Rose, Sue and I spent the weekend in Amherst, NH, at my brother's house.  Besides an opportunity to catch up with three of my four brothers, and to celebrate John's birthday, we did three local performances.

On Saturday afternoon, we went to the Teen Challenge home in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.  We did an hour show in the backyard of this residential home.  The audience consisted of six teenage residents, all girls, and a staff person. 
This Teen Challenge home works with girls fighting crisis behaviors such as self injury, eating disorders and addiction.  While the show had some rough edges, including a very tempermental CD player and blistering heat and humidity, it was none the less well received.  The girls were very appreciative, and even ended our visit by singing Happy Birthday to Rose, who turns 10 tomorrow.

On our way home Sunday, we did two shows at the Sununu Youth Detention Facility in Manchester, NH.  Our first show was a small, but enthusiastic group.  We were a little rushed for time, but I believe the Gospel was clearly presented.  After a nice meal with some of the girls and the new chaplain, we did our second show for a much larger group.  This time, we were not as rushed, and I ended with our story / illusion about the Samaritan woman who met Jesus at a well one day.   This led nicely into a time of prayer and ministry.  Several kids prayed to receive Christ, and some were crying as they encountered His grace for the first time.  It's good to know their discipleship is in good hands with Chaplain Ray.  Please pray for these young people as they try to live out their faith in a very challenging setting.