Jackson County REC 2 - review

It was evident that God had been working on the residents before we arrived.   The men entered the room on Friday without the typical attitude or walls that are found in jail.  The men seemed to be eagerly anticipating the event.  The residents started joining in singing right away and sharing in table conversations.  One resident told me that before the first REC in August, it was popular to talk about life outside on the streets.  Since the first REC, men now brag about recovery and what Jesus is doing on the inside.  They were hungry for the gospel and willing to participate. The team was profoundly impacted as well. Some team members were able to lay down heavy burdens and we all were moved by the worship.  How wonderful it was to hear all the men praise the name of Jesus.  It was very humbling to see how everything was beautifully placed together.  Everything seems perfectly chosen by the Holy Spirit.  There were many special “not a coincident” moments that we became aware of.   When the jail staff announced who could attend the weekend in one pod, 3 men noticed that 3 names on the list were of men who were no longer in jail. The men eagerly prayed and asked God to pick them.  Then the jail staff announced the 3 replacements, it was the exact 3 men who prayed.  Songs and scripture confirmed conversations as the words were being spoken.  It was as if the Holy Spirit was finishing sentences.  Many on the team came to the realization that God was unfolding the weekend as we were living it out.  It left me speechless at times.  I shared with one brother on team, that we “can’t mess this up” - God has this all planned out.  We just had to stay out of His way and watch the beauty unfold.  On a few occasions, I was able to stand at the podium and look into the faces of the room of men, all I could think was, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!  It was as if the collection of faces were of Jesus.  How precious they are to our father.  All prodigal sons were coming home to their Heavenly Father's embrace.  The view from the back of the room during worship time was amazing.  Our lead singer, Jacob seems to be singing directly to the presence of Jesus.  I am pretty sure we got a glimpse of what Heaven is going to be like.  To hear the name of Jesus lifted loudly in the walls of a jail was incredible.  The county may have built a house for jail, BUT GOD turned it into a House of Freedom.  Thank you to all the team and family support, the prayer warriors, cooks, agape, and volunteers.  God used your kindness and willing hearts and did amazing work. Jesus was lifted up and 40 men were drawn to Him. 

I have tasted and seen the beautiful land.  May the Lord continue His work wherever REC may be.  AMEN