Wow, it has been so long since I have taken the time to get on here and write an update. I hope and pray that all of you have been healthy and joyful in the Lord since we last talked.

Since I have written, swo much has happened in my life. I am very thankful for all of the things I have been blessed with and even those things that did not seem a blessing at the time. I have especially been blessed to be able to teach in the Illinois women's correctional facilities. I now teach 6 classes and would love to do more. God has really given me a deep passion for serving Him at this time and I pray that all of you will have or do have that same passion.

As I have stated before, I too am learning so much by sharing the Word with these ladies. I have had the privilege of being surrounded by staff and friends that also have a passion to give and share their faith with others.

I will be starting new classes soon and I will do my best to keep this blog up to date for all of you that wish to know what is happening while we share God's love with those that feel unlovable.

May you be blessed and passionate about your faith and growth in the Word and may God and His son Jesus breath new life into you every day that you read His word and share His love.

Thank you again for sharing in this ministry. Blessings to you and your family!

In Christ I serve, Laurie 

The Truth Project has been such a huge tool to know God more. I was absolutely transformed by the teaching of Del Tackett and feel truly blessed to share this study with the ladies at the 3 facilities. I have had such a huge response to this study that there are already requests for the next class coming in weekly. The ladies that are taking this class are amazed at how much time and effort has been put into this and also that most of everything they are learning, it is for the first time of hearing it. Del Tackett is truly gifted. He speaks in a way that we can all understand and comprehend the word of God in his messages.

In the past few weeks, I have had many conversations with the ladies about this study and they all have agreed that this has helped them have, and want to have, a deeper relationship with the Lord. Many of the women in this class will be incarcerated for life. If you were to ever visit, you would not be able to tell which ones they are. These women have a love for the Lord like I have never seen. They have grasped the reality that their ministry is behind bars on a 24-7 basis. They are a blessing to me and a blessing to many others. I have heard testimony after testimony of how these women have changed in their lives and how they have changed the lives of many others they meet. I feel blessed when they tell me how the Lord has used even me to be a blessing to them. It humbles me to tears. The Lord has given me a heart to love these women, no matter what they have done in their lives. I know that is my call and I am very thankful for this opportunity to serve Him.

I pray that all of you have come to realize just what the Lord has called upon your life. Even more, I pray that you have been obedient to that call and have given honor to the Lord. I am grateful to you all for taking the time to share this ministry with me. Have a blessed day and go forth in the Lord.

Wow, the past few weeks have been a little crazy for me. I am still going into the Correctional facilities to teach classes and am being very blessed in the process. The ladies that come to these classes are hungry to hear the word of God. They KNOW they need Him if they are ever going to make it on the outside or the remainder of their sentence on the inside. The reason I say this is because there are so many things inside of prison that can make a person react negatively. Not just that their freedom has been taken, but the way they are treated by others. As women, we take such things very personal. These ladies that have a relationship with the Lord handle these day to day issues a lot better than the ones that think they are all alone. I would like to believe that by sharing the gospel with these ladies that it will give them strength to endure whatever comes their way and also to reach out to those that do not have Him in their lives.

In the past few weeks we have had discussion about many topics in the day to day living and struggles of us all. We have discussed the importance of going to church with our hearts in the right place, not just because we have to or to impress someone. They have been encouraged to have a closer relationship with the Lord so that they will have His dust on them. Many other topics: don't carry around your burdens(luggage), ways to spread the gospel, not to yell it out like a bullhorn. WE have many more topics to come and I have seen many "aha" moments in our classes.
I ask that you pray for these ladies and myself. That the Lord will touch us all in a special way that we will become righteous in His sight.

If any of you would like to pray for a specific lady in this class, please let me know. God Bless! 

Well, another class has started and I am so excited! There has been an awesome turnout of ladies that want to have a stronger relationship with the Lord.

NOOMA - DVD SERIES AND SMALL GROUP:

This Bible study is a new format. It's short films with communicators that really spoeak to us. Compact, portable, and concise. Each NOOMA touches on issues that we care about, that we want to talk about, and it comes in a way that fits our world. It's a format that's there for us when we need it, as we need it, how we need it.

This study has been a blessing to the incarcerated women of Illinois. They have opened up in ways that they normally would not. NOOMA touches each one of us in a different way and we can't help but to open up to God's Word and grow a stronger relationship in the process. Each week we will see a different video and discuss a set of questions. Each week I will update on the progress of the classes that are taking place. That way, you all can be a part of this ministry with me. As with any spreading of the gospel, I ask that you continually pray for me and these ladies as we search our hearts and grow in the presence of God. 2Corinthians 5:17

The Truth Project is a new study that has given each of the participants a new hunger for God's Word. Focus on the Family's, The Truth Project, is a DVD-based small group designed to equip believers with a comprehensive biblical worldview. Practically and personally, participants will be reintroduced to the truth claims of God. Twelve two hour classes discuss in detail God's design for living out the Christian worldview in daily life. Most importantly, it addresses the need to marry our actions to our core beliefs. What this curriculum does is nothing short of transformational.

The first class that has started has 17 women involved in the transformation process. They are required to meet once a week until the transformation is complete. It is very important to have committed women that want to experience this transformation and a closer relationship with God. It is also very important to have women that already having a close relationship with the Lord. This is not for beginners. This is a very in-depth study that will require the ladies to participate in every class.

As this class transforms, I will give weekly updates on how the women are reacting and the type of questions that are being asked and the comments that are being made and discussed. If you have not looked into The Truth Project, I encourage you to do so. It should be offered in an area near you. Ask your pastor or get online www.thetruthproject.com.

Weekly update on class!