Merry Christmas! The Reason behind the season

Merry Christmas! These words meant very little to me before I received the gift of Eternal Life. There was a time in my life that I was a very angry hate filled man that had absolutely no regard for anyone but myself, let alone a little eight pound baby Jesus in a manger. I was very disgusted with the whole materialistic nature of this holiday, especially as a self proclaimed "atheist". I hated God and anything to do with religion. Then one day while I was incarcerated, facing a life sentence, a couple of men came into that jail cell and shared how that eight pound baby Jesus became a man and died to pay the penalty for my sins. I believed the message of the Christmas story and received the free gift of eternal life. I did receive a life sentence, an eternal life sentence, and was set free from the wages of sin and death.
I spent 5 Christmases incarcerated. However, it was while in prison that I learned the true meaning of Christmas. Prison is a very dark, lonely and dangerous place and even more so during the holidays when the fact of isolation and depression hit hardest. Christmas is a time when families come together. Which makes the pain of separation  drive men to desperate and violent measures, fights and suicide are prevalent during these times. Yet it was during these dark times that the light of the gospel shined the brightest. I finally understood what all those Christmas songs meant, "O Come Emanuel, In Excelsis Deo,"Glory to God in the Highest", Angels We Have Heard on High and others proclaiming the fact that our Holy Creator came into the world he created now darkened by sin. Christmas is not about lights hung on Christmas trees. It is about the Light of the world who hung on a tree to bring light and life to all who believe. He who knew no sin became sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God. He came unto His own but His own did not receive Him, but as many as received Him, He gave them power to be the sons of God.
It was there in that dark place and time that the power of the Christmas story changed my life day after day, year after year. I discovered that even if a man possesses nothing, if Christ possesses him, he  possesses everything. I understood why there is the emptiness and desperation in a Christ less Christmas of materialism, as empty as the boxes and wrapping paper tossed in the garbage. After all the gifts were open and everyone had gone home there only remained loneliness and emptiness, I now had more peace and joy then while "free".
I now have the privilege of going back into prison and sharing the testimony of those blessed years of Christmas behind the concrete and razor wire and how the gift of eternal life continues to change me day to day. At 22 years old facing a life sentence, I prayed, "Lord, they say I will be over 40 years old when I finish this sentence, I will never have a wife or children." Today, 15 years later, I am 38 years old , have been married for 7 years and by the grace of God, on December 27th, Frances and I will welcome little Elijah David Powers into the world! Praise God! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Another Reason To Vote YES on 8

Separation of church and state at the heart of Amendment 8

By Brittany Alana Davis

In many ways, Amendment 8 boils down to this:When Jerod Powers, 38, left prison in Jacksonville, he had only a change of clothes, his release papers and pocket change. He went to Prisoners of Christ halfway house — an organization that receives some state financial assistance — where he got food, clothes, substance abuse counseling and help finding a job at a lawn care business.Powers also got spiritual guidance.

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Kairos 73 at Union Correctional Institution

We had another great Kairos Weekend at Union Correctional Institution in Raiford Florida. This weekend was led by Phil Smith. We had the opportunity to spend the weekend sharing the reality of God's love with 30 men. God was manifestly present as the hearts of men were transformed by the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As a former inmate who had recieved the good news of eternal life while incarcerated, I can truly say, when The Son sets you free, then you are free indeed. What is awesome about the reality of eternal life is that some of these men will never get out of prison until the are "released" from the bondage of this flesh. Yet, this gospel is not about your best life now rather the best has yet to come.
I am thankful to our Lord and Savior that He cares enough to send His sons out into the darkest places to share the truth of the cross. It is a privelege to leave the comforts of our homes to go into the highways and byways to share the gift of eternal life.

I would love to invite you to come with us on a Kairos weekend to share God's great love to the men behind the fence. If God is calling you to minister to "the least of these" please contact me anytime to learn how you can be a part of this life changing ministry. Remember, Faith is the Foundation For Freedom!

Much Prayer Much Power, No Prayer No Power

Today, I read an article regarding a Police Chaplain in Charlotte, North Carolina that was instructed not to pray in Jesus name. As one who has been incarcerated, I am thankful that someone not only prayed in Jesus name but also shared that Jesus crucifixion and resurrection was the ONLY way to Heaven. Just another reason as a minister of the Gospel, we at Faith For Freedom do not take government funds. God is faithful to support the work He has called us to. Read the whole article here.

Faith is the Foundation For Freedom!

jerod

15 Years of Faithfulness Behind and beyond bars

Faith is the Foundation For Freedom! This is not just a slogan but the foundation upon which my life has been built upon since having recieved the free gift of eternal life 15 years ago. It was while I was incarcerated that I was set free from sin and death. However, it was on June 6, 2002 that I was called into the classification office of Dinsmore Work release Center and asked if I had a place to go, I was being emergency released. It appeared that I had overstayed my welcome by 107 days and they had to release me by the end of the day. I called Prisoners of Christ and told them I was being released early and they welcomed me to Jacksonville. The Chaplain of Dinsmore work release actually gave me a ride to Prisoners of Christ. No Greyhound for me.


Today commemorates a wonderful journey on this side of the concrete and razor wire. This journey has been wonderful and gets better each day. As we celebrate what God has done in and through my life it is amazing to see how God has used my life to reach others who have been down the same road of destruction. He has shown us the straight and narrow gate that leads to life eternal.
I walked out of prison with 100.00 and a year later I bought a house that is currently used to house men who are being discipled after being released from prison. I was hired by Charlie Vensel of Greenscene lawncare. After serving Charlie for 2 years while he finished his degree, I purchased Greenscene. Charlie went into the ministry and I started God's Green Earth Landscape. I worked with men coming out of prison for 8 years before pursuing full time prison ministry.

I was offered a position on the Board of Prisoners of Christ where I could offer my experience serving other men coming behind me. That is where I was introduced to Ken Durkee fellow board member who invited me to serve on a Kairos weekend. While I was incarcerated I had heard of Kairos from many men who had recieved the gift of eternal life while at a Kairos weekend. I now participate in Kairos at Union, Putnam and Baker Correctional Institutions. I will be serving this weekend at Baker Correctional for Kairos #22. It is awesome to see our Lord and Savior reaching lives behind the prison bars. Just ask Tim Tebow.
Also, while incarcerated I completed 4 semesters of Evangelism Explosion and learned to share my faith with other men in prison. I have carried this great experience beyond the fence and now facilitate E.E. classes in Union and Marion Correctional. We also offer the class at Faith For Freedom Ministry and Outreach. Today Scott Gammon and Dwayne Kirby passed their final exams with flying colors to become the first E.E. graduates Faith For Freedom! Congratulations brothers for your hard work and dedication to our Lord and His great commission!

Life on the farm is a funny, funny riddle at God's Green Earth. God has given us a wonderful opportunity to provide work for the men and food for the ministry. Development of our 5 acre organic "hobby" farm is underway and the recent rains are a wonderful blessing.

As the Executive Director of Faith For Freedom, I enjoy serving men both behind bars and when they are released. It is a struggle at times but God is faithful to finish the work He has began in us. We have many ways in which to glorify God through our lives. I am thankful for all that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has allowed me to go through in order share a wonderful testimony of His grace and love.
I invite you to come and see all that God is doing through us and we welcome you to pray and partner with us in anyway you feel God leading. Come join us in the journey of a lifetime both behind bars and beyond. I thank god for your prayers and support. Faith is the Foundation For Freedom. Remember, it's still God's green Earth!

Union Correctional Kairos #72 Glory to God!

I thank God for allowing me to be part of Kairos 72 at Union Correctional Institution in Raiford Florida. It is always a blessing to see how such a holy and righteous Judge displays Himself as a merciful and loving Father to all those who call upon His name. This weekend was led by Jim Terry who God used mightily to foster and lead our team through the team building process over more than 10 weeks. Jack Tarr was also instrumental in guiding the process as our observing leader. We are praying for our Kairos 73 Leader James Pena.
I am thankful for the opportunity to serve our Savior by going into these prisons and sharing the gift of eternal life with sinners such as me. It is awesome to watch a Master Craftsman take a piece of clay and mold and shape it into a beautiful vessel to be used by Him for His glory. Hallelujah!
If you would like to experience the love of God displayed in such a powerful and marvelous way than we invite you to join us for a Kairos Weekend. Just drop us a line or send us an email. I would love to share this opportunity with you.

We are preparing to go into Putnam Correctional for the weekend of May 17-20. If you would like to attend the closing or lend your support to this team please contact me.

Though your sins be as scarlet, you shall be white as snow...really?

Having had a set of stimulating conversations as of lately, I would like to ponder a verse of scripture and the implied implications and application.
The text in question is as follows “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. – Isaiah 1:18
I would like to cite another verse in proper context along these lines. "
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."
For me this is GREAT news! I cannot fathom the depth of my sin and the offensive stench that I had before recieving the gift of eternal life through Christ Jesus my Lord. Then someone shared with me the gift of eternal life. Now I have become the sweet aroma to God in Christ. But the greatest thing is that I know that if I were to die today, I know for certain that I would be with Christ in Heaven.
Now this gift of eternal life was granted to me while in the depths of prison amongst the "scum of the earth." I thank God,that He has chosen the despised and rejected things of the earth to confound the wise and esteemed of this world.
It was while incarcerated that I was set free from the chains of sin and death. It was while wearing a white stripe that I handed over the number 888918 and the old man attached to that number. It was while wearing handcuffs and shackles that someone approached me with the love of God and what He did for me by executing His Son for my wretched soul. While falling on my face before God as a wretched sinner it was then I was able to look up and see the love of our Heavenly Father in the silhouette of the hill called Golgotha. 15 years later, I am still amazed by His grace. He STILL sees me through the eyes of His Son. I still have that number and will carry it until the day they place this old dead body in the ground. However, I know that if a man is in Christ He is a new creation! Hallelujah.
Yes brother, but you still have to face the consequences for your sins you may say. And rightly so, let me bare my back for you to flog me, how many stripes would you like to give me today for sins that a dead man committed? I only say this half in jest as I understand completely that my "debt" to society can never be repaid, only reminded of. Yet amongst the body of Christ can we truly look at a brother who has been convicted and condemned in the court of man and say brother...Though your sins be as scarlet, TODAY they can be white as snow. Can We forget the sins that God has cast into the sea of forgetfulness? If you knew what I went to prison for would you still sit down and invite me into your house, around your wife? around your children? Would I be welcome in your congregration without standing before you and confessing every illicit act that I have been punished for? What about those I have never been caught for...scary thought who might be sitting around us.
"Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Forgive us our debts as you have forgiven us." Is this how it will be in heaven? I saw this man enter with jerod, I wonder what hideous crime he was in for. Now, listen brother I know you would never say this out loud but in our hearts? Is this how it will be in heaven. I think not. When I bowed before the Lord and confessed that I was a sinner and had offended the Holy and Righteous Judge of Earth, then and there I was recieved and accepted. It was at the cross that I understood that the penalty for my sin had been paid before the foundation of the world. Now the Theologian can argue about the process of regeneration and the actual timing of the new birth, but this I know, I once was lost but now I am found was blind but now I see. I know that today, I am a Son of the Most High God!
Those around me may question my validity, sagacity, and sanity but this is how I view these men coming to us at Faith For Freedom. They are new men as far as we are concerned. Do they come with baggage, addictions, stinkin thinkin? Yes. Will they stumble, falter and perhaps fail? Yes but are we results driven or gospel driven? He who began a good work in us will complete it until the day of Christ. I am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him.
It is fairly easy to be involved in "prison ministry" while the men are tucked nicely away behind concrete, razor wire and guard towers. What about when they call you neighbor and the only thing protecting you is a three foot hedge of azaleas? When they call you brother in Sunday school? What if they just handed you their rap sheet? Would that effect how you view them? Do you even want to know...Though your sins are as scarlet yet shall they be white as snow.

The greatest news at Marion Correctional

Frances and I had a great time of worship with the brothers behind the fence at Marion Correctional Institution this morning. Marion, to me, is truly an institution of "Higher Learning." It was while incarcerated at M.C.I. that I learned the school of kneeology not Theology. When all I had was Christ and His Word, I would get down on my knees and go to His Word in prayer for guidance. Sometimes these days I tend to pick up the phone rather than going to the throne for comfort and guidance. Really not much has changed. All I have is Christ even today. "Everything else grows strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."
The message today came from Philippians 3. I encouraged the men to read the epistles of Paul and see Paul's humanity as a prisoner writing to his friends and brothers in The Lord. Paul relied wholly on the gospel, not as merely a beginning point of his faith but as the bedrock foundation for his entire hope. Yet while incarcerated in poor conditions he drew strength from the death, burial and Resurrection of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Paul was not ashamed to confess that he had NOTHING on earth to live for! Yet never did he have a reason for a pity party. He encouraged others to follow him as an example lifting our gaze from our problems and woes unto the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross and is set down at the right hand of God. What comfort and solace to us as we strive to follow Christ daily being transformed into His image.
The gospel is not something that we believe and then move on to the "deep things of God." God forbid that we move on from the cross of Christ. How much deeper does it get than God the Son hanging suspended between heaven and earth for all the world to see what God thinks of sinners and then bearing my sin upon His shoulders, enduring the full wrath of God the Father?! Is it beginner's grace 101 to ponder the fathomless love of Christ who offers us the gift of eternal life freely? Maybe the theologians would scoff at us spending an entire lifetime wrestling with the effects of Christ's Resurrection and it's role in us being raised from the spiritual death that shackles them together in unbelief.
Yes the gospel is simple. Grace. Man. God. Jesus. Faith. However, it can only be spiritually discerned by those who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit of God and granted eternal life by the Father, who has given all things to His Son. Yet, how can they believe unless we share this good news, actually, the Greatest news about the Greatest Man who ever lived and offers the Greatest gift ever offered. If you do not believe that the gospel is the greatest news ever, than that is because you are still dead in your sins and trespasses. But there is still hope. Repent and believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead to pay the price for your sin and rose from the dead to purchase a place for you in heaven. Transfer your trust from what you "thought" was going to get you into heaven and place your trust in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life. Does this make sense? Would you like to receive the gift of eternal life?
Simple huh? Yet some may gnash their teeth and muddy the water of life with much that Paul referred to as "dung". Paul said, forgetting those things which are behind and pressing towards that which is ahead. Let us lay hold of that which Christ has laid hold of us for, namely to share this great and eternal gift of God with others. May I ask what is holding you back from sharing the gospel with others such as your friends and family, coworkers and employees, neighbors and enemies? What are you afraid of? or is it that you just don't care? Maybe you don't want to be seen as a fanatic or zealot and would be afraid to call Paul your friend if you were at the mall or a bbq and he started asking "personal" questions about your spirituality or that of those you call friends.
Maybe, you just don't know how to share this great news without offending sinners or pushing them away? Do not let these excuses keep you from being a witness. The gospel is an offence to those who perish. What are you pushing them away from by sharing? Hell. It is not our job to convince, convict or convert. It is our job to be a witness. Make no mistake, no one calls a witness to the stand and does not expect them to Vocally express what they have seen and heard. Do not believe the damnable lie "I witness by my life." That is the damnable doctrine of works. If you were at a wedding and there were mormons, jews, muslims and atheists all suited up do you really believe that a sinner could understand how to get to heaven or have a relationship with God just by watching you? Ridiculous! All of those religious or irreligious persons described may be "morally" superior to you in every way O' christian. Yet they will perish just as you, if you believe that you can earn God's favor by living a good life or keeping some law. We are saved by grace through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is THE gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.
This my friend is the simplicity of the Gospel and the simplicty of our response should be to Go and tell others and teach those who believe to teach others to share with others to share. Is this not what Jesus commanded the 11 and here we are thousands of years later, thousands of miles away saved from the wrath of God to Eternal Life with Christ. Amen. Amen.

So what are you waiting for...Go!