DAY 2- PRISON TOUR: SATURDAY-Feb 23

This morning was an early rise, no working out for me. I ate breakfast and our lobby call was at 6:30am to be at the first stop by 8am.

Vienna Bootcamp IIP:
Arrived at the bootcamp and the guys were standing outside in the cold w/o coats on. I wondered, not this is mean, but I guess its bootcamp! We went inside to check in and they didn't even know we were coming, but happy to see us. Now this was interesting, because it has been over a 2 months in the making. So the program was held in the Cafeteria, it was a small intimate setting. Now it was time to set the sound up, they brought out their system, it was an Artist nightmare. It was 1 mic and a guitar amp that only allowed you to do one or the other (use the mic, or play the music). So, of course E.D. do what he always does, makes a way. We got the desk CD player , we saw on an officers desk and play the music through that. Although, it wasn't as loud, we put the mic to it and song w/o mics, because it was a small room. We did 2 shows to make all could participate 240 (17-34 year old) we ministered to both men and women. They really enjoyed it, and 23 men accepted Jesus Christ.

Shawnee Correctional:
Well we were not far from the Shawnee, about 40 minutes so stopped a Dixon Springs State Park that was nearby. We went inside the park for some nice views, a waterfall and beautiful rocks. So, we took pictures and made sandwiches and ate snacks in the car. Because the travel into town would be too far to buy something to eat.

We entered the facility again welcomed by nice officers. Chaplain Williams met us at the door with joy, excitement and an awesome spirit. We had services in the chapel and 110 men came out to the program. While The Gideon Crew was perfoming, the rest of our team that flight was cancelled coming for Atlanta finally arrived. After TGC was done, they presented their message for the first time it was a powerful testimony. The invitation to Christ went forth and 7 men accepted Jesus Christ. The men had a great time, we greeted them and had a great fellowship over dinner with the team and Chaplain Williams and his wife at Red Lobster.

Marion Federal Camp:
This would be our last stop for the day, and it was a joy. The facility was laid back and didn't have bars or fences and more luxuries than some in poor neighborhoods. The program was held in the gym, and the sound was set up like a concert was ready to happen, mics, drums, guitars, etc... A group inside the prison performed 2 songs and they were good, sound like a Lyfe Jennings and Blues mixture, they were good. Of course, I had to come behind them, but the sound was clear so I was happy. Once again I introduced the new song, they loved it I challenged a brother to Ballroom (Chicago vs. Detroit), now you I'm just playing. I met 2 guys from Detroit, they were happy to talk about the city and memories with someone who could relate. The program was nice and we had about 125 men to attend and 17 men accepted Jesus Christ. We hung out with the guys for a minute, they could be out to 10pm. But we had to hit the road for a 2 hr trip, which Jacob & I slept all the way back, after acting silly for a minute. Arrived at the hotel about 11pm and we crashed, lobby call is at 7:10am.