Kingdom of grace in Forks

Jerry Corelli, Jim Dixon and I trekked to Forks on Saturday to the Olympic Corrections Center for a concert with 19 inmates and two officers.

The chapel, pictured here, reflects effort by Chaplain Terrence Madden to make it inclusive of multiple religious expressions.  By Department of Corrections policy, the chaplain accommodates as many diverse spiritual groups as choose to meet for worship.

Jerry provided the concert with a great song about the "kingdom of grace," Jim shared an awesome testimony about the transformation in his son's life, and I preached a shortened message about the awesome supernatural work of the Lord Jesus, the King of Grace.

Jerry shared reflections on his spiritual experience with the men in between his nearly hour-long concert.  He really blessed the men.

Jim Dixon and I travel to OCC in Forks four to six times a year and are constantly rejoicing as we reflect on the blessings we receive from the men at each visit.  We are hoping to do more things with Jerry, as the Lord provides opportunities with PFC. Jim loves to play hymns with the men in our concerts.

On this visit, an inmate named Dan met with me to share his need to seek forgiveness from Jake, another inmate he abused while they shared a cell in the past year.  I did not share that I knew about the chain of incidents he spoke about that got him transferred to OCC.  I continue to correspond with Dan and Jake.

We were able to pray about surrendering this matter and acknowledging that one-to-one resolution is likely very difficult in this situation. I originally met with both men at the Regional Justice Center in Kent.