KOINONIA COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

Transcription

1 KOINONIA COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER October 2016 Kairos is an incredible ministry focused on inmates serving time in our prison system. You will also notice the addition of a special article in this issue of the newsletter written by an inmate on Death Row in Livingston, Texas. Upcoming EMMAUS Gatherings: October 14, 2016 (7:30 p.m.) Lytle United Methodist Church S Somerset Street Team Consecration for Women s Walk #1 (See map later in the newsletter).. From Your Newsletter Coordinator: You have probably noticed the addition of a section about Kairos in the monthly newsletter. And, many of you are probably aware that Annie and I will be working the Kairos weekend at the Torres Unit in Hondo coming up October As you read this article, and I hope you will, please keep in mind the thief on the cross and how God s grace was extended to him, despite the crime he may have committed. This man was scheduled for execution on August 31, 2016 but just received another stay of execution There are many in our prison system who have committed various degrees of crime. These men are required to serve out their sentence. However, many of these have found Christ and have committed to serving Him in whatever time they have remaining. Please continue to be in prayer for the women of Southwest Texas Koinonia Walk #1 Koinonia 2016 Gathering Calendar October November December Lytle UMC New Fountain UMC Medina Valley UMC

2 Those who wait for perfect weather will never plant seeds; 2016 Walk to Emmaus Schedule Date Walk Gender FDG Location 10/06/ W Springs of Life Tx Tch Junction 10/06/ W Windmill Camp Zephyr 10/06/ W Greater Austin Young Judaea 10/20/ W Koinonia Mt. Wesley 10/20/ W Concho Country Christ The King 10/27/ W Hill Country Mt. Wesley 11/03/ W Valley Camp on the Rio 11/17/ W Uvalde Alto Frio 12/01/ Hays Praise Young Judaea Those who look at every cloud will never harvest. Nothing is perfect. Ecclesiastes 11:4 We will need to stay focused on our purpose. Do not let the world affect us. Don Krumrey St. Paul Lutheran Church Hondo, Texas

3 Prayer Vigil Needs Prayer Vigils One of the changes in moving from a Fourth Day Group to an Emmaus Community is that we are responsible for filling the full 72 hours of the prayer vigil for each walk we sponsor. We will have a sign-up sheet at each gathering, but we are also using an online service called Signup Genius to fill these prayer vigils. Signup Genius has some nice benefits, such as making it less complicated for people that don t attend a gathering to get signed up for prayer vigils, and automatically sending a reminder two days before the prayer vigil time. We have set up a page for the prayer vigils for Walk 1 at Just go to this address and select a time slot that you are willing to cover in prayer. Just click to sign up and follow the prompts. If you provide your address, the system will automatically send you an two days before your selected time to remind you to pray. If you would like to receive a brochure about what to do in praying the prayer vigil, just make a note in the comments section, and Connie Norton will send you that document. If you need additional help, please contact Connie Norton (cnortonaggie@yahoo.com) and she will assist you. Wants and Needs List In order to put on a walk, there are certain supplies and materials that need to provided. We set up a wants and needs list for each walk that is a list of these items. We will have a signup sheet at each gathering, but we are also using an online service called Signup Genius to fill these wants and needs. Signup Genius has some nice benefits, such as making it less complicated for people that don t attend a gathering to get signed up to provide for the walk, and automatically sending a reminder two days before the walk begins. We have set up a page for the Wants and Needs List for Walk 1 at Just go to this address and select an item you are willing to provide. Just click to sign up and follow the prompts. If you provide your address, the system will automatically send you an two days before the walk begins. If you would like to receive detailed information about the items on the Wants and Needs List, just make a note in the comments section, and Connie Norton will send you that information. If you need additional help, please contact Connie Norton (cnortonaggie@yahoo.com) and she will assist you.

4 Women s Walk #1 10/20/ /23/2016 Please continue to be in prayer for the team members of Southwest Texas Koinonia Walk #1: Connie Norton Celia Halfacre Joyce McCormick David Mayer Dawn Gallia Amanda Bodie Jan Sprenger Megan Kammer Deborah Williams Sandra Trenkelbach Laura Bogert Katie Toalson Debbie Pruett Johnette Dixon, Everett McCarley Helen Brock Michelle Keith Nicki Jeter Annette Nixon Jacquelyn Muennink Shelby Dixon Cynthia Patterson Carrie Maderer Sonya Toalson Marty Bennett The third team meeting was held on September 10 th. The final team meeting will take place at Lytle UMC on October 15 th. And, don t forget the Wants & Needs List. Pilgrim applications are now being accepted. Applications can be sent to Debbie Pruett (debbiepruett07@yahoo.com) or by mail to: De Colores! Debbie Pruett PO Box 2068 Lytle Texas Connie Norton Walk Lay Director SWTX Koinonia Women's Walk #1

5 Men s Walk #2 05/04/ /07/2017 The Men s Walk to Emmaus #2 is scheduled for the weekend of May 4 thru May 7, Geoff Weimer has been selected to serve as the Lay Director for this walk. Please be in continuous prayer for Geoff as he begins the task of putting together the team for this walk. Geoff is currently asking for team applications for the walk. Applications may be sent to Geoff at the following address: geoffweimer@mecwb.com Applications may also be sent via mail to the following address: Geoff Weimer 580 CR 342 Hondo, Texas 78861

6 Kairos Prison Ministry International (Kairos) is a Christian faith based ministry that addresses the spiritual needs of incarcerated men, women, youth, and their families. By sharing the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ, Kairos hopes to change hearts, transform lives and impact the world. Incarcerated participants who are released re-enter the outside world with a God centered perspective and focus on becoming productive citizens. The next Kairos (Torres Kairos #35) weekend is scheduled for October 20 23, 2016 at the Torres Unit in Hondo Texas. There are only 42 openings for inmate participants at the Kairos weekend. Each time Kairos is offered more than 400 apply expressing a desire to attend. The total cost for putting on a Kairos weekend is about $18,000. A large portion of this cost is for lodging of the team and food for the weekend The cost for each team member and inmate participating in this weekend averages out to about $150.. Inmates are not asked to pay this fee. Rather team members are asked to contribute and raise the funds to sponsor an inmate. If you feel led by God to support this ministry, you may do so by submitting a check for any amount made out to: KPMI-TEXAS-TORRES. Checks may be mailed to: Jim Rhoades 240 CR 2731 Mico, Texas 78056

7 Map to Lytle United Methodist Church Lytle United Methodist Church Somerset Road Lytle, Texas (830) If traveling south from Castroville on FM 471 continue straight through La Coste. Road become FM 2790 leaving La Coste south. Continue to the water tower in Lytle. Turn left at the water tower on North Prairie Street. Continue to stop at Highway 132. Turn left on 132. Continue one block and turn right. Church parking lot located about a block on the left.

8 FROM AN INMATE ON DEATH ROW Rolando Ruiz # Polunsky Unit D/R 3872 FM 350 South Livingston, Tx We have all at one time or another have heard of the saying: Life is precious. After almost 24 years on Texas Death Row I have seen and experienced all that this statement brings to the forefront. At the young age of 20 I made one of the most crucial mistakes a person can make. I took someone s life. No amount of excuses or explanations could ever make what I did excusable or justifiable. There are consequences to every action and mistake. I have been living with mine every day since July, The pain and suffering has been great for all involved. It s been a heavy burden to carry knowing that my mistakes touched and devastated so many lives. It doesn t really matter what all was happening in my life that led to this tragedy. All that matters is I struggled deeply with what I did for the majority of my time here on the Row. Then in the early months of 2007 I reached what I thought was the end of this terrible life and journey. My execution was set for July 10 th, The news was not a shock to me. I was prepared. I followed the course of my appeals and as each one got denied I knew I was one step closer to facing the consequences for my mistake. Here in Texas when a person has an execution date set they are moved to an isolated section called Death Watch. Only those with an execution date are allowed there and are constantly being monitored: more so than usual. Every movement is being recorded. Hence the fitting name: Death Watch. Everything changes when a date has been set. It s one thing being on death row. And, it s quite another to have an execution date. It may sound redundant but I ve seen firsthand how people change from who they were before and after a date was set. It s like all is done mentally to not face the reality of this place and why we are here. Many hang onto the hope that they never have to face an execution date. For me execution was something that I felt was inevitable. I came to terms with it quickly and simply waited for that day to come. When it did what I wasn t prepared for was all the emotions and memories it would bring. I came face to face once again with the enormity of my past. Having to face my family and helping them to be strong was very painful and so overwhelming. None more so than my mother who was going to lose her one and only child. It was moments like this forced me to put absolutely everything about life in a much deeper perspective. I was dealing with a flood of emotions all at once. I ve always known there was a God and I knew of His son Jesus. But I never sought to know him much less seek his mercy and forgiveness.

9 I lived in fear of Him. I felt unworthy and my sins too great to even bother seeking Him. However, as the clear reality of my fate stared at me in the face I got on my knees and prayed. My prayers were never to be spared. I prayed for forgiveness, for peace, and for strength for what me, my family, and so many others were going to have to go through. It was during these moments that I came to the realization that I was asking for forgiveness yet I couldn t forgive myself. How did this forgiveness thing work when someone is torn in such a way? My guilt was so heavy that there was no way I could forgive myself. As time grew closer I was led to speak with a pastor and shared my struggle with him and asked if God would still forgive me. He assured me of God s grace and forgiveness but he also said we are called to believe in Him and His promises. Luke 6:37 says: Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Many hear/read these words spoken by Jesus Himself and automatically think He was speaking only to those who need to do these things towards others. But it can also be addressed towards those who carry such a heavy guilt and shame on themselves. I had to find it in me to let go of my guilt and shame. I had to believe and place my faith in God. Unfortunately the hold guilt had on me was too great. Three days leading to one s last day we are allowed to visit with up to 10 people during regular visiting hours of 8 am 5pm. (Last day 8am 12pm) My time with family and friends were filled with a rollercoaster of emotions. I was very grateful for this opportunity because I knew not everybody is given such a chance. The night before my scheduled execution the warden granted my request to have a special mass service per the chaplain s office. I was handcuffed and shackled and taken to a small room where the chaplain, his wife and 2 priests were waiting and sitting around a small wooden table. The service was amazing. I grew up Catholic and hadn t been to a mass service since Death Row was transferred to this unit in 1999/2000. I attended Catholic services on the Ellis unit (where Death Row was housed previously) every Saturday morning but sadly it never helped me to fully believe and walk closely with Christ. Well, this night truly felt like I was feeling Christ s presence in my heart. When the moment came for confession the room was emptied except for the head priest and me. I ll never forget that moment. There s no realer moment in one s life than when they know it s time to lay it all into God s hands. I did not want to carry anymore guilt and shame. I wanted peace. I wanted God s mercy and forgiveness. I wanted to be held by His loving arms and know I would see His face soon. Letting go of all the pain, guilt, and shame had me so emotional that it was like the dam being broke. It all came out. When the priest placed his hands on me, prayed a beautiful prayer over me, and covered my face in oil I felt so light and at peace. It literally made me release a deep breath as if I could finally exhale all that was hurting and troubling me inside. At the conclusion of mass service the priests and chaplain hugged me. For me this was truly astonishing and unreal. I had not felt another human being s touch like that since coming to prison. I had forgotten how it felt to be held like that. However, the moment that really touched the deepest parts of me was when the chaplain s wife approached me and opened her arms and said: I want to give you a hug for your Mom. This act of love and kindness had tears coming down my face. I knew it could only be God because I did not deserve any of this.

10 Yet, He doesn t give us what we deserve but what we have been blessed with through His Son Jesus Christ and his blood! Needless to say I left there and as I was being escorted back to my cell there was such a peace within me despite knowing that the following day would be my last. The next morning I woke up after one of the most peaceful sleeps I had had during my time on death watch. I got ready for my last visit with my family but not before sharing a few words of encouragement with the others who were awaiting their day. It s hard to put into words being around others right next to you who are also counting the days and weeks to their execution. A lot of the men who were there with me I had known very well. Seeing how Death Row is separated from regular prison population this is our own little community and we get to know one another very well. As well as solitary confinement allows any way. Walking out of my cell and stopping in front of every cell to say my goodbyes. I urged them to stay strong and never lose faith. What I saw in these men s eyes were heartfelt emotions. Some were holding strong and some were not. I knew all too well what they were going through for I too stood at my door when countless men walked out and never returned. Entering the visiting area where my family was awaiting me had me eager to share my love for them and the peace within me. Sitting there looking at my mother s beautiful face and seeing how strong she was gave relief to my heart that God was answering my prayers. When it came time to say our goodbyes we touched hands behind the Plexiglas staring deeply into each others eyes knowing that the hardest part of this whole process was only hours away. I was led out of the visiting area and eventually placed into the transport van to be taken to the Death House in Huntsville. I recall everything feeling as if it was all happening in slow motion. Maybe it was just me trying to soak up every bit of this world as much as possible. During the drive from Livingston to Huntsville I was able to look out from a window and I was taking in everything. Every tree, home, car, building, absolutely everything and anything that had to do with free world life. Doing so brought so many thoughts, feelings and emotions. The most heaviest was remorse. I can honestly say there was never a day of my life that I didn t feel remorse. Some days were heavier than others but it was always there none the less. This particular day brought on a much deeper sense of it because it was very clear what I took away when I took someone s life. The reality escapes us of this because we are in a prison cell every moment of our days. But on that ride to the Death House I say what I took away and the remorse was literally unbearable. Entering the Death House I couldn t help but feel how heavy the air felt as I stepped in. I wonder if what I felt had anything to do with the many men and women who had been execute there. One of the many things Texas is famous for is the number of executions that have taken place since the death penalty was reinstated in The death chamber was to my right as soon as I walked in and I saw the small brightly lit room and the gurney. I still had a few hours (executions take place at 6pm) so I was led to a small cell where I was strip searched and given another set of prison clothes. I was able to use the phone while waiting. This gave me the opportunity to say my goodbyes to extended family and friends who weren t able to come see me in person. I also spent time talking and praying with the unit chaplain. With each passing minute and hour my sense of peace grew.

11 I had refused a last meal because food was not important to me at that point. My focus was on being strong and at peace knowing that I would soon be facing my family and other witnesses and address them all for a final time. As my time grew near with only a few minutes remaining the chaplain and I said a final prayer. Afterwards he stepped away to give me some time for myself. It was during these last few minutes that my prayers to God felt so intense that my spirit felt heavy. Even at this moment I didn t pray for my life to be spared. My heart and focus remained on His peace and forgiveness and strength. There was one more step I had to take before my last breath and it was important that God s Holy Spirit be with me. As I looked towards the front of my cell thinking the guards would be there to escort me to the gurney all I see is the chaplain standing there looking perplexed as he stared at his watch. He then looks at me and says something is wrong because the time said 6:01pm and no execution is ever delayed unless something was happening with some sort of last minute appeal. I wasn t aware of any legal issue holding things up as I had not communicated with my attorneys but I did know they were trying their best to get me a stay. However, we were all pretty much in agreement that it was unlikely any court would grant me a stay. I didn t know how to react to what the chaplain was telling me. I felt like I wasn t even here anymore. That s how focused I was. So I just kept pacing and praying. About an hour after I should have been executed I was informed by phone that I indeed was granted a stay of execution. I didn t bother asking for any of the legal issues that caused this because I know who was really responsible. A flood of emotions hit me at once after the initial shock. I fell to my knees with tears coming down my face as I praised God for His mercy and from that moment on my life has never been the same. Many people have spoken of near death experiences. Well, this was mine. I may not have seen any bright lights or seen angels or any such things so common with near death stories. But, what I did experience was the mighty hand of God on my life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says: If anyone belongs to Christ there is a new creation. The old things have gone. Everything is made new. Since I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior I have not only found peace within myself but I have come to understand that we are not defined by our failures. We are defined by God s forgiveness. Jeremiah 29:11 says: I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord; plans to prosper you and not harm you; plans to give you hope and a future. Mistakes in life will be made - some more critical than others. There s going to be pain, struggles, and dark moments when we question ourselves and even God. But God is good. He is so faithful. God gives us a testimony so we can know Him. I may not be able to change the past and redo my life over or even that moment that led me here. But I continue to stand on God s promises and open my heart and life to Him. The apostle Paul experienced guilt and failure and in Philippians 3:13-14 he talked about it openly. We have all done things for which we are ashamed and we live in the tension of what we have been and what we want to be. Because our hope is in Christ, however, we can let go of the past and look forward to what God will help us become.

12 We mustn t dwell on our past. Instead, grow in the knowledge of God by concentrating on our relationship with Him now. We must realize that we are forgiven and then move on to a life of faith and obedience. We must look forward to a fuller and more meaningful life because of our hope in Christ! Amen. Now after 9 years I am housed on death watch again. My date has been set for August 31, I praise God for He is my rock, my strength and my refuge. (Psalm 18:1-2) As it also says in one of the more familiar chapters in the book of Psalm (23) in verse 6: Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. So, whatever God s will for me is this time. I have great faith and peace and I rejoice in His plan for my life. The power of forgiveness and peace still guides my steps and motivates my every thought. Ephesians 4:32 says: Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ, God forgave you. No matter what sin may have been committed God forgives. But we have to seek His forgiveness. In doing that we must first call on the name of His Son Jesus, repent of our sins and believe in Him. Believe that He died on the cross for our sins and rose again out of the grave three days later and ascended into Heaven to sit at the right hand of God. John 3:16 says it plainly that God so loved the world that He sent His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. Yes. Life is precious but it s because Jesus sacrificed His life that should inspire all of us to love and forgive each other despite the pain and heartache we have in our hearts. I pray for this in Jesus name. Amen! On August 31, 2016 Rolando Ruiz was granted another stay of execution

13 Reunion Group Opportunity Koinonia Reunion Groups (MEN) Lytle UMC Wednesday Mornings 6:30 AM Scott Martin Lytle UMC Living Dust Mondays 6 PM Scott Martin St. Paul, Hondo Early Birds Mondays 6:30 AM Don Krumrey St. Paul, Hondo Night Owls Wednesdays 7 PM Pat Cleary Yancey UMC If interested please contact: Sam Dubberly Lytle UMC O dark 30 boys Wednesdays 6:00 AM Kyle Jackson Currey Creek Boerne, TX Tuesdays 5:30 PM Steve Balthrop

14 \ Reunion Group Opportunity Koinonia Reunion Groups (WOMEN) Lytle Morning Doves Irma Bayne s Thursdays 6:30 AM Connie Norton Lytle Dusk Angels Linda Bahlmann s Thursdays 6:30 PM Linda Bahlmann The Town Criers Quihi (varies) Thursdays 7:30 AM Tara Lewis Lytle Friday Mid-mornings Debbie Pruett BOA s for Christ St. Paul, Hondo 2/4 Mondays 5:30 PM Deb Cleary St. Paul, Hondo Tuesday Afternoons 5:45 PM Helen Witte Hearts for Him St. Paul, Hondo Wednesdays 12 PM Johnette Dixon Medina Valley United Methodist Church If interested please contact Shirley Shirley Lake Hills UMC Tuesdays 10:30 AM Jackie Blakemore Wednesdays 7 AM Sandy Trenkelbach Please submit any corrections to the above listed reunion groups to your newsletter coordinator at jrhoades68@gmail.com.

15 The Purpose of Emmaus The purpose of Emmaus is the renewal of the Church as the body of the risen Christ in the world through the renewal of church members as faithful and committed disciples of Jesus Christ. Emmaus expands participants' spiritual lives, deepens their discipleship, and rekindles their gifts as Christian leaders in their churches and communities. Pastors and Church Family Please print several copies of this new newsletter and place in your church foyer or lobby for those folks who do not have . Thanks, De Colores!! Newsletter Coordinator: Jim Rhoades 240 CR 2731 Mico, Texas (210)