Disappointed last night at JDC.....

Thought we would pass this on......

Yesterday evening when we arrived at the Detention Center, there were LOTS of cars in the parking lot....unusual!! We found out right away that court (children's court) was in session (yes even at 6:00 p.m.) But we didn't think too much of it. We got in and went back to our room where we meet, got all set up and then the officer came back to say "we can't bring anyone out".

"New policy" is that an officer has to be with us now whenever we meet, and all the officers were up front in court with the kids. When we started out - 4 years ago....they wanted that too but it just slowly died off and no one sat in with us. Actually it's because there have been a few incidents with other groups that have recently come in. Kids have started fights in the room and so on. We've only had one fight start - several years ago. For the most part the kids are very respectful of us.

So anyway -- we had no choice but to pack up and leave. Left us with a feeling of emptiness. We asked if it would be good to call ahead each Thursday and ask if it's going to work for us to come. That will save us a trip. So each Thursday we will call shortly after 3:00 and find out how things are going in court. As I said --- it was unusual to see so many cars in the parking lot......so we aren't to terribly worried.

It really kind of makes us happy that a guard has to sit in with us each time......We do the lesson two times a night so last week 2 different guards (actually it was 3) sat in with us hearing the Gospel message... :) Never know what can happen --- who needs to hear God's Word.....

So if you would -- keep that in your prayers. Thanks!
Gary and Barb