…I was in prison and you came to me. Mat 25:36b
December 2013 Newsletter
This newsletter is the first of ongoing, regular updates via email concerning Less Than The Least Ministry (LTTL) activities. Updates are provided already on the LTTL web site and Facebook. But, this newsletter represents our first effort to “push” ministry updates out to supporters of the ministry on a regular basis. We hope this contributes to all being better informed concerning ministry activities, opportunities, and needs. Feedback concerning the ministry and this newsletter is welcomed.
Dear LTTL Supporter: Your support of Less Than The Least as a ministry volunteer or financial contributor is much appreciated! Along with other supporters, you make our ministry to the incarcerated possible. Thankfully, the Lord has enabled and blessed our individual contributions of time and money to eternally impact lives and glorify His name behind prison walls. (...”apart from me you can do nothing.” Jn 15:5) Year-end contributions will be much appreciated if you have funds to donate. Our ministry needs have exceeded donations this year causing us to dip into reserve funds. We want to continue existing ministries and increase our presence behind the walls, as we did during October in a 3-day crusade at the Terrell Unit in Rosharon and plan to do in the upcoming December 27-29 crusade at the Wayne Scott Unit in Angleton. (See a report on the Terrell Crusade below.) Thanks for your faithful support. May God bless you and your family during this Christmas season. David Gunter, Director Less Than The Least Ministries 1414 S Friendswood Drive Friendswood, TX 77546 281-224-3131 [email protected]
In This Issue Ministry Spotlight Motorcycles and Renewal at Terrell Crusade Facelift Is Uplift at Stringfellow Chapel By the Numbers Ministry Finances Ministry Schedule Radio Schedule Page 1 of 5
Motorcycles and Renewal at Terrell Crusade “Wow!!! Where do we begin? How do you possibly say thanks for three days of devotion, love, ministry, and giving .…. May this be the first of many crusades to come.” These words of thanks were written to David Gunter by TDCJ Chaplain Tom Brouwer after the October crusade at the Terrell Unit in Rosharon. LTTL conducted 3-days of worship services and cell-to-cell visitation with support from the Hellfighters motorcycle group from Sagemont Church. Frank Aragon, worship minister at Heritage Park Baptist Church, served as preaching minister and David Gunter led the worship time accompanied by the Terrell Unit band. Twenty LTTL volunteers participated during the three days of ministry at the main unit and the trusty camp. Over 700 inmates attended the worship services and Chaplain
Brouwer reported twelve baptisms the following week. Four motorcycles touring the chapel before the Saturday service was a pleasant surprise and encouragement to the inmates. The bike ride had special meaning to Bill Fry, a LTTL volunteer who rode one of the bikes, as he enjoyed seeing and “just smelling the fumes from the Harleys” that toured the unit where he himself resided once
upon a time. Finally, we found that the Terrell Unit has ongoing needs for more regularly scheduled bible studies and worship services. LTTL is currently planning for meeting some of these needs as volunteers answer the call to these ministries. Please consider these needs and respond as you are led.
Facelift Is Uplift at Stringfellow Chapel “What is that?” That was the first reaction of the LTTL group who went into the Stringfellow Unit during 2011 for a site evaluation in preparation for starting a regular monthly worship service. “I thought I told you about the leaky roof,” came the reply from Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Chaplain Lettie Watkins. She had told us about the leaky roof but we didn’t immediately connect that with the big expanse of plastic suspended over a rather large area and funneling down to a garbage can. Well, that wasn’t the only problem with the physical plant, just the most pressing. But, Chaplain Watkins and the inmates wanted us to begin a monthly service immediately and trust the Lord to fix the problems. And, LTTL answered the call.
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David Gunter and Mac Archer lead in the 2nd Sunday service with support from Lois Jowers, Robert Williams, David Ingersol, and other volunteers from time to time. Working around rain puddles and other inconveniences was part of the routine for months. Then, starting in April 2012 Chaplain Watkins’ faith was vindicated as a partnership of TDCJ, LTTL, and financial contributors began renovation of the chapel. TDCJ committed to repair the roof and walls and LTTL committed to receive and manage funds from contributors and help procure materials and labor for new fixtures which have included flooring, floor buffer, chairs, hot water heater for the baptistery, sound equipment, and a keyboard. The repairs were completed and the chapel reopened for use during June 2013. Over $21,000 has been contributed. Funds are still needed for purchase of a projector and screen. LTTL has now contributed to the renovation of five TDCJ chapels including Stringfellow. In each case we have shared in the blessings of a beautiful worship space. For the inmates, these renovations are a lasting testimony that Christians on the outside haven’t forgotten them.
By the Numbers
October November Prison units ministered to 13 11 Worship services conducted 16 10 Bible studies / classes conducted 20 21 Inmate attendance 2675 1542 Study bibles mailed to inmates 13 25 Cards/letters mailed to inmates (approx) 940 400 Radio broadcasts (on 22 stations) 4 4
Ministry Finances
January-October 2013 Expenditures $97,869 Contributions $85,846 Excess / (Shortfall) ($12,023)
Contributions are needed and appreciated in order to continue and expand LTTL ministries. Expenditures have exceeded contributions during 2013 causing us to dip into reserve funds. Contributions can be made on the LTTL Ministry web site or mailed to Less Than The Least Ministries, 1414 South Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, TX 77546.
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Ministry Schedule
Inside-The-Walls LTTL MINISTRY SCHEDULE Nov/Dec 2013 Regular Events Weekly: Day Time Location Type Volunteers Tue 6:30-8:00PM Ramsey GRAD Bible study Dave Miller Wed 7:00-9:00PM Ramsey Trusty Bible study Sam Miller Thurs 9:00AM-1:00PM Harris Co. Jail Visit Cells/ Charlie Sammons Fred Newton Charlie Wilson Worship Roy Gage Dick Gordon Bill Riley Fri 6:00-8:00PM Stringfellow Precepts Class Mike Watson Monthly: Day Time Location Type Volunteers 1st Sun 2:30-4:30PM Stringfellow Bible study/ David Gunter Mac Archer Lois Jowers Praise Robert Williams David Ingersol 2nd Fri 6:30-8:00PM Ramsey Faith Based Dorm Dave Miller 2nd Sun 6:00-8:00PM Ramsey Bible study/ David Gunter Marc Gentine David Ingersol Praise Robert Williams Lois Jowers Lynette Christy Lloyd Digby 1&3rd Mon 6:30-8:00PM Ramsey Faith Based Dorm Sam Miller 2nd Wed 11:00AM-2:00PM Plane State Visit AdSeg/ Joyce Hill Dee Warren Jana Pierson Materials Sue Foshee + Others 3rd Sat 8:30-10:30AM Stringfellow Trusty Bible study Marc Gentine David Ingersol Lloyd Digby 3rd Sat 6:00-8:00PM Ramsey Trusty Worship Mike Boessling Judy Boessling 4th Sun 6:00-8:00PM Ramsey Public Speaking Mike Boessling Judy Boessling 4th Sun 5:00-7:00PM Ellis Worship David Gunter Jimmy Hatchett David Ingersol Lois Jowers Kirk & Lorie Taylor bi-monthly Special Events Nov: Date Time Location Type Volunteers 2 6:00-8:00PM Wynne Worship David Gunter Carl Miller Lynette Christy Bill Riley Jimmie Hatchett David Ingersol 9 12:00-2:00PM Darrington Trusty Worship David Gunter Bill Riley David Ingersol Rhea Daniel Jimmie Hatchett 9 6:00-8:00PM Darrington Worship David Gunter Bill Riley David Ingersol Rhea Daniel Jimmie Hatchett 10 6:00-8:00PM Ramsey Veterans Day Gave our regular 2nd Sun time to Ramsey veterans. 17 7:00-9:00AM Hightower Worship Cancelled due to lockdown. Dec: Date Time Location Type Volunteers 2 5:00-7:00PM Eastham Volunteer Apprec David Gunter Jim Parks Jimmie Hatchett Bill Riley Stella Davis David Ingersol 7 12:30-4:00PM Ramsey Veterans Christmas David Gunter Marc Gentine Robert Williams Ron Sanford David Ingersol Lynette Christy 14 3:00-4:30PM Plane State Worship David Gunter Bill Riley David Ingersol 15 7:00-12:00PM Ferguson Worship David Gunter + Others 15 8:00-10:00AM Ramsey Trusty Worship TBD 15 8:30-10:30AM Young Medical Worship Mike Boessling Judy Boessling Brenda Ortiz 21 10:00-12:00AM Ramsey FBD Graduation Dave Miller Sam Miller 27-28 7:00-9:00PM Wayne Scott Crusade David Gunter Rhea Daniel Hellfighters 29 8:00-10:00AM Wayne Scott Crusade + Others 29 7:00-8:30PM Henley Worship TBD
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Radio Schedule
LTTL Ministries Z Team Radio Schedule 2012 Expansion Stations - Kingdom Keys Network Existing Stations KJRT Amarillo, TX 88.3 FM Tues 7:00 PM KIVY Crockett, TX 92.7 FM Sun 9:00 PM KPDR Wheeler/Pampa, TX 90.3 FM Tues 7:00 PM STAR 106 Abilene, TX 106 FM Sun 8:00 PM KASV Borger, TX 88.7 FM Tues 7:00 PM KKHT Houston, TX 100.7 FM Sun 9:00 PM KVED Vernon, TX 88.5 FM Tues 7:00 PM KNES Fairfield, TX 99 FM Sun 9:00 PM KWAS Red River, NM 91.3 FM Tues 7:00 PM KLSP Angola, LA 91.7 FM Varies KJDR Guymon, OK 88.1 FM Tues 7:00 PM (Prison station) KIJN Farwell, TX 92.3 FM Tues 7:00 PM Translators: Canadian, TX 88.1 FM Tues 7:00 PM Childress, TX 88.3 FM Tues 7:00 PM Elk City, OK 88.3 FM Tues 7:00 PM Plainview, TX 91.1 FM Tues 7:00 PM Pampa, TX 91.9 FM Tues 7:00 PM Perryton, TX 91.9 FM Tues 7:00 PM Memphis, TX 91.9 FM Tues 7:00 PM Hereford, TX 91.7 FM Tues 7:00 PM Tulia, TX 94.9 FM Tues 7:00 PM Dumas, TX 106.1 FM Tues 7:00 PM
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