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Independence Day, also referred to as the Fourth of July, in the United States commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence 241 years ago on July 4, 1776. It was the 'birth day' of a new nation rightly named The United States of America. Continental Congress declared that the 13 American colonies regarded themselves as a new nation, the United States of America, and were no longer part of the British Empire. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, picnics, festivities of all kind, including baseball games, reunions, and political speeches and ceremonies. In addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States, many Americans take time to go on a special vacation with family and friends. Some Americans even celebrate "Christmas in July!" Certainly it's a perfect time to remember the birth of our Savior, Jesus! and to commemorate the founding of our Constitution that's based on the Judeo-Christian Bible.
 Old Glory is a nickname for the flag of the United States. The original "Old Glory" was a flag owned by the 19th-century American sea captain William Driver (March 17, 1803 – March 3, 1886), who flew the flag during his career at sea and later brought it to Nashville, Tennessee, where he settled.
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But in LIFE circles, there is much more we celebrate: Many of our students in the department of corrections are learning and embracing what it means to be free even though incarcerated. Chapter 3 of LIFE IV: Looking at Re-entry through the Eyes of William Shakespeare, is entitled FREEDOM. In it, students are urged to embrace the concept of liberty and that Christ's life, death and resurrection is the only Model and Answer for how we continue to believe without giving in to sin and bondage. Change starts in the heart and mind with regeneration and transformation, Romans 12:2. In LIFE IV classes, students are discovering that the KEY to liberty is the TRANSFORMATION of the thought life!! Another compelling notion that is now entering our life skills classes is the concept that righteous laws can bring liberty as taught throughout the entire Bible.
One student, Michael, testified recently that for him mortifying the flesh every day was his way of defeating bondage and thus finding and keeping true liberty in Jesus. He said that after a few years in prison, he had finally discovered that daily acknowledging and embracing the power of the Holy Spirit and cooperating with Him was the breakthrough he needed to overcome the "rut" of falling back into sin and bondage. Michael went on to praise the Lord for his victory over satan's trap of temptation.
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Ford started prison ministry with Crawford County Christian Laymen in 1994. They, along with other men and women, held Sunday services for those incarcerated. In 1998, Ford became part of Bill Glass Ministry at Albion State Correctional Prison.
In 2001 Walking Your Faith was started at Albion. Ford became part of the Thursday night group. He was coordinator for WYF. In 2004, his wife, Irene, became part of that group, which continued until 2014, when it was disbanded. Ford and Irene became part of LIFE. Today there are now four individuals who are facilitating the LIFE program on Thursday nights.
Ford served three years in the U.S. Army. He retired in 1999 with 31 years as a rural mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service. Irene was a house wife, raising four children. They are both members of Christ Evangelical Free Church in Saegertown.
Besides their church and prison ministry, they spend time with their four children and their spouses along with nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Ford and Irene are proud to give God the glory when they say that their entire family follows Christ! Matthew 25:35-36 has been the Shreve's inspirational calling! May the Lord continue to bless this lovely couple as they serve Him in His great kingdom!!
One of the largest SCIs in Pennsylvania is SCI Albion where 2270 male offenders reside. It is located in the town of Albion of Erie County, and lies in the most northwestern part of Pennsylvania, facing Lake Erie and the State of Ohio on the west, and New York State on the north.
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JUNE Graduates
SCI Waymart: 13
Quehanna Boot Camp: 19
SCI Albion: 10
SCI Frackville: 12
"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws."
Psalm 119:105-106
ANNOUNCEMENT: On Monday, July 3, Pennsylvania Secretary of the Department of Corrections, John Wetzel, will be hosting the Ken Matthews Talk Show on 580 AM radio, from 3 - 6 PM. Tune in and hear the latest news in the DOC!
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Book worms in three State prisons are now reading "You're Born An Original, Don't Die A Copy!" authored by John L. Mason. This 199- page paperback is an excellent source of life-giving principles for our special population but for you, as well, full of nuggets of truth. Some of Mason's nuggets include:
- God has a unique and packaged plan for our lives,
- mediocrity is not of God,
- special gifts have been placed in each of us by God Himself!
Our reading students are claiming now that participation in the Tremendous Life Book Club has helped them to be better communicators with their peers and families; their depth of spirituality is improving, and they are learning to speak and share ideas more clearly!
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