“Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you.  And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20

We believe that we have been called to use the gifts God has given us to reach unbelievers for Him and to encourage, and build up His Church.

Long Creek Youth Detention

Long Creek Youth Corrections is a detention / rehab. facility in South Portland, Maine, for youth offenders.  I have been doing shows a year there since 1987, and I look forward to it every time.  I always come home inspired and blessed from the experience.  Yesterday's show there was no different.

If there is one negative about performing there, it is that I have to be ready to start at 9:00 AM on a Saturday morning.  That means leaving home by 6:45, so it's always an early start.  On the upside, though, it is a nice, quiet time to prepare my heart for the chapel service.  This time, I drove in still trying to discern what God would have me say and do in the show.  By the time I arrived, the ideas were so out of the ordinary, I knew they had to be God inspires.

The chaplain counted 31 kids present - out of a population of 80.  That's 38%, which is way higher than the number of people in my home town of Bridgton go out to church on Sunday mornings: the town's clergy association estimate our numbers run around 20%.  The kids were a diverse group ethnically, age-wise and about a 50/50 split of male and female, and they were excited.  The chaplain told me prior to the service that the kids were asking when I'd return, so they were pumped up and ready to go.

When I juggled three apples and ate them as I juggled (the Adam and Eve story, of course) a girl in the third row - seeing the juice drip from my mouth and onto my shirt yelled out, "Now look what-chu done!"  They pleaded for me to bring the rabbit around during the show; something I normally do at the end.  They laughed and applauded a lot.  But they also listened. 

Toward the end of the service, I prayed with five or six kids to accept Jesus into their lives.  They were really sincere, and the chaplain sent me this e-mail the same day:

"Great chapel with you today. One of our boys that had received Jesus in his life at 9 and again as a teen spoke to me after chapel. I met with him today and he wants to be mentored by myself. I never have that asked of me here. His pastor in Warren had met with him years ago. I believe this is a God thing."

It doesn't get any better than that.

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A Few Testimonies

The presentation was fun and encouraging... The gospel message was clear and encouraging. I purchased your book and just finished it. Your scope is broad and again encouraging. May God continue to bless your ministry. I will encourage others to read your book. -Parishioner of a local church

"Hey, I  wanted to say that was a great message in chapel today! It touched something:) thanks for doing it!" -High School Student  

"We are so grateful that you brought your amazing ministry back to our church this year... The Gospel message you bring applies to all!  It is such a positive, valuable work that you do."  -Coordinator of Christian Ed. UCC Church

"There's no questioning it. This is powerful stuff. It's extremely touching at times, never less than entertaining, and I see a lot of sincere love for Jesus in you guys."  -Dwight Lilies, song writer

The Lord has given you a wonderful window through which to present the Gospel!   - Field Director of Alliance Missions to Paraguay

"What a wonderful ministry to both children and adults.  In past years it has been a struggle to arrange programing that would hold the attention of all ages, but also challenge each heart with God's gift of Salvation.  Thank you for sharing your ministry."  -Sunday School Sup't.

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