By Tom Shanklin

In July, Susan and I both filled in for Pastor Bob and Judy Holmbeck of Gaylord Assembly of God, who were off for a ministry trip to Wisconsin. Susan filled the pulpit for a Sunday morning service and I had the opportunity to minister at the Sibley County Jail for the Tuesday Bible Study.

Susan’s ministry was uniquely Susan! The people were blessed to hear a message encouraging them to not allow themselves to be defined by their failures and weaknesses. One young lady prayed to receive Jesus as Lord of her life, and we prayed for several physical and family needs.

I had a great time at the jail speaking to eight men. I began by sharing my testimony of deliverance from drugs and alcohol, which seemed to really open their hearts to me and the Gospel. One man was weeping over his disastrous situation after receiving his third felony charge for sale of methamphetamines. Another prisoner had spent most the last ten years in prison. Recently he had been released but within a few hours was back in jail with a DUI charge.

I also visited with a young woman at the jail who had lost custody of all but one of her children because of drug charges in the past. I tell you, a visit to a county jail will really give you a perspective on the needs that are in our society today. The majority of people in prison or jail today are there (directly or indirectly) as the result of drug or alcohol abuse. So many people are bound by Satan, and are broken and hurting. but Jesus can break those chains.

I shared a message with the men from John 10:10. “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10, KJV. I told them that Satan was behind the devastation in their lives, but that Jesus is the one who can turn it around and bring blessings to them.

I talked to them about heaven and hell and told them about the cross of Christ as the answer to the need in their life. Seven of the eight men prayed to receive Jesus as Lord of their lives. One man asked me afterwards to let Pastor Bob know that he wanted to be baptized. The men also asked for more Bibles for the jail.

We had a great time at the Country Church in Ruthton, MN in July, where I preached a message called “How to Activate the Gospel in Your Life,” which you can listen to online here.

NEPAL TRANSLATION UPDATE

The translation of You Can Touch the World into Nepalese is proceeding well. The cost of translating has been paid for and we have begun sending funds for the printing and still need about $1700 to complete the project. Our goal is to have the printing completed in October. Thanks so much for your prayers and support for this important project. We believe that this translation will help to ignite ministers and Nepalese speaking believers in Nepal and other nations to reach their world with the Gospel. You are the ones that make this ministry possible.

Our vision is to unite with the Body of Christ to reach the lost, encourage believers and strengthen churches. This is the mission that God has given us and the way that broken lives can be changed and put together again. Thank you for being a part of it through your prayers and financial support. Susan and I are praying for you every day!

Related Links…
Partnership with Tom Shanklin Ministries
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