Jeff's Journal

Cathy Caldwell presented a painting of the church from Tyrone Ballew

   this past Sunday. It took him two years to complete the project.

It is a beautiful representation of our stunning facility and will

   be hung in a prominent place in our church with an explanation

   of who painted it and the reason it was given.

This gift was a complete surprise to me.

   Cathy wanted it that way.

This gift represents another chapter in a remarkable story

   of our relationship with Tyrone Ballew.

Most know that he is incarcerated in Ohio on death row.

   He is one of Cathy's former students and she has

   maintained a relationship with him while he has

   been in prison.

She has engaged several church members to write to

   Tyrone and learn of his situation.

He joined the church by proxy through Cathy and Bill Caldwell.

   He is one of us, although he has never walked through these doors.

Tyrone continues to be upbeat, to share love and joy with others,

   and to hope one day, that his sentence will be reduced due to

   actual circumstances which took place in the commission of the crime.

Tyrone gives hope to those of us out walking around in the world,

   by having a great attitude and by working to build relationships

   while confined in a small cell.

Are you making the most of your life with the freedom

   you enjoy each day?

Give thanks for Tyrone and give thanks for all your blessings today.

Moving to the deeper places,

Jeff