Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Remember the prisoners as if chained with them--those who are mistreated--since you yourselves are in the body also. [Hebrews 13:1-3 NKJV]
For the past three weeks, you at Calvary Chapel Des Moines have been collecting clothing, especially winter clothes, to the men of Fort Des Moines Correctional Facility. From the moment Chaplain, Tony Didlo asked for help, you all responded in a big way. We were able to collect 7 boxes of clothing and other items including coats, jeans, sweat shirts, hoodies, shirts, slacks, socks, and even toothbrushes.
I was able to drop off the boxes to Tony and everyone was blown away by your selfless giving. Watching the men open the boxes and carefully pull out each item, the more they opened, the more their eyes lit up with excitement. Men who have been praying for work clothes in their size not only received exactly what they asked for, but received new ones with the sales tag still on them. I watched as another man was thinking of his roommate who had been needing sweatpants and slippers and collected them since he couldn't be there himself.
Tony was overjoyed by the amount you all gave, and many needs were met. He will be able to use these clothes and other items to minister to the men there, gain trust, and back up with love the gospel they receive on a daily basis. Tony said that so far in his new role has seen several men come to know the Lord. One man I talked to said that he was an atheist and hated God in every way. It wasn't until talking with Tony over a game of chess that he understood the gospel for the first time in his life, and willingly surrendered his life to God.
Tony and the men will be even more surprised because yesterday some of you gave 6 more bags of clothing even after the collection was over! Thank you all for contributing!