Chaplain Tom wrote:
Yesterday during the second service in one of the Mods at Theo Lacy a 20 year old hispanic man came alone from his section which had been called out for Sunday Service. This man's head was completely shaved and he had a gang tattoo from ear to ear on his head. When I asked him if he died today did he know where he would spend eternity he said he thought so and it would not be in heaven. After sharing with him that there was a devine pardon on the table and all he had to do was accept it and he could know he was going to heaven, he prayed confessing his sin and inviting Jesus to be his savior and Master. Afterwards he asked, so I really don't have to know everything in the Bible to go to heaven, I told him no - what determines your eternal home is sincerely praying what he just did. His face lit me and with a trmendous look of relief said "That's cool!!!"...and I smiled as I'm sure Our Father and all heaven did and I told him yes indeed, "that is cool!!!".
Date: 2010-03-22 13:42:55.98
|
Pamela Dodd Tate wrote:
Hello: My grandfather, Clarence "Lem" Green helped start this ministry in the 1930's. I knew him a few years before he passed away at age 79. He had an incredible passion for his work in the jail as well as meeting with the folks who lived on the Santa Ana River bottom.(When dry!) I still have the little pump organ that he folded up each week and took to the jail. He loved to sing and had a good voice himself, so led the prisoners in singing.
Grandpa had a deep love of his Lord and Savior. I have his bible that is so underlined it's almost hard to read! He always told me to "Take care of the things close to God and He will take care of the things close to you."
What a delight to happen upon this web page. Thank you. May God continue to bless your work.
Pamela Dodd Tate
Date: 2009-12-14 15:45:56.633
|
Chaplain Tom wrote:
Last night at Theo Lacy Jail I met one-on-one with a man about 35 years old, built like a tank with sleeve tats - who had asked to see me. This man had been in a number of Bible studies and yet had never accepted the Lord. He said he needed to know that this way(Jesus) was the right way and he would not make a hollow decision. This man told me both his parents had died at a very early age and that he just could not catch a break in life. He said he was not expecting to be miraculously released but just wanted/needed some hope. He believed in God and so I shared with him that due to man's fall/original sin that God in his devine sovereignty lovingly-mercifully-graciously designed a rescue plan that was soley through his one and only son Jesus paying the price for our sin...and that all he had to do was accept that gift by opening the door of his life by inviting Jesus into his life. I asked if he would like to do that ...and he said yes and so I lead him in a simple prayer to accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Praise God for His loving kindness and faithfulness to change lives and to give a hope and a future --which this young man now has!!!
Date: 2009-12-10 13:58:16.953
|
Chaplain Tom wrote:
A couple of nights ago I met one on one with a 19 year old hispanic man who is facing life imprisonment. A week or so before he had been understandably depressed which lead him to accept Jesus as his Savior. But now, he had a smile on his face and hope in his heart. He shared how an inmate had asked him for his last shot of coffee and after initially declining, changed his mind (an act of sacrifice) and gave it to him -and it made him feel good. He went on to say that a deputy had him in a headlock and he felt the anger began to boil up inside of him but then he unchacteristically submitted. He later told that deputy in a non-defiant tone that yes others had control over him but that he did control his attitude and how to deal/react to things. Praise Jesus for His life changing power...even giving up a shot of coffee and submitting to a headlock give testimony to God's goodness and faithfulness and love...as He continues to work in the hearts and minds of OC Jail men and women as they become more like Jesus. Thank you Lord!!!
Date: 2009-11-13 12:53:09.787
|
Anna Mathew wrote:
Dear brothers and sisters of orange countyjail ministry in ChristGod bless you and srengthen you in this minisry with prayers
anna mathew
Date: 2009-06-24 22:47:19.57
|
Megan wrote:
I just wanted to write and say thank you for what you are doing. I am a strong christian with a younger 19 year old brother who got in trouble with drugs and ended up in Jail. He would never go to church with us and I was so scared he was never going to be able to hear the message, thankfully, while in jail he has been attending church services and I couldnt be more happier to hear him speak about The Lord the way he does now! Thank you!
Date: 2009-03-11 14:06:15.953
|
Chaplain Tom wrote:
Yesterday I received a call from a Christian I knew who asked if I would go visit her son who had been arrested for drugs and acts of violence several days earlier. He was to be arraigned the next day and so I said I would go immediately. I spent about an hour with this 19 year old young man who readily professed to being a Christian who has struggling with drugs. As I shared scriptures and prayed with him, he agreed that he knew God was able to rescue him but was prepared to go through the fire for his own poor judgement as he knew God was in control. He was trusting God to bring him through as Isaish 43 tells us. I told him to write his Pastor and when the day would come to leave jail to be accountable/teachable to his Pastor. MIRCALES REALLY DO HAPPEN... this afternoon his mom excitedly called to say that the judge from the bench said the DA had failed to file charges and that the judge was releasing him with time served with NO record. PRAISE GOD!!! Please pray that what the enemy meant for harm will now truly be used for good in this young man's life and for the glory of God...AND, in the lives of countless men and women in OC Jails that are truly turning their lives over to Jesus and now following Him!!!
Date: 2009-02-10 19:13:32.26
|
Bruce wrote:
As we close 2008 I wanted to let all Chaplains and Volenteers know that we are bringing light into satans jails where he brings hate, discouragement, and fear but Praise be to Jesus Christ that we have brought Christ's light into the the jails and therefore we've pushed darkness out- your all a blessing and I pray that in 2009 we see a revival in Orange County Jails and beyond and all that participate are fullfilling Matthew 25:34-36 that we are visiting Christ!! God Bless
Matt 25:34-36
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
(KJV)
Date: 2008-12-26 18:21:34.93
|
Rhonda Landrum wrote:
Praise THE LORD for OCJM. Thats right where THE LORD plucked me up out of the miry clay I was living in. Today, 4 years later, HE calls me CHOSEN ONE. After 4 times in jail, I finally got it right. As I walked out those doors, I knew beyond a shadow of doubt,I was not finished with that jail. God gave me a burning desire to return as a Volunteer. And I have kept that focus for almost 4 years. Due to my convictions, I had to wait for 3 years after my probation was up. As I spoke with Mr. Danner 2 weeks ago, I ask if he would allow me to come in, in Dec. so I could be part of the Christmas programs.And he said YES..... PRAISE TO GOD. I have never felt such joy to hear that YES. YEA GOD, I'm going to jail, and PRAISING THE LORD.
Date: 2008-10-24 15:05:41.21
|
Chaplain Tom wrote:
Yesterday I went to get my car oil changed at a quick lube shop I frequent. Steve a 30 or so year old man who started to check me in said, I know you. I met you a few years ago, you're a chaplain - right? I recently got out of Theo Lacy Jail. He told me he was doing good at his job, plugged in at Mariner's Church (one of our 65 participating OCJM churches), has stayed clean, had re-established a growing relationship with his kids and amicable with his ex-wife, optimistic-joyful about moving forward and was not going back. He thanked me. I told him he was a blessing and an encourgement to me and that I would pass along his success story to the men I would see that night at Theo (which I did). Praise the Lord for his faithfulness in changing lives and for new beginnings in Him!!! To God be the Glory for the great things He has done!!!
Date: 2008-08-15 08:56:50.307
|
Chaplain Tom wrote:
Yesterday I went into Mod M at Theo Lacy for two one hour Sunday afternoon services. The faithful church who normally I escort in had called that morning to say that something major had unfortunately come up and thus would not be there. Despite my being tired and preferrin not to go in alone, I did. The first hour a young 25 year old man came alone and when I asked how he was doing he said "not well-I'm VERY depressed-I'm afarid I'm losing my faith[as a true believer] -I finally gave in and went to the phyciatrist and am considering taking medication-is that ok?" I gently told him God can use prescribed medication in the process but ultimately the answer is found in Him --to trust Him, put his faith and confidence in Jesus. Like God did with Elijah this man walked out with an assigment as I gave him homework/teaching outlines for him to do, scripture cards of encourgement/ hope and trust to post in his cell/mediate on, a pencil to give to another man the Lord would direct him to and a word that God had a destiny for him to fullfill. We closed in prayer with the man cupping his hands initally holding all of his problems but then opening them letting them fall into God's massive hands he envisioned underneath his. The young man left encourged having taken a major step in the process of recovery because of the faithfullness of God and looking up! PTL for His devine agenda and not mine for this "one-on-one" time, yielding blessings and answers for both of us with our Father, our Savior Jesus and our comforter- The Holy Spirit!!!
Date: 2008-07-14 17:50:23.673
|
Daniel Heller wrote:
The Lord is good and draws many people to Him in Romania, may God bless you all, Daniel.
Date: 2008-07-13 12:16:44.95
|
Lou & Karen Celis wrote:
Thank you for showing so many that there is a Christ who forgives, changes lives and loves us no matter what. We have been so blessed to be part of prayer for all of you in the ministry there and who you are ministering to, and know that you are praying for us also. Life is tough inside grey walls or out in a colorful world. We are praying for the families of these men that are coming to your ministry services that through the change in their life, their families might come to know the Lord as well. Please pray for our dear friend who had a stroke over the weekend. He loves his Almighty - but is having a rough time. Love in Christ
Date: 2008-06-10 13:24:32.977
|
Chaplain Tom wrote:
Yesterday in Mod N at Theo Lacy a 21 year old man named Brian shared how his brother had recently been murdered. He stated his immiedate reaction was to avenge his brother's murder by taking revenge against the murders. BUT, he said now that I am a Christian, I somehow (he himself was amazed) have been able to honestly forgive them and am at peace with moving forward. He asked that we pray for his Dad who is continuing to struggle with the loss of his son (which we do). Glory to God for changing men's hearts and lives. Jesus said "...I have spoken these things that in me you might have peace; in this life you will have tribulation but be of good cheer, I have over come the world" - John 16:33 PTL !!!
Date: 2008-06-02 09:06:55.0
|
Lou & Karen Celis wrote:
We pray for all of the inmates that are in the bible study program and for their families on a daily basis. We pray for the chaplains daily because we know it is an effort of love for Christ that they are taking their time to challenge these men to change their lives for Christ, and that their own lives are examples to them.
Date: 2008-05-06 16:54:50.827
|
Chaplain Tom wrote:
Yesterday during the first of two chapel services in Mod Q at Theo Lacy a middle aged hispanic man said I was a Pastor on the outside. The volunteer from the AME Church in Irvine said... "Pastor you still are a Pastor...you have a special calling". The Pastor humbly offered to translate for the two volunteers as there were 3 men of the 7 who spoke only spanish. It was beautiful to see God work and bless and unite us as brothers in Jesus - in spanish & english, brown, black & white. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians3:28
Date: 2008-01-28 15:30:51.22
|
Madeline Jarman wrote:
Praise The Lord,
I truly want to commend you all on the great and awesome job you all are doing for the Lord, because truly the harvest is plentious, but the Labors are few, I have a desire to volunteer to come and minister as well, the Gospel of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Keep on Keeping On For Jesus,Souls added to the Kingdom daily such as should be saved. I check the volunteer website, but it was still under construction at this time. I listen to your broadcast on 1140am, and it has inspire me all the more what time it is.
Date: 2008-01-08 09:29:21.98
|
Chaplain Tom wrote:
Recently an ex-gangbanger during a Bible study mentioned, ...a lot of guys in here think I'm now afraid because I go to church and have turned my life over to Jesus...it kind'a bothers me because when I was on the streets I was fearless. We replied that he is now a spritual warrior. "Do not be afraid or discourged because of ...the vast army with him...for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord God to help us and to fight our battles" 2 Chronicles32:7-8
Date: 2008-01-03 14:11:00.7
|
Chaplain Tom wrote:
A couple of days ago I received via the OCJM PO Box a Christmas card from Randle from Mod L in Theo which read, "I would like to thank you and the Narrow Way Ministry for the blessed Bible study from C., your visits here, your jokes, help my walk, the little cards, the gospel music and your Christ like character. I wanted you to know your a soul saver & you have been a big help with saving mine. Thank You for everthing. God bless you and your family. Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord." While reading his note I choked and teared up... it touched and blessed my heart... Randle had written what so many men and women communicate to us Chaplains while inside. To God be the glory for the great things He has done...and is doing in inmates lives!!!
Date: 2007-12-24 20:10:23.597
|
Chaplain Vivian (Kathy) Hernandez ; ) wrote:
I am so excited to see what God is doing in the lives of people (inmates). Thank God that this website has been created. It just shows that God is doing BIG things. We need to all enlarge are tents.
May God continue to use all of us for instuments for HIS glory to bring the message and deliverance of Jesus Christ to broken people. God has a plan and purpose for their lives and He has sent us in to set the captives free IN JESUS NAME. May God give you strenghth and wisdom in the direction we need to go.
Love in Christ,
Chaplain Vivian Kathleen Hernandez
Daughter of the Most Hight God
Servant of God
Date: 2007-12-19 09:47:09.813
|
Marc Miller wrote:
Last night 12/17/07 Chaplain Dwayne Bush, myself & Steve Mason shared a Christmas message in MOD N with two groups of men. There were 3 men in the first 1 hour time slot from 6pm-7pm and 5 in the second group from 7pm-8pm. All 8 men came to the LORD! Thank you HOLY SPIRIT, we love to see what you will do. What a blessing the jail ministry is to each one of us. Marc.
Date: 2007-12-18 20:32:23.237
|
Dr Craig Lowe wrote:
Web site is looking better. . .
Date: 2007-12-15 12:58:41.713
|
Chaplain Tom wrote:
Last night my wife and I walked into a fast food place and while waiting for our order I heard someone say, I know you. I know you from the church I attend every Sunday - you know me I sit on the front row. As we talked we quickly determined that it was not from church, but when I mentioned I was a jail Chaplain he immiedately said - that's where I know you - I got out 3 months ago. He beamed with the love of Jesus and told me he was continuing his walk with the Lord. I asked him about the ID around his neck and he showed me it was his employee ID for a large well know Int'l company and that he was doing well. Thank you Jesus for letting me see first hand the fruit of your love, grace and faithfulness -- not only on the inside of jail but on the outside as well!
Date: 2007-12-13 16:41:09.4
|
Dick Gerlach wrote:
Greetings: I was with Pastor Rumford and he was quite excited about the special program at The Farm last week. Blessings to all who were involved - hope that we can do it again, and again.
Date: 2007-12-10 17:18:56.36
|
Chaplain Tom wrote:
Yesterday during a Mod chapel service in Theo one of two men attending asked-- having recently accepted Jesus does walking out the Christian life happen automatically or does it take time? He continued, my mistakes left my wife and kids with a stack of bills. So rather than take money away from them I befriended a girl who I am merely using so she'll put money on my commissary book. But now that I'm a Christian, I feel bad about it - that this wasn't right. So I decided not to contact that girl and to ask my wife if she could possibly spare just a few dollars for me - to my surprise, my wife reacted with excitement [the wife must have sensed a change in her husband-PTL for good wives!]. We answered the man telling him the Christian walk is a process and that he had taken a step in maturing as a Christian with The Spirit's leading and that his testimony that day would be multiplied in his life and others. Glory to God!!!
Date: 2007-12-03 11:54:49.46
|
Chaplain Tom wrote:
Yesterday in Mod Q at Theo Lacy Jail only one man named Luis came to our first of two chapel services. Luis shared how he cried out to to the Lord while doing time in the "hole" resulting in him accepting Jesus as his Savior. Luis also shared that he is now facing the possiblity of two life sentences and is now struggling in his mind with it and thinking negative thoughts about others. We shared with him Phill. 4:4-9 which in part says "And the peace of God...will guard your hearts and your minds...whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable excellent,praiseworthy think about such things..." Luis left focusing on Jesus with hope & trusting Him and knowing He held his future and not man nor Luis' mistakes of the past.
Date: 2007-11-26 10:14:04.227
|
bill mcintosh wrote:
had a great time in jail today. God is at work in the hearts and minds of the nine men that came to the services today. please pray for the men
Date: 2007-11-25 18:26:52.7
|
Dr Craig Lowe wrote:
Glad to see the site is up.
Date: 2007-11-14 17:08:10.25
|
Chaplain Tom wrote:
Recently I was in Mod M at Theo Lacy and three men came to our scheduled Sunday afternoon chapel service. One man shared he was doing 25 to life and unless the Lord did a mircale he would never see the light of day -- although he had and displayed the joy of Jesus as his savior and his strength. The second man said he was 19 and this was his first time -- first time EVER to come to church in his life. The first man begin to share with him, read God's Word - it will change your life; it says in here "It was good for me to be afflicated so that I might learn your decrees" ...and it says "For who so ever...." and the 25 to lifer continued quoting memorized scripture truths and encourgments to the young man. I asked the 19 year old, what motiviated you to come today, he turned to the third man and pointed and said "my cellie said I should come today and so I did"...the young man accepted Jesus that afternoon and began a new life with hope and a future...Praise God!
Date: 2007-11-14 12:36:42.957
|
