SEEKING HIM
Brother Neil - Approximately 18 months ago the Men's Accountability Group on Saturday mornings at my church started a new study that encouraged personal and group revival...Seeking Him. While the study is designed for 12 weeks, we found ourselves plodding slowly as we dealt with spiritual flaws and characteristics that God wanted to change in our lives.
When I became a volunteer in the Good News Jail & Prison Ministry at the Lake County Jail the opportunity presented itself to use Seeking Him with inmates who are believers, but in most cases have never been discipled. Currently over 70 men are taking this class. Many more completed most of it before going home or to prison. The following are testimonies of men who have experienced the joy of a changed life and personal revival by Seeking Him.
Brian - Seeking Him has really opened my eyes to what God is wanting from me...humility, honesty, repentance, and obedience to name a few. I realize that when I'm walking with Him all things come together. Seeking Him is what I can compare to a mechanic's manual for a complete tear-down and rebuilding of an engine and body of a car...and instructions for regular maintenance. Seeking Him is a complete tear-down of yourself and rebuilding in God's way. It is also a good book to keep around as a tool when you need regular maintenance. I hope to start a men's accountability group back in Tennessee when I go home.
John - The Seeking Him study has had more affect on me than any other class I can remember. It was even more of a blessing because I took the study while in Jail. I hope to inspire people on the "outside" to use this book.
David - Seeking Him is great and has allowed me and others in the class to understand our faith with more clarity. The testimonies and personal experiences given in the course have given me greater strength in my relationship with God. By learning from other Christians who have, through their own situations, had their faith tested and proven, we can do the same with honesty and humility.
This course has proven to be an amazing journey, emotionally and spiritually.
James - I've been a Christian a long time but I've also backslidden a lot of times over the years. Even though I consider myself a mature Christian I have a problem with staying in His will and obedience. We were introduced to Seeking Him and I have been enlightened in my knowledge of God and His promises which help men to grow in faith and strength. I understand how to be more obedient to Him in all ways. I have also learned to be more open about my faith in Christ and to share it with others.
Drew - The Seeking Him study has been an awesome experience while "doing time" at LCJ. This study has compelled me to examine areas of my life under the microscope of God's Word in a way I have not done before. In this class a group of men wearing "orange" created the setting for the Holy Spirit to work in my heart to bring about change, to draw me closer to the Lord in order for me to experience a revival in my life. I can now walk in the peace that Christ gives me in the "midst of the storm" that rages around me.
Desmond - Seeking Him has opened me up to see that there are a lot of things in my life that I have yet to deal with to make my walk with God more holy and pure. As I work my way through this book, day-by-day, I keep applying things that will make my walk with the Lord stronger.
Bradley - During my time in Seeking Him I have spiritually grown a lot and much has happened in my life. This class has really helped me to talk about my problems with other brothers and to fellowship with them. Also the class has helped me see my past behavior and why I acted that way. It has helped me pull up problems by the roots before they take over my life...sometimes it's tough but necessary in order to grow. I recommend Seeking Him to anybody who is ready to let go of their old self and ready to change and spiritually grow. There will be hard questions but if you are honest and sincere and don't get discourage you will experience revival.
Jermaine - Seeking Him has been an awesome experience so far. The book forces you to look deep inside yourself. The journey at times is painful. Other times it is really fun. But it is always unpredictable. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, "Wham!" humility hits you square in the face and you realize, "I know nothing." In the middle of the ups and downs your love for God grips you and compels you forward along the Way.
Second only to God is the relationship you develop with the men in your group. My brothers have been both a comfort and encouragement to me daily. I've been liberated from the pride that kept me so bound, suffering in silence all these years. Confession with my brothers is empowering...the more transparent I am the stronger my walk. Each man in the group has had a positive impact on my life...there is strength in numbers. In all, I've grown in my devotion to God. I've come to know myself and embrace my strengths and weaknesses while trusting God's grace. Thank you God for my brothers...we've shared so much...the laughter, the tears, awkward silence, and hot debates. Thank you God for letting me know you more.
Johnny - At first I thought Seeking Him was going to be just another Bible study like many I have read before. My intention was to breeze right through the book and move on to the next. Let me tell you I was not ready for this...it caught me off guard...I never expected this book and class to work on me this way.
Seeking Him has opened me up, turned me inside out, what I call "flip the script." Like peeling an onion, the deeper I went the more it made me cry and hurt. All my life I was pointing the finger and blaming others for the mess I always found myself in. This book showed me it wasn't them but me. I had the problem and Christ is the solution. Chapter after chapter the book was breaking me down as if it was custom-made for me. This book is deep and the fellowship in class has made a profound impact on my life. I learned to be a better man. I have learned to love people that I previously would have physically beaten. My way of thinking has changed. I am about to serve 20 years in prison but I do not worry anymore. This course has taught me to love God more, seek Him, and take a closer look at myself. I thank God for allowing me to be alive and receive this teaching. If anybody were to ask me, "What book or program would be good for me?" I would tell them, "the Holy Bible and Seeking Him. It is really that good!"
"I Found a Friend"
My name is Drew, a disciple of Jesus Christ. I'm serving a life sentence in prison. Four years ago the judge sentenced me to the Florida Department of Corrections, however he made a mistake, it's really "God's House of Correction." Although I've lost all, and my friends and family have forsaken me, I walk this walk with a new Friend who is faithful until the end. His name is Jesus. I'm in Lake County to give back all this time and the other day I found a song that pretty much said it all, I'll share it with you. Be blessed! - Drew
"I Found a Friend" by Roc Hillman (b.1911)
I found a Friend when life seemed not worth living.
I found a Friend so tender and forgiving.
I can't conceive how such a thing could be,
That Jesus cares for even me.
Each day, each year, my faith in Him is growing.
He's ever near, His love is overflowing.
I have no fear, my worldly care are few.
I can depend on Him to see me through.
I found a Friend; He can be your Friend too.
I found a Friend and now He walks beside me.
His hand to lead, to comfort, and to guide me.
When clouds appear I talk with Him awhile,
He's taught this heart of mine to smile.
Because He came my soul will live in glory.
What Friend so true would give His all for you?
I found a Friend and life began anew.
I'm sure you'll find that He is your Friend too.
Thank You for Saving Us
By Anthony M.
Jesus we give praise to You our Lord and Savior for Your sacrifice. You have cleansed our souls so we can have everlasting life. You are a forgiving and loving God. We bow down on Mount Calvary at the foot of the cross, naked and humble for You have given us mercy for our souls. We worship and follow You. Thank You Jesus for Your divine love and protection. Lord You told us that You would not leave us or forsake us. And we will not abandon You. We rejoice with music in our souls. May Your angels in heaven dance for eternity while we celebrate You our King-The King of all kings-Jesus Christ. Amen.
Editor
Thanks to you who sent in testimonies, poems, songs, stories, and drawings. We hope more of you will write for the next issue of Full Pardon. Send them to Chaplain Pete along with a request form. Remember to try to keep it to 200-250 words. If you would like to share Full Pardon with family and friends on the outside they can go to www.trinityfree.com/fullpardon on the Internet. Trust God, He is on your side!
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