Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Birthday Blessings

It was my hubby's birthday last Friday and look at the newspaper banner my son made for him...

As some of you who have been following my blog for some time know, for a year now, we regularly go the the local jail to visit the inmates and give them religious instruction.  These days, we go on Fridays and give a teaching on the gospel message for the following Sunday.

Last Friday, which was also a holiday, my hubby decided he would celebrate his birthday with the inmates of the jail so we ordered a hundred packs of "pancit palabok" (a local noodle dish - we have a tradition of serving long noodles symbolizing long life).  As we went on our way to the jail, I marveled at how God can work in our lives such that on a holiday, on his birthday, my dear hubby was so happy to go visit the jail.  When we were first given the opportunity to serve in the city jail and when I asked my hubby if we could do this, his first reaction was, "Are you crazy?"  He laughs at this now but at the time, he was appalled that I was actually seriously thinking about it.  It did sound like a crazy idea.  But, as I wrote before, it has been a joy to see God work and my hubby's change of heart is an example.  After his initial reaction, he said yes, and the rest is history.  My wonderful husband is now the leader of our prison ministry.

When we arrived and the inmates were told it was his birthday, we could feel their genuine joy and well wishes for him. And he, too, was beaming with joy as they sang Happy Birthday to him.

This is the LORD'S doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. Psalm 118:23
If you are interested in to read more about our prison ministry, visit my sister's prison blog (she also posts pictures of oil paintings made by the inmates and being sold for the equivalent of $25!)

8 comments:

  1. What a wonderful thing for you all. Happy birthday and, I must say, that banner rocks!

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  2. First of all, that banner is amazing! Your son must have put a lot of time into it, and a great way to recycle, reuse! And I'm just amazed at the fact that your husband wanted to celebrate his birthday with the inmates and that he purchased all those noodles. Thats really neat! What a great ministry you two have!

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  3. Your son' banner is wonderful and I love the card you did for your DH...happy birthday.
    I know the inmates are being blessed by your faithfulness to be obedient to God's call on your life.

    Thanks so much for your visit and your sweet commends....

    Hugs

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  4. I stopped by to tell you I have chosen you as my blog pick for tomorrow (Sept 15) and was blown away by your son's banner and your lovely birthday card to your husband. What a wonderful tribute. Your entire family is creative!

    Hope your hubby had a great birthday and I'll see you tomorrow for WOYWW.

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  5. I am going to hop over to your sisters blog, and am excited to do so! My husband used to be a minister, but now is a Case Worker at a prison. We now live a prison life, and actually he can't do a prison ministry (at least at his prison) but at least he can show Jesus daily.
    I have an interesting story...I'll try to make it short. Just a year ago my husband worked at a different prison, and he was in charge of the prisoner that was about to be executed. Jerry (my husband) was the only man able to communicate with him eye to eye. Everyone else through glass. Jerry had to deliver his mail, pick up his mail, handle his 'last supper' arrangements, and be there when they executed him. The inmate, while doing some horrible things to get there, was a truly changed man. He helped so many others. He set up an organization within the prison system that inmates donated their earnings to the families of victims. He helped other inmates find Jesus. It was with very mixed feelings when my husband had his last conversation with him. But, at least he'll be in glory!!
    That is my little story to tell you that you just never know what a little love can do!

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  6. What a wonderful way you help so many people. What a blessing you are with your ministry. Happy birthday to your husband! And the banner your son made is fantastic!! :)

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  7. I found your blog thru Elizabeth, and it has been a very fun visit. Your artwork is delightful!

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