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June 2017 Prayer Letter
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![Healing Hearts Ministries Internaional [LOGO]](https://www.healinghearts.org/nimages/HHLetterhead_Web700.png) Dear Friend,  This past Fall I was contacted by a friend about offering a Healing Hearts study at our County Jail. After receiving permission from Healing Hearts to proceed, we were put in contact with Sue Sanford, who ministers in a women’s prison in Washington. She was wonderfully full of ideas and advice, and after speaking with her we were encouraged to move ahead.God is so GOOD! A few days later, my area coordinator Debbie and I attended a meeting to present the ministry to the prison board. We openly shared about Jesus, the amazing life-changing work of Healing Hearts, and what the ministry means to both of us. Sadly, we didn't get much feedback. They simply thanked us for our time and escorted us out. We heard nothing for some time, but in the end Jesus opened the door for us to enter into this secular world. The first day we arrived at the prison we were nervous, not knowing what to expect. But we knew we were there for a reason and with a purpose! Soon, one by one, four ladies filed into the room. At first we stared at each other with uncomfortable smiles, but after breaking the ice Debbie and I presented some information about the study and the ministry of Healing Hearts. Then, we left it up to each lady to decide whether to stay for the study or go. We ended up with two ladies staying.  The first lady, Kelly, almost finished the study. She made great progress and had all of her homework completed each week, but she was released one week before we were done. She promised to reconnect with us when she got out of jail because she wanted to finish The Hem of His Garment study and then sign up for the post-abortion study. Sadly, we haven't heard from her. I pray for Kelly often. Cecelia (aka 'CC') was the second lady in our group. She was in jail because of a meth addiction. Her problems began at the young age of fourteen, when she was raped and then had an abortion. She also blamed herself for the suicide of her father. CC was from the local reservation, where they believed in many higher powers. When she attended our first meeting she expressed interest in taking the class, but after that we didn't see her for four weeks. Each week we left her homework with Kelly or the guards on duty, hoping she would return to the group. After a while, we decided we were going to drop her from the class. Well, our plan turned on its head when on the fifth week CC showed up with all of her homework completed! By the end of that session, this young woman who believed in all powers and gods was ripe, eager, and ready to turn to Jesus. It was so powerful! When I asked her if she wanted to receive Jesus into her life, she answered with tears running down her face and peace in her voice—“Yes!” We all cried joyful tears. It’s hard to put into words how strong the Holy Spirit's presence was at that moment. From that day on, we never had any plans or expectations, knowing that God was, is, and always will be in control! Although CC only completed an 8th-grade education, she wrote beautiful letters to the Savior. Below are two letters she wrote to the Lord and a picture she drew of herself before and after the study. - Blanca  “I am an inmate in Umatilla at the County Jail. My name is ‘CC.’ This picture is a representation of all the aspects in my life that I have been blessed by God to receive and grow positively, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Also with the helping hands of this HH group. I want to thank you ladies for being such a huge part in this transformation of my mind, body and soul. Picture explanation as follows: I refer to myself as the sublime sun with 2 sides to it, dark and light. Battling a constant spiritual warfare between my flesh and spirit. The moon is made up of un-forgiveness, bitterness, hate and anger. The sun is made of compassion, love, understanding and acceptance. My roses and butterfly represent beauty and grace. Which God is showing me through the word how these 2 attributes everyone here on earth possesses. Even the few who I may find not so likable… I like how the oak is mentioned in the end of chapter 9 ‘Growing in Christ’ that its roots reach deep into the ground for strength and stability through all weather conditions. That river is sacred. It washes away unnecessary negative impurities that my fleshly body is sometimes falsely identified by.” (From Chapter 3, Examining the Truth) “God I was angry in my past toward you and your will for my life. I couldn't allow myself to understand my past the ‘evil-veil’ that the devil had me perceive as harsh reality stemming from depression with my first abortion and the suicide of my father. I grew resentful l toward you... I held you as far away as possible... with the help of the enemy. In my addiction, and criminal behaviors. Please allow me to humbly ask you to let me receive your guidance. Grace my sound mind and still soul with positive growth. Lord I have come forth in all the ways that are honorable and honest to you. In your precious name I pray.” (From Chapter 5, The Reflection of the Cross) “Dear God, I am humbled before you to re-open the wounds in my heart and soul that I have kept guarded away from you and everyone else as well as myself for a long time... Carrying these sins and burdens have tormented my peace of mind. I love you today God, and I trust you to fully do what you will with me and my life. I confess to my lies, hatred, and hardened heart toward you that I once had. Today, I ask that you continue to watch over and protect me from the enemy, I as I know you always have. Thank you Lord. In your precious name I pray.” What a joy to read this beautiful testimony of a life changed and healed by the message of Christ’s love! PLEASE PRAY WITH US that God will continue to provide opportunities to bring the light of Christ to those in the darkness of prisons and other residential facilities. PRAISE GOD WITH US for the courage and tenacity of our leaders who diligently pursue the calling to reach the lost and broken.
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To Make a DonationYou may use the donation form on our website to make a donation, or you may also submit your check to the address provided below. Healing Hearts Ministries is a federally registered non-profit corporation, all contributions are tax deductible. One hundred percent of all contributions made to Healing Hearts go directly toward supporting the various aspects of our ministry no "administrative fee" is collected by a fund-raising service. All donations and expenditures are internally and independently monitored and audited. Annual financial statements are available upon request. We thank you for considering contributing to our ministry. Your contribution will enable us to reach out and touch individuals who need the hope and healing message that only Jesus has to offer. To donate online click this link: https://www.healinghearts.org/donate Send checks to: Healing Hearts Ministries PO Box 44670 Rio Rancho, NM 87174 phone (505) 355-6922 |