Stony Mountain Service – Feb 28, 2010

Submitted by Gerald Barkman

Brief Overview

- 17 of us went for our first service of the year
- Gary led the music, with help from Vern, Darlene and Darren
- John H. was the chair, Gerald B. spoke

We left the comfort of our homes with the Canada – USA gold medal game heading into the third period. That takes some commitment, especially with Canada hanging on to that 1 goal lead. But we have a purpose – God has called us to church.

The ride was quite uneventful, aside from the winning goal being scored as we neared Winnipeg. Canada won, and we have an excellent conversation starter. The Olympics are a big deal, not only to us, but also to the guys inside the walls. It takes their minds off the day-to-day. They cheer for excellence. It shortens their time; at least it seems that way. For many of them, they have seen a few of these games come and go….

We arrive and set up for the music. Jesse is there for his first time. We make sure we do the usual warnings, and he absorbs the atmosphere.

We tried some new music. Music sets a good atmosphere. These guys are relaxed; they join in heartily on the songs they know. Gerald shared some stories from Angel Tree. They want to hear stories of this program. It is a part of our life, but more so a part of theirs. I told of D., of K., and of J. These are 3 people who care, who love God and show it in obedience to their calling to serve. I relate it to Matthew 25:34-38. Yes, there were a few tears. We sing some more, then Hank closes the meeting.

Of the 55 guys in attendance, only 5 or so leave for exercise at the end of chapel. The rest sit and talk. You can see relationship in the room. Darren has mastered the arm wrestle, beating S. on both left and right arms. Darlene sits at the piano with one of the guys, making music for the rest of us. Vern and another inmate do the same on the guitar. C., whose family lives in The Pas, thanks me for delivering the gifts. The gifts were exactly as he had requested, and yes, she did find them at the daycare where we dropped them off. We sensed that God had directed us when we delivered that one!!

The service seemed to touch a lot of lives. Hank commented how there would be a lot of soul searching happening this week. And maybe a few more intense conversations in his office. God was with us. Let’s keep praying for the guys.

We debrief over the “team special” at Boston Pizza. We are a team, maybe we lack some athleticism they intended, but we truly fit the team description. Stories are shared for others to be praying about. We are able to support each other when we share our feelings after an evening like this.