The Texas Tank: A Prison Radio Station Changing Lives

The Texas Tank: A Prison Radio Station Changing Lives

 Crossing Continents - The Texas Tank: A Prison Radio Station Changing Lives - BBC Sounds

Released On: 08 Sep 2022

The Allan B. Polunsky Unit in Livingston, Texas, used to be known as the Terror Dome for its high rates of inmate violence, murder and suicide. Polunsky houses all the men condemned to death in Texas (currently 185) and nearly 3,000 maximum security prisoners. But since the pandemic, a prison radio station almost entirely run by the men themselves has helped to create community--even for those on death row, who spend 23 hours a day locked alone in their cells.

The Tank beams all kinds of programmes across the prison complex: conversations both gruff and tender; music from R&B to metal; the soundtracks of old movies; inspirational messages from all faiths and none. The station’s steady signal has saved some men from suicide and many from loneliness; it lets family members and inmates dedicate songs to each other and make special shows for those on their way to execution. 

Maria Margaronis tunes in to The Tank and meets some of the men who say it's changed their lives—even when those lives have just weeks left to run. 

 Produced by David Goren. 

 Photo credit (Michael Starghill)

The 20 Worst Prisons in America 2022

ByDana Hanson  August 31, 2022

Prisons are one of the most common punishments for criminals globally. In almost every country, there are some forms of jails where criminals pay the price for the crimes they commit by forfeiting their freedom. Although spending time in prison is not intended as a vacation, the experiences of those who serve time in prison vary from one prison to the next, depending on the conditions, facilities, and punishments in each prison. Some prisons are significantly worse than others, so which are the worst prisons in America? Here is a look at the 20 worst prisons in America that even the most hardened criminals want to avoid.

20. Ely State Prison, Ely Nevada

Ely State Prison in Nevada is located in a rural area far away from the rest of society. It houses the state’s execution chamber, which was created in 2016. There are reports of inmate mistreatment and psychological intimidation. It was these issues that led to the inmates staging a riot in 2010. During the riot, both inmates and guards suffered serious injuries.

19. Folsom State Prison, Folsom, California

Folsom State Prison is the second-oldest prison in California, and its claim to fame is that it was the first prison in the United States to have electricity. Unfortunately, the prison is also known for its long record of brutal gang violence. Another reason Folsom State Prison is known is for its infamous inmates, who have included criminals such as Suge Knight and Charles Manson.

18. Prison with the Most Riots: Penitentiary of New Mexico, Santa Fe, New Mexico

A problem that many prisons encounter is inmate riots, ad one of the worst American prisons for riots is the Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe, New Mexico, says USA by Numbers. One of the worst riots in this prison took place in 1980 when 12 officers were held captive. The riot ended in the death of 33 inmates. Some of the inmates who died were child sex offenders, and they were killed, dissected, and burned during the riots.

17. William C. Holman Correctional Facility, Atmore, Alabama

The William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama, was ranked as the most violent prison in the United States in 2016. It is a maximum-security facility that houses the state’s only execution chamber. Overcrowding is one of the biggest problems at this prison, as it often accommodates more than 1,000 prisoners, despite being built for under 600 inmates. An investigation into abuse and violence at the facility led to the Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Corrections announcing in 2020 that the prison would be decommissioned. Although more than half the inmates have since moved to other facilities, the prison currently remains in operation.

16. Sing Sing Correctional Facility, Ossining, New York

In recent years, Sing Sing Correctional Facility in New York has taken steps to improve its bad reputation, although it is still not enough to keep it off the list of the worst prisons in the United States. Conditions at the facility were at their worst around the turn of the Millennium, when the decrepit buildings had leaking roofs, and gang violence was a daily occurrence. Violence is an ongoing issue, and other problems include drugs and poor health facilities.

15. Largest Death Row Facility in the US: San Quentin State Prison, San Rafael, California

According to Bustle, San Quentin State Prison in Marin County, California, has the largest death row facility in the United States. Of the 3,000-plus prisoners serving time in the jail, more than 700 are awaiting execution on death row. Those on death row are only allowed to shower every other day, and they spend just five hours outside their cells daily. Aside from the number of prisoners facing execution, mental illness is a big issue at this prison, and the facility struggles to provide adequate health care to its prisoners.

14. Largest Maximum-Security Prison in the US: Louisiana State Penitentiary, Angola, Louisiana

Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, Louisiana, is named as one of the worst prisons in the US by WOL DC News. It is the largest maximum-security prison in the United States, as it holds 5,000 inmates, and it is known as the Alcatraz of the South. The facility covers 18,000 acres, and there are over 2,000 staff watching over the prisoners. It is considered one of the worst prisons in the country due to the nature of the crimes committed by the inmates.

13. One of the United States’ Largest Prisons: Rikers Island, New York City, New York

Rikers Island in New York City is one of the United States’ largest prisons, as it has the capacity to house 15,000 criminals, although it currently houses approximately 10,000. It also has ten separate prisons on the island, and it has one of the country’s highest solitary confinement rates. There are multiple problems at this island jail, including violence, drugs, rape, and staff brutality. Due to the extent of the problems in this prison, it is easy to assume that it is a high-security prison housing some of the country’s worst criminals, but that is not the case. It mainly houses pretrial prisoners and nonviolent offenders that have short sentences.

12. Reeves County Detention Complex, Pecos, Texas

Two of the biggest issues at Reeves County Detention Complex in Pecos, Texas, are overcrowding and understaffing. It is a private prison company that houses approximately 3,750 prisoners at any one time. Most of those detained in the complex have committed nonviolent crimes, including entering the country without the proper permission and documentation. In addition to overcrowding and understaffing, the complex has a bad reputation for inadequate medical care.

11. One of the Worst Women’s Prisons in America: Julia Tutwiler Prison, Wetumpka, Alabama

Although it is only a small prison with only 400 inmates, Julia Tutwiler Prison in Alabama is also one of the worst prisons in the United States. It is a maximum-security facility that houses a death row for female prisoners facing the death sentence. In the past, there have been incidents of abuse towards the inmates from the wardens, including sexual assault and rape. In 2011, six wardens were charged with various sex crimes. Although they all pled guilty, only two served time.

10. Prison with the Most People in Solitary Confinement: Pelican Bay State Prison, Crescent City, California

With 3,500 prisoners, Pelican Bay State Prison is one of the most-populated prisons in the United States. Furthermore, it is also the one with the highest level of inmates in solitary confinement, as there are approximately 1,500 inmates in solitary confinement at any one time. Those in either the Administrative Housing Unit or the Security Housing Unit are alone in tiny windowless cells for up to 22.5 hours each day. They spend the other hour and a half alone in concrete exercise pens.

9. United States Penitentiary Marion, Marion, Illinois

United States Penitentiary Marion opened in 1963, and within 15 years, it had become the country’s highest security prison. It is one of only two facilities in the country to have a Communication Management Unit, and episodes of violence have forced the facility into long-term lockdown. Some of the most famous inmates of this prison include Pete Rose and John Gotti.

8. Idaho Correctional Center, Kuna, Idaho

Due to the gang violence at Idaho Correctional Center in Kuna, it has been labeled a gladiator school. While the wardens are supposed to protect the inmates and prevent violence, they actively encourage fighting, according to a lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Idaho in 2010. The lawsuit led to demands for the prison to increase staffing and training, but the prison had still not complied two years later.

7. United States Penitentiary Tucson, Tucson, Arizona

United States Penitentiary Tucson has housed many notable prisoners. Some of these include Anthony Casso, who was sentenced to 455 years in jail and died while serving his sentence. Others include pedophile Brian David Mitchell, murderer Steven Dale Green, murderer Louis Eppolito, activist Jamil Abdullah al-Amin, drug trafficker Ross Ulbricht, racketeer Whitey Bulger, and sex trafficker Keith Raniere. Several political figures have also served time in the Tucson prison, including Timothy Villagomez, Phillip Giordano, and Randy ‘Duke’ Cunningham. The biggest problem at the prison is violent attacks between the inmates.

6. Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary: Leavenworth, Kansas

Arrest Records lists Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary in Kansas as one of the worst prisons in the US. It is an all-male prison that is home to some of America’s most dangerous criminals, including George ‘Machine Gun’ Kelly and Bugs Moran. The prison is known for its repressive conditions, which include a lack of ventilation.

5. Prisons Under Investigation: Orleans Parish Prison, New Orleans, Louisiana

There have been multiple issues with Orleans Parish Prison in New Orleans over the years, but it first came to the public’s attention following Hurricane Katrina. The prisoners were left in terrible conditions after the natural disaster, with no food, clean water, electricity, or ventilation. Many were also standing in sewage-tainted water when they were discovered. There are also reports of drugs and violence within the prison walls. Due to the high level of allegations, the prison is subject to an ongoing FBI investigation.

4. Men’s Central Jail and Twin Towers Correctional Facility, Los Angeles

The Men’s Central Jail and Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles is the largest jail system in the United States, as it houses 9,500 inmates. A report published by the American Civil Liberties Union says that around 4,500 complaints were made annually by inmates, with reports of attacks and rapes involving both inmates and staff.

3. Tent City Jail, Phoenix, Arizona

One of the most unusual prisons in the US is Tent City Jail in Phoenix, Arizona. It was opened in 1993 by Sheriff Joe Arpaio. He used Army surplus tents from the Korean War to create a makeshift prison camp to save the state money on building a new prison. Although a few permanent buildings have since been added that are used for showers and dining, prisoners still sleep in the tents. They are uncooled in the summer and unheated in the winter, so the sleeping conditions are dire. The meager food is not seasoned, the men are forced to wear pink underpants, and the prisoners work in chain gangs.

2. Allan B. Polunsky Unit, Livingston, Texas

The Alan B. Polunsky Unit is considered the hardest place to serve time in Texas, and it has also been labeled one of the most lethal prisons in the democratic world. The prison is known as death row, as it is where those who have been given the death sentence live out the end of their days. Those serving time there spend 22 hours a day in the single cells, and they have no aces to distractions such as the television or visitors. It is not unusual for prisoners to attempt suicide rather than wait for the final day of their death sentence. There is a mandatory period of three years from sentencing to execution day, and it is longer if the prisoners fight the sentence. For many, the emotional torture they experience is too much to take.

1. The Worst Prison in America: US Penitentiary Administrative Maximum, Florence, Colorado

According to Type Investigations, US Penitentiary Administration Maximum in Florence is also known as ADX and has earned the nickname of the Alcatraz of the Rockies. It is one of the world’s most secure prisons, and it is repeatedly included in lists of the world’s worst prisons, so it is hardly surprising that it is the worst prison in America. One of the biggest problems the prisoners face is segregation from other people.

Not only are they cut off from the outside world and not allowed visitors, but they are also separated from the other prisoners and do not even see the wardens. The cells are concrete blocks with steel doors and a chute leading to a private exercise area so the prisoners do not get to mix. Most of those detained in the jail are terrorists, including shoe bomber Richard Reid, Unabomber Ted Kaczynski, and Syed Fahad Hashmi, who supplied rain ponchos and socks to Al Qaeda.

Ex-cop on death row appears to invite female friends to execution

Ex-cop on death row appears to invite 'female friends' to execution as prosecutors seek to set date

Nicole Hensley, Staff writer

Aug. 5, 2022Updated: Aug. 5, 2022 9:27 a.m.

A former Missouri City police officer on death row — convicted in his estranged wife’s death — is appearing to ask for “female friends” to witness his execution, which could happen as early as January, prosecutors revealed Thursday in court.

Robert Fratta, 65, purportedly published the plea for companionship to the Write a Prisoner website in July in the weeks after the Harris County District Attorney’s Office signaled to the judge in the 230th District Court that an execution order was pending his signature. Fratta’s defense team has sought to postpone the signing of the order, which would set the execution date for Jan. 10, amid the possibility of another appeal. He has spent 26 years on death row.

FRATTA: Supreme Court rejects appeal from former Missouri City cop on death row

Joshua Reiss, chief of the office’s Post-Conviction Writs Division, showed a screenshot of the defendant’s pen pal profile to the judge and noted that the profile suggests that Fratta believes the execution to be inevitable.

A portion of the profile, which features a photo of Fratta from March, reads: “All of my official appeals are over and I don’t have any female friends to be with me when I’m executed.”

“He views all his appeals as being exhausted,” Reiss said in court.

Defense attorney James Rytting, who has represented Fratta for nearly two decades, voiced his objection to the profile as an exhibit.

“We don’t know who wrote it — it’s complete hearsay,” Rytting said, suggesting that someone other than Fratta could have written the profile. He questioned his client’s mental health.

He urged Judge Chris Morton to not sign the execution order until the U.S. Supreme Court rules on Fratta’s attempt to reopen federal proceedings in his case.

“Within 60 days, we will know what the Supreme Court is going to do,” Rytting said, adding that his legal team is also in the middle of reviewing thousands of documents from the district attorney’s office pertaining to Fratta.

Declining to sign the document, Rytting argued, is easier than the alternative: Retracting the execution date.

Judge Morton decided not to sign the order at that moment, but he gave Rytting until Oct. 11 to come forward with an argument that could merit a delay. If not, the judge said he will sign the order — allowing the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to move forward with the scheduled execution date.

EXPLAINER: What to know about the death of Houston Sgt. Sean Rios and the murder trial of Robert Soliz

In the 351st District Court, Judge Natalia Cornelio has postponed signing an execution date for a death row inmate over concerns of judicial discretion and an intellectual disability. She questioned whether the signing of the death warrant is a ministerial duty — meaning that a judge has little to no discretion over a matter. The Court of Criminal Appeals is reviewing the quandary.

In recent court documents, Rytting cited the looming opinion over judicial discretion as another reason to hold off on signing of the order. Morton did not appear to agree with that argument.

“It is a ministerial duty, in my mind,” Morton said, going on to say he disagrees with his fellow jurist. “Unless there are intervening facts at that time, I will be signing it.”

Cornelio has said she will sign the order if the prosecutors can secure a date in late February or March for Arthur Brown to be executed. The defendant was convicted of killing four people in 1992.

Fratta, sentenced in 1996, declined again to be present in the courtroom or by remote video as both parties addressed the judge. He is being held at the Polunsky Unit.

Fratta was convicted of a murder-to-hire plot that led to the death of his wife, Farah Fratta, amid their divorce and a custody battle. Two men involved in the plot, including middle man Joseph Prystash and Howard Guidry — the trigger man — were also convicted and sentenced to death. Fratta would be the first of the three to face execution.

Fratta has professed his innocence in his estranged wife's death and tried, but failed, to appeal his case. He has alleged that her father framed him.

Carlton "CF" Hazlewood

Carlton "CF" Hazlewood as Manager IV – Deputy Director of Religious Services in the Rehabilitation Programs Division.

Mr. Hazlewood began his career with the TDCJ in January 1983 working as a Correctional Officer at the Eastham Unit and in January 1984 was promoted to Sergeant. In June 1984, Mr. Hazlewood was promoted to Livestock Manager at TDCJ Agriculture Headquarters. In 2002, he was promoted to Program Supervisor of all Livestock and Packing Plants. 

In March 2005, he was promoted to the Director for Agriculture, Land and Minerals and in September 2009 was promoted to the Director of the Manufacturing and Logistics Division. In February 2014, Mr. Hazlewood was tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Agency Core Values Program and in 2016 he assumed a position overseeing training in the Leadership Development Department in Correctional Training.

Mr. Hazlewood served in the United States Marines and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Texas A&M University, a Bachelor’s Degree from the College of Biblical Studies and a Master’s Degree from the Dallas Theological Seminary. He has been a Pastor for 35 years and an agency volunteer since 1993.

Mr. Hazlewood’s proven leadership and wealth of experience will serve the agency well in this new capacity. Please join me in congratulating him in this new role and offering your support as he assumes this key leadership position within the TDCJ.

Bridges to LIfe on 12 Bldg.

 

New Life on Death Row

Dr. Purvis Harper, Polunsky CVCA, and Long-Time Kairos Volunteer

Mark’s voice echoed off the stark concrete walls as he repeated the simple confession of faith. Kneeling between two rows of locked cells, Mark surrendered his life to Christ. Witnessed by guards and fellow inmates, Mark was baptized in the hallway of Polunsky Prison’s death row unit in Livingston, Texas. Though physically bound by chains, Mark found freedom in the forgiveness of His Savior.

In the eyes of the world, Mark is a felon, sentenced to spend years in solitary confinement. As a maximum-security location, Polunsky Prison inmate location, carry sentences of 20 years or greater. The facility also serves as the state’s only men’s death-row location, holding hundreds of men who may ultimately face the death penalty.

Mark lives in complete isolation, cut off from the rest of the prison population. But the magnitude of his criminal conviction is not beyond the redemption of Christ’s work on the Cross.

Through a BSF satellite group, men in solitary confinement are able to study God’s Word independently in their remote prison cells. Personal contact is restricted, but the men do get to correspond with local BSF leaders who deliver their lessons each week. Through written comments on the lesson material, BSF leaders provide encouragement and accountability to the men on death row who aren’t allowed to attend discussion groups. They also have access to their weekly BSF lecture through the prison’s radio station. 

When asked in Lesson 8, “How might your current situation be an opportunity to positively influence how those around you view God?” one man in isolation answered: “By showing them that all the things may seem tuff, you can use this in a positive manner and learn about God and grow within.”  
To the Lesson 9 question, “Whom can you thank for offering God’s grace and blessing to you? How will you thank God for them?” another man on death row responded:

For these men, BSF offers a lifeline to a community with believers and a reminder that they are not alone. In the general prison population, three BSF Discussion Groups meet weekly, led by local BSF leaders.
“The men at Polunsky are worthy of our time,” Group Leader Purvis Harper said. “These men are at rock bottom. They’ve had all their chances in society and burned them all. When they have no other place to turn and are craving answers, the answer is Christ. The Lord is playing such a vital role.  Many either find Christ or re-ignite their faith from past exposure, knowing they either find peace where God has put them, or live in agony, fear and frustration during their long and sometimes lifetime sentences.” 
Freedom in Prison 

“When I retired, the Lord put it into my heart to build on a previous experience with prison ministry,” he shared. “I have seen how vital this ministry is, how the men’s lives can change when they are introduced to God’s Word.  

“The entire atmosphere of 3,000 men has changed through the different Christian programs that go through. The men who are called to BSF are serious students of Christ. Their answers are so profound, so genuine and so open. 

“Through their faith, they know they are paying their debt back to society and are able to say, ‘Wherever I am, I’m going to serve the Lord.’ That’s a huge step in the prison population. Through the years, Christ has transformed Polunsky from its former nickname, ‘Terrible Terrell,’ to what is now known as ‘The God Unit.’ A true miracle to the power and persistence of Christ.”  

For Purvis, a retired pediatrician and long-time BSF leader, prison ministry was an unexpected, yet undeniable, call from the Lord.  

When I retired, the Lord put it into my heart to build on a previous experience with prison ministry,” he shared. “I have seen how vital this ministry is, how the men’s lives can change when they are introduced to God’s Word.  

“The entire atmosphere of 3,000 men has changed through the different Christian programs that go through. The men who are called to BSF are serious students of Christ. Their answers are so profound, so genuine and so open. 

“Through their faith, they know they are paying their debt back to society and are able to say, ‘Wherever I am, I’m going to serve the Lord.’ That’s a huge step in the prison population. Through the years, Christ has transformed Polunsky from its former nickname, ‘Terrible Terrell,’ to what is now known as ‘The God Unit.’ A true miracle to the power and persistence of Christ.” For one BSFer named James, God’s Word offers more than comfort. Through BSF and other Christian programs, James has discovered a purpose. In a recent conversation with Purvis, James shared that he grew up in a Christian home. Familiar with the gospel, James rejected its truth.  

“He said, ‘I had the head knowledge of Christ but didn’t have the heart knowledge of Christ,’ ” Purvis shared. 

In college, James rebelled against his family’s faith, seeking financial fortune above all else. When he was implicated in an illegal scheme, James was ultimately sentenced to 35 years at Polunsky. Though he continues to appeal his case and seek parole, James has discovered a sense of peace.

“When he was taken from the courtroom to the county jail, he came very close to committing suicide. He broke down and gave his life to Christ,” Purvis said. 

“Now, 14 years later, James is a well-respected inmate. Nobody messes with James because he’s so genuine and does so much good for the men. He’s truly to the state where Paul was when he said, ‘Whether I live or die, I’m going to be with Christ.’ He lives that out and loves the in-depth nature of BSF. He just loves studying the Bible and actively discussing it with other men in Discussion Group.” 

In prison, James uses his influence and education to minister to other inmates.

“He says, ‘God, you’ve put me here for a reason, and I am going to be faithful,’” Purvis shared.  

Within His Reach

For men like Mark and James, freedom from prison is a faraway dream. As their hope of release dims with each parole board denial, God’s Word confirms that no man is beyond His reach. 

One BSFer on death row wrote this about God’s promises: “John 10:29, no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. Yes, I am a child of God.”

Like the men of Polunsky, our sin separates us from God. But through the eternal reach of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are never beyond God’s grasp.

In Genesis 37 and 39, we read about Joseph, who was abandoned in a cistern and sold into slavery. In his darkest moments, Scripture repeats a simple phrase, “The Lord was with Joseph.” 

In Joseph’s suffering, God had a plan and a purpose for Joseph that stretched beyond his circumstances. Through his family’s deceit and his unjust imprisonment, God was preparing Joseph to save an entire nation. But as he sat in a prison cell, unjustly accused, Joseph wasn’t consumed by the future. His focus was on the present.

Genesis 39:20–22 tells us, “… But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him. … So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held

in prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there.” 

Fixing his eyes on eternity, Joseph faithfully followed the Lord in his suffering. Like Joseph, we are called to seek God today, without worrying about

tomorrow. So where might God be calling you to serve? Maybe it’s inviting a friend to BSF or sharing the gospel with a family member. Wherever we

are, God has a plan and purpose for His people.  

For the men of Polunsky, prison is a constant reminder of criminal convictions and bleak futures. But God’s Word offers hope in the darkest corner of the

loneliest cell. For these believers, each day is new opportunity to share God’s grace with those who seem beyond forgiveness. 

 ...from Bennett Rolan, Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), Editorial Manager

 

From Death Row to Life Row

AUGUST 10, 2022

LIVINGSTON—About 200 of the inmates at the Allan B. Polunsky Unit—a Texas Department of Criminal Justice maximum-security prison near Livingston—are housed on Death Row, where prisoners typically spend 23 hours a day in a small single-occupancy cell.

‘Broken men become whole’

About 200 of the inmates at the Allan B. Polunsky Unit—a Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison near Livingston—are housed on Death Row. (Photo / Ken Camp)

But Terry Joe Solley, an inmate in the general prison population who devotes 12 to 14 hours a day visiting those otherwise-isolated prisoners, is committed to turning Death Row into “Life Row.”

“We introduce them to the one who can give them spiritual life. They find spiritual life in a place where they have come to die,” Solley said. “On Life Row, broken men become whole.”

Solley is one of six field ministers at the Polunsky Unit. Field ministers are inmates who have completed a Bachelor of Arts in biblical studies degree program, offered to men at the Darrington Unit in Brazoria County (renamed the TDCJ Memorial Unit last year) and to women at the Hobby Unit in Falls County. They receive certification as field ministers after receiving specialized training from the Heart of Texas Foundation Field Ministers Academy.

The two field ministers at the Polunsky Unit—Solley and Hubert “Troop” Foster—are assigned specifically to Death Row where they “are basically pastors to the Death Row population,” Chaplain Joaquin Gay said.

As a field minister, Terry Joe Solley has the freedom to visit prisoners on Texas Death Row without being accompanied by a correctional officer. (Photo / Ken Camp)

Field ministers “are the heart of our Death Row ministry at Polunsky,” Gay said. The field ministers have earned the trust of men housed on Death Row—not only teaching classes and conducting worship services, but also visiting the inmates daily, praying with them and being on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, he explained.

The field ministers—who are permitted to enter Death Row without being escorted by a correctional officer—often are awakened in the middle of the night at the request of a condemned inmate who wants to talk.

Some Death Row inmates grow so despondent, they consider suicide, Solley said.

“I’ve had men give me the razor blade they were going to cut themselves with,” he said.

Kairos 47 Weekend Update

Kairos 47 Weekend Update

Start Date: 10/06/2022

Weekend Leader: John Wiemers, johnwiemers@gmail.com

I hope everyone is having a great week so far. God's blessings are clearly evident on the amazing team that He has assembled thus far.  Though nervous, I am excited to watch God's work on display.  I'm eager to play a part in His glorious endeavor coming up soon in October.  What an amazing opportunity to be involved with such a phenomenal group of people. I am grateful.

 REMINDERS:

* NOT for the new members or ladies: Sat., August 13th Polunsky Reunion starts at 7:30 AM (be at the gate by 7 AM).  I believe Joe Lee needs a head count on who plans to attend the reunion. 

 * 1st meeting Sat., August 13th 10:30AM - 2:00PM at Livingston United Methodist Church 2801 US Hwy 190 Livingston, TX 77351.  

It is understood that some members cannot make every meeting but are highly encouraged for the fellowship and unity as a whole.

I need a head count on who is able to attend for preparation of meals, administration of paperwork, etc.

Those of you that have already responded do not need to reply again.

 The Lord has not blessed me with great creativity so I have to admit coming up with themes for the meetings have been difficult for me.  One theme that I know the Lord is placing on me is "One Body".  I looked at Paul's letter to the Corinthians on "One Body with Many Members" a week or so ago. I put it on the "back shelf" iffy on whether to use it or not but again the Lord is reminding me to put it out there.  

Today's Bible App quote is as follows: 1 Corinthians 12:25-27 " That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.  If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.  Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. "  I encourage everyone to read 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 today and keep "One Body" in mind and prayer as we start this journey.

 

Blessing to All,

John Wiemers