In January we left home to head South for several Prison Crusades. The Bontrager Clan has been telling us about this amazing ministry opportunity for years! It was a privilege to work with so many loving people dedicated to sharing the gospel.
Departure was scheduled for 10 am,
but sometimes we're just thankful to leave on the correct day!
This was our first time to do our own sound.
We set up everything in the living room but still had tons to learn.
We found these nice guys in a gym to help us keep figuring things out. :)
Littles did great! We figured out there were about 325 feet of cords to NOT trip over.
No problem.
Ladies! Really now!! :)
Very happy fellowship following orientation day.
Men's Parking Lot Pow-Wow.
Fantastic power walk around the stadium!
Guard tower at one of the prisons.
One of our first concerts was at a work release camp, so it was pretty relaxed.
We didn't have to tackle the sound system here! Praise the Lord. :)
Very few pictures because no phones or cameras go in.
High security. No running. No open toed shoes, jewelry, scarves or watches.
Back to nature and the fence climbing we love!
Picnics! Definitely the best!
More power walking and catching up.
Energy burning hosted by the fellas.
Heading out after a great afternoon off.
One of our heroes!
Praise the Lord for the courage and boldness of Chief Justice Roy Moore.
We had a wonderful morning at his office! Very blessed to spend time here.
Callaway Gardens! Lina and Cass were here several times with Daddy,
so it was fun to send a picture from this very favorite place!
Lizard in the campground bathroom!
Our adventures never cease, so on this particular trip,
the hot water heater did not work. Ever. :)
We resumed our late night treks to showers near and far.
Daddy says nobody drives until they're 18,
but they do get to warm up in driveways for YEARS!
Our dear friends 10th Annual Skating Party!
We happened to be in town and had a great time.
Campbell!! Is that a humidity issue or WHAT?
High Falls State Park. Very fun hike.
One of the oldest prisons we went to.
Gathering our stuff (yes, all that sound stuff!) to take through security. They inspected every piece of sound equipment, every shoe, pocket, bag, and belt.
Another prison orientation and training day.
Sweetness abounding!
Some of the literature used to invite inmates to the chapel services.
More singing Iowa friends!
We were more than happy to gather for yummy things together.
The Lord graciously provided a van for us to use all week.
This prison was maximum security, and amazingly, the Lord opened the doors for us to do a second concert that day in the protective custody unit. Visitors had not been allowed in there for 3-4 years, and we sang everything from "Trust and Obey" to "How Great Thou Art" to "Amazing Grace".
Inmates were behind closed doors but could listen and look out through a tiny window.
It was intense but truly a privilege.
Whew! World domination at the coffee shop for Hudson and Crockett.
One of the best parts of being home is being able to wash clothes
AND people all in one location.
But laundromats are marvelous for getting a ton done fast!
AND people all in one location.
But laundromats are marvelous for getting a ton done fast!
Rebecca and Crosby. Mirror cleaning party!
We had the best time having Josh and Cass as bus neighbors for several weeks!
65 feet long. 13 feet tall.
There are times when one must simply back up. :)
Fueling up.
Littles. Energy. Nonstop.
Breakfast while waiting on the bus repairs.
Overnight. Still waiting. :)
Chapman turned 10 on our trip, and Legoes were added to the collection.
The Lord provided showers, a great kitchen, a gym, plug in for the bus, a field and a forest for the whole week we were there! Also materials for teepee building. :)
Wonderful visit with sweet cousin Devon and her family!
These dear friends adopted us for a Sunday of lovely Southern hospitality
and marvelous Southern cooking!
Crosby getting her kitchen fix!
The fellas. Much to discuss!
Storing up sunshine for the way home. :)
We thank the Lord for His ongoing protection on this trip and for all that He so faithfully provided along the way! Blessed by new and old friends, Jesus to sing about, and the testimonies of prisoners saved and set free through new life in Christ.
We thank the Lord for His ongoing protection on this trip and for all that He so faithfully provided along the way! Blessed by new and old friends, Jesus to sing about, and the testimonies of prisoners saved and set free through new life in Christ.
