MARCH 2010
Pamela Strawn was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor that was growing just below the brain in her head in 1991. She had known that this small tumor was there but was treatable with medications. From 1991 until 2009, it had appeared to have shrunk or at least stayed the same size. However, over the last three to four years, she had been getting numerous migraine headaches that made her way of life very difficult. These headaches would sometimes last three and four days long. This continual problem with the migraines prompted many doctor visits and then finally a brain scan. In late 2009, she was told by doctors after looking over the brain scan that the pituitary tumor was growing. It was unknown as to whether or not this was contributing to the headaches. There was some concern to the doctors as to “why” this tumor had started growing again. It seemed as if she was definitely going to face a very dangerous surgery to remove this tumor. However, according to the bible, those who serve the Lord with their whole heart, soul, mind, and strength have promises from God concerning our health and welfare. Isaiah said it best in Isaiah 53, “by his stripes we are healed”. In the New Testament, the bible teaches that God would provide “our needs according to his riches in glory…” Pam through faith in the ministry was anointed and prayed for by the elders of the church. James said in his book that “the prayer of faith would save the sick…” Pam went to see some specialists at Emory University Hospital in Decatur, Georgia in the beginning of 2010. After further diagnosis, they told her that “the tumor appears to have ruptured and the body is absorbing the blood.” Surgery would not be required and she would recover. As time has gone on, it is now March and the headaches are getting fewer and fewer. Each headache seems to take less time to heal. It would appear that a “divine” healing has taken place and Jesus Christ through his precious blood and sacrifice on the cross has touched Pamela in a mighty way. To God Be the Glory!
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New Life Church wrapped up the last of its sessions on March 27, 2010 at the Oconee Jail facility. Scott Strawn, Steve Russell and Chris Greenwood were thankful to be able to go and witness and share the love of Christ once again. We want to thank Blake Miller, Zach Hammond, Steve Russell and Chris Greenwood for their work at the jail on March 20th. Pictured left are Chris Greenwood, Scott Strawn, Zach Hammond, and Steve Russell. On an average, we averaged about seven to ten male prisoners in our services each Saturday. Our approach was somewhat different this year as we felt led to have a more personal approach to ministering to the men in jail. Christ told his disciples that “if we have not done it unto the least of these, we have not done it unto him…” when speaking of reaching the homeless, destitute, imprisoned, and hungry. We received feedback a year ago from some of the prisoners who said they appreciated and liked our approach. We found many of the men in the jail to be Christians who had gone astray and were using this opportunity to re-evaluate their lives and start afresh and anew. We also found some who were not interested in hearing about the precious message of God’s love and sacrifice on the cross. However, we did not feel defeated or dismayed for the message of the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. We were the “mailmen” who planted the seed and will soon see the fruits of our labor in new souls coming to Christ! New Life was gracious in their giving as we purchased New Testament bibles to hand out to the prisoners as well as reading glasses for those who could not see to read. It is awesome to be a part of such a great ministry team. New Life thanks Scott Strawn, Steve Russell, Chris Greenwood, Zach Hammond, Mercer Cox, and Blake Miller for their sacrifice of love to reach out to the Oconee County Jail. We also want to thank Ms. Marie Mitchell at the Oconee County Sheriff’s Department who was so gracious in working with us to let us come and minister. To all God fearing Christians, please remember to pray for those unfortunate souls who have made mistakes in their lives and are repaying their debt to society! The New Life Jail Ministry Team is shown below (from left to right): Steve Russell, Scott Strawn, Chris Greenwood, Zach Hammond, Mercer Cox, and Blake Miller.
