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Time after time the Lord shows He is faithful answering the prayers
of the saints and today was no exception as He kept the rain from
falling on the Brandon Correctional Center courtyard thus blessing us
with a wonderful environment to share His love.
Our ministry
group was the smallest I've led since taking on this leadership role in
2008, only 8, but the Lord showed up in strength and power by His
Spirit. He had put on my heart to preach a message on "God's Love".
Three 20 minute messages were shared with over 100 inmates, followed by
20 minutes with inmates from each group for one on one prayer and
fellowship. There were many in each group who had been there for our
Spring visit and had already given their heart to the Lord. So we were
able to do some followup with them and encourage them and share another
message with them.
Today, there were 4 men and 1 woman
who gave their heart to Jesus. There was also one re-commitment, and 15
others who received personal prayer. Being part of co-laboring with the
Holy Spirit to lead men to the Lord is usually the highlight of my day.
Although I loved this, my greatest blessing came from something I wasn't
even aware of until our Vice President Grace Loewen shared
it with me after the first inmate group departed. She told me that
after the preaching was done, one of the ladies moved quickly with
earnest to her saying she wanted the Jesus that had been talked about.
She gave her heart to the Lord without reservation. Her name is Pam. I
never met her or spoke to her but my blessing lies in the fact that I
know this was the Holy Spirit wooing her into the Kingdom of God. The
men the Lord highlighted to me were Matthew, Corey, Jordan, and Travis.
Please lift these babes in Christ up so they may become mighty warriors
for God.
Many Bibles were handed out as well as other God
filled materials. Thank you Jerry for the supply of CMA Bibles which
lasted through two seasons and only now has been depleted. You through
the CMA Prison Ministry have blessed our chapter for two years in a row!
Although I didn't pray specifically for
physical healing's, one inmate jogged up to me as they were being called
to leave and thanked me for the message which he said brought physical
strength to his body. A demonstration of the power of God through His
spoken word and open hearts.
A final highlight for me was
regarding two hard core inmates. One is named ***. I've been dealing
with *** since I began my policing career 24 years ago. I have
physically fought with him on more than one occasion while effecting an
arrest. When he is drunk he can be verbally abusive and physically
violent. He is of a large stature and has intimated many in the past. So
today I saw him standing with another hard core offender I've dealt
with several times. Both had stayed to hear my message which was a
miracle in itself and then were hanging out near our motorcycles when it
was over. I went over and talked with them. *** looked shocked that I
wanted to speak with him and his friend told me at first he couldn't
place me but after a while he recognized me. I showed them Jesus love
and respect as we spoke. *** was a little hesitant at first to receive
prayer but he did and let me lay hands on him. Next I prayed for his
friend. When I was done he looked at me and with true sincerity in his
voice and in his eyes and a smile on his face, he thanked me for the
prayer and reciprocated a hug with me. Now there is an example of God's
love working in our hearts; mine and theirs. It was an amazing afternoon
and all praise and glory goes to the Lord.
2015
will see many changes and God will continue to bless as we live for Him
to change the world "one heart at a time". Thank you Bethel pastors and
pastors from other churches for standing with us in prayer in 2014 and
commissioning us to go out in May. You have made a difference! We
appreciate your love and support. Thank you to Chaplain Jim from BCC for
organizing the Fall prison visit and for the BCC Superintendent and
staff who made it possible. Hope you enjoy the attached photos from
that afternoon.
Finally thank you to the members
of the Christian Light Riders who ministered side by side and for those
who were unable to attend but were faithful in prayer. It takes a team
to lay a solid foundation; Jesus is our Rock and He uses the CMA and
it's resources to spread His glory throughout the world.
Blessings & love from Bruce Ewanyshyn
President - Christian Light Riders of the CMA
