In May, CCC has been highlighting the
Kingdom work done through Restoration Chapel, our featured Simple Opportunities
to Serve (SOS) ministry. Restoration Chapel holds services, teaching and spiritual
mentoring sessions at Cuyahoga Hills Youth Detention Center.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may
discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
God is in the business
of transforming lives.
He meets us
where we are. But, by His grace and power, He doesn’t leave us there. He
transforms us so we are suitable for an abundant life focused on His will.
How does this work?
God works
through His people volunteering at Restoration Chapel to bring the grace and
power of His life-changing Gospel to the young men.
An example?
The following are comments from a
young man who regularly attended Restoration Chapel and has been released.
These are excerpts from a note he wrote to his volunteer mentors he met at
Restoration Chapel.
‘Lots
of things have been going on here on my end – good and bad – but nothing I
can’t handle (with God on my side, of course).’
“I started at a new
school in a new city with all new faces, which has made my transition much
easier, considering that I don’t have to come up with an explanation for my unexpected
18 month absence. I had to buy a whole new wardrobe because none of my clothes
fit anymore. I don’t mind because that just reinforces my new beginning! I’m
earning all A’s in my classes and I got a part in the school play.’
The young
man goes on to compare his old perspective with his new, Gospel-powered one:
‘I refused to accept
that there was a God because I saw how much evil there was in the world. But
now I see that He was with me all along. I see that He has given me these
talents so that I can have an effect on the people around me and hopefully
changing their lives for the better. And it’s been you two and all of the other
volunteers that have helped me realize and understand this. You truly changed my life! Thank you for
all that you do. I am forever grateful.’
Amazing. How can I
help share God’s love in this?
Pray: Sign up to be a prayer warrior for Restoration Chapel. You will
receive a monthly email with three prayer requests or praises to lift up to God
throughout the month. To sign up, email Barbara at: Barbara.ammirati@ccchapel.com
.
Give: Donate a new backpack or small duffle bag for the youth to have
when they are released. They will be used for personal items or care packages
with youth who will be going on to independent living. Email Richard White for more
details at richard.white@ccchapel.com
Go: Attend a Wednesday night service at CHYDC from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.
Email Richard for further information at richard.white@ccchapel.com .
CCC's Richard White
To learn more about Restoration Chapel, go to: ccchapel.com/ministries/restoration-chapel .
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