August 14, 2010

I have good developments to report :^)
1. Our prison ministry is now part of the Restorative Justice School run by the Archdiocese of Cubao. The school runs every Friday from 9am-12 noon. From 9-10 am, there is scripture teaching on the gospel of the succeeding Sunday. 10-11 am is the slot for Good values, then at 11am to 12 noon they have some practical lessons. Our little Ligaya group was given the 9-10 am slot every 1st, 2nd and 3rd Friday.

We are assigned the scripture teaching portion. Last Friday, Luigi taught on the Visitation, focusing on the qualities of Mary that we should emulate and contrasting her with Eve. There was a short portion where he asked questions and gave out prizes for those with correct answers. Then we served a snack for 100 inmates.

2. Jopet was denied bail last month. This really depressed him, and he got angry at God, and he even threw his Bible. We were able to talk to him soon after to encourage him, and talk him out of "giving up"! He said something like, "I'm doing everything already, what more does God want!!" He hated the judge with a passion!

Meldy shared what Lito, her husband, does does when he is angry at somebody or if somebody is unfair or hurts him- Lito prays for him and asks God to bless him. Jopet then said, "That's hard!" Before we left that time he promised not to give up and to continue "fighting the good fight!" I'm happy to report that Jopet was quite hopeful and upbeat when we visited last Friday. His last Judge (whose son died I understand in a drug related incident) agreed to inhibit himself. A new woman judge is now reviewing his case and Jopet said she was kind.

Another good news is that Jopet's paintings were featured in a thick glossy Art Magazine entitled "Flow". I'll take pictures of it and post it here. At least now he has proof that it's not just his family and friends who think he has a God-given gift for art!

3. The best news is that there's so much opportunity for blessing others and "saving others and bringing them into the ark". Here is the schedule for the teachings and the Gospel readings to be expounded on. Perhaps there are brothers and sisters who would like to give an hour to be with our incarcerated brethren. If you are free or can make yourself available on a Friday, please consider giving a talk or coming along to pray and be a blessing by your presence!
August 27- Luke 14:1,7-14 "Rather when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame...- Lito Fider

Sept. 3- Luke 14:25-33 "Discipleship"- open
Sept. 10- Luke 15:1-32 "Parables of the Lost Sheep, Lost coin and Lost Son"- open
Sept. 24- Luke 16:19-31 "Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus"- open
Oct 1- Luke 17:5-10 "Attitude of a servant"- open-
Oct 8 Luke 17: The Cleansing of the Ten Lepers- open
Oct 22 Luke 18:91-14 "The Parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector"-open
Oct 29- Luke 19:1-10 "Zaccheus and the Tax collector"- open
Nov 5- Luke 20: 27-38 "The Question about the Resurrection"- Bobby Quitain
Nov 12- Luke 21:5-19 "The Signs of the End"- open
Nov 26- Mt 24:37-44 "Be prepared when the Son of man will come"- open

Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. Hebrews 13:3

Thank you for your continued support!