Page 8 - Ministry Newsletter (Fall 2019)

Robert then felt “a great burden lifted from me and I received God’s peace,
beyond my understanding, just as described in Philippians 4:7. I was utterly
changed, and the presence of the Holy Spirit now living in me assured me I
would never be alone.”
As Robert began his walk with Christ, he knew there were major issues he
needed to face. For years, he battled with drug abuse, depression, anger and
insomnia. As he overcame these struggles, he realized, “No matter the situa-
tion, I could continually approach His throne of grace for help—just as I was.
Little by little, all major issues faded away and were replaced with something
healthy like exercise, learning to read music and studying hymns.”
To encourage Robert to stay in God’s Word, his mother introduced him to
Our Daily Bread. “Reading Our Daily Bread kept me connected to home. I knew
as I was reading my devotional, Mom and Dad were reading theirs. Throughout
the years I found many comforting and encouraging messages pointing the
way to Jesus. To this day, each morning, I fellowship with others during break-
fast with the day’s devotion.”
God continued to bless Robert. He married a wonderful, Christian woman
and started a family. They now have two sons. Because of the positive changes
in his life, Robert gained privileges with each correctional review. These
privileges allowed him to
participate in volunteer
work outside the prison,
attend church and visit his
family.

Robert’s mentor, Bill,
set up volunteer work
for him at a thrift store
called Hidden Treasures,
a ministry branch of M2/
W2. Hidden Treasures was
created in 1999 allowing
inmates the opportunity to
work alongside community
Above: Robert with his wife and sons.
volunteers, encouraging
them toward social reintegration, teaching them valuable customer service
skills and taking every opportunity to share the gospel with them.

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