Hello friends and family,I have arrived and gotten settled at Lompoc Federal prison camp. The guys here have been welcoming and friendly. I do not fear for my safety and I have been able to slept well. The first night I met a small group of believers having a Bible study. There seems to be a vibrant prison ministry going on here. There will be a baptism service on May 28 with 4 candidates, I look forward to meeting them. A man came from the outside to lead a Bible study on Wednesday night. It was well recieved.The hardest thing to get used to is the segregation system going on here. There are several groups they call cars which eat together and hang out with each other. Whites who are called Woods, Hispanics, Chinese/Japanese/Pacific Islanders, and African Americans all site together at there own table in the chow hall. If you try to sit with one of them they will tell you, “You can’t sit here, you’re not one of us.” There is a table for independants or unaffiliated. I sit there with other unaffiliated whites as well as nationals from Yamen, India, Iran and others I haven’t met yet. The segregation is mostly just in the chow hall and the TV room. It feels a lot like a high school clique than anything else. Each group leader controls the channel of their group’s TV. There are several TVs in the room, each one has it’s own FM frequency which allows anyone with a portable radio to tune in with earbuds. I don’t have a radio yet since I won’t be shopping until next Monday. Not that I have any desire to be in the TV room, better shoes is what I most look forward to purchasing. A few people from Idaho are in this camp. They say it is much better than the jails in Idaho.Pray for Lompoc federal prison camp ministry happening here. Pray for unity in the chapel. I’ve already noticed the tension there related to people wanting to practice guitar in the back room while we are having Bible study. It didn’t bother me at all since it was rather quiet with the door shut but one of the leaders asked them to stop. Later I heard people complaining about Christians in general because of the situation. I feel the cliques and segregation in the camp is really hindering the ministry, eventually I hope something can be done but I’m going to watch and pray for now.
Stan’s Son Brian was 3 different prison’s he was able to have a small TV in his cell. Each prison has their own rules. I will get with Gwen and see if I can send some money. Won’t be much. I figure a little is better than none. Glad you found a group of believers.
Wow, David, you really helped me understand so much more about what is happening to you. Thank you for giving us things to pray about. I’m praying you find some shoes that work well for your feet. I’m praying that the Christian leaders learn more about hearing God, loving like Jesus, and not taking offense even as Jesus didn’t take offense. I pray that you continue to make friends and influence the hearts of people around you for Jesus.
I’m praying we all get an understanding of God’s plan. I know that you are going to make a huge impact there. That is why you’re there. You are needed with your faith, humbleness and grace are going to change the lives of many there I will not stop praying for you and your family. I love you my brother in Christ. Thank you for keeping us updated. God bless you.
Great perspective and I’m glad things are settling into a new normal. Cliques are hard- good luck. God is with you. Always.