Last month, we shared about upcoming events, the Marriage Retreat for Incarcerated Couples, and the Encounter Weekend, and asked for your prayers. Now, we are excited to give you a report on these two events!

The Marriage Retreat, led by Pastor Paul and his lovely wife of 30 years, was a special time for incarcerated brothers and their wives, who could sit together, exchange stories, and receive encouragement for their unique situation.

We have photos of this event, and you can see the smiles on many faces! We are thrilled that we could nurture these 20 couples and minister to their marriages.

Statistics say that each year of incarceration makes a couple over 30% more likely to divorce. The strain these marriages are under is very real, and it was a privilege to pour into the hearts of the men and women in attendance. Please continue to pray that these marriages would not only survive but, by God’s grace, thrive during this time of separation!

The second big event we had in May was held at the Clemens unit. The recent Encounter Retreat ministered to about 150 men ranging in age from 19 to 30 years old. It was a young crowd seeking healing and hope in Jesus, and God showed up in a beautiful way.

Thank you for your faithful support through your prayers, volunteering, and giving.

It is having a huge impact!

God bless you and God keep you,

Pastor Charles Anderson and the ELC Team