June 2007 USA News Report

Patty Rose and the California Prison Team recently held a retreat in the Valley State Prison for Women in Chowchilla, CA.  This prison is one of the largest in the world holding 4,500 women. Patty reports that the women came ready to meet the Lord and not one was disappointed.  At every turn, needs were met.  Many of the inmates received their prayer language and wept as the Presence of God overwhelmed them.

At one point all the women fell on their knees, weeping in repentance.  Women caught in a homosexual lifestyle were broken by the love of God and raised their hands during worship time. One inmate was there due to a mix up in bed numbers.  She had no clue why she was there.  It was so touching to watch God work, touching her heart, bringing healing to lifelong issues.  For the first time, she knew she was truly forgiven and she left the meeting, knowing that she would never be the same.

Please continue to pray for those in our prisons and pray for the Aglow teams that go in to minister.  God is doing a mighty work and lives are changing.

Kay Lilly and the women of Wilmington, DE Community Lighthouse partnered with a local church recently to hold an outreach in the park. Kay said that even though there was a low response for donations and workers, the team watched in amazement as EVERY need was met beyond what they had planned.  A word that was given to the Lighthouse years ago was fulfilled.  The Lord told the team that if they would give Him their loaves and fishes, He would multiply and that is what happened at this outreach!

Many children attended the event.  It was a sight to see as the children danced and laughed with the worship team. Many people responded to the message and invitation given by the pastor.  Bags of groceries were given to many.  To see the looks on the faces of the homeless and the elderly as the bags were handed to them made the work of the event effort will spent.

As free clothing was passed out, one lady told of her prayer asking God to provide a pair of black slacks.  Much to her surprise, she not only received one pair of black slacks, but six!  Another lady who lived blocks away from the park came and shared that even though she wasn’t able to be in the park at the beginning of the outreach, she could hear the music and message and she thanked them for taking the time to come out and share God’s love in the community.

The weather was beautiful, reminding us of the stark contrast from the event last year.  While buckets of rain came down then, buckets of His love, mercy, grace and glory were poured out this year.  We are already planning our event for next year and other churches are asking to be included.  God is meeting the needs of the people and knitting the hearts of His church together. 

Katie Densley, Jan Mattison, Noreen Newbill and Paula McKee of the Medical Lake (Pine Lodge Pre-lease Prison) Neighborhood Lighthouse have carried a vision in their hearts for two years to sponsor a concert for the inmates of Pine Lodge.  On May 4th they saw their dream come to pass. 

The facility planned a Mother’s Day event for the 5th, inviting the families of the inmates in for a visit.  The place was decorated for the event and all they had to do was show up with the musicians for the concert on the 4th. 

Approximately 300 ladies attended the concert.  They watched as the Holy Spirit moved in each one; bring healing and wooing them to Him.  It was overwhelming to watch as the women stood, lifted their hands and worshipped God.  While they were not able to have ministry after the concert, the team was able to pray for individuals during the event. 

They were especially excited that this concert was held the night before the ladies would be spending time with their families and knew that God had opened their hearts for healing, restoration and reconciliation with their loved ones. 

One Lighthouse has been working overtime presenting Covenant Partnership.  Trying really hard to move up in the 2007 Team Rewards Challenge, the Atoka, Ok Community Lighthouse had the Oklahoma East Area President, Karen Burden, present the 5 minute DVD – Bringing Global Vision to a Woman’s World in a local church.  Much to the delight of all, 19 people saw, heard and responded to becoming Covenant Partners with the ministry of Aglow.  A total of $409 was raised!  Karen said, “I was so thrilled at the response!”  Don’t be held back by circumstances, God has said to us, “A lighthouse in every city.”  Why not present the DVD in YOUR church?  Who knows what God will do?