What’s happened since my year-end updates?
Louis Goes Back To Prison:
(Reminder: Louis was sentenced to life plus 100 years in prison. Miraculously, he was released after seventeen and a half years.) Since my October, 2014 update, two more God-sized things have happened in Louis’ life:
- Louis’ parole was scheduled to end in 2079 (basically, he’d be on parole for the rest of his life). His parole limited some of the ministry he could do. For example, a person on parole is not allowed into prisons to speak to (or visit) inmates, which was part of what Louis longed to do and felt God leading him to do. Recently, the parole board ended his parole, effective immediately – 65 years early! Say What? Louis is now truly a free man, with endless ministry possibilities ahead of him.
- With his parole ended, Louis was allowed to speak at two Missouri prisons! A dream and a prayer come true. One of the prisons that Louis spoke at was a prison where Louis had been incarcerated for 13 years. He knew many of the men still in there. I heard from others that his talk was powerful. Louis was able to take a group of guys with him, who were blown away by the experience.
Looks like a prison break to me!
With the prison in the background.
This kind of stuff just doesn’t happen! It seems like something big (God sized) is going on behind the scenes. I can’t wait to see all the redemption God brings through Louis’ life.
Justin’s Next Adventure (and he thought Africa was life-changing!):
Justin (highlighted in my November update) and his wife are pregnant with their first child! Please pray for them as they have their baby and raise it in a foreign, Muslim, country.
Michael Faces His Next Wrestling:
When I highlighted Michael in my December update, Michael’s wife was pregnant and due around Christmastime. As I mentioned back then, Michael and his wife had suffered numerous miscarriages, one on the same day that his mother died. (I can’t imagine the pain of dealing with those two tragedies at the same time.)
This time, Michael’s wife carried the baby to full term.
Tragically, their baby died on its due date, within 24 hours of being born. When their baby was born the next morning, the umbilical cord was wrapped around its neck four times, in a knot. Their perfectly healthy looking son was dead.
Michael’s son’s name was Eli. He was born at 5:56am on December 27th. He weighted 7 pounds, 4 oz., and was 22 inches long.
Please pray for Michael and his wife, Ashley. They really need all of our prayers right now.
It seems like this letter should end here. I do, however, have a few more items to mention.
Thrivent Choice Dollars:
Each year, Thrivent Financial sets aside a large amount of money to be donated to faith-based organizations and helpful causes. They let their members chose where to contribute the money they set aside. Through the generosity of people allocating their Choice Dollars to Legacy Shepherding Ministries, this ministry received $421 this year! Thank You Thrivent! And Thank You to all of you who chose to allocate your Thrivent Choice Dollars to Legacy Shepherding Ministries, Inc.
Allstate:
I also received $90 through an employee percentage matching program of Allstate. I feel like I’m in good hands. Thanks, Allstate! And thanks, employee at Allstate! You know who you are. You’re awesome! (This faithful woman has been involved in youth prison ministry for many years. Thanks for serving the way you do. I’m inspired by you.).
Thank You:
Thank you to everyone who participated in Legacy’s year-end support raising and to those who contributed throughout the year. You helped make 2014 the best financial year yet! This ministry would not be possible without you. A Huge Thank You from everyone whose lives you’ve touched.
God is up to stuff…through you!
In His Love,
Randy
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