December 6, 2011
Dear Friends,
The Season of Advent is once again upon us. It seems like just a few weeks ago that I was writing to you last year about the lack of peace we find during this season of preparation and quiet. Our study in John at the Brig has gotten us to chapter 10, where Jesus claims, “I AM the good shepherd.” He calls those who’ve come before “thieves and robbers.”
It was shepherds, you know, who came first to adore our Lord in the manger. They had been notified by a heavenly host that had begun with a single angel saying, “Be not afraid.” Things were quiet that night in the hills outside Bethlehem. Not like today. Even quiet times aren’t as quiet as they used to be—or so it seems.
Once again this year, the Brig will go on “holiday routine” in mid-December and not get back to anything like a normal schedule until mid-January. Because Christmas and New Year’s fall on Sunday this year, the worship services will be moved to Wednesday so as not to inconvenience staff members who might normally be required to work on Sundays. And Bible study on Thursday nights will be cancelled between December 16 and January 18. During these times, I usually attend the Wednesday evening chapel services, just to keep in touch with the men.
As I do every Advent, I encourage you to “remember the prisoners” who will be away from families this season. Please continue to pray for Bruce, Joe, and Marty, who continue to look for an approved residence so they can each leave on parole. And add Zornell to that list. Darwin leaves this month, and will return to his home here in San Diego.
In October, I began meeting regularly with Michael, a staff member at the Brig. Michael was led to Christ in Yuma, Arizona several years ago, when he was working for one of my mentors, Chaplain Ken Counts. Michael usually has to work on Sundays, so taking his wife and son to church is not easy.
I would also appreciate prayers for Clark, who is serving life without parole (LWOP) in Arizona. I became aware of Clark via a television documentary, and have been corresponding with him since August. Clark is emphatically not a Christian, although he respects Christians and says that he wholly enjoys corresponding with me. His letters are at least six pages long, and sometimes have gone onto a ninth page. Clark is 26 years old, and a veteran of the war in Iraq.
Thank you, as always, for your prayers for this ministry, and for your donations. May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, guide your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus this Christmas.
Grace and Peace,
Ben Conarroe
Dear Friends,
The Season of Advent is once again upon us. It seems like just a few weeks ago that I was writing to you last year about the lack of peace we find during this season of preparation and quiet. Our study in John at the Brig has gotten us to chapter 10, where Jesus claims, “I AM the good shepherd.” He calls those who’ve come before “thieves and robbers.”
It was shepherds, you know, who came first to adore our Lord in the manger. They had been notified by a heavenly host that had begun with a single angel saying, “Be not afraid.” Things were quiet that night in the hills outside Bethlehem. Not like today. Even quiet times aren’t as quiet as they used to be—or so it seems.
Once again this year, the Brig will go on “holiday routine” in mid-December and not get back to anything like a normal schedule until mid-January. Because Christmas and New Year’s fall on Sunday this year, the worship services will be moved to Wednesday so as not to inconvenience staff members who might normally be required to work on Sundays. And Bible study on Thursday nights will be cancelled between December 16 and January 18. During these times, I usually attend the Wednesday evening chapel services, just to keep in touch with the men.
As I do every Advent, I encourage you to “remember the prisoners” who will be away from families this season. Please continue to pray for Bruce, Joe, and Marty, who continue to look for an approved residence so they can each leave on parole. And add Zornell to that list. Darwin leaves this month, and will return to his home here in San Diego.
In October, I began meeting regularly with Michael, a staff member at the Brig. Michael was led to Christ in Yuma, Arizona several years ago, when he was working for one of my mentors, Chaplain Ken Counts. Michael usually has to work on Sundays, so taking his wife and son to church is not easy.
I would also appreciate prayers for Clark, who is serving life without parole (LWOP) in Arizona. I became aware of Clark via a television documentary, and have been corresponding with him since August. Clark is emphatically not a Christian, although he respects Christians and says that he wholly enjoys corresponding with me. His letters are at least six pages long, and sometimes have gone onto a ninth page. Clark is 26 years old, and a veteran of the war in Iraq.
Thank you, as always, for your prayers for this ministry, and for your donations. May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, guide your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus this Christmas.
Grace and Peace,
Ben Conarroe
