Everyone got a big laugh out of the questions, but after I explained, they understood their desperate need for a Savior! 

God opened the floodgates as a river of students stood up for Christ that morning in a "Christian" school! 

These students came in as boys... but left as powerful men in Christ!

Praise God for His mighty work in Kenya! "Hallelujah!"

Kimiti Prison Juveniles

My next S.W.I.M. trip is planned for August... God willing... in the prisons and villages in Musanze, Rwanda! In the meantime, I'm sharing locally in prisons, churches, and MN Teen Challenge.

Thank you for your trust, continued financial support and prayers. It just doesn't get any better than this... rescuing souls for Christ's kingdom.

Shug

Tax Deductable donations can be made out to S.W.I.M. Ministries and sent to:

Shug Bury

P.O. Box 5477

Hopkins, MN 55331

Nairobi Prison's Were Not What I Thought They Would Be!

I arrived expecting to see horrific conditions in the prisons of Nairobi, Africa. I had read notorious accounts of prison life and the terrible conditions of the prison. What I experienced and saw were quite unexpected...

My first invitation to preach was at the Industrial Area Remand Prison. As much as I would have liked to share photos with you, it is forbidden because of security reasons. (This is standard in most prisons around the world.)

My first impression when I came through the gate was the outer courtyard was different than some prisons. It was well landscaped and manicured. The officers I met were friendly and courteous. (Which isn't always the case in prisons.) I was thinking to myself; "I'm sure it is not like this on the inside, deep within the prison walls? Can it be this orderly and clean?"

We had to wait quite awhile before we were ushered into the actual prison. Security is high and for good reason. This "Remand" prison is the place where people who are arrested go and wait for their court hearings. In Africa this system can be multiple years at best. There are over 600-900 male inmates being held here at any given time.

As I entered inside the prison walls I was suspicious, expecting filth, decay, unlivable conditions. As I followed the officers around the corner, the first thing I saw were several inmates watering down the floors and sweeping them clean in the outdoor courtyard. I was surprised as they led me into the “actual” living quarters of the inmates to speak to the male juveniles. When I looked around, I noticed the bunk beds were properly made and the rooms were surprisingly in order. Please keep in mind, this is still a prison but well maintained.

What God did was amazing. Throughout the Gospel message, you could see God touch each those young hearts.  All but two of these juveniles got on their knees at the end of the message and surrendered their lives to Jesus. “They arrived as boys and will be leaving this prison as men of God.”  Awesome!

I was later ushered to the main outdoor courtyard where I spoke to the adult population. There were men throughout the courtyard curious as to what this blonde-haired, white woman was going to say. The officers asked me to come around to the other side of the fence that partitions off the courtyard. I was surprised to discover this is where I was to give the message... on the other side of this fence partition. This was a new experience for me, to preach with a chain-link fence between the inmates and myself.

I was concerned my voice would not project enough for all to hear without a microphone. Realizing the conditions, the team quickly prayed for my voice. Not only did God project my voice like an amplifier... but I could hear it echoing off of the walls throughout the entire prison! Despite the many obstacles, God did a great work  - He flowed through that prison like a mighty river, and many men came to Christ!

Afterwards, it is proper to say hello to the officials in charge in Africa. We could learn from this practice in America. I was escorted out to meet the Commissioner of the entire Providence. A Providence is similar to a very large and heavily populated county in the U.S.  I also met the Commanding Officer of the Industrial Area Remand Prison. 

When I was escorted into their offices, I was overjoyed to be greeted by impressive strong leaders... who to my surprise... both happen to be women!  This excellence in leadership and prison appearance is accomplished because the top level of leadership in Nairobi prisons is run by quality women... (and men) of excellence!

Thank you Jesus - these inmates deserve our very best!

"Hell's Best Kept Secret" in Evangelism!

What is Hell's Best Kept Secret in evangelism? 

I believe we have done an injustice in how we share the Gospel with people on the streets and in prisons. We either tend to bend too far in one direction or too far in the other.


In one direction... we tend to share the "Cotton Candy" message of the Bible; the mercy, grace and sweet taste of... "Do you want a better life with Christ?" 

Don't get me wrong, this is an important part of scripture, but it is the "Frosting" of our faith not the long-lasting meat.  

This message does not teach the entire truth of the Bible. It does not save and often brings a false conversion lacking substance. 

At the first glimpse of trouble, these believers fall away feeling embarrassed that they believed and that this loving God has not protected them from the hard times.




In the far opposite direction... we pound the Bible over inmate's heads and only emphasize they are all sinners bound for hell. I can confidently say this approach doesn't work. Most inmate's have heard countless times that they are outcasts of society and they feel hopeless. 

Please tell me, what is attractive about the Gospel when hell and damnation is the core message? Who would even bother coming to church when they feel condemned and rejected by God.

Hell's Best Kept Secret... 
We are not leading the conversation like Christ. (Matthew 19:16-22)

So what's wrong? We fail to take the time to prepare the soil properly. 

I have found in sharing the Good News, inmates need to have the hard "soil" of their souls stirred and prepped before they receive the Truth of the Gospel. 


This method of stirring the soil is so effective, that even last week when I was street evangelizing in Tel Aviv, Israel, a muslim and several Jews stood still and listened intently. I believe God can use this style of sharing in a loving, fun way to prepare their hearts to say "YES" to Jesus.

 

Sharing with a young Jewish woman in Tel Aviv, Israel. Notice the officer watching and waiting for me to do something wrong so he can stop me. We were having a fun conversation and laughing using this method.

I am listening intently to the woman share her concerns. God allowed me to lead her all the way to the throne of God. She said; "This is interesting and it all makes sense."  She was amazed when I mentioned maybe this was a God appointment.

This Orthodox Jew was thinking and listened intently.

She hugged me and was grateful I shared the Gospel Truth with her.

Do you dare to try it? This is the same method Jesus used in the Bible as our example. When the soil is prepared using God's Ten Commandments, which is His standard for righteousness, seeds grow where they are planted.

I recently role played this method in front of hundreds of inmates with a team member during our prison church. It was powerful! You could feel God's Spirit flowing through the prison. It works!

To take it a step further, this upcoming church service I am planning on teaching this method of evangelism to the inmates themselves, they will then have tools to minister inside of the prison.

Plain and simply... God's way works!

Here is the free video link for your reference. www.wayofthemaster.com/videolessons.shtml

Check out the first and the last video: 

"Hell's Best Kept Secret." and "W.D.J.D."    

The first video shares "why" we need this approach and the last video shares the "how" to share the Gospel.

Why reinvent the wheel? Instead use Christ's example? It is an easy and effective way to share with everyone the Gospel.

If you dare... will you allow God to use this method to love the inmates to the cross in prisons around the world! 

These inmates deserve our very best!



It just doesn't get any better than this!

Shug

I Need Your Help!

Dearest Friends in Christ,

I could smell the stench… and hear the singing right before the huge massive doors swung open at the Rusuzi Prison in Rwanda. I was warned what to expect, I have been serving in the U.S. prisons for over 7 years – there shouldn’t be any big surprises - no problem, right?  I knew it would not be like the prisons here, but what I saw and experienced was far more than I could have ever imagined…

When the vast doors opened, I was escorted into the courtyard of the prison holding 3,500 men who were incarcerated for all levels of crime. The front-page headline of the Rwandan newspaper heralded; “Witchdoctor Skins Boy!” These are the very men God has called me to visit. 

As I took my first step inside, I felt I was walking into one of those old “Where’s Waldo” books.  Imagine, thousands of faces everywhere… faces lining the hallways, faces crammed in the courtyard and faces trying to peer through the small prison windows…

…They were all curious to see what this white haired, middle-aged, white woman was going to share?

I wish you could have seen it! The weathered faces of the tough prisoners, miraculously melting from the power of the God’s Word. After describing in vivid detail three stories from the Bible, the call was simply made:

“You already have had a small taste of how miserable hell can be while here in prison!”

“The Good News is Jesus knows your name, you are loved and not forgotten. One Word from Jesus and all witchcraft, voodoo and demon worship can be cast out of your life.  Jesus is coming through your prison today and wants to forgive and heal you of your darkest sins. Raise you hand high if …”

What happens next still takes my breath away!  During the prayer, I witnessed hand after hand held high saying, “YES” to Jesus from the Truth of the Gospel. These same hardened faces were weeping from their brokenness and yet were filled with joy at the same time. Jesus was unlocking the chains of sin… and if you listened closely, you could hear the chains collapse on the prison floor.

Countless weary hands rose high in the air, surrendering their lives over to Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They crossed over from death to eternal life that day. Wow!

Don’t worry… we did not leave them there to fend for themselves.

S.W.I.M. (Shine On The World International Ministries) had prepared months before I even arrived.  Not only did they make preparations with the Government, but they also had a worship band in place with electric guitars, speakers, microphones etc.  SWIM provided translators and transportation, housing, water and food. Trained teams were sent ahead to work with the local churches equipping them to walk alongside these new believers after we leave.

“I was impressed with how much S.W.I.M. MINISTRIES accomplished - squeezing every last penny from the dollars that were selflessly donated

What’s next?

I have been invited to share the love of Christ May 22-June 4^th in Nairobi, Africa to the Juvenile Correctional Facilities, Prisons, Universities and Churches.  I later return August 1-14 to a new area of Rwanda speaking to the Prisoners and providing basic needs. Our S.W.I.M. team last year shared the Gospel to over 84,000 people on one trip, bringing needed supplies to the prisoners and children. Amazing!

“I am asking if you will join me to save lives in the dark corners of the prisons?”

I need to provide $15,000.00 to go towards supplies and expenses for the inmates for these two trips. As of 6/5/13 people have generously given from their hearts with $5,400.00. Only $9,600.00 to go.* 

(*As of the beginning of August it was all received by generous donors, see post on 8/19/13. Please continue to give as God prompts you for our next trip in 2014)

Simply stated, “I cannot do this without your help.”

Where does this money go? In order to go into the prisons of Africa, the Government requires us to bring essential supplies for the inmates. The Government barely supplies the basic needs for inmates and depends on the families to provide. No family? It is survival mode for the inmates and their babies. (Yes, there are children in the prisons of Africa.)

• Bales of food     Bibles
• Clothing            Blankets
• Jackets              Prison Baby Clothes

Inmates are people just like you and me and Jesus calls us go to them as well.

Together, will you serve with me by donating to SWIM Ministries for this life saving mission?

I have a big ASK and we have a BIG God.  

“You are blessed to be a blessing!”

Please make checks out to H.I.M. MINISTRIES

and send your tax deductable contribution to:

H.I.M. MINISTRIES

P.O. Box 87

Chanhassen, MN 55317

Most of all I need your prayers… prayers for protection and God’s power as He speaks through me. Please pray that I would have God’s unconditional love for these broken people.

Shug

LOCKED-UP IN LOCK-DOWN

While in "protective custody, segregation or lockdown," inmates are starving for God's love and mercy.

Freedom in jail!  Again, I witnessed God speaking powerfully throughout the jail church service this past week. The hardened inmates who seemingly came in only wanting to sit in the back and visit, surprisingly, found themselves weeping for the Lord and surrendering their hearts to Christ. I could see the relief in their eyes and a new freedom in their Spirits as they were leaving. Awesome!

Behind-the-scenes jail tour:  I requested a tour of the jail to further expand my understanding in corrections. Most of the time I speak in prisons, so I wanted to understand the process, the similarities and the differences.

Towards the end of the tour, we were granted permission to speak with the inmates in the dark recesses of (P.C.) Protective Custody unit. This is an area where male and female inmates are either a danger to others, or a danger to themselves. Imagine a small, one bed kennel-like closet with a toilet and full Plexiglas wall and door for full viewing. Some cells which were intended for one had two to three inmates in each confinement. These closet cells lined the walls circling the officers posted in the center of the room. We were warned that we may see crude and inappropriate behavior and we could exit immediately if we wanted to leave. I held my breath and said a quick prayer as we entered.

It was immediate! As soon as I walked into the unit, there was a supernatural magnetic pull towards the isolated inmates housed in these "glass closets."  I cannot explain it... other than the Holy Spirit's pull to share the truth of the Gospel to the lost, unsaved, hurting people who were waiting hopelessly in a cell 24/7.

My heart just ached for them to the point where I was going to burst if I didn't do something. I boldly asked permission from the officers if I could approach the glass wall of the women's cells to ask if they would like prayer. Little did I know God had greater plans in store...

As I was praying with them, other inmates began requesting for us to come over and pray with them as well. It soon became a chain reaction of the Holy Spirit's call. 

My fellow team member later reflected; "You could literally feel the pull of God's Spirit towards these inmates wanting to receive prayer." In this limited time frame, several inmates surrendered their lives over to Christ and prayed the prayer of salvation. Wow, the power of God's love is miraculous!

I wish you could have been there as we knelt in prayer on holy ground, placing our hands together on each side of the glass wall that separated us... This is an image and power I will never forget as I watched them cross over from death to eternal life. 

OUR GOD IS IN THE BUSINESS OF RESTORING THE LOST IN PRISON AND JAIL!

As I was leaving the protective custody area I was physically exhausted from the morning service, the tour and the heart wrenching darkness of the jail. I looked back over my shoulder to wave goodbye and I could see a few men across the unit... holding up their hands inside their glass confinements... still wanting to be noticed and receive prayer. My heart just broke... 

It reminded me of Mark 6:34, when Jesus and his disciples were exhausted and looking for rest as they climbed out of the boat. When Jesus saw the large crowd his heart broke for the lost. 

"...Jesus had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So He began teaching them many things." 

That is exactly what I saw in jail that morning... countless sheep hopelessly lost without a shepherd...

WILL YOU PRAY RIGHT NOW FOR THE LOST, LONELY AND UNSAVED IN OUR JAILS AND PRISONS? 

Shug

My heartfelt thanks to the officers who took the time to give us a tour and answer my unending questions. I pray this information will continue to deepen our understanding and ministry for the incarcerated. May God bless you and your families for your selfless service.