Hey all,
Sorry such a long spell once again. I have been so busy working with Prison Fellowship Ministries. I have completed their leadership training - it was a lot of fun. Since then I have been trained and cleared by the Department of Corrections to facilitate classes in all of Florida. Currently one of the local prisons has become what they call a Faith and Character Corrections Facility. My boss, the director of Georgia, Florida and Mississippi, has worked hard to establish the first ever in the state of Florida State Prison System accredited seminary class. We have 29 students, and I have been blessed to facilitate the program twice a week, one day as the leader and the other as an assistant. Also, as an added bonus, since I complete most of the study work anyway, I have been fortunate enough to get full credit for the class (provided I complete the reading and the required testing). The inmates have class from 7:30 to 3:00 Monday - Friday, and we have all made a two year commitment. It was challenging at first, but has become truly edifying for all involved. I also have been asked to facilitate a small group bible study in the re-entry prison just a couple of miles from here (the aforementioned prison is about 8 miles away). These guys in the re-entry prison are due to be released shortly, and Prison Fellowship Ministries is working fervently to make the transition a success. It takes up much of my time, and of course it's all on a volunteer basis so I am also looking for some work to pay the bills. I was offered a youth ministry position that I had to turn down for a couple of reasons, but mainly because I don't want to take on a ministry position unless the Lord has made it clear that he has required that of me, and I didn't feel at peace with the position.
Sorry such a long spell once again. I have been so busy working with Prison Fellowship Ministries. I have completed their leadership training - it was a lot of fun. Since then I have been trained and cleared by the Department of Corrections to facilitate classes in all of Florida. Currently one of the local prisons has become what they call a Faith and Character Corrections Facility. My boss, the director of Georgia, Florida and Mississippi, has worked hard to establish the first ever in the state of Florida State Prison System accredited seminary class. We have 29 students, and I have been blessed to facilitate the program twice a week, one day as the leader and the other as an assistant. Also, as an added bonus, since I complete most of the study work anyway, I have been fortunate enough to get full credit for the class (provided I complete the reading and the required testing). The inmates have class from 7:30 to 3:00 Monday - Friday, and we have all made a two year commitment. It was challenging at first, but has become truly edifying for all involved. I also have been asked to facilitate a small group bible study in the re-entry prison just a couple of miles from here (the aforementioned prison is about 8 miles away). These guys in the re-entry prison are due to be released shortly, and Prison Fellowship Ministries is working fervently to make the transition a success. It takes up much of my time, and of course it's all on a volunteer basis so I am also looking for some work to pay the bills. I was offered a youth ministry position that I had to turn down for a couple of reasons, but mainly because I don't want to take on a ministry position unless the Lord has made it clear that he has required that of me, and I didn't feel at peace with the position.
I have posted some pictures. One is of the class - as you can see on the wall the seminary logo "TUMI (The Urban Ministry Institute) Seminary." 
Another photo is of the Dept. of Corrections wardens and Prison Fellowship volunteers. TUMI has developed a curriculum that works well with the dynamic of this setup, and there is a vision to work it into prisons and inner city locations around the country. As you know, I have some seminary experience at Bethel Seminary, and this curriculum is just as thorough as the work I was exposed to there. I praise God that a donor stepped forward, and paid the cost of tuition and materials for these guys, and Dell has supplied computers. Mostly I see the great work God has done through the incarceration of Chuck Colson. He has founded this national 
organization, and was the first of the "Watergate Seven"(during the Nixon administration) to be incarcerated. He converted to Christianity, and since then his ministry has flourished. He has many different programs going on in each of the prisons I serve in, and offers a great deal of help once the inmate is released. I asked one of the gentleman if he feels that God put him in prison and has worked it for good, because since then he has trusted Christ, and seeks to minister once he is released. He agreed that his real prison was on the outside, as he was a prisoner to drugs and alcohol, and was on the streets. He praises God for bringing him to a place where He can do a work in him.
Another photo is of the Dept. of Corrections wardens and Prison Fellowship volunteers. TUMI has developed a curriculum that works well with the dynamic of this setup, and there is a vision to work it into prisons and inner city locations around the country. As you know, I have some seminary experience at Bethel Seminary, and this curriculum is just as thorough as the work I was exposed to there. I praise God that a donor stepped forward, and paid the cost of tuition and materials for these guys, and Dell has supplied computers. Mostly I see the great work God has done through the incarceration of Chuck Colson. He has founded this national 
organization, and was the first of the "Watergate Seven"(during the Nixon administration) to be incarcerated. He converted to Christianity, and since then his ministry has flourished. He has many different programs going on in each of the prisons I serve in, and offers a great deal of help once the inmate is released. I asked one of the gentleman if he feels that God put him in prison and has worked it for good, because since then he has trusted Christ, and seeks to minister once he is released. He agreed that his real prison was on the outside, as he was a prisoner to drugs and alcohol, and was on the streets. He praises God for bringing him to a place where He can do a work in him.Matthew 25:36-40 (New International Version, ©2011)
36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
I thank God for all your prayers, and will be sending out another letter shortly. Please pray for me, and these guys as we feel under attack at times because of the great things God is doing here. Eric is still with us, and is putting some money into savings. Please pray for God to divinely direct him, and pray for the ministries in Pahokee, as we continue to do a work in this community.
Peace through Grace,
Doug & Family
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1 comment:
Hello Brother
I pray for your ministry and am so blessed that I know now why it is you do what you do. I remember the days we used to spend hours in the car and you where sowing the soil of a twin brother that just didn't "get it". Well now I cannot imagine not knowing Him. Not seeing the work of his hands all around that is so plain to see. Not knowing what Jesus did for us. Not experiencing the Joy of serving Him. I am so blessed the Lord usses us as lights and our relationship though thought never to be closer than that of twins is even closer and more meaningful in Christ. I pray for your family and your walk with Christ to have clarity in his will. I now serve with you in honoring and glorifying Him. Praise God
I love you Brother and miss you and your family.
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