Olson’s Opportunities to Serve the Lord

SUMMER 2017 UPDATE

Greetings from Carlos and Katy! We thank God for the opportunities He has given, and His answers to prayer--for wisdom in counseling and ministry decisions. Thanks to you for standing with us in prayer and giving, as we focus on God’s call to bring His love and hope to prisoners in their own heart language. We encourage and teach them to trust Jesus and put His Word into action. Please forgive us for being tardy in communicating with you.

BLESSINGS

God has been blessing your partnership with us in the prison ministry in incredible ways! He directed us to make 2017 The Year of Ephesians! Studying it in the TEE (Theological Education by Extension) book, blossomed into teaching it in every prison Bible study and worship service, in pastoral visits, letters to prisoners and in Carl’s weekly teaching at our local church! Roots of relationship with the Lord have grown deeper. More inmates trusted Christ, understand their new identity in Him and are walking in the spiritual blessings Paul wrote about in Ephesians. Glory to God!

IN THEIR OWN WORDS:

Their Testimonies--

~”I told God, life has to be more than this...He always kept me around believers, He was pursuing me.” T.D.

~”Now I don’t direct my own life. I go where He sends me.” S.L.

~”God’s love has worked for me.” F.V.

Their Praises--

~“I thank the Lord for giving me the strength to start my life over again and do what is right.”

~”You are my Savior, Jesus, I praise you.” E.M.

~”Thank you for the peace you bring my heart, Carlos and Kathy.” L.P.

Their Prayers--

~”Please pray for the will of God in my life, direction, and that I continue preaching the Great Commission.” F.V.

~”God, give me the power to forgive myself and all the wrong things I’ve done in my life.” L.P.

~”I want to live above reproach.” R.P.

FAMILY CELEBRATIONS - We thank God for milestones in our lives!

Our daughter Sarah earned her Doctorate in Nursing Practice

Grandson Brady graduated from high school

Grandson Brandon promoted from middle school to high school

INSIDE & OUTSIDE THE WALLS we took part in:

** The memorial service for Carl’s aunt

** The Missions Board of our sending church, preparing for their 75th Anniv. Missionary Reunion Oct 20-22.

** Preaching at local churches (Carl)

** Writing dozens of letters to spur prisoners on.

** Training those from a supporting church, who participated

in prison services with us at Columbia, New Lisbon & Stanley>

** Sharing with Bible study groups about the prayer needs listed below.

PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYER

1. A growing number of released inmates are off probation or parole, so that we are now able to stay in touch with them. Please pray for the Lord’s provision of The 7 Big Needs of “Returning Citizens”- Work, housing, transportation, food, clothing, a church home and positive friends and family. It is not an easy road, as statistics show, but “...with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

2. At Dodge Correctional, the processing center for inmates sent from every county jail in the entire state of Wisconsin, chaplains may lose use of the room where we hold our weekly Spanish Bible studies. Pray for God’s will for continuing ministry in this strategic location.

3. Harvest Hills, the small local church we attend when we aren’t in prison on Sundays and Wednesdays, faces a change as Pastor Scott felt God’s leading to move. Pray for direction for the church’s future.

4. After a busy time of ministry, we leave Sept 7 on a road trip to the east coast with missionary friends from London, visiting donors, churches and friends. Please pray for God’s R & R for all of us.

TEAMWORK!

We appreciate each of you who has taken time to read this update report on God’s prison ministry!

We work together with God as a team, so your part in our lives and service is vital. Please receive our heartfelt thanks and know that you are special to us. We always look forward to hearing from you!

In closing, this is our prayer for you from Ephesians 1:17, “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him…”

If you are IN CHRIST, all His blessings are YOURS to enjoy!

Carl and Kathy

Carl and Kathy Olson ~ 27 years of serving the Lord with Tecate Mission, Int’l ~ 619-468-3355