Yesterday afternoon I had to attend an elder's meeting in the chapel....
My chaplain was also present. Yet it wasn't only to conduct "church business," however. It was a good time for me and the men to pray and then fellowship together. One of the guys, Julio, also treated us to an assortment of cookies he got from his mother. So it turned out to be a three-hour respite from the usual prison tensions and hassles. We had a large room all to ourselves. In addition, we made special prayer concerning several future evangelistic outreaches and events that, Lord willing, we're hoping to have in the months ahead.
But for me, the best part was when I asked the elders of my congregation if I could have a one-month sabbatical. Happily, they all agreed. So for the entire month of March I will be taking a long overdue break.
Of course, it won't be a full rest because I still have my full-time job assignments to perform. I work as a "mobility guide" for the visually impaired inmates during the mornings and as an aid to those living in the Intermediate Care Program's cell block. And I still plan to attend some of the chapel's services and Bible studies in March. But for now the guys will be sharing my regular church responsibilities. This, I believe, will help me to better focus on writing my journal, as well as having extra time to prepare several different youth related messages that I'm currently working on.
For now, though, I have a lot to do. I'll be spending more time reading the Bible. And I hope that by the end of March I will be re-energized and refreshed.
D.B.
But for me, the best part was when I asked the elders of my congregation if I could have a one-month sabbatical. Happily, they all agreed. So for the entire month of March I will be taking a long overdue break.
Of course, it won't be a full rest because I still have my full-time job assignments to perform. I work as a "mobility guide" for the visually impaired inmates during the mornings and as an aid to those living in the Intermediate Care Program's cell block. And I still plan to attend some of the chapel's services and Bible studies in March. But for now the guys will be sharing my regular church responsibilities. This, I believe, will help me to better focus on writing my journal, as well as having extra time to prepare several different youth related messages that I'm currently working on.
For now, though, I have a lot to do. I'll be spending more time reading the Bible. And I hope that by the end of March I will be re-energized and refreshed.
D.B.
