December 6, 2010
Dear Friends,
Greetings in the Strong Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. In this season of Advent, I am very thankful for nearly 13 years of fruitful ministry to military prisoners at Naval Consolidated Brig Miramar (NCBM).
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the prisoners and I will be looking at prophesies from Isaiah that point to the coming of God in the flesh; that is, the baby Jesus. Specifically, we will spend some time in Isaiah 9 and 60—where the prophet brings out the contrast between light and darkness, much as John does in his Gospel. The next week, we’ll look at Isaiah 40, which foretells (says Matthew in his Gospel) John the Baptist, as well as the Messiah.
The Incarnation is a truly marvelous thing to contemplate—and it’s almost impossible to contemplate anything during the “holiday season.” I was befuddled on Thanksgiving night when I returned home from a celebration with some active duty Marines. The Toys R Us across the valley from me (which I can see from my back porch) was buzzing with activity. It was 10:15 PM, and their parking lot was full—and so were the parking lots of Linens and Things and Circuit City (both of which have been out of business since late 2008) a half a block away. Cars were swarming around like bees. This did not seem to be a good way to end the Thanksgiving holiday—with a beeline for the bargains at a toy store. Fighting over parking spaces is not my idea of Peace on Earth.
When God became Man and dwelt among us on that silent night in Bethlehem, I’m pretty sure he didn’t have in mind camping out at Best Buy as a good way to prepare for the celebrations in years to come. I hope you’ll set aside time to prepare for Christmas this year—aside from the shopping, baking, and party planning.
In October, I asked you to pray for Eric who has not heard from his wife and children since August. And for Bruce, who has been approved for parole, but has been unable to get a residence approved. Bruce’s situation has not changed. Eric has still not heard from his family, but he has learned that they are having a very tough time.
Pray for Joe, who was released November 19, and returned to his pregnant wife here in nearby Riverside County. She’s due to deliver early next year and Joe is concerned that he has no source of income when she goes on maternity leave. Rob, who was released in late October, is back with his wife and daughters in West Virginia, and is also looking for a job.
In recent weeks, several new men have joined us for Bible study: Arthur, Jack, Joe, and Brad. This will be their first Christmas away from their families. Please pray for them and all the men in the Brig during this Advent and Christmas season.
Thank you, as always, for your prayers for this ministry, and for your donations. May you know God’s peace in a new and deeper way this Christmas.
Grace and Peace,
Ben Conarroe
Dear Friends,
Greetings in the Strong Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. In this season of Advent, I am very thankful for nearly 13 years of fruitful ministry to military prisoners at Naval Consolidated Brig Miramar (NCBM).
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the prisoners and I will be looking at prophesies from Isaiah that point to the coming of God in the flesh; that is, the baby Jesus. Specifically, we will spend some time in Isaiah 9 and 60—where the prophet brings out the contrast between light and darkness, much as John does in his Gospel. The next week, we’ll look at Isaiah 40, which foretells (says Matthew in his Gospel) John the Baptist, as well as the Messiah.
The Incarnation is a truly marvelous thing to contemplate—and it’s almost impossible to contemplate anything during the “holiday season.” I was befuddled on Thanksgiving night when I returned home from a celebration with some active duty Marines. The Toys R Us across the valley from me (which I can see from my back porch) was buzzing with activity. It was 10:15 PM, and their parking lot was full—and so were the parking lots of Linens and Things and Circuit City (both of which have been out of business since late 2008) a half a block away. Cars were swarming around like bees. This did not seem to be a good way to end the Thanksgiving holiday—with a beeline for the bargains at a toy store. Fighting over parking spaces is not my idea of Peace on Earth.
When God became Man and dwelt among us on that silent night in Bethlehem, I’m pretty sure he didn’t have in mind camping out at Best Buy as a good way to prepare for the celebrations in years to come. I hope you’ll set aside time to prepare for Christmas this year—aside from the shopping, baking, and party planning.
In October, I asked you to pray for Eric who has not heard from his wife and children since August. And for Bruce, who has been approved for parole, but has been unable to get a residence approved. Bruce’s situation has not changed. Eric has still not heard from his family, but he has learned that they are having a very tough time.
Pray for Joe, who was released November 19, and returned to his pregnant wife here in nearby Riverside County. She’s due to deliver early next year and Joe is concerned that he has no source of income when she goes on maternity leave. Rob, who was released in late October, is back with his wife and daughters in West Virginia, and is also looking for a job.
In recent weeks, several new men have joined us for Bible study: Arthur, Jack, Joe, and Brad. This will be their first Christmas away from their families. Please pray for them and all the men in the Brig during this Advent and Christmas season.
Thank you, as always, for your prayers for this ministry, and for your donations. May you know God’s peace in a new and deeper way this Christmas.
Grace and Peace,
Ben Conarroe
