Great peace have those who love your law, Your word, And nothing causes them to stumble.
from "My Heart Stands in Awe of Your Word; Jane Hansen Reads her Favorite Scriptures" (paraphrased from NKJV)Buy the CD
June 11, 2008
Patty Rose, President of the California Prison/Jail Area Team, and her team held a two day retreat at the Central California Women's Facility at the end of May. The institution is in Chowchilla, CA and is one of the largest women's prisons in the world, holding 4,500 women.
The main focus of the retreat was to teach the women how to receive the healing that God promises by releasing their pain, grief, un-forgiveness or other emotional barriers. Patty reports the following:
“On the first day, we experienced warfare at the gate. Some of our clearances weren’t in order; however, God prevailed and favor was given by the Chaplain and even women who weren’t on the list were allowed to attend. We watched the atmosphere change as women were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in their heavenly language. Their grief was turned into joy. What the enemy had tried to stop, God turned into good.”
“The second day began with a large group of 115 women in attendance. The power and anointing to teach was so strong. Women were healed and were able to release pain and grief. For the first time, many were able to let go of their unforgiving feelings towards those that had abused them. Many forgave themselves and were released from tormenting spirits.”
“One lady had been tormented for years. She blamed herself for her son’s death. She cried all the time and was filled with guilt. By the last day, she was able to come to the front to tell how the Lord had helped her to forgive herself and even encouraged others who struggled with guilt to allow God in to touch them.”
“Many said that they felt they were raised up to be leaders in the Church and until their release, they were called to the mission field behind locked doors. God’s presence and love permeated the meetings and lives were changed. Thank you to each one in Aglow’s prayer network who prays faithfully for the work God is doing in prisons and jails around the world.”
The team will be visiting Valley State Prison also in Chowchilla from June 12 - 13. This prison is the one of the other largest facilities in the world and also holds 4,500 women. Please pray for their meetings and that lives would be changed forever.