October 27, 2009
Dear Friends,
Last Thursday evening, the men at the Brig were studying Daniel 11 with me. This chapter is not one I had been looking forward to teaching—it seems to contain more prophesied history than application. Indeed, it tends more to confuse than to assure—even though God’s control of the events of history should be very reassuring to us.
But our study of confusing times 2500 years ago in many ways seemed to mirror some of the things happening in the Brig. I wrote in August that things were “settling down,” and I think I can write that again. But September was a month of upheaval in the spiritual lives of inmates. For several weeks, the Protestant worship service was moved from Sunday mornings to Wednesday nights. And this was supposed to be a permanent change. The reason given was “lack of available staffing” because of the war. That is, the brig was unable to provide a guard on Sunday mornings for the worship service.
The inmates were settling into this idea (by no means willingly), when the Chaplain’s assistant (what the Navy calls an “RP”) announced that the Executive Officer (XO) had ordered the Chaplain to preach every Sunday, meaning Protestant worship is back on Sunday. Further, the RP had been granted a request for transfer, and her job was not going to be filled for several months.
Believe it or not, this settled things down in many ways—at least as the inmates see things. The situation is obviously very political, and relationships among staff are clearly not what they should be. But Protestant worship is back on the day of the week when Jesus was resurrected, and I believe this is an answer to prayer.
The holidays are approaching, and this is always a difficult time for inmates. During the holiday “stand down,” all religious programs (except worship services) are usually suspended—again, lack of staffing is the reason given. Most of us volunteers would like to make ourselves more available to the inmates, but we are not allowed to have studies unless the Brig can supply adequate security. Please keep the inmates in your prayers as the holidays approach.
AN UPDATE ON FINANCES
Thank you to all of you who responded to my personal request to make an extra donation. As of this writing, the goal of extra donations for the end of this year has been exceeded in pledges or gifts received. God is gracious and generous.
As always, thank you for your faithful prayers and the generous donations toward the support of this ministry.
Sincerely in Christ,
Ben Conarroe
Dear Friends,
Last Thursday evening, the men at the Brig were studying Daniel 11 with me. This chapter is not one I had been looking forward to teaching—it seems to contain more prophesied history than application. Indeed, it tends more to confuse than to assure—even though God’s control of the events of history should be very reassuring to us.
But our study of confusing times 2500 years ago in many ways seemed to mirror some of the things happening in the Brig. I wrote in August that things were “settling down,” and I think I can write that again. But September was a month of upheaval in the spiritual lives of inmates. For several weeks, the Protestant worship service was moved from Sunday mornings to Wednesday nights. And this was supposed to be a permanent change. The reason given was “lack of available staffing” because of the war. That is, the brig was unable to provide a guard on Sunday mornings for the worship service.
The inmates were settling into this idea (by no means willingly), when the Chaplain’s assistant (what the Navy calls an “RP”) announced that the Executive Officer (XO) had ordered the Chaplain to preach every Sunday, meaning Protestant worship is back on Sunday. Further, the RP had been granted a request for transfer, and her job was not going to be filled for several months.
Believe it or not, this settled things down in many ways—at least as the inmates see things. The situation is obviously very political, and relationships among staff are clearly not what they should be. But Protestant worship is back on the day of the week when Jesus was resurrected, and I believe this is an answer to prayer.
The holidays are approaching, and this is always a difficult time for inmates. During the holiday “stand down,” all religious programs (except worship services) are usually suspended—again, lack of staffing is the reason given. Most of us volunteers would like to make ourselves more available to the inmates, but we are not allowed to have studies unless the Brig can supply adequate security. Please keep the inmates in your prayers as the holidays approach.
AN UPDATE ON FINANCES
Thank you to all of you who responded to my personal request to make an extra donation. As of this writing, the goal of extra donations for the end of this year has been exceeded in pledges or gifts received. God is gracious and generous.
As always, thank you for your faithful prayers and the generous donations toward the support of this ministry.
Sincerely in Christ,
Ben Conarroe
