Today I began the journey towards my first time serving on the Kairos prison ministry team. Kairos prison ministry is an organization that goes into the prison system over a 4 day period and ministers to the prisoners. During the months that lead up to this time, the team meets weekly to get to know each other and prepare for this event. This is the first time I am on the team, so it will be a learning experience for sure. What I hope to share over the next few weeks leading up to the actual event is what I am learning along the way.
Today I met a lot of people for the first time. I have forgotten many of the names but I do remember many of the stories the returning members shared. The over arching theme throughout was obedience. Each person who shared mentioned a point at which they had to make a decision. The decision was to either join the team (some times for wrong motives) or not to. They shared how they chose to follow the Lord's leading and serve on the Kairos team. What was even more amazing was how the Lord used this ministry to not only impact the prisoners in a mighty way, but impact their lives as well. There were real stories of change shared today! What I walked away with was a genuine belief the Lord was at work in this group. That is quite a cool feeling for sure.
So as I continue on this journey I ask that you will pray for the Kairos team. Pray that all the men would be encouraged as they travel this journey. Pray that the Lord will be at work in all of our hearts as well as the prisoners we will minister too in September. Pray that we all will stay focused on the Lord during this time and that we all remain obedient to His calling for our lives. Also pray for our families as this is a huge time commitment for all. Thank you in advance for showering the team with prayer. Your partnership in this adventure is much appreciated. May God bless you and your family.
Faithfully Serving Him,
Gary Bush
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Serving Jesus
As a father there are is nothing that excites me more than seeing my children worship Jesus. Today was a day I smiled a lot.
As a family we try to take part in activities that instill a life of service. One way we are doing this over the summer months is delivering meals for Meals on Wheels. Today the entire family helped out. It was awesome to show the kids how to serve. Each one helped out throughout the route and was looking forward to doing it again.
Tonight we took Grace and Tyler to VBS and when we arrived to pick them up they were singing praises to Jesus with their new friends. What an awesome day!
It is comforting to see them willingly taking part in worship in two very different ways. It is my prayer that these opportunities will build a life long commitment that will be with them for the rest of their days.
Faithfully Serving Him,
The Bush Family
As a family we try to take part in activities that instill a life of service. One way we are doing this over the summer months is delivering meals for Meals on Wheels. Today the entire family helped out. It was awesome to show the kids how to serve. Each one helped out throughout the route and was looking forward to doing it again.
Tonight we took Grace and Tyler to VBS and when we arrived to pick them up they were singing praises to Jesus with their new friends. What an awesome day!
It is comforting to see them willingly taking part in worship in two very different ways. It is my prayer that these opportunities will build a life long commitment that will be with them for the rest of their days.
Faithfully Serving Him,
The Bush Family
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Psalm 70
During my devotions today (Today in the word) I am reading Psalm 70. This is a short Psalm but has a strong reminder from David. David was in obvious distress. Most likely this was written when he was fleeing from those that wished to harm him. He does spend time asking for what is on his mind, but in the midst of this takes time to pray for others as well as recognize who God is. God is his strength and the almighty one.
So many times I tend to 'pray' my list of things. These things are important. They are requests on behalf of others. They are things in my life I want to see happen. It is important that I bring these requests to God in prayer for sure. However, I need to recognize who God is and praise Him for who He is. I think at times I become so focused on the things of life, I lose track of the most important things. The fact that Jesus died so I can approach an almighty God in prayer. Christ broke down the barrier between me and God and provided a life saving salvation that I can never forget. What an awesome thought.
So as I pray, it is my hope that I will remember the Creator of the Universe and what he has done for me. I hope that I do not put all my 'things', my laundry list, in front of worshipping him. He wants to hear my desires and requests, but also desires to be praised.
Psalm 70
1 Hasten, O God, to save me;
come quickly, Lord, to help me.
come quickly, Lord, to help me.
2 May those who want to take my life
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
be turned back in disgrace.
3 May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”
turn back because of their shame.
4 But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!”
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
be turned back in disgrace.
3 May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”
turn back because of their shame.
4 But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!”
5 But as for me, I am poor and needy;
come quickly to me, O God.
You are my help and my deliverer;
Lord, do not delay.
come quickly to me, O God.
You are my help and my deliverer;
Lord, do not delay.
So as I pray, it is my hope that I will remember the Creator of the Universe and what he has done for me. I hope that I do not put all my 'things', my laundry list, in front of worshipping him. He wants to hear my desires and requests, but also desires to be praised.
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