Avery County
I have had the privilege of ministering in the Avery Mitchell Correctional Institution every month for more than 10 years. When COVID hit in March 2020, the prison had no option but to cut off all outside contact with volunteers. It remained that way until recently, but I was delighted to learn that church services are now resuming.
About 10% of the prison population attends church there regularly. I have seen God’s grace change lives there. Many are actually thankful they are there because they say it was there that they met Jesus. Were it not for their incarceration, many say they would still be lost or dead.
I was recently given this poem written by one of the inmates, which touches on this concept beautifully. I hope it blesses you.
It’s in the Valleys I Grow
Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
full of sorrow, trouble, and woe.
It’s then that I have to remember
that it’s in the valleys I grow.
If I only stayed on the mountaintop
and never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate infinite love
and would be living my life in vain.
I have so much to learn,
and my growth is very slow.
Sometimes I need the mountaintops,
but it’s in the valleys I grow.
I do not always understand
why things happen as they do,
but I’m very sure of one thing—
my Lord will see me through.
My little valleys are nothing
when I picture Christ on the cross.
He went through the valley of death.
His victory was Satan’s loss.
Forgive me, Lord, for complaining
when I’m feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
that it’s in the valleys I grow.
Written by R.L., a current inmate at AMCI
If you are interested in volunteering at the AMCI facility, feel free to contact me, and I can provide further information.
Contact me at 941-468-7809 or [email protected].
Pastor Kurt Bomar
Walnut Grove Presbyterian Church
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Kurt Bomar is the Assistant Pastor of Walnut Grove Church located in Avery County. You are welcome to join them on Sundays at 11:00 AM for worship! (When we are allowed to meet in the building again). You can read more Christian news from Kurt Bomar HERE.
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