Conclusion to Jail Ministry - a story of reflection and hope by Lynn Donnell

You are free and even encouraged to accompany one of us prior to going solo. Again, you choose your lesson and whether to prepare and use the same thing for 4-7 mini services. Determining factors for how many sessions are permitted each week include availability of guards, the number of pods housing willing worshippers, along with time involved in escorting prisoners to and from the services. 
  As I close, I’d like to share with you a couple of instances where I was fortunate enough to see the fruits of this labor. Once I was working alongside a street here in Russellville when I noticed a man walking toward me with his arm raised and his finger pointing toward the sky “I extol Thee, Oh God…” he began. As he neared, he had begun quoting Psalm 145! I was so excited to see him since his release date, and he wanted me to know he learned something that would stay a part of his life. 
From time to time someone asks “Do you remember me?”  Or will say,“ I think I know you", and I likely have to be told,  “ I saw you in the Jail”.  I always respond positively and am sure to ask about their current life/ job situation, reminding them that the church doors are always open. 
Another instance that comes to mind, is the time I visited with a young store clerk at a department store here locally. We began talking, and although I don’t remember how it came up, he learned I worked in Jail ministry. He told me how he came to be here. In one of the Carolinas, he got in trouble with the law due to the company he was keeping at the time. When he had served his time in prison, he knew he could not stay clean if he continued running in the same crowd, nor could he remain in that town without running into them, so, with practically nothing, he stuck up his thumb.
​ His journey brought him to Russellville, where he was able to find some help. Someone with a little influence liked his story and saw a good heart, and it resulted in recommendation of a job!  I love to relate playing basketball, baseball, working at a particular job, or practically anything. The more you practice, the better you become. The same things result from our minds. The more we dwell on something, the more it becomes part of us. Shaking off reliving mistakes and making good things and positive hopes a priority will be the way to a great future. I Love It!
Thank you for taking the time to read this today. 
Lynn