http://awana.org/lifeline/media.aspx?content=3080
I participated in both the 2009 and 2010 "Returning Hearts Celebration" at Angola prison as a Family Assistant. The idea is to give prisoners who have earned the privilege a whole day to spend with their kids in relative freedom. This year nearly 500 kids met with their dads, nearly double from last year. The 2010 event was last Saturday, and the videos for both (and more) are at the above link. It's an amazing experience for anyone who wants to see just how real God is, in an up-close and personal way. The "Malachi Dads" program is a discipleship program for inmates who seek to raise their kids as best they can from prison and minister to other inmates with children. If you had the opportunity I have had to meet with even one of these men, you'd have no doubt about the power of the Holy Spirit to change a person completely from the inside out. These guys are the "real deal," and you'd be hard pressed to find faith more authentic and persuasive "on the outside." Angola used to be the bloodiest top-security prison in the US. Today, fourteen years after Warden Burl Cain began his unique program of "moral rehabilitation," involving faith-based organizations like Awana Lifeline, it's among the safest. Here is a book about it: http://www.amazon.com/Cains-Redemption-Dennis-Shere/dp/1881273245 I cannot describe in mere words the stunning contrast between walking around the French Quarter, particularly Bourbon Street, in New Orleans, versus visiting the prison. On Bourbon street, you see people stammering in drunkenness, angrily arguing with invisible adversaries, and seeking the next cheap thrill. Overall, it's an oppressive and frankly discouraging atmosphere. Ironically, the sense of peace and freedom and love at Angola is unsurpassed by anything I've experienced before. I recommend the experience for anyone, whether you are inclined to faith in God or merely want to do something selfless and worthwhile for a change. The idea is going viral. This month a prison in Pompano, FL, is doing it, and there is an event planned for later this year I believe in Los Angeles. They plan to take the "Malachi Dads" idea beyond the prison walls very soon. Check it out. Matt 25:26. - Publius -- "It ought never to be forgotten, that a firm union of this country, under an efficient government, will probably be an increasing object of jealousy to more than one nation of Europe; and that enterprises to subvert it will sometimes originate in the intrigues of foreign powers, and will seldom fail to be patronized and abetted by some of them. Its preservation, therefore ought in no case that can be avoided, to be committed to the guardianship of any but those whose situation will uniformly beget an immediate interest in the faithful and vigilant performance of the trust." [Federalist Papers #59] _______________________________________________ Post Messages to: [email protected] Subscription Maintenance: http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profox OT-free version of this list: http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profoxtech Searchable Archive: http://leafe.com/archives/search/profox This message: http://leafe.com/archives/byMID/profox/[email protected] ** All postings, unless explicitly stated otherwise, are the opinions of the author, and do not constitute legal or medical advice. This statement is added to the messages for those lawyers who are too stupid to see the obvious.
