Greetings, May, 2009

In more than a half century I've been to my share of camps, conferences and retreats. But I think we've had the first-ever "Retreat" in a federal prison. Aaron, working together with the Comandante and President of the CMI, presented a two-day Retreat for fifty-six of the kids in the prison. We put up tents in the back part of the property, brought in equipment, and asked that the guards not be present. We even asked their permission to photograph the kids and they agreed, even though we had to blur their faces! Take a look!!!

These kids were chosen on the basis of behavior and they were also the kids that never had visitors. No moms, dads, or relatives ever visited them. They were a group of healthy young Mexican teens, among whom were thieves, robbers, and rapists, even murderers. They were ours for two days! Of course, they knew us, as we teach there every week.

Our prayer is that God will grab them before the Mafia or Cartel does.

There was something going every minute. Three speaking and singing sessions each day ... movies, food, fun activities, and sports... the whole works ... and they loved it! Of course, at night, they were returned to their cells.

Some might look at this as being in the cage two days with fifty-plus lions and tigers ... but we know better. The kids were respectful and eagerly fell in line with the whole program. (Thanks for your prayers.)

Many of these kids come from the neighborhoods in which we work. We know this type of teen well. They not only need to hear the Gospel, but also to grab on to it and have their lives changed. For two days we had them in our environment.

In our opinion, a great $600 investment. Look at the story these pictures tell.

For two days we had them in our environment. In our opinion, a great $600 investment. Look at the story these pictures tell. Thanks for your part in helping us reach kids where they are.

For all of us working in Mexico, von