Launched 5 new classes this week at Dixon Correctional Center as part of our Transformational Rhythms program. So why would over 175 prisoners become students in our classes for the next 16 weeks? Here are some of their responses we collected the past couple of days when asked, "Why do you want to be part of this program?"
- To refresh my life over again
- Seeking major changes in my life and others said I will learn how to do it in this class
- Find who I am and how I can be productive in the free world
- Striving to be a better me through a new character and be a better man for my family
- I just don't know how to be better but I really wanna wanna learn how and apply it in my new life outside these walls.
- Plus 170 other students.
Thank you to all our supporters. Your belief in these men inspires stronger families leading to stronger communities everywhere. To partner with us, check out our website at www.freedomfromwithin.org #freedomfromwithin
Yes!!
Love you guys! ❤
Lately, we have been spending a lot of time in the Stateville Prison. Talking with hundreds of guys by walking cell to cell, pod to pod or in a formal classroom setting teaching our life skills classes.
Most guys don't have an "out date" and it seems most are around my age with grown children and a couple grandchildren. The regret of the past has long been reconciled but their desire to positively impact the world keeps getting stronger year after year.
This post is not about the huge topic of justice, but rather a reminder to live each day fully and grow outwardly with every opportunity that comes your way.
Many guys get released unexpectedly for many reasons. Freedom From Within prepares the prisoner for the time when the unexpected happens. We never know the day or the hour, but our Heavenly Father knows Mt 24:36. #freedomfromwithin
Thank You Stan Motley, for joining us today at Stateville. Noticing the guys as you talked to them, it was obvious they were Blessed. You are always welcome to join us, there are still thousands of guys we still need to introduce you to. #freedomfromwithin
A good description of a common prisoner, "You can sound confident & have anxiety. You can look healthy but feel sick. You can look happy & be miserable inside. You can be good looking & feel ugly." So be kind and pray for others often, because every person is fighting a battle inside you know nothing about. God Only Knows, one of my favorite songs from King and Country www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5cPQg3oq-o ... #freedomfromwithin
Remembering our heroes this Memorial Day. The following picture is a slide used last week by one of our graduates from our Organizational Integrity class at the Dixon Correctional Center. This prisoner is a Veteran and presented The Elite Warriors Foundation during a mock "Shark Tank" event last Tuesday as part of his graduation requirements. Everyone in the audience was moved by his passion for the Veterans. He hopes to start this organization once released from prison. #freedomfromwithin
Graduated 126 prisoners this week across 4 class in our Transformational Rhythms program at the Dixon Prison.
So much to share, I will need several posts to get it all in. For now, know that our hearts are full of joy and our clear prison bags are now empty. We used these bags to carry our printed course work inside the prison for our students. Since January 2019, we carried in 100 reams of paper (50,000 sheets) that resulted in 126 transformed lives.
The quote below is from one of our students from the Dixon Correctional Center responding to our class feedback form I received yesterday.
"This is like no other class, course, or program I've ever taken in my 32 years of incarceration, PERIOD!!! This whole program is impacting lives beyond these walls in the most meaningful manner and beyond anyone's imagination. This isn't about "reformation," it's about TRANSFORMATION!" #freedomfromwithin
Awesome doesn't even begin to describe how you two answered the call, humbled yourself, followed and believed. Thank you for letting God work thru you!
Amazing work! Being at all four graduations and the shark tank was one of the most transformative experiences I have ever participated in! Your faithfulness is bearing much fruit in the prisoners and their families!!
"Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us"
This is wonderful!!!
Great quote!!! Praise our Heavenly Father!!!
This has me in tears! So excited for the wonderful ways God is using you and your ministry!
Oh man! I don't have words for this.
Thank you both for all you do 🙏
Amazing♥️💗♥️
Covering both sides of this massive cell house at Stateville today. Walking up and down the 5 flights of stairs, sharing, praying and crying with so many of the forgotten today. Special thank you to Plano Christian Church for donating books and Bibles that Blessed so many men today.
If you would like to partner with #freedomfromwithin, monetary donations can be made at www.freedomfromwithin.org
For like new book donations, please PM us.
Prayers coming your way. I've been where they are before in that dark place, but by the grace of God here I am today on the other side, giving all the glory to Him through a life devoted to His kingdom! The lost are never ever lost forever. Our Lord knows this, as He is the only one who can "save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25)"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." —Psalm 51:17Magnify Your Name. Add to Your kingdom, Lord, break chains, and mend hearts. ♥️✝️✝️✝️🙏🙏🙏
Thanks
Sue Parrish preparing our bags for Sunday at Stateville, a Maximum Security Prison where we will visit cell to cell offering journals, books, and Bibles.
Many prisoners struggle with reading and writing. So we bring books and workbooks that build literacy skills. Stronger literacy means more opportunities to grow in relationship with God, family, and friends which supports reduced recidivism.
If you have books, Bibles or other educational material you would like to donate for our next Prison visit, please PM us. #freedomfromwithin
Do they have to be New?
Today, we were honored for the second year in a row with The Volunteer of the Year award. #freedomfromwithin
Thank you, everyone! God is truly doing GREAT things in Dixon and the other prisons we serve in. Eph 3:20 is Sue's life verse: Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish INFINITELY MORE than we might ask or think. Eph 2:10 Cliff's life verse For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Congratulations! You rock and keep up the good work!
Congratulations to you and Cliff!
Yes! Well deserved!
Awesome. God is good.
Viewed the screening of The Father I Never Knew Documentary at Willow Creeks Prison, Jail, & Re-entry Connection Breakfast. Very powerful and so true. The prisons we serve each week are filled with thousands of stories like the ones in this film. Keep an eye open for its release. #freedomfromwithin
The Father I Never Knew Documentary
Newest trailer for the documentary.
