Free Inside Spring 2006 News

                           Bored So He Came To Alpha

Ed, like so many other prisoners found the tedium of prison life boring beyond endurance. So he signed up for as many programs as possible. Every one was full, as last resort he put his name down for Alpha.  At the first session we went around the group asking each person why they had signed up and what they hoped to get out of the the course. When Ed’s turn came to speak, he said: “I don’t have any expectations, I only signed up to relieve the boredom of being in this place. What’s more I know nothing about religion or God. As far as I know my family is Catholic, but I’m not sure” As the course progressed Ed began to participate eagerly in the small group discussions, he began reading the Bible. Each week he had something to share about what he was learning and how God was answering prayer in his life. At one session he said :”I have spent so much of my life in an alcohol induced fog that my mind was never clear enough to  think about things that really matter, being in prison  has given me the opportunity to find God.” Pray for Ed, he will be released soon.  Pray continued  growth in grace. Pray especially that he finds a good church to nurture him.

Courses This Spring

We have held a total of seven Alpha courses this spring. We start another on April 27 and yet another on June 5, making a total of nine courses in 5 different  prisons. I received a phone call while writing this newsletter from a Chaplain in a maximum security prison requesting information on getting Alpha stated in his facility.  Praise God for what He is doing!

Praise For Free Inside Supporters

We are so grateful to God for the wonderful group of faithful supporters that He has raised up for Free Inside. Without their faithful prayers and gifts this ministry would not be where it is today.

Our Supporters in Virginia

During the first week of April Sheila and I travelled to Virginia to meet with 5 couples who prayerfully support the ministry. We have known these folk for many years so it was great to be able to have report back meeting with them, hosted by Lynn and Harvey Murray. Sheila and I also enjoyed a few days vacation while down there.

Preaching Opportunities

April 23, Grace Episcopal Church, Old Saybrook, CT

May 7, Morning Service, First 
Baptist Church, Manchester, CT

I am very grateful for every opportunity that I have to preach on Sundays. Please pray that the Lord would provide more opportunities to preach.

Willard-Cybulski

Last night (April 27), the newest team of Free Inside volunteers started Alpha in this  prison. The team is led by Harold Sawyer who is experienced in prison ministry, the other members are; Steve and Ana Marie Bray, Evelyn Olander and Peg Stoltz. After a bit of a delay in getting through control, 15 inmates attended the first session.
 
We are very grateful for Mr. Larry Mayer who donated copies of the Alpha Manual and the booklet “Why Jesus?” for use by the inmates. Thank you, Larry and a special thanks for helping through some of the  obstacles faced on the first night.

Calendar of some Future Events

May 7 - Preach at First Baptist Church, Manchester CT.


May 9 - Volunteer training session for 
Corrigan team.


June 5 - Start new Alpha Course at 
Corrigan.


June 17 - Training day for all  F I Volunteers.

“The Purpose Driven Life” for Prisons

“I have read many self help books that promise to guide me to fulfill my dreams and reach my goals. They are sitting on a shelf and I have had no inclination to re-read them. This book is like an old friend. This book teaches me what other books do not. To fulfill my God Purpose not just my goals and dreams.”This testimony is one of thousands from people both inside and outside of prison, telling how God is changing lives through this powerful and remarkable book. Rick Warren has produced a special paperback economy edition for use in prison ministry at the amazing price of $3.25 per copy.  Free Inside would like to raise $1000 by August in order to purchase 300 copies for distribution among the inmates who will be attending our courses during next Fall and Spring. Your gift toward this goal will change lives $100 will provide 30 copies $25 will provide 8 copies $10 will provide 3 copies.

If after prayerful thought you wish to to help provide copies of “The Purpose Driven Life” for prisoners please make a check out to Free Inside and mail it to the address below.

P O Box 341
Glastonbury
CT 06033
(860)633 4085
email: freeinside@cox.net
www.free-inside.com

Peter Dewberry,

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